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Meet Alain Giauque

Job: 

Project Engineer.

Job description: 

Managed all aspects involved with the construction of the Cross Passage Tunnels with the help of my team of Site Engineers and specialist Subcontractors. This included Underground Excavation, Waterproofing, Permanent Lining and internal structures. 

Work background: 

Extensive experience in underground construction and tunnelling techniques ranging from small micro tunnelling to large-scale construction projects. Worked in countries such as Australia, Singapore and New Zealand to form part of project teams to construct the Melbourne Main Sewer, Brisbane Airport Link, Brisbane Utility Sewer, Singapore’s Metro Rail Network and Auckland’s Waterview Tunnel Project.

Favourite part of job: 

It’s like Lego or solving a puzzle, but on large scale. It will help the public connect in new ways and improve their lifestyles. 

Least favourite part of job: 

Long work hours and spending time away from family to deliver often understaffed projects. That is why early involvement on projects to plan well and develop construction plans is crucial for the success of any project.

What I am working on now: 

Managing the completion of the Cross Passages, Tunnel Lining and Southern Approach Trench to the Waterview Tunnel.

A quick story about a job well done: 

When working on the Brisbane Utility Sewer I suggested early Subcontractor involvement to drive the smaller connecting tunnels. This saved money by not having to purchase our own machine and accelerated the program by being able to construct the connection tunnels in parallel with the main sewer. This completed the project early for the client and with profit for the company.

A (humorous) story about a job that went badly and what you learned: 

While working underground on night shift as a Tunnel Engineer in Brisbane, we experienced a small flood of the project car park. Our shift was not informed that a heavy rain storm was on its way and our carpark was flooding. Fortunately no cars were damaged and everyone was able to get home that morning. What I learned from that experience was that we need to be aware of the environment and how it affects construction, keeping personnel well informed on night shift and making sure that the people can get home to their families without harm.

Qualifications: 
  • Diploma in Technical Drafting
  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons)
Interests outside work: 

I very much enjoy spending time with my wife as we currently have a baby on the way. I also enjoy taking our cocker spaniel ‘Macey’ for walks on the Auckland beaches and playing Ice Hockey in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League. I generally avoid reading at home as there is enough of that at work.


Meet Project Engineer Alain Giauque. Image: NZTA.

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