One of Britain’s best-known bridge engineers has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal at the Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) glamorous annual awards. Chris Hendy, Atkins Fellow and technical director has spent over 20 years in the industry during which time he has made a significant contribution to the industry.
Chris has worked on projects including the New Medway Bridge in Kent, and internationally recognised projects, including the 14.5 kilometre Penang Bridge in Malaysia and the Dubai Metro viaduct – part of the world’s longest fully automated metro. Throughout his career, Chris has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers, as well as writing three books on bridge design.
The ICE Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions by civil engineers to society, the profession and ICE. The Gold Medal, ICE’s premier award is presented for civil engineering excellence to an individual whose sustained contribution to civil engineering over many years is of particular magnitude and stature.
Chris Hendy said: “It’s unlikely that most people who use bridges give them a second thought. In most cases it’s taken for granted that they will simply provide a safe way to make your journey or connect what would otherwise be divided communities. But I know from experience the amount of planning, knowledge and expertise that engineers need to put into every individual structure to make sure this is the case. I’m incredibly proud to have been awarded the Gold Medal and hope it shines a spotlight on the fantastic, and often unrecognised work of our profession and the role we can play in enriching lives and communities around the world.”
The committee agreed that Chris Hendy’s length of service, expertise and impact in the field of bridge engineering were distinctive and sufficient for recommendation.
ICE President Sir John Armitt, who presented Chris with his award, commented: “Bridges are a very visible example of the skills of engineers and the benefit they bring linking communities, business and countries. Chris’ huge body of bridge engineering work speaks for itself as he is recognised not just here in the UK but all over the world. On behalf of the engineering world and ICE in particular, I am delighted to present the Gold Medal to Chris Hendy.”
Philip Hoare, managing director of Atkins’ transportation division, added: “Congratulations to Chris on this well-deserved award. He is a wonderful ambassador for Atkins and the wider engineering profession. Not only is he able to see many of the projects he’s helped deliver making a positive difference to society, he has dedicated significant amounts of his time to maintaining high standards and pushing the boundaries within his discipline which benefits everyone.”
