60 | CONTRACTING P&A Geotechnical Consulting D E S I G N & B U I L D 09 414 6606 elementbuilding.co.nz Building every element o� your vision. info@elementbuilding.co.nz Solving puzzles with sound judgement PAGC works with a wide range of private developers, builders, and organisations such as Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and others providing specialist geotechnical advice. T T Russell Fredric Understanding what lies beneath is critical to the success of any development, and is a challenge that P&A Geotechnical Consulting (PAGC) tackles every day. Founded in Auckland in late 2021 by director and principal engineer Anderson Fang, the specialist consultancy provides geotechnical engineering services across residential, commercial and infrastructural projects. With more than 20 years of experience, and qualifications extending to PhD level, Anderson established the business after building international experience with Arup in Hong Kong, and his New Zealand career with major consultancies, including Aurecon, WSP and Holmes. “Geotechnical engineering is like a puzzle,” Anderson says. “We are dealing with something we cannot fully see, so we have to interpret the ground conditions by applying sound engineering judgements and find the best solution.” What began as a one-person consultancy has grown into a team of seven engineers and technical specialists. Much of that growth has been driven by long-standing client relationships and a reputation for delivering practical, value-focused solutions. Today, PAGC works with private developers, builders, Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and other organisations, providing specialist geotechnical advice. The team delivers an extensive range of geotechnical services including ground investigations, foundation design, slope stability assessments, earthworks, retaining wall design, construction monitoring, and advanced numerical modelling. A key focus within the business is developing engineers that can manage projects from start to finish. Staff members are encouraged to take ownership of projects, combining technical expertise with communication and project-management skills. “Successful projects require more than technical skills. Communication with clients is equally important,” Anderson says. The company has developed particular expertise in challenging ground conditions, which are common across Auckland. Ground conditions can vary significantly from one site to the next, creating different challenges requiring site-specific solutions. PAGC combines traditional techniques with advanced modelling software, including Plaxis, to better understand soil behaviour and optimise engineering designs. This allows the team to evaluate construction scenarios and develop practical, cost-effective outcomes. One project currently demonstrating those capabilities is the Southern Alps Retirement Village development at Long Bay on Auckland’s North Shore. The approximately $90 million project spans around five hectares and is being delivered in four stages. PAGC is providing geotechnical expertise throughout the development, helping manage the ground- related challenges associated with a largescale retirement village project. “Five or 10 years ago, there was more good, flat land available,” Anderson says. “Now, many developments are happening on sloping grounds, which creates additional engineering challenges and risks around stability, earthworks and settlement.” As development increasingly moves on to more complex sites, geotechnical engineering becomes more demanding. Identifying risks early and developing appropriate solutions has a tremendous impact on project outcomes, costs and long-term performance. Beyond project work, Anderson contributes to the wider profession through his role as a practice area assessor for Engineering New Zealand, reviewing candidates seeking Chartered Professional Engineer status and renewals. “I’ve completed more than 10 assessments over the years. It’s one way I can contribute to the profession and help younger engineers grow,” he says. From major infrastructure projects to large-scale developments, PAGC continues to build its reputation by combining technical expertise, practical problem-solving and a strong commitment to delivering value for clients. “We are dealing with something we cannot fully see, so we have to interpret the ground conditions by applying sound engineering judgements and find the best solution.”
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