richard brehaut

Richard Brehaut is a Principal Engineering Geologist at PSM with over 13 years of experience in engineering consultancy. He specialises in engineering geological and geotechnical model development, with a particular focus on rock engineering, slope design, landslide and terrain evaluation studies for large civil, tunnel, dam and open pit mining projects. He has worked in a variety of complex geological environments throughout Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia and Papua New Guinea.

Richard has refined terrain evaluation skills and excels in the development of engineering geological models where the use of 3D visualisation tools is at the forefront of delivery.  This includes extensive use of both terrestrial and airborne photogrammetry and LiDAR techniques.  He has a particular interest in landslide risk assessments and is experienced in the application of the Australian Geomechanics Society (2007) risk assessment frameworks, as well as being an accredited Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) slope risk assessor.

Richard has extensive experience in site-based roles both within civil construction and mine operations. This aids in both the development and communication of practical solutions for technical problems.

Richard graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Master of Science with first class honours in Engineering Geology.  He has presented at various technical conferences and contributes to academia through lecturing at the University of Canterbury, University of New South Wales and the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø.

Richard is a member of the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) and actively contributed to the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG) Commission C25 guideline document on the development and use of engineering geological models.

Richard’s Fields of special competence include:

• Geotechnical site investigation and ground characterisation
• Development of 3D engineering geological models for civil, tunnel, dam and open pit mining projects
• Engineering geomorphology and terrain evaluation studies
• Assessment and management of slope instabilities including monitoring and remediation
• Landslide investigation and risk assessments
• Operational support and construction supervision