Dave Cousins

Principal Engineer

Dave’s career has revolved around bridges continuously, in a flurry of roles including design, fabrication, temporary works, installation, assessment and demolition. Highlights have included designing innovative reconstructions in seemingly impossible site constraints, research into reinforced concrete deck hinge joints, temporary works for a 135tonne asymmetric steel arch installation and managing the worlds’ largest bridge monitoring system at Queensferry Crossing. In the latter years, he’s taken to focus on deteriorated structures and detection of defects through non-destructive testing, structural health monitoring and load testing. 

My Sessions at Day 2

Thursday 11 March 2027

12:00

Panel discussion: Faster, Smarter, Safer? Putting AI to Work on Our Bridges

12:00 - 12:30

Much of the talk about AI in engineering is about abstract possibilities, so this panel focuses on what engineers are actually doing with it. Panellists share real results, where AI is helping and where it needs careful handling.

  • Practical examples of AI in bridge design, assessment and monitoring
  • The risks of inappropriate use and how to keep engineering judgement central
  • Skills, cost and environmental questions that come with wider adoption

Speakers