Paul Lambert

What do you do at Mott MacDonald?

I’m a chartered materials engineer and chartered scientist with more than 40 years’ experience in understanding, improving and sustaining the fabric of the world around us.

I am Mott MacDonald’s head of materials and corrosion technology, a practice that I helped develop since I joined the company in 1989 to provide materials solutions for the Channel Tunnel between England and France.

Tell us about your career journey

For my undergraduate studies I focused on engineering materials technology and was introduced to the problems associated with reinforced concrete. This led me to do a PhD into the passivation of steel and its breakdown in concrete.

From there I did some placements with the Building Research Establishment and Transport Research Laboratories before taking a role with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (AEA Technology), essentially working on materials characterisation and corrosion.

While at AEA Technology I was approached to see if I would be interested in working for Mott MacDonald, initially to assist with the site phase of the Channel Tunnel. For the first time in a major UK construction project there was a need to deal with materials such as advanced polymers, alloys and ceramics. I took the role of Senior Materials Engineer, brought my interest in corrosion to the mix and, over time, built a team to tackle the challenge.

As a Technical Director I have continued to develop our Materials and Corrosion Technology team for more than 30 years, providing world-class technical support to our company, our clients and the communities they serve.

How do you contribute to Mott MacDonald making a difference to people and planet?

It’s flattering to be considered one of the world’s leading authorities in applying cathodic protection to reinforced concrete and iron- and steel-framed structures. This technology is used to halt corrosion – maintaining the structural strength and integrity of buildings and infrastructure. My work has resulted in cost-effective long-term life extensions for bridges, tunnels, multi-storey carparks, historic buildings and even works of art.

As well as reducing the need for repair and maintenance, preserving structural performance and extending the working life of protected structures, my work to control corrosion reduces disruption to those who use them. This saves materials, energy and cost, benefiting the planet as well as our clients’ bank balances.

I lead the charge towards integrating my team’s specialism right from the beginning of new infrastructure developments. Using materials correctly from the start means they will last longer, and that is more cost-effective and more sustainable.

I’m also working to make major new infrastructure “CP-ready” – that is, designed in such a way that cathodic protection can be more easily retrofitted in the future to extend lifespan. Examples include tunnels, bridges, pipelines and other critical infrastructure.

Making things last is what my career has been all about, and all I’ve really wanted to do. Over time that has become more important for clients and society.

Do you have a mantra you live by?

“If it’s made of something metal, ceramic or polymer, I can help.”

Describe your role on a landmark project 

The Silver Jubilee Bridge near Liverpool in the UK, is used by 80,000 vehicles a day.

I have been involved in the design of cathodic protection systems for the bridge’s supporting piers which, over the decades since being constructed, had required significant concrete repairs every three to five years.

I’m pleased to say that in the 30 years since the systems were installed, those piers have needed no further repairs.