AGS Magazine - March/April 2018

March / April 2018

UNLOCKING COMPLEX BROWNFIELD SITES Andy O’Dea of WSP provides information and advice on difficult Brownfield Sites

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

JOHN TALBOT: A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY

AGS GEOTECHNICAL WORKING GROUP

A look at Member’s positive contributions outside the world of the AGS

A background on one of the AGS Business Working Group’s stalwarts

Neil Chadwick introduces the group and outlines their current focus areas.

ABOUT THE AGS

Chair’s Foreword As we look forward to another Members’ Day, we are all hopeful that both the weather and outlook for the industry is improving, with some optimism remaining amid the uncertainty of the political situation. Further investment in infrastructure is planned and there are indications that there should be a muchneeded increase in workload as we move into the spring and summer.

After a significant amount of effort from a number of AGS members, the new version of the AGS guide: The Selection of Geotechnical Soil Laboratory Testing has been published, as detailed inside. It is now in a format that can readily be updated, which will be the responsibility of the new Geotechnical Working Group.

I am always astonished and grateful at how very busy, highly qualified professionals in the AGS donate a significant amount of their valuable time into achieving useful guidance.

It was good to see national recognition for Len Threadgold, who has been named as the

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2017 recipient of the John Mitchell medal. Len was a founding member of the AGS and was instrumental in the development of AGS Data Format. The AGS is also indebted to John Talbot who is stepping down as Leader of the Business Practice Working Group this year, having spent 12 years as an active member.

He will remain in the AGS, no doubt continuing to make a significant contribution, amongst his many other responsibilities.

If you’d like to register for Members’ Day, please request a booking form from ags@ ags.org.uk and complete it before Friday 30th March. I look forward to seeing many of you then.

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.

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 of 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 Neil Parry, AGS Chairman Ciaran Jennings, Forum Court Associates Caroline Kratz, Forum Court Associates Calum Spires, Equipe Group Julian Lovell, Equipe Group 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 and events received.

CONTACT US Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists Forum Court, Office 205 Devonshire House Business Centre, 29-31 Elmfield Road Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LT

 ags@ags.org.uk  020 8658 8212

Neil Parry AGS Chair

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

Inside this month’s issue

FEATURE PAGE 15



AGS Geotechnical Working Group

COVER STORY PAGE 20  A look at Brownfield Sites from Andy O’Dea of WSP; how tricky they can be and how best to approach them.

The AGS’ Geotechnical Working Group (GWG) is the youngest of our committees, having been formed at Members’ Day 2017.

Here the group’s Leader, Neil Chadwick, Associate, Geotechnics at Arup, introduces the group, outlines their current focus areas and information on how to join.

JOHN TALBOT: HONORARY LIFE MEMBER PAGE 18  A background on one of the AGS Business Working Group’s stalwarts.

Q & A: JULIAN LOVELL PAGE 26  The AGS Magazine conducts a Q & A with Equipe and S M Associates’ Julian Lovell.

GEOTECHNICAL SOIL TESTING SELECTION PAGE 32  The full guidance document is now availabile following a comprehensive review in 2018.

MORE INSIDE

PAGE 4-9 

News in Short: Incl. AGS Members Day 2018

PAGE 34 

Working Group Focus: Data Management & Loss Prevention

PAGE 36 

Standards Update

March / April 2018

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News in Short

AGS Members’ Day 2018 The AGS is pleased to announce the full programme for Members’ Day which is taking place on Wednesday 11th April at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

Celebrating 30 years of the AGS, this full day event will see a series of industry expert presentations, an extended Annual General Meeting, summary reports on each of the nine AGS Working Groups and Member awards.

Introduction Neil Parry, AGS Chair and Technical Director at Geotechnical Engineering Business Practice Working Group Report Sally Hudson, Regional Manager at Coffey Data Format Working Group Report Jackie Bland, IT Manager at Geotechnics Loss Prevention Working Group Report Hugh Mallet, Technical Director at BuroHappold Engineering

Contaminated Land Working Group Report Vivien Dent, Associate Technical Director, RSK Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes: Eurocode 7 in 202X Andrew Bond, Director at Geocentrix Safety Working Group Report Adam Latimer, Director at Ian Farmer Associates AGM and Awards Bridging the Gap between Investigation, Testing, Design and Construction – Case Study and Panel Discussion

Working with the new BS ISO 18504:2017 – Yuli Doulala-Rigby (Tensar International), Dr. Sustainable remediation Gary Fowmes (Warwick University), Dave Dr Paul Nathanail, Hutchinson (ex Network Rail), Tracey Radford Managing Director at Land Quality Management (Atkins), Jim Webster (Kier Chief Materials Engineer), Patrick Waterhouse (Bowdon Geotechnical Working Group Report Consulting) and Dimitris Xirouchakis (Structural Neil Chadwick, Soils).

Associate, Geotechnics at Arup Laboratories Working Group Report Dimitris Xirouchakis, Director of Laboratories at Structural Soils

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Panel discussion to be compered by Claire Smith (Editor of Ground Engineering Magazine).

