AGS Magazine August / September 2021

August/ September 2021

MISSING A TRICK? Is an unnecessarily complex permitting regime for the re-use of materials derived from historical landfill sites stifling their redevelopment?

Image credit: Tom Androsiuk

SOIL SAMPLES FOR DETERMINING VOCS

AGS WEBINARS: REPLAYS AND FUTURE EVENTS

WORKING GROUP UPDATE: CONTAMINATED LAND

Details on best sampling methods for soils containing Volatile Organic Compounds

Details on how to access replays of webinars and look ahead at future events

The latest update from the AGS Contaminated Land Working Group

ABOUT THE AGS

The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) is a non-profit making trade association established to improve the profile and quality of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. The membership comprises UK organisations and individuals having a common interest in the business of ground investigation, geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, engineering geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and other related disciplines.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chair’s Foreword Welcome to the August/ September issue of the AGS Magazine. I trust you will find it as informative as always.

I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible as we celebrate a return to faceto-face events in the form of our Annual Conference on the 22nd September this year.

The event will be held at the excellent Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, as in previous years.

We are working with the venue to provide a safe environment considering the coronavirus climate and each delegate pack will contain individual aids. We have excellent speakers and sponsors confirmed and you can read more about these in this edition of the Magazine. Please register your attendance to support this worthwhile event.

We will of course be continuing our programme of on-line seminars too, and you can read about these in this edition. The next webinar is a free-of-charge exploration of Geotechnical Engineering in a Net Zero Carbon World.

In addition to the latest AGS news, this month’s Magazine highlights the strategy for sampling the

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ground for the determination of Volatile Organic Compounds and features an insight into the life of an engineering geologist within one of the UK’s major site investigation contractors. We also present an overview by the new Contaminated Land Working Group Leader, Alex Lee, and an informative Q&A session with Hugh Mallet, Technical Director and SiLC.

Sally Hudson, AGS Chair Caroline Kratz, Forum Court Associates (FCA) Katie Kennedy, FCA Julian Lovell, Equipe Group Calum Spires, Equipe Group David Entwisle, BGS Jim Poole, Coffey Chris Vincett, Hydrock Lauren Hunt, Arcadis Adam Latimer, Ian Farmer Associates Dimitris Xirouchakis, Structural Soils Emma Anderson, HaskoningDHV UK Jonathan Gammon, Geotechnical Observations

We are always on the lookout for additional, informative content for the magazine, so if you have a case study or technical article that you think the wider geotechnical and geoenvironmental public would find beneficial, please do get in touch.

EDITORIAL STORY If you have a news story or event which you’d like to tell our editorial team about, please contact the AGS on 020 8658 8212 or ags@ags.org.uk. Please note that articles should act as opinion pieces and not directly advertise a company. The AGS is under no obligation to feature articles or events received.

We would be interested in your feedback on the magazine and our future plans. Please contact ags@ags.org.uk if you have any comments.

CONTACT US AGS Forum Court, Office 2FF, Saphir House, 5 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD  ags@ags.org.uk  020 8658 8212

Sally Hudson AGS Chair

 Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists  @agsgeotech www.ags.org.uk

Inside this month’s issue

Image credit: Tim Newman

FEATURE PAGE 22

 COVER STORY PAGE 18  Is an unnecessarily complex permitting regime stifling former landfill sites redevelopment?

Taking soil samples for determination of Volatile Organic Compounds Once the preliminary risk assessment is done, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) are contaminants of concern the sampling and analytical strategies need to reflect the ease with which VOCs can be lost from a sample resulting in a false negative analytical result.

THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAIR: TIME PAGE 8  AGS Chair Sally Hudson shares her appreciation for AGS Members contributions over the last year.

Q&A: STEPHEN HUGH MALLETT PAGE 26  The AGS Magazine conducts a Q & A with Stephen Hugh Mallett, Technical Director at Buro Happold.

INSIDE: SOCOTEC UK PAGE 28  The AGS Magazine conducts a Q & A with Senior Engineering Geologist at SOCOTEC UK, Alessia Sgattoni.

MORE INSIDE

PAGE 4

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News in Short: Incl. Annual Conference

PAGE 34 

Working Group Update Contaminated Land

PAGE 36 

Standards Update August 2021

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News in Short AGS Annual Conference Registration now open Date: Wednesday 22nd September Time: 9am - 4pm Location: The National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ

About Registration is open for the AGS Annual Conference. This full day event is taking place on Wednesday 22nd September at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

This full day, educational, networking event will see six guest speakers present on a variety of hot topics, and complimented by short presentations from each of the AGS Working Group Leaders.

The Annual Conference is a must-attend event that gives members and non-members of the AGS the opportunity to learn from leading industry experts and help to shape the future of the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry.

This event is sponsored by SOCOTEC, Soil Engineering, RST Instruments, Concept Engineering Consultants, InSitu Site Investigation, BAM Ritchies, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Soils, ACS Testing, i2 Analytical, Geosense, Landmark Information, Fugro, Datgel and AECOM. 4

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Event Speakers The importance of Geo Engineers in the response to the symptoms of a changing climate Luke Swain, Principal Route Engineer (Geotech), Network Rail This keynote presentation will look at what climate change means for our industry. It discusses how Geotech/Geo Environment graduates of all levels can adjust to ensure we are focused on asset resilience and recovery as the climate changes including global warming, changes in rainfall patterns and greater likelihood of storms and droughts.

Misuse of Monitoring and Testing Ian Webber, Managing Director, Coffey Geotechnics Limited The presentation discusses the misuse of monitoring and in-situ testing regimes. The mistakes that have been made are illustrated by case histories some of which have ended in litigation. Examples include Inclinometer monitoring, pile construction records, integrity testing, basement movement monitoring and pile testing. The lessons learnt are primarily about the misinterpretation of test and monitoring results and the need to maintain a link between the designer, the ground conditions and the monitoring results.

Building Inclusion Helen Townend, Technical Director, Amey Consulting Explore why Building Inclusion is important in the modern workplace and how we can build inclusion into business as normal via employee engagement and understanding.

Earthworks Asset Management at Network Rail Clare Brint, Route Engineer (Geotechnics), Network Rail Network Rail’s Eastern Region Geotechnical Asset Management Teams have recently undergone some significant changes designed to improve how they manage their assets and prevent earthworks failures from affecting safety or performance. In her talk, Clare will describe some of these changes including bringing the Earthworks Examinations in house, creation of separate Maintenance and Renewals teams, as well as improving our adverse weather preparation and response.

The Development of a Degree Apprenticeship in Geoscience Dr Nick Koor, Reader in Geological Engineering, University of Portsmouth (School of the Environment, Geography and Geoscience) The number of students enrolling on Geoscience courses at university has fallen by 33% (net) since 2015. As part of a multi-action initiative to reverse this trend, UGUK, which represents most Universities who offer Geoscience as a degree, is spearheading the development of a Degree Apprenticeship in Geoscience. This talk will brief the AGS membership on background and progress to date.

Landfill reclamation: making waste work Duncan Scott, Technical Director, Vertase FLI Ltd Vertase FLI has reclaimed many hectares of land, which has been historically used for the licensed disposal of commercial/industrial waste, to enable its redevelopment. Key to the sustainability of this reclamation activity is to maximise the re-use of site-won materials whilst managing future ground-related risks associated with contamination and settlement.

Re-using materials on site comes with numerous operational, geoenvironmental and geotechnical challenges, some of which shall be explored in this presentation.

AGS Working Group reports will be presented

by Vivien Dent (Associate Technical Director RSK Geosciences), Jonathan Gammon (NonExecutive Director / Advisor Geotechnical Observations Limited), Alex Dent (Associate Director, WSP), Alex Lee (Technical Director WSP UK), Roseanna Bloxham (Senior geoenvironmental engineer, RSK), Will Fardon (Quality and Projects Director, Eurofins Chemtest) and Hugh Mallett (Technical Director, Buro Happold). The event will be hosted by Sally Hudson, (AGS Chair and Regional Manager & Associate at Coffey Geotechnics Limited, A Tetra Tech Company).

Tickets and Registration We have a limited number of complimentary tickets available for AGS member companies (T&C apply). Additional tickets cost £60 for members, £120 for non-members and £55 for students (prices ex. VAT).

