Geovert at LaRGE 2026: A Contractor's Perspective on an International Stage

Geovert's Francis Main presents his paper at the conference.

The LaRGE 2026 international workshop brought together leading researchers and practitioners from around the world to discuss the assessment, management, communication and education of landslide risk. Held in Queenstown, New Zealand, the conference provided a valuable forum for sharing the latest research and developing best practice guidelines across the lifecycle of landslide risk management.

Geovert's Francis Main and Sean McNamara attended the conference, with Francis presenting on Friday 1st May.

Construction Excellence in Extreme Conditions

Francis's paper, Construction Excellence in Extreme Conditions: A Contractor's Perspective on the Diana Falls Rockfall Protection System, examined the construction execution challenges of the Diana Falls project from the contractor's point of view. While design principles and theoretical performance dominate geotechnical literature, the practical realities of building complex protection systems in extreme environments doesn't often receive the same attention. The paper addressed that gap directly.

The presentation drew a well-attended and engaged audience, with the contractor's perspective generating genuine discussion among delegates. The Diana Falls project involved winter construction on an actively failing 300-metre slope that required specialised construction methodologies and comprehensive hazard management protocols developed in response to conditions that went well beyond conventional geotechnical practice. Central to the project's success was early contractor involvement. Geovert's integration into the collaborative design process with NZTA, WSP, and Geobrugg directly shaped decisions around barrier placement, anchor methodology, and installation sequencing.

The conference itself reflected the breadth and depth of expertise across the geotechnical field. Discussions around slope stabilisation, geotechnical hazards and real-world project challenges were wide-ranging, and the theme of collaboration across clients, designers, and contractors was a consistent thread throughout the week.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Geovert stand to connect and catch up with Sean and Francis throughout the conference.

Sean McNamara at the Geovert stand.