Mineworking Remediation Scott O’Neill-Gwilliams, Technical Director at AECOM Legal issues in connection with the use of the AGS Digital Data format Guy Lane, Partner at BLM Closing Summary Neil Parry, AGS Chair and Technical Director at Geotechnical Engineering

To confirm your attendance please complete the AGS Members’ Day registration form 2018 and return it to ags@ags.org.uk before Friday 30th March. Up to three AGS Members may attend FOC. Additional Members may attend for the discounted rate of £75 plus VAT. Non-Member ticket prices are charged at £120 (plus VAT).

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Please note that registration forms received after Friday 30th March will not be accepted. For further information email ags@ags.org.uk

The top three AGS publications for March 2018 1. Health and Safety Risk Assessment for Ground Investigation 2. A Client’s Guide for the Purpose and Use of Geotechnical Reports 3. Site Investigation Asbestos Risk Assessment Ver 2.4 To download the publications for free; click here.

New Look AGS Website Launched Following feedback from the membership, we’re pleased to announce that the AGS website has been relaunched.

A magazine page has also been added, complete with filter functionality, allowing users to search for past publications on a year by year basis.

We’ve also integrated a magazine sign up functionality within the footer of each page,

making it simpler for new users to receive future copies of AGS Magazine.

If you have any feedback that you wish to make regarding the new look AGS website, please email ags@ags.org.uk

The new look site features a bolder, more streamline design thanks to the introduction of a wider colour palette, additional imagery and organised articles for easy viewing.

We’ve introduced a new Hot Topics section on the homepage, which features key articles, including the latest publications and events which may be of industry interest.

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knotweed that is on their property is not preventing neighbouring landowners from being able to sell their property for market value.

Photo of Japanese knotweed invading a site recorded during a walkover survey.

Damages can be claimed for costs of removing the Japanese knotweed or an order requiring the defendant to remove it, costs of any remedial works to the claimant’s property and diminution in value of the property.

Japanese Knotweed – Professionals should know the law and their responsibilities Japanese knotweed is a nonnative invasive bamboo-like plant that is very strong and grows incredibly quickly. It can cause damage to drains, paths, walls and foundations.

Many mortgage lenders will not agree to lend against a property that is located within 7m of the plant.

In the County Court case of Waistell v Network Rail (2017), Network Rail was ordered to pay compensation to two home owners whose properties backed on to Network Rail land which was

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rife with Japanese knotweed.

This case potentially opens the way for claims against owners of land containing Japanese knotweed and to property professionals advising them.

The AGS have published Loss Prevention Alert No 67 which reminds Members of the law relating to Japanese knotweed, describes the Waistell case and the reasoning behind the Court’s decision, and discusses the responsibility Members have relating to Japanese knotweed when advising their clients on the purchase of land or on construction activities.

AGS Members should also be aware of other invasive species such as giant hogweed which land owners could have a responsibility to control.

The case is significant as it holds landowners to account and imposes a positive duty on them to ensure that any

The full Loss Prevention Alert 67 – Japanese Knotweed – Professionals should know the law and their responsibilities can be downloaded here.

Further information on Japanese knotweed and related issues can be found on the following websites: Environment Agency (www. environment-agency.gov.uk) Scottish Environment Protection Agency (www.sepa. org.uk) Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (www.rics.org/ standards) UK Government (www.gov.uk/ guidance/prevent-japaneseknotweed-from-spreading) The Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association (www. innsa.org)

Article contributed by David Hutchinson AGS Honorary Member

www.terraconsult.co.uk

mailbox@terraconsult.co.uk

TerraConsult TerraConsult are a multidisciplinary geotechnical and environmental consultancy providing a wide range of services to the Construction, Energy, Waste & Extractive industries.

We undertake: ▪ site investigations ▪ geotechnical design ▪ contaminated land risk assessment ▪ hydrogeological and hydrological assessment ▪ remediation support and validation ▪ landfill development support We use the latest techniques for environmental risk assessment and risk mitigation.

TerraConsult are a global provider of consultancy, engineering and project support services to the waste management industry. We carry out feasibility studies, EIA, complex environmental risk assessments, design, permit application support, construction support and validation. TerraConsult supports waste operators throughout the lifecycle of sites, from the start of operations through to closure.

TerraConsult aim to help our clients secure additional value and to manage their risk. We advise our clients on major projects with multi-disciplinary teams that work under the direct guidance of leading professional experts in their field.

TerraConsult Ltd Unit 34 Bold Business Centre, Bold Lane, Sutton, St Helens, WA9 4TX Tel: +44 (0) 1925 291111

We are employee owned and committed to providing our client’s with high quality, cost effective and timely advice.

TerraConsult (South Office) Dugard House, Peartree Road Colchester, CO3 0UL Tel: +44 (0) 1206 585600

Our portfolio has sites located throughout the UK, EU, Middle East, South Asia and Africa.

AGS 3.1 Format to be retired from 8th March 2018 An earlier version of the digital data transfer format used to transfer ground investigation, laboratory testing and monitoring data rapidly between contributing parties to a geotechnical or geoenvironmental project will cease to be supported from 8th March 2018.