To register to attend this year’s event please fill out a registration form and return to ags@ ags.org.uk before Friday 10th September. Click here to download the AGS Annual Conference registration form

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News in Short Revised AGS Client Guide to Domestic Basement Construction Construction of basements beneath houses, e.g in Central London, remains a buoyant market, which is good news for the sector. Not so great, is the sad fact that building collapses still occur during basement works. The AGS Client Guide to Domestic Basement Construction has, therefore, been updated (to version 3) in order to emphasise more prominently the fundamental importance of adequate temporary works.

The temporary works play a crucial role in minimising potential damage to adjoining 6

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and adjacent properties, as well as the host building. Forward movement of the basement’s perimeter retaining walls must be resisted with high stiffness temporary and permanent props in order to minimise ground movements alongside the basement. The revised Guide states that as the contractor is responsible for the design as well as the implementation of temporary works, clients must ensure that the appointed contractor has adequate inhouse design expertise or that they employ a professionally qualified temporary works engineer. In both cases, the temporary works designer should be able to demonstrate successful completion of other basement projects similar to the one being planned.

The revised guide can be downloaded from: https://www.ags.org.uk/item/client-guideto-domestic-basement-construction/

Breaking Ground: Recruitment, Education & Development within Geoscience The latest episode of Breaking Ground, the new podcast from the Ground Forum and Ground Engineering Magazine, is now available for free download.

In this edition, Steve Hadley (Chair of the Federation of Piling Specialists and MD at Central Piling) welcomes Julia Hill (Ground Engineer at Roger Bullivant & Federation of Piling Specialists Early Careers Group Chair), Emily Riley (CGL Senior Chartered Engineer & British Geotechnical Association Early Careers Group Chair in London and South West), and Nick Koor (Associate Head of Research and Innovation at the School of Environment, Geography and Geoscience at the University of Portsmouth) to discuss what falls under the umbrella term of geoscience, the various educational routes into this sector, and the opportunities available. The episode also covers the downward trend of students enrolling in geoscience courses.

Breaking Ground is available for free download on channels including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. To listen to the podcast, click HERE.

The Ground Forum is an umbrella trade association made up of 13 industry bodies, including the AGS. Its overall aim is to provide focus for the UK ground engineering industry by effective communication between member organisations, enhancing their profiles, promoting awareness at a governmental and national level and taking the lead on common interests.

For further information on the podcast or for podcast sponsorship opportunities please email gforum@ground-forum.org.uk.

The top three AGS publications in the last month 1. Assessment and Control of Asbestos Risk in Soil – Part 1: Protection of Personnel working on Ground Investigations 2. Assessment and Control of Asbestos Risk in Soil – Part 2: Protection of Personnel working in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Laboratories 3. AGS Guidance on Waste Classification for Soils – A Practitioners Guide To download the publications for free; click here.

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Thoughts from the Chair: Time Article contributed by Sally Hudson, AGS Chair

I

have always been in awe of the commitment shown by our AGS committee and Working Group members, or, in fact by anyone in industry contributing to any extra-curricular activities over and above the ‘day job’. Ours is an often demanding and fast-paced way of earning a living, requiring an extra level of effort over the norm; to travel, undertake site work and meet deadlines. So this extra-over, as it were,

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must be recognised and gratitude is extended to practitioners and to Member companies that sanction the considerable amount of non-fee earning contributions made by staff to the AGS and other committees and industry bodies. This is how the AGS remains a not-for-profit Association and can divert resources where needed most. We strive to provide opportunities to all those in the wider geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry for participation in all our activities.

I am also grateful to all of our webinar and conference speakers for their gifts of time and expertise, which enable the AGS to fulfil this commitment to members. I will continue to

drive and actively engage in these events.

and to explore potential apprenticeship routes.

We are also in the process of consulting with those early in their careers and encouraging representatives into Working Groups to ensure refreshed thinking and to capture input from that group.

The time committed to AGS activities is particularly impactful on businesses both this year and last, and our extra-curricular roles are being tested now more than ever, as we recover from the upheavals posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, by Brexit and by the There is, for some, still a sense of being underunprecedented demands of HS2 investigations, valued as a profession. Although in the long enabling works and term this situation in which construction. we find ourselves may There is, for some, still a sense of being improve our standing and I have spoken to recognition in the market representatives of many under-valued as a place, we are already seeing companies over the last profession. Although an increase in remuneration few weeks and months, packages required to attract in the long term this from consultants, main and candidates, a cost that will situation in which we specialist sub-contractors only have to be picked up by find ourselves may and from client bodies our clients. We are seeing and asset owners, and the improve our standing costs of certain major situation seems universal and recognition in the infrastructure schemes in that there is a shortage of escalating and although our market place... quality candidates to recruit front-end services are only to permanent positions. This in a part of those costs, it is not turn has led to an increased pressure on the hard to see how this could spread across all existing labour force. sectors. One of the powers of the AGS is that it has a voice, along with other collaborative It has been well-reported that there is a industry organisations within Ground national skills shortage in the UK, affecting several sectors and engineering is one of them. Forum, for Members to lobby Government on issues affecting our members and industry.

This matter has been predicted for some time Those companies that are not Member and I am raising it here as I perceive it as a real risk to one of the core tenets of the AGS, that of organisations of the AGS but who are active in a commitment to promote and enhance quality the community and who use AGS data, please consider joining to assist in the promotion and safe practice. How do we find our way and enhancement of quality and safe practice through to ensure a balance between fulfilling within our industry. our commitments to clients and maintaining

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a high quality of work and improving on it? As the new AGS Chair, it is my responsibility to support and guide the Association activities to ensure that we provide benefit to all of our participants. I am pleased to report that we are already exploring several routes towards helping address the skills shortage crisis (and it is a crisis). We are working with academic bodies to promote awareness of this rewarding career among students in higher education

Hopefully, you have seen an increase in communication on what we do as an organisation to those outside of the AGS Committees during the term of my predecessor’s Chair tenure, and I will continue to support this. This is my plea for your suggestions as to how we can improve or how you can assist: ags@ags.org.uk I look forward to hearing from you.

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AG S W E BI NAR

The AGS are pleased to announce details of their free webinar; Sample Disturbance – What is it? which is taking place on Thursday 25th November at 11am.

The aim of this free webinar is to stimulate a discussion and start a process whereby we can begin to decide on factors which might build to be a disturbance classification.

Both EC7 and BS5930 suggests that there are five quality classes of sample which can be obtained from intrusive ground investigation, some are quite self-explanatory however for strength and deformation testing we are advised to use Class 1 samples.

This webinar will ask what constitutes a class 1 sample – the codes suggest that to obtain class 1 samples we should use techniques such as thin wall sample tubes or rotary coring methods. However, practitioners and laboratory technicians alike will tell you that even with these methods many samples are evidently disturbed and not class 1, it is therefore certain that by using one of these suggested methods that a class 1 sample is not necessarily achieved.

This webinar will look at: • The sampling process and methods which may provide a class 1 sample • What constitutes a class 1 sample and how do we recognise sample disturbance • Are there grades of disturbance what is 10

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NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS

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acceptable Should there be a scale to enable technicians and laboratories to recognise and report the degree of disturbance

Attendees can expect to learn: • The sampling process and what influences sample disturbance • What makes a class 1 sample and why is it so important • The differences between the sample classes and the effect on sample behaviour and measured parameters • How to visually identify sample disturbance This webinar will be of interest to engineers of all grades; practitioners; specifiers; laboratories and investigation designers.

Speakers TBC

Ticket Prices This webinar is free to attend.

Register To register for this event please click HERE.

Sponsorship There are Diamond and Gold sponsorship packages available for this webinar. For more information on sponsorship packages, please click HERE or email ags@ags.org.uk. Bespoke packages are available on request.

The AGS are pleased to announce details of their next free webinar; Geotechnical Engineering in a Net Zero Carbon World, which is taking place on Wednesday 6th October at 11am.

This webinar, which is sponsored by Geotechnical & Environmental Associates and WSP, has been designed to inform and inspire ground engineering practitioners across the industry to meet the net zero carbon challenge that has been set by the UK government.

The construction industry has been identified as a significant contributor to carbon in the environment. The webinar will, therefore, be a focus for government and major clients over the next few decades to reduce this dependence on carbon intensive processes and materials.

