📅 Date: 18 November 2026
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM AEST (Brisbane Time)
Presenters
Dr Jan Kupec
Design Director | Ground and Underground Engineering, Aurecon
Aidan Thorp
Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Tonkin + Taylor
About the Webinar
This webinar and presentation explores how load-bearing geogrid reinforced soil (GRS) abutments are being used to deliver economical, standardised and resilient bridge solutions on three major New Zealand transport projects. It will explore the influence of closely spaced reinforcement, engineered granular fill, ground improvement and soil–structure interaction on performance under variable ground conditions and seismic loading.
Drawing on project-specific testing, construction experience and field monitoring, the presentation will discuss reinforcement interaction, installation damage, deformation and long-term performance. It will also introduce performance-based design and controlled “fusible” mechanisms for extreme events, highlighting practical lessons relevant to bridge infrastructure across New Zealand, Australia and the wider Australasian region.
Speaker Profiles
Dr Jan Kupec
Design Director | Ground and Underground Engineering, Aurecon
Dr Jan Kupec is a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand and a recognised Ground Engineering Specialist with expertise in earthquake engineering and the application of geosynthetics. As a Design Director with Aurecon, Jan works on major infrastructure projects throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. Over the past decade, he has managed geotechnical design for major transportation projects and serves as a subject matter expert for Crown agencies on geotechnical matters.
Jan is a leader in the application of smart technologies in engineering and is committed to environmental sustainability. His passion lies in geosynthetics and their application in transportation infrastructure projects.
Aidan Thorp
Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Tonkin + Taylor
Aidan Thorp is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer based in Tonkin + Taylor's Melbourne office. With 16 years of experience, he has delivered geotechnical solutions for major infrastructure projects across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
Aidan specialises in practical and innovative solutions for deep excavations, tunnels, retaining structures, and bridge abutments, combining technical excellence with a strong focus on constructability and project delivery.
Webinar Agenda:
- 5 min | Welcome and introduction
- 45 min | Technical presentations and case studies
- 5 min | Sponsor presentation
- 5 min | Q&A
Registration
Attendance is free, however registration is essential.
Thank you, Tonkin & Taylor, for sponsoring the webinar.
Register now and join us to learn about the latest developments in the design and performance of load-bearing geogrid reinforced bridge abutments.