Our speakers will help identify the targets we need to set, which construction methods and materials provide major sources of embedded carbon, and explore how we can all contribute to a more sustainable approach to investigation, design and construction.

Delegates will learn what techniques represent ‘big ticket’carbon items, the expectations of our industry by major clients, and discuss how we can all help reduce dependence on embedded carbon through measures from big design changes to everyday adjustments to typical practice that will gain benefits over time.

We will also debate how the industry can be incentivised to work collaboratively towards a net zero carbon goal as geotechnical engineers and across different construction disciplines.

The webinar is intended for investigation specialist, designers, contractors, academics, and clients who are involved in commissioning geotechnical work.

Image credit: Johanna Houlahan

Speakers Alex Dent, Associate Director at WSP Stephen Lawrence West, Director, Ground Engineering at Ramboll More speakers will be announced in due course.

Ticket Prices This webinar is free to attend.

Register To register for this event please click HERE.

Sponsorship There are Gold sponsorship packages available for this webinar. For more information on sponsorship packages, please click HERE or email ags@ags.org.uk. Sponsorship must be confirmed by Friday 17th September. Bespoke packages are available on request.

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AG S W E BI NAR

NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS

2021 AGS Webinar and Live Events Programme Annual Conference (live event) •

Date: Wednesday 22nd September

Critical Links in Ground Engineering (AGS Hong Kong webinar)

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Time: 9am – 4pm

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Date: 28th October 2021

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Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham

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Time: 11:30 – 12:30

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Cost: Free of Charge. Further details will be announced in due course

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Cost: We have a limited number of complimentary tickets available for AGS Member companies (T&C apply). Additional tickets cost £60 for Members, £120 for nonMembers and £55 for students (prices ex.

VAT).

Geotechnical Engineering in a Net Zero Carbon World (webinar) •

Date: 6th October 2021

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Time: 11:00 – 13:00

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Cost: Free of Charge

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Sponsorship: Gold packages available

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Sample Disturbance – What is it? (webinar) •

Date: 25th November 2021

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Time: 11:00 – 13:00

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Cost: Free of Charge

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Sponsorship: Diamond and Gold packages available

Image credit: Geotechnical Engineering

On 30th June, the AGS held their first webinar on the subject of laboratories, focusing on laboratory assessment and sampling practice.

The event was sponsored by ALS Environmental and Geotechnical Engineering.

the quality and quantities required of laboratory samples for geotechnical testing to ensure representative Soil Parameters

This webinar saw Will Fardon (AGS Laboratories WG Leader), Geraint Williams (ALS) and John Powell (Geolabs) investigate various aspects of sample submission, discussing best practice and guidance for how to get the most from the laboratory, the testing and some pitfalls to avoid.

The event also covered different methods for assessing vapour intrusion and issues related to

If you missed this webinar, the replay is now live and available for view on the AGS website. The webinar costs £25 for AGS Members and £30 for non-Members (prices exclude VAT). Click HERE to view the replay and download the speaker presentations and file handouts.

This paid for event was rated 4.6 stars out of 5, by our 100 registered delegates.

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AG S W E BI NAR

NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Webinar Replays - Available on Demand The AGS currently has ten webinar replays, available for on-demand viewing on www. ags.org.uk. Webinar topics include our highly successful Improving Company Performance through Equality, Diversity and Inclusion virtual event, AGS 4.1, AGSi, the Standard Penetration Test, Critical Links in Ground Engineering and much more.

To view our entire back catalogue, click HERE, visit the Webinar Archive section on the AGS website or take a look at some of our topics below:

Laboratory Assessment and Sampling Practice Cost: £25 for AGS members or £30 for non-AGS members Webinar Overview: This webinar discusses various aspects of sample submission, discussing best practice and guidance for how to get the most from the laboratory, the testing and some pitfalls to avoid.

Speakers: This webinar is hosted by AGS Chair, Sally Hudson (Regional Manager at Coffey Geotechnics Limited, A Tetra Tech Company).

Speakers include Will Fardon (Technical Sales and Training Manager at i2 Analytical), Geraint Williams (Associate at ALS) and Dr John J M Powell (Technical Advisor at Geolabs Limited).

Ground Risk: Landslide Risk Reduction Cost: £25 for AGS members or £30 for non-AGS members Webinar Overview: This webinar looks at raising awareness of ground risks associated with

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slope instability, including landslides, touches on risk assessment of landslide hazards, and explores the practical features to look for in the field.

Speakers: This webinar is hosted by AGS Chair Elect, Sally Hudson (Regional Manager at Coffey Geotechnics Limited, A Tetra Tech Company). Speakers include Professor Mike Winter (Director at Winter Associates Limited), Ian Nettleton (Technical Director at Coffey Geotechnics Limited, A Tetra Tech Company) and Dr Andrew Ridley (Managing Director at Geotechnical Observations Limited).

Improving Company Performance through Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Cost: FOC Webinar Overview: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is often spoken about at strategic, policy and procedural level. How can these be developed to raise awareness and influence positive actions within the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sector?

The webinar discusses the barriers as well as positive approaches and initiatives to EDI, such as flexible working, which will help change attitudes, attract new talent and improve retention within the industry.

Speakers: This webinar is hosted by AGS Chair Elect, Sally Hudson (Regional Manager at Coffey Geotechnics Limited, A Tetra Tech Company) and AGS Chair, Julian Lovell (Managing Director at Equipe Group). Speakers include Emma Stewart MBE, (co-founder of Timewise), Sharon Slinger, (Director at Constructing Rainbows

Ltd.), Steve Hadley (FPS Chair and Managing Director of Central Piling) and Martin Griffin (Principal Geotechnical Engineer at COWI).

Commercial Risks and How to Manage Them: Limiting Particular Liabilities Cost: £25 for AGS Members or £30 for non-AGS Members Webinar Overview: Limiting Particular Liabilities is part two in the Commercial Risks and How to Manage Them webinar series from the AGS. This webinar provides in depth and practical advice on aspects of contractual risk and how to avoid the pitfalls and better manage your potential liabilities.

Speakers: This webinar is hosted by Jo Strange (Technical Director, CGL). Speakers include Zita Mansi (Senior Associate, Beale & Company), Rachel Griffiths (Contracts Manager, Fugro) and Joe Jackson (Managing Director, Jackson Remediation)

Striding into the Future with AGS 4.1 Cost: FOC Webinar Overview: This webinar replay provides in depth detail on the new AGS 4.1 format.

Speakers: Speakers include Jackie Bland (IT and Data Manager at Geotechnics and AGS Data Format Working Group Leader), Mark Bevan (Associate Director (Data Management Team Leader) at Structural Soils), Paul Chaplin (Data Manager, Ground & Water at WSP UK Ltd), Peter Hepton (Principal Geotechnical Engineer and Ground Investigation Engineering Manager at SOCOTEC UK), Leon Warrington (Principal Hydrogeologist at Hydrock), Romain Arnould, (Global Product Owner Digital Applications at Fugro), Philip Child, (Senior Consultant, Geotechnical Information Management at Bentley Systems) and Julian Lovell (AGS Chair and Managing Director at Equipe Group).

Exchange of ground model and interpreted data – Introducing AGSi Cost: FOC Webinar Overview: This webinar is the official launch of AGSi; a new transfer format for ground information, in particular ground models and interpreted data. Developed by the AGS Data Management Working Group, this new format has been created for anyone involved in the construction or sharing of ground models.

Speakers: Jérôme Chamfray (Chief Geo-Digital Engineer, Jacobs), Neil Chadwick, (Independent Consultant & Digital Geotechnical Specialist), David Farmer (Geotechnical Engineer, Arup), Osvaldas Tylenis (Senior Software Engineer, Bentley Systems), Tony Daly (Managing Director at Amageo) and Julian Lovell (Managing Director, Equipe Group and AGS Chair).

Critical Links in Ground Engineering Cost: £70 for AGS Members or £90 for Non-AGS Members Webinar Overview: This event identifies and addresses the hurdles likely to be encountered when setting up an Instrumentation and Monitoring strategy and system, and the provisions that must be made for an effective and meaningful programme. Such provisions include an ability to store the vast amount of data that Instrumentation and Monitoring can generate, and the software necessary to present and assist with the interpretation of that data.

Speakers: Jonathan R A Gammon (Non-Executive Director / Advisor at Geotechnical Observations Limited and AGS Instrumentation & Monitoring Working Group Leader), Philip Child (Senior Consultant, Geotechnical Information Management at Bentley Systems), Paul Burton (Executive Leader at Geotechnics (New Zealand)), Dr Andrew Ridley (Managing Director at Geotechnical Observations Limited) and Julian Lovell (Managing Director at Equipe Group and AGS Chair).

Please note: Speaker information correct at the time of the webinars.

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Webinar Sponsorship Packages Since our first webinar, which took place just over a year ago, almost 3,000 people have registered to attend our virtual events and have attended from countries across the globe including Australia, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates and Canada, to name but a few.

The AGS have Diamond and Gold sponsorship packages available for each of our webinars. They offer an affordable way to reach a worldwide audience via our various platforms including AGS Magazine, our LinkedIn and Twitter social media channels and of course, during the webinar itself, which will be available on the AGS website post-event for ongoing company exposure.

Please see package details below:

DIAMOND SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

*one package available per webinar

*10 packages available per webinar

Price: £800 (members) or £1,100 (nonmembers)

Price: £350 (members) or £650 (nonmembers)

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Company website link or pop-up promotion to feature during the live webinar

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Logo on sponsor slide during the webinar (and webinar recording)

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Large logo on sponsor slide during the webinar (and webinar recording)

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Logo and overview in the event program

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Company mention during webinar opening & closing address • Logo and overview in the event program • Company Q&A feature in AGS Magazine (4,250 subscribers) • Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400)

Company mention during webinar opening & closing address

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Logo featured in promotional marketing emails Company directory insert in AGS Magazine, worth £50 (4,250 subscribers) One complementary webinar registration (worth up to £90)

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Two complementary event registrations (worth up to £180)

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Company logo and overview on the AGS’ Twitter page (3120 followers)

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Company logo and overview featured on the webinar registration page

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Company logo and overview on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (5,370 followers)

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Logo featured on promotional marketing emails

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Company mention in a follow up article in AGS Magazine (4,250 subscribers)

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Company logo and overview on the AGS’ Twitter page (3120 followers)

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Company overview on the AGS website

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Company logo and overview on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (5,370 followers)

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Company logo featured on replay email campaigns

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Company logo featured on replay email campaigns

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Company mention in a follow up article in AGS Magazine (4,250 subscribers)

If your company would like to support any AGS webinars or if you’d like any further information on the events, please contact Caroline Kratz on ags@ags.org.uk.

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INSTRUMENTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL & STRUCTURAL MONITORING Geosense is one of the leading manufacturers of instrumentsfor Geotechnical and structural monitoring, specialisingin vibrating wire and MEMS sensors and automated data acquisition systems.

With a comprehensive in-house design and manufacturing capability, Geosense provides products not only to tight deadlines but also to suit custom engineered solutions for specific project requirements.

NEW WEBSITE NOW LIVE! We’ve just launched our new website and have introduced some brand new features...

– An overview of more than 100 Geosense products with downloads – NEW Sectors Section looking at key applications – Case Studies showcasing techniques & instruments used – Company information, including latest news – NEW Knowledge Hub packed with technical info – Contacts and an interactive map to locate our distributors worldwide

www.geosense.co.uk August / September 2021

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Missing a trick?

Is an unnecessarily complex permitting regime for the re-use of materials derived from historical landfill sites stifling their redevelopment?

Article contributed by Danny Hope SiLC, Hydrock; Eric Cooper SiLC, Hydrock; and Liz Hart SiLC, Lithos

S

ince the initiative to promote brownfield regeneration through redevelopment and the requirement for local planning authorities to maintain a brownfield register, an increasing number of derelict and contaminated sites have been remediated and safely bought back into beneficial use. Available brownfield regeneration opportunities are now beginning to shift to

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consider historic landfills, where permits have been surrendered, and areas that were infilled prior to waste management controls.

This interest creates a fantastic opportunity to bring these sites back into beneficial use.

It provides a much-needed opportunity to improve and enhance the environment whilst at the same time delivering new homes/places and enhanced employment opportunities for the benefit of the communities in which they are located. However, we are experiencing inconsistency as to how these sites are regulated via the implementation of current waste legislation.

Anthropogenic material found in historic landfill sites is often similar in composition to ‘Made Ground’ identified on many brownfield sites and can be both chemically and physically suitable for retention and reuse within the development. Unfortunately, the current approach is that if material is deemed to have been formally disposed of i.e., placed in a landfill (as opposed to made ground that may have been deposited across a site), it must be waste irrespective of its composition; even natural soils that have been placed in a landfill would be described as waste. Reuse of any waste can only be achieved under an environmental permit. Once something is classed as a waste, it must be assessed in line with WM3 and allocated a hazardous or nonhazardous waste code.

Image credit: Tom Androsiuk

There is an increasing insistence that remediation supporting redevelopment of these sites, reusing site won materials, should be managed under a deposit for recovery permit (Defra, 2009. Environmental Permitting Guidance. The Waste Framework Directive) rather than following well established land regeneration guidance. This approach is causing confusion and significant delays.

Ultimately if a practical way forward is not identified, there is real concern that these brownfield sites will be blighted and passed over for development in preference for less challenging greenfield sites, due to the disproportionate regulatory burden.

Remediation carried out under a planning permission embodies a ‘suitable for use’ approach based on generic and/or more detailed quantitative risk assessment – an approach adopted by the industry for many years. However, waste codes are allocated based on absolute concentrations, irrespective of site-specific risks. It follows that because thresholds for hazardous waste allocations are relatively low, material that is deemed suitable for use based on the site-specific risk assessment may be allocated a contradictory and barrier-inducing hazardous waste code Once material is classified as hazardous waste there are further restrictions on how that material can be used; •

Hazardous and non-hazardous waste codes cannot be mixed;

•

Different hazardous waste codes cannot be mixed; and

•

Treatment of hazardous waste is restricted to 10 tonnes per day.

It is also an inaccurate assumption that hazardous waste can simply be remediated to

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Image credit: Tom Androsiuk

non-hazardous thresholds; this is often simply not feasible with time, cost and technical constraints.

towards an easier option.

“ The current

Within a remediation and earthworks project, limiting the options for re-using physically and chemically suitable site-won material potentially increases offsite disposal which again reduces a site’s commercial viability.

The treatment of waste approach to deemed hazardous under historic landfills WM3 is limited to 10 tonnes also undermines per day. The current the government’s alternative is the application for and implementation of ‘Brownfield First’ an Installation Permit. In the policy and could lead context of most remediation to local authorities not The current approach schemes, this quantity is to historic landfills achieving their house miniscule and the upshot also undermines the building targets... is that another layer of government’s ‘Brownfield bureaucracy is introduced, First’ policy and could with contractors having to apply lead to local authorities not achieving their for permits that they have no experience of. house building targets and / or decreasing The industrial Emissions Directive that drives the provision of employment opportunities this requirement was surely never meant to regionally and nationally. regulate land remediation works?

Once in place, environmental permits are detailed on the Environment Agency public register. Permits (whether live or surrendered) will then be identified during land conveyancing, again this is a deterrent to development with property being ‘blighted’ and final sales hindered. The surrender of an environmental permit can also be a lengthy and costly process, again steering developers

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Moreover, the issues raised here may also contradict the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda. Many of the aforementioned types of site are located in the midlands and the north where land values are such that viability can be a major barrier to regeneration, more so than in the south where land values tend to be higher and development opportunities more prevalent.

Restricting the reclamation of site-won material also directly opposes the drive for sustainable development, which is a core principle in the National Planning Policy Framework and even the Environment Agency has a core principle of improving the environment while promoting economic growth. Sustainability is also important in the wider context, we are a small Island, we must ensure we use available resources wisely.

It should be noted that UK industry is at the cutting edge of global remediation innovation, developing products which are exported around the world, a significant contributor to the UK economy. If re-development of brownfield sites becomes less prevalent, this innovation is likely to be stifled and income generated by the export of new technologies overseas will reduce.

Overall, it is unfortunately the case that aspects of the current regulatory regime are creating barriers to sustainable remediation and successful redevelopment of former waste disposal sites rather than facilitating it. No environmental or social benefit is accruing from the position currently being taken and there is no value in it beyond an unimaginative commitment to compliance.

CL:AIRE, with the support of the Environment Agency, has pioneered the sustainable reuse of materials via the Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice (DoWCoP) which has seen the beneficial re-use of millions of tonnes of earth across England and Wales, when the overarching EU Waste Directive threatened to stifle brownfield regeneration. SiLC and its members have always supported appropriate use of the DoWCoP and would like to ensure its continued and consistent use in line with the guidance and its overarching aim to promote sustainability and protection of human health and the environment.

We hope that a swift resolution can be found to these issues, with a clear and consistent way forward that does not stifle development opportunities, is protective of human health and the environment, encourages industrial entrepreneurship and innovation, but does not contradict government policies and site-specific approach to risk evaluation.

Discussions between CL:AIRE, the Environment Agency, government and other experts has commenced and is ongoing. The SiLC PTP will also be adding its support to these discussions.

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Taking soil samples for determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Article contributed by Judith Nathanail (LQM), Geraint Williams (ALS), Mike Smith and Paul Nathanail (GHD)

I

t’s not there!”

“You haven’t looked hard enough”.

Once the preliminary risk assessment is

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done, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) are contaminants of concern the sampling and analytical strategies need to reflect the ease with which VOCs can be lost from a sample resulting in a false negative analytical result.

In case you are wondering, a VOC is “any organic compound having an initial boiling point less than or equal to 250 °C measured at a standard atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa.”

Volatiles are lost rapidly if soil samples are left exposed.

Indeed, losses of 25 – 50% have been recorded within 30 seconds of exposure.

Sampling method has an even bigger effect – with losses of up to 99.9% recorded from bulk sampling. Where in situ VOC concentrations exceed an assessment criterion, such losses can result in false negatives, leaving behind unremediated soils or prematurely ending remediation.

“

Soils up to coarse sand can be sampled. It is unlikely that samples representative of the in-situ VOC concentration can be obtained or tested from coarser soil fractions.

For coarse gravel, cobbles, etc. alternative methods such as PID headspace screening or soil vapour sampling need to be adopted.

BS 10175 recommends that samples intended for the determination of VOCs should be taken in a way that minimizes the loss of volatiles. The primary purpose of BS 10176 is to specify procedures that can be followed in the field to minimize loss of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during sampling. These procedures need to be strictly adhered to in order to provide reliable and repeatable results.

The procedures described in BS 10176 are similar to those described in long standing guidance and standards across the world. The immersion methods require considerable time, resources, safe work practices, competent oversight and quality control.

The procedures involve taking a small sample of known weight and volume taken using a coring device followed by either sealing the intact core or immersing the sample in a liquid to prevent losses through volatilisation in a subsequently sealed vial. The procedures in BS 10176 are based on immersion in methanol, in sodium hydrogen sulfate (sodium bisulfate) (only for low VOC concentrations) or in de-ionized water. The core sample is then used directly in the laboratory without subsampling.

BS 10176 requires duplicate samples are taken from the same soil stratum and as close as possible to the location of the first sample to provide the laboratory with an additional sample in case re-analysis is required.

Soils up to coarse sand can be sampled. It is unlikely that samples representative of the insitu VOC concentration can be obtained or tested from coarser soils. For coarse gravel, cobbles, etc. alternative methods such as PID headspace screening or soil vapour sampling need to

be adopted.

Standards like BS 10176 are drafted by working groups appointed by BSI’s Soil Quality Committee EH/4. EH/4 is responsible for developing British Standards in the fields of soil quality, soil pollution and contaminated soil. The committee contributes to European (CEN) and International (ISO) Standards. The EH/4 committee comprises representatives of relevant industry and academic bodies, learned and professional organisations and/ or individual experts. Committee members volunteer their time and expertise to the development of standards. You can find out more at: https://standardsdevelopment. bsigroup.com/committees/50001294 The authors presented an introduction to BS 10176:2020 in a webinar in April – a link to the recording is at: https://attendee.gotowebinar. com/recording/5875920295717747975

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3VGEOMATICS NOW PART OF RST AND MEASURAND PORTFOLIO COMPANY Portfolio company creates industry-first surface and sub-surface data monitoring and analysis solution with full global reach through underground sensors, cloud-based data and satellite technology.

RST Instruments and Measurand, a portfolio of geotechnical instrumentation companies, announces the acquisition of 3vGeomatics, a world leader in the use of radar satellite images to detect and measure ground and infrastructure displacement across large areas.

The acquisition augments RST and Measurand’s trusted geotechnical instrumentation service and creates the industry’s first fully integrated data monitoring and analysis solution with full global reach.

“By adding 3vGeomatic’s deep experience in specialized InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology to our existing portfolio, we’ve assembled an industry-first end-to-end full site view, from geotechnical monitoring to (InSAR) for holistic monitoring. This adds a new dimension to our trusted data offering in a growing global market,” Mark Price, CEO from RST/Measurand said. “The InSAR

technology brought to you by 3vGeomatics’ industry-leading experts integrates tightly with the ground-based sensors from RST and Measurand. From underground to aboveground, we deliver trusted, timely and actionable data to blue chip clients around the world through a convenient one-stop solution. We deliver data into a holistic package so our clients can make risk-informed decisions about their critical assets and projects”

InSAR technology. Both companies are longstanding leaders in the geotechnical engineering community and we look forward to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.”

Founded in 2007, 3vGeomatics is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and operates from offices in Calgary, Canada as well as Belo Horizonte, Brazil. With over 50 employees, 3vGeomatics produces thousands of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) reports each year and Combined, the three companies possess unparalleled geotechnical serves clients in over 40 countries for a variety of complex applicaand monitoring expertise, with over 50 degreed engineers and tions where accurate and timeline monitoring is required to detect geoscientists, serving over 1000 clients in over 60 countries, with a subsidence, uplift and other network of over 30 global partners. movements to prevent environmental accidents, improve safety Adrian McCardle, CEO, 3vGeoand maintain operational success. matics said: “We are thrilled to be Industries include mining, pipejoining the RST and Measurand line, urban infrastructure, transteams to expand our global reach portation corridors, and water management. and co-build an even stronger offering through our innovative

MEET 3VGEOMATICS

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Q & A with...

Stephen Hugh Mallett

BSc, MSc, C.Geol, SiLC

Job Title: Technical Director Company: Buro Happold Brief Biography: I am a Chartered Engineering Geologist and Registered SiLC of forty five years professional experience. The first ten years focussed upon geological and geotechnical investigations in the UK and overseas.

After a particularly rainy day on site in South Wales, I joined the civil service and spent over four years (in the dry) as a geologist in the Minerals Planning Division of the Department of Environment.

In 1990, I joined the contaminated land team of an environmental consultancy (Aspinwall & Company) and have been involved in the investigation and assessment of land affected by contamination ever since (with Buro Happold since 2006).

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What or who inspired you to join the geotechnical industry?

undertaken and the lovely Courtesy of a friend in my (and not so nice) people that village football team, I got a I work with that makes me summer job as an assistant QS keep coming back for more. on the M5 construction near Although the majority of my Weston Super Mare. On our days are spent in the office, I stretch of the still love site work motorway, and get out Perhaps the there was an whenever I most typical impressive can to do some limestone aspect is that every “real work”. cutting which Perhaps the time I think that I was inspected most typical know the ground / mapped by aspect is conditions on a site, that every a geologist then the uncertainty time I think abseiling down the rock principle rears its that I know face. What head and something the ground more incentive conditions on unexpected does anyone a site, then the / unknown is need? And, uncertainty encountered to make principle rears many years later, I got to you realise (again) its head and do this myself something that you know at Treffgarne unexpected nothing.

Gorge, in / unknown is Pembrokeshire. It encountered to was heaven. make you realise (again) that

“

What does a typical day entail?

The only thing that is typical is that there is no such thing.

It is the variety of projects, the range of tasks to be

you know nothing.

Are there any projects which you’re particularly proud to have been a part of?

Jordan Dead Sea Potash

investigation. My first overseas project in 1977 – went for 6 weeks which turned into 9 months (it was called “Wimpey Time”). Learned to fly a hovercraft. Got rescued by a Jordanian Air Force helicopter on the Jordan / Israel border.

Found live land mines (over 1000 eventually cleared from the site).

Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1) contaminated land assessment in the early 1990s – really developed our understanding at the time.

Writing R&D 66 and then delivering training on it to over 300 local authority contaminated land officers with some lovely colleagues and the legendary Bill Baker.

The Olympic Stadium - cycling to site, spending the morning with our site engineer Gemma as construction happened and then cycling back to the office along the Grand Union Canal - I could not stop smiling.

Devising and delivering the “Stratigraphic Beer Tour” lecture (on many occasions – invitations welcomed!).

What are the most challenging aspects of your role?

The continual need to keep up to date with the technical aspects of our work on contaminated land is double edged. It is really hard to do but also always keeps you on your toes, so work never loses its interest.

What AGS Working Group(s) are you a Member of and what are your current focuses?

can honestly say that I have learned so much from that involvement – getting out far more than I put in.

Why do you feel the AGS is

I currently chair the Loss important to the industry?

Prevention I shudder to think Working I have a dream: where the Group. It is a To see ground industry would very active engineers knighted be without Group and has many very for their professional it. Think of the AGS committed services, receiving Data Format, members who the salaries of all of the are always lawyers and technical and providing obtaining the commercial really useful advice and advice and respect currently guidance, guidance attributed to health the support through professionals. provided the various to all of the Loss Prevention membership, the unselfish and Alerts, articles and the rather collaborative behaviour of so wonderful Loss Prevention many people.

Guidance, which is worth the membership fee on its own What changes would you and is due to be reviewed and like to see implemented re-published in 2022. in the geotechnical

“

What do you enjoy most about being an AGS Member?

Being part of an organisation that is concerned about raising the standards in our industry and which does something about it by the provision of useful (and used) guidance and advice.

What do you find beneficial about being an AGS Member?

I have been an active member of the AGS since the early 1990s (being a founder member of the Contaminated Land Working Group) and

industry?

At my first AGS meeting people talked about the need to raise the status of ground engineers. Sadly, despite initiatives such as SiLC and RoGEP, we are still often perceived as people grubbing around in mud who need little, if any, consideration and deserve little if any respect.

I have a dream: To see ground engineers knighted for their professional services, receiving the salaries of lawyers and obtaining the respect currently attributed to health professionals.

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I SOCOT N S I EC DE UK Getting to know SOCOTEC UK with Senior Engineering Geologist - Alessia Sgattoni.

How long have you worked at SOCOTEC? I joined SOCOTEC in February 2020.

Where is SOCOTEC located?

SOCOTEC UK is a nationwide business, with a total of 50 sites across the UK

How many people does the company employ?

1,800

What is your career background?

I graduated from Universita’ degli Studi di Bologna ‘Alma Mater Studiorum’ in Italy, with a degree in Applied Geology in 2004. Following this, I undertook a masters ‘Magister’ degree.

I have 18 years’ experience working as an engineering geologist, onshore, offshore, for consultants and contractors in the UK and abroad, including Italy, Qatar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Madagascar.

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What enticed you to work for SOCOTEC?

“

the planning, supervision and programming of ground investigation projects throughout the UK, including liaison with clients, engineers and main contractors. I provide technical support to project managers on a daily basis, helping to maintain a high standard of service and production of high quality reports and exploratory hole logs.

Working for an international company that continues to grow has provided me with the opportunity to develop and grow myself...

As a prestigious international company, I was motivated to work for SOCOTEC after receiving positive feedback from a few of my Italian friends who work for SOCOTEC Italy, telling me how much they enjoyed working for the company and the level of support given by the managers to the site and office teams. Working for an international company that continues to grow has provided me with the opportunity to develop and grow myself, while also enabling me to realise my ambitions. I am proud to work for a company that is globally orientated and recognised for delivering testing, inspection and compliance works to a high standard, as well as its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

I write and review factual and interpretative reports and provide geotechnical advice to clients. I train junior engineers in site investigation techniques to improve knowledge and performance, as well as oversee technical aspects of projects, control and review site data results and check reports.

What is your current role within SOCOTEC and what does a typical day entail?

Are there any projects or achievements which SOCOTEC is particularly proud to have been a part of?

As a senior engineering geologist, I am responsible for

In 2020, SOCOTEC signed the Armed Forces Covenant,

which demonstrates our commitment to supporting serving personnel, Reservists, veterans and military families. As part of the Covenant, SOCOTEC works with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to support the employment of veterans of all ages to establish a tailored employment pathway for those leaving the services.

More specifically, in March 2020, SOCOTEC’s Ground Investigation team carried out site investigatory works free of charge on behalf of Kent and East Sussex Railway (KESR), a charitable organisation made of up volunteers who preserve/maintain the 10.5 mile railway line.

Following provided, as this In our day-toconcerns enabled them day operations, raised by the to determine client that whether SOCOTEC UK the riverbank the river recognises that we adjacent to embankment inevitably impact on their yard/ that they were the environment in a station was proposing number of ways, and to use as an eroding, SOCOTEC access road we are committed carried out for lorries was to reducing that ground suitable for impact... investigation purpose. work on an How area that lay adjacent to a important is sustainability fast-running wide stream, within the company? undertaking a number of window sample boreholes in In our day-to-day operations, order to log the underlying soil SOCOTEC UK recognises and provide information on the that we inevitably impact ground conditions. KESR were on the environment in a extremely pleased with the number of ways, and we are voluntary works that SOCOTEC committed to reducing

“



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that impact through continual improvement of our environmental performance.

Sustainability considerations are also fully integrated in our business decision making.

We carry out environmental supply chain management to encourage suppliers to adopt environmentally sound practices.

To promote sustainable practises, SOCOTEC: •

Provides employee training to enhance environmental

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awareness. This ensures that environmental issues are considered when managing our premises and planning, implementing and undertaking all projects •

Promotes a sustainable approach to business in partnership with our clients and other stakeholders by conserving energy, minimising consumption, preferring low pollution materials, maximising efficiency and

implementing the Waste Management Hierarchy.

•

Maintains an Environmental Management System (EMS) registered to ISO 14001:2015 that is communicated to all employees

•

Measures our Carbon Footprint and take account of carbon management in our business decisions to reduce our contribution to climate change.

How does SOCOTEC support graduates and early career professionals who are entering the industry?

SOCOTEC is currently undertaking a recruitment drive to appoint apprentices across the business, with apprenticeship programmes now in place across the company’s Bretby, Coventry and Uxbridge sites and many more in the pipeline. The organisation is also investing additional resource in its

graduate programme to ensure that they are investing in the very best in future talent.

To develop our employees for the future and strengthen our skills and capabilities as an organisation, SOCOTEC offers a blend of technical and management courses to invest in our employees’ potential – whether they are fresh out of education or have a wealth of experience under their belt. In addition to our core learning and development courses, we also run the SOCOTEC

Technical Training Academy.

This supports employees’ development, offering opportunities to gain academic and professional qualifications, memberships to professional bodies and enhanced management skills.

SOCOTEC has more recently developed a Drilling Academy, an internal training and assessment centre which aims to produce a high calibre drilling team with professional standards. Whether they are an entry-level trainee August / September 2021

31

driller, an experienced lead driller or beyond, the Drilling Academy provides clear career progression for SOCOTEC’s drilling staff. The Academy is made up of two assessors and one internal verifier, ensuring that every qualification can be achieved entirely in-house.

SOCOTEC can provide the Level 2 Diploma in Land Drilling along four different pathways, including Lead Driller Rotary, Lead Driller Cable Percussion, Lead Driller Dynamic Sampling and Drilling Support Operative.

In 2021, the Academy also aims

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to deliver the Level 3 Advanced Driller qualification to staff.

How has COVID-19 affected the day-to-day running of the company?

How have staff adapted?

Across the business, SOCOTEC took immediate action in order to safeguard our staff’s safety and employment during this uncertain period. With the Government directive that construction sites should continue to operate during the restrictions, many of our key infrastructure projects were designated ‘critical works’.

As always, employee safety was paramount on all sites and SOCOTEC constantly assessed on each project whether the working methods fell within the guidance issued by Public Health England and met the construction industry benchmark ‘Site Operating Procedures’ document published by the Construction Leadership Council. We operated strict controls on PPE/RPE, hygiene and social distancing to keep everyone safe within their working environments. SOCOTEC’s Ground Investigation team

with their segregates the We operated wide range of work areas of skills, training, the assistant strict controls experience driller at the on PPE/RPE, and front of the hygiene and social commitment rig and the distancing to keep were lead driller to everyone safe absolutely the rear, and pivotal in within their working acts to change helping behavioural environments.

SOCOTEC to patterns by deliver projects preventing during this challenging time inadvertent close proximity and beyond. working.

“

Working in collaboration with one of its key clients at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, SOCOTEC’s Ground Investigation team created acrylic screen guards, which provided a transparent, impact-resistant barrier that could be fixed to both cable tool and rotary rigs without affecting the working operation or integrity of the rig.

The guard is similar to those seen in major supermarkets across the UK, is lightweight, strong and can be attached/ removed by one person in less than one minute. The screen effectively separates the driller and assistant where operations close to the rig controls and drill table are required.

Further engineering controls were provided by establishing two distinct work zones within the standard wider work area. A physical barrier, using either chapter 8 barriers or retractable hi-vis tape attached to magnetic clamps,

Why do you feel the AGS is important to the industry?

As a collective and collaborative body that represents the wider geotechnical (and geoenvironmental) industry, SOCOTEC values its membership of the AGS and the benefits it brings in promoting good practice and consistency of approach amongst all practitioners, including clients, consultants, project designers and contractors. SOCOTEC are pleased to be represented on several of the AGS working groups, including the Geotechnical group and Data Management group.

How does SOCOTEC close the gender gap?

At SOCOTEC, we are passionate about fairness, equality and inclusion. Our people are our most important and valued asset, and as such, SOCOTEC is committed to ensuring that our people

are treated equally at work, across all levels and locations.

This includes providing the same opportunities for recognition, reward and career development.

We recognise that there is an industry-wide problem in attracting women into roles within the infrastructure, construction and compliance sector. We continue to work hard to address this imbalance and have made good progress through company initiatives and inclusive and diverse recruitment. We also take a gender-neutral approach to recruitment at all levels, focusing on the suitability of the candidate for the role.

SOCOTEC is committed to ensuring that all employees continue to be paid equally and fairly for the roles they are in.

As part of the SOCOTEC UK Early Careers strategy, we are working hard to attract young people from all walks of life to embark on a career in testing, compliance and construction.

Our apprenticeship and graduate schemes are proving to be attractive to both young men and women.

SOCOTEC are platinum sponsors of the AGS Annual Conference which is taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on 22nd September 2021. For details about the Annual Conference, please click here.

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33

AGS Working Group Focus

Contaminated Land Overview producing A Client’s Guide to Geoenvironmental Reports, which is being reviewed by the group ahead of publishing.

Sustainability

Alex Lee, AGS Contaminated Land Working Group Leader, has provided an update on the top issues the Contaminated Land Working Group discussed at their last meeting which took place virtually in July 2021.

1. Client Guides The AGS CLWG are currently in the process of revising A Client’s Guide to Desk Studies and Reference List. The CLWG are also in the final stages of

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At the last meeting, the CLWG discussed sustainability, which may lead to a sub-group to work collaboratively on looking at sustainable site investigations and providing advice to AGS members on this.

HSG248 The CLWG have provided feedback on HSG248 and concerns from both CLWG and the AGS Labs WG were considered at the meeting.

Representatives from the CLWG and Labs WG will continue to be involved with further discussions within the wider industry regarding this document.

ERES Codes Members of the CLWG are involved with a sub-group which is assisting with the review of ERES codes.

Working Outside Of The AGS The AGS Contaminated Land Working Group have many members who are involved in a range of different projects and working groups; SAGTA C4SL project, the National Brownfield Forum, SiLC, SoBRA and more.

This enables us to share new information within the Group but also relay the position of the AGS CLWG outside of the organisation.

If you wish to attend AGS Contaminated Land Working Group meetings, please contact the AGS Secretariat by emailing ags@ags.org.uk.

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Standards Update

August 2021

RECENTLY PUBLIS STANDARD BS EN ISO 12404:2021 BS EN ISO 15192:2021 BS EN 15935:2021

SUBJECT / TEST Soil and waste - Selection & application of analytical screening methods for on-site use Soil and waste – Determination of Chromium (VI) in solid material by alkaline digestion and ion chromatography with spectrophotometric detection Soil, waste, treated biowaste, sludge – Determination of loss on ignition

SUPER BS EN I

BS EN 1

BS EN 1

BRITISH STANDARDS ON SOIL, GROUND STANDARD BSI DPC 1377-2

SUBJECT / TEST Methods of tests for soils for civil engineering purposes – Part 2

SUPER Will cov have no 17892 o BS1337-3:2018 Amendment to BS 1377-3:2018 Methods of tests for soils for civil engineering Will up +A1:2021 purposes – Part 3, Chemical and electrochemical testing PAS 128 (revision) Underground utility detection, verification and location – Specification PAS 128

SELECTED INTERNATIONAL & EUROPEAN STANDA STANDARD ISO CD 4974

SUBJECT / TEST Soil quality – Guidance on soil temperature measurement

SUPER New sta

ISO NP 7303 (New project) ISO NP 8529 (New project) CEN prEN 15936

Simplified method for oral bioaccessability of metal(oids) in soils

New sta Will com New St Will com BS EN 1

CEN prEN 17505 CEN FprEN 17516

ISO FDIS 23400 ISO CD 24212

36

Soil quality – Bioaccessibility of organic and inorganic pollutants from contaminated soil and soil-like material Sludge, treated biowaste, soil and waste – Determination of total organic carbon (TOC) by dry combustion Soil and waste characterization – Temperature dependent differentiation of total carbon (TOC400, ROC, TIC900) Waste – Characterization of granular solids with potential for use as construction material – Compliance leaching test – Up-flow percolation test

Guidelines for the determination of organic carbon and nitrogen stocks and their variations in mineral soil at plot scale Soil quality - Remediation techniques applied at contaminated sites

Magazine

New sta

New sta Text wi CEN TS Charac New sta

New sta

SHED STANDARDS

RSEDED/WILL SUPERSEDE ISO 12404:2015 and BS EN 16123:2013

STATUS Published

PUB DATE July 2021

15192:2006

Published

July 2021

15169:2007 and BS EN 15935:2012

Published

Aug’ 2021

STATUS Comment period on Draft for Public Comment ends 23 October 2021

PUB DATE 2022

Proceeding to publication

2021

Public comment period ended 16 March 2020

Oct’ 2021

D & SITE ASSESSMENT - In preparation

RSEDED/WILL SUPERSEDE ver those tests in Parts 2-8 of BS 1377:1990 that ot been replaced by Parts 1 to 12 of BS EN ISO or BS 1377-3:2018. pdate BS1337-3:2018

8: 2014

ARDS ON SOIL & SITE ASSESSMENT - In preparation

RSEDED/WILL SUPERSEDE andard

STATUS Comment period ended 29 April 2021

PUB DATE 2022

andard mplement BS ISO 17924 – see also NP 7303 tandard mplement BS ISO 17924 – see also NP 8529 15936:2012 and BS EN 13137

Comment period ended 24 May 2021

2023

Comment period ended 9 August 2021

2023

Proceeding to FprEN

2021/2

andard

Not approved. Second enquiry pending

2022

Further consultation on the two parallel documents in progress.

2022

Comment period ended 27 July 2021

2021

Second CD in preparation

2023

andard ill be identical to that in revised standard S 16637-3 Construction products – cterization……upward percolation test andard

andard

August / September 2021

37

Standards Update

August 2021

SELECTED INTERNATIONAL & EUROPEAN “GE STANDARD CEN prEN 1997-1

SUBJECT / TEST Eurocode 7 - Geotechnical design – General Rules

SUPER Will par

CEN prEN 1997-2

Eurocode 7 - Geotechnical design – Ground properties

Will rep

CEN prEN 1997-3

Eurocode 7 - Geotechnical design – Geotechnical structures

Will par

EN ISO 18674-7 (New project) EN ISO 18674-8 (New project) ISO DTS 24283-1 ISO DTS 24283-2 ISO DTS 24283-3

Geotechnical investigation and testing – Geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation – Part 7: Measurement of strains: Strain gauges Geotechnical investigation and testing – Geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation – Part 8: Measurement of forces: Load cells Geotechnical investigation and testing – Qualification criteria and assessment – Part 1: Qualified technician Part 2: Responsible expert Part 3: Qualified enterprise Geotechnical investigation and testing – Sampling methods and groundwater measurements – Part 1 – Technical principles for the sampling of soil, rock and groundwater Geotechnical investigation and testing – Field testing –Part 1: Electrical cone and piezocone penetration test Geotechnical investigation and testing – Field testing –Part 4: Prebored pressure test by Ménard procedure Geotechnical investigation and testing – Testing of geotechnical structures – Part 2: Testing of piles: static tension load test Array measurement of microtremors to estimate shear wave velocity profile

New sta

ISO FDIS/ CEN FprEN 22475-1.2 ISO DIS 22476-1 ISO FDIS/ CEN FprEN 2476-4 ISO CD 22477-2 ISO CD 24057

38

Magazine

New sta

Part 1Part 2 Part 3-

BS EN I

BS ISO 2

BS EN I

New sta

New sta

EOTECHNICAL” STANDARDS – In preparation

RSEDED/WILL SUPERSEDE rtially replace BS EN 1997-1: 2004 + A1: 2013

STATUS Comment period for prEN ended 6 January 2021 Comment period for prEN ended 6 January 2021 Comment period for prEN ended 6 January 2021 Approved to proceed by ISO TC 182 & CEN TC351 in June 2021 Approved to proceed by ISO TC 182 & CEN TC351 in June 2021 To be published as Technical Specifications

PUB DATE 2023

ISO 22475-1:2006

Comment period ended 15 August 2021.

Proceeding to publication (21-08-23)

2021

22476-1:2012

Comment period ended 21 August 2021

2022

ISO 22476-4:2012

Comment period ended 7 July 2021

2022

place BS EN 1997-2: 2007

rtially replace BS EN 1997-1: 2004

andard

andard

New standard - ISO TS 22475-2:2006 (BS ISO 22475-2: 2011) - ISO TS 22475-3:2007 (BS ISO 22475-3: 2011)

tandard

tandard

2023 2023 2023 2023 2021

2023 Comment period ended 8 March 2021

2022

August / September 2021

39

Training Courses Equipe Training: Specialist Geotechnical Courses Equipe Training are delighted to confirm that their specialist geotechnical training courses are continuing to be delivered, both in person at our dedicated training facility just outside of Banbury, Oxfordshire., and also online via Zoom! The in-person courses will be operating with limited places to ensure social distancing.

Available upcoming dates are provided below: •

9th September 2021 - Earthworks Design and Construction (Online Course)

•

13th October 2021 - Geotechnical Foundation Design (Online Course)

•

14th October 2021 - Slope Stability Design (Online Course)

•

3rd November 2021 - Professor David Norbury’s Soil Description Workshop

•

9th December 2021 - Professor David Norbury’s Rock Description Workshop

Places on these courses can be booked online here, or via contacting Equipe on +44 (0)1295 670990 or info@equipegroup.com

Equipe Training: Specialist Geotechnical Heath and Safety Courses Equipe Training and their health and safety training partners RPA Safety Services and EB Safety Solutions are delighted to announce their collection of specialist health and safety courses for the geotechnical market have resumed being delivered in person, as well as being delivered online where required.

These courses are approved and certified by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and meet the requirements of UK Health and Safety regulations for working on geotechnical and land drilling sites. Upcoming courses have limited numbers of places available in order to maintain social distancing within the classroom environment. Upcoming dates include: • 6, 7 & 8 October 2021 - IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites • 14th October 2021 - IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services • 15th September 2021- Managing and working with Asbestos Risk in Ground Investigation (MARGI) Places on these courses can be booked online here, or via contacting Equipe on +44 (0)1295 670990 or info@equipegroup.com

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Magazine

How to become a Member of the AGS AGS Members all share a commitment to quality in the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry. This has become widely recognised by clients, governmental bodies and other associations that touch issues to do with the ground.

We welcome both companies and individuals who want to be recognised for their quality of practice to join our growing membership of over 130 Members. We shape our industry, continually improve practice and collaborate on issues that affect us all; from clients, all the way through to the people who use the land and the buildings we help develop.

To become a Member of the AGS, please visit http://www.ags.org.uk/about/become-a-member and submit your application online. Please note that all membership applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee 6 weeks in advance of each quarterly Executive meeting.

The deadline for the next round of completed applications is Tuesday 19th October 2021.

AGS Chemical and Legal Helplines All Members of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists are entitled to free chemical and contractual advice through the use of Loss Prevention Committee Members, Marquis & Lord and Beale & Co. For advice on chemical safety and best practice, Marquis & Lord will provide 30 minutes of free advice to all AGS Members.

Additionally, if you’re an AGS Member and are looking for legal advice, please contact Beale & Co and quote ‘AGS Helpline’ where the first 15 minutes of legal advice will be free of charge.

CHEMICAL SAFETY HELPLINE Marquis & Lord Tel: +44 (0) 121 288 2386 www.marquisandlord.com

LEGAL HELPLINE (Please quote Beale & Co ‘AGS Helpline’) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 0400 www.beale-law.com

Member Reporting Service for Industry Issues If you have any queries regarding AGS Data Format, there is a discussion forum on the AGS Data Format website, where queries can be posted and answered by the Data Format team.

If a Member has any issues with regard to Safety, Contaminated Land, Geotechnical, Instrumentation & Monitoring or Laboratories which you think the industry should be aware of please email ags@ags.org.uk, we will then forward your email to the relevant AGS Working Group.

Disclaimer These articles are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to be a complete or comprehensive statement of the law, nor do they constitute legal or specialist advice. They are intended only to highlight current issues from date of publication that may be of interest. Neither the writer, nor the AGS, assumes any responsibility for any loss that may arise from accessing, or reliance on the material and all liability is disclaimed accordingly. Professional advice should be taken before applying the content of the articles to particular circumstances.

August / September 2021

41

Advertising and Rates An online advertising campaign within the AGS Magazine will help to build and increase industry awareness of your company’s profile, initiatives and offerings.

The AGS can help build a package to suit your needs and budget; whether it’s a series of adverts across multiple issues, a combination of event sponsorship and advertising, or a single advertorial.

How to Advertise in the AGS Magazine The AGS Magazine is a free email publication that looks at a range of topical issues, insights and concerns, whilst publishing new guidance notes, working group activities and information on upcoming industry seminars.

With 6 issues each year, our subscribers include industry professionals such as practitioners, chartered specialists, senior decision makers and managing directors To receive a media pack or to discuss advertising rates, please contact Caroline Kratz on 0208 658 8212 or email ags@ags.org.uk

Adversiting Requirements

Advert Sizes and Rates

All adverts should be sent in a PDF, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD (Photoshop) or EPS (Illustrator) format.

 FULL PAGE W: 210mm H: 297mm RATE: £400  HALF PAGE W: 210mm H: 145mm RATE: £250  QUARTER PAGE

COMPANY NAME ADDRESS CONTACT NUMBER EMAIL

W: 105mm H: 145mm RATE: £160

LOGO

 DIRECTORY Company name, address, contact number, email and one logo.

RATE: £50

42

All advertising artwork must be supplied in 114 dpi resolution.

Magazine

Artwork must be delivered to the AGS using the agreed artwork specification size listed left.

Artwork should be emailed to ags@ags.org. uk no later than 10 days prior to publication.

Directory

Stuart Wells Limited

WSP

Stuart House Hargham Road Shropham, Norfolk NR17 1DT

WSP House 70 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1AF

01953454540 www.stuartwells.co.uk enquiries@stuartwells.co.uk

+44(0)27314500 www.wsp.com UKMarcomms@wsp.com

AGS Dates for Your Diary Annual Conference (live event) • • • •

Date: Wednesday 22nd September Time: 9am – 4pm Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham Cost: We have a limited number of complimentary tickets available for AGS Member companies (T&C apply). Additional tickets cost £60 for Members, £120 for nonMembers and £55 for students (prices ex.

VAT).

Geotechnical Engineering in a Net Zero Carbon World (webinar) • • • •

Date: 6th October 2021 Time: 11:00 – 13:00 Cost: Free of Charge Sponsorship: Gold packages available

Critical Links in Ground Engineering (AGS Hong Kong webinar) • • •

Date: 28th October 2021 Time: 11:30 – 12:30 Cost: Free of Charge. Further details will be announced in due course

Sample Disturbance – What is it? (webinar) • • • •

Date: 25th November 2021 Time: 11:00 – 13:00 Cost: Free of Charge Sponsorship: Diamond and Gold packages available

August / September 2021

43