An earlier version of the digital data transfer format used to transfer ground investigation, laboratory testing and monitoring data rapidly between contributing parties to a geotechnical or geoenvironmental project will cease to be supported from 8th March 2018.

Version 3.1a of the Association of Geotechnical and

Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) digital data transfer format, the so called ‘AGS Format’, was published in March 2005 and has been widely adopted within the ground engineering industry.

In May 2010 version 4 of the AGS Format was published,and has been gaining users and popularity since then. The latest 4.0.4 update was released in February 2017 in response to new laboratory industry standards and updated UK practice, and contains many features that are not available in the old 3.1 version.

The maintenance and updating of the AGS Format is carried out by a working group of volunteers.

The decision to retire AGS 3.1 has been taken in order to allow the working group more time

for future developments, and to speed up the response times to queries posted on the website.

Jackie Bland, Leader of the AGS Data Management Working Group said: “This does not mean that industry colleagues will have to stop using the AGS 3.1 format, but it simply means that the working group will no longer respond to queries on 3.1 or its associated codes.

This should free up time to provide a swifter response to queries related to AGS4, which should now be the go-to choice for the efficient transfer of ground investigation, laboratory testing and monitoring data.”

AGS Ground Risk Conference: Save the Date The AGS is organising a conference on ground risk, which will investigate the current risks associated within the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sector. This is being part-organised by our Contaminated Land and

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Geotechnical Working Group Leaders, Vivien Dent (RSK) and Neil Chadwick (Arup).

This full day event will take place at London’s Cavendish Conference Centre on

Wednesday 12th September and will be open to both members and non-members of the AGS. Further information will be released in due course.

New AGS Members The AGS are delighted to announce two new members have recently been accepted by the Membership Panel and approved by the Senate

– Central Alliance Pre-Construction Services and Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions.

Full details of membership criteria can be found at http://www.ags.org.uk/about/become-amember/

Len Threadgold awarded the John Mitchell Medal

awarded by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) to an individual for significant contributions in the world of geotechnical engineering.

The AGS would like to congratulate Len Threadgold, Geotechnics Chairman, who was awarded the John Mitchell Medal in October 2017.

Len, who has been involved in geotechnical work for over half a century, presented his John Mitchell Lecture - Re-thinking site investigation design, practice and procurement in London on 24th January 2018.

The John Mitchell Medal is

Supporting the Aldous Bill The AGS have joined a confederation of almost 70 trade bodies and industry groups to back the so-called ‘Aldous Bill.’

the construction industry is haemorrhaging almost £1 million of cash retentions.

This statistic alone justifies urgent intervention The aim of the Aldous Bill (named after Peter to ring-fence the monies, but in the Aldous MP who aftermath of the Carillion introduced it), is to liquidation, there is ... here in the UK, recent change the practice an unprecedented government research of retentions and campaign from the protect monies from indicated that £700 million worth industry calling on insolvency; hopefully government to act. of retentions was lost as a result releasing millions of Proposals to stop the of insolvencies over the past pounds back into the abuse of retentions three years. industry. To put it into have been made perspective, the abuse of before, but in January retentions has been abandoned by many other 2018 the Aldous Bill passed its first reading countries, including the USA, Germany, France, unopposed and as we approach the second New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Yet here in reading on April 27th ‘Aldous Bill’ has the broad the UK, recent government research indicated backing of many industry associations, and that £700 million worth of retentions was lost cross-party support from over 100 MPs. as a result of insolvencies over the past three For further information, visit the BESA website. years. This means that for each working day,

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March / April 2018

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Making a Difference

A look at some of our members’ who volunteer outside of the AGS to make positive change for the industry

W

ith over 130 different member companies, the AGS has a huge network of talented and influential practitioners which form the Association and its nine different working groups.

Our practitioners don’t just look to improve best practice within the AGS; they work to improve and enhance the industry as a

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whole by working across numerous external committees and working groups.

AGS Secretariat, Katie Kennedy, speaks to 10 of our Working Group members to see what committees outside of the AGS they belong to, and how they hope to improve our industry for the better.

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RoGEP (UK Register of Ground Engineering Professionals) www.ukrogep.org.uk

As the Chair of RoGEP since it was established 10 years ago, Jim’s role includes the general management of the association, attending up to eight meetings a year and reviewing membership applications.

Jim Cook •

Director at Geotechnical Services Bureau

•

Past AGS Chairman, past Treasurer and current Member of the AGS Senate

Jim is currently developing RoGEP to include technician and incorporated engineer levels, and to open the organisation to Irish chartered engineers and professional geologists.

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Ken Ma r s h •

Director at Ian Farmer Associates

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Member of the AGS Senate and Business Practice Working Group

Neil Hol ford •

Technical Manager at SOCOTEC UK

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Member of the AGS Laboratories Working Group

Ground Forum ground-forum.org.uk

Ken is the immediate past Chair of the Ground Forum and is also involved with the CIC Council and Parliamentary & Scientific Committee.

He believes it is important for the industry to be represented at the highest level and to lobby key industry issues to this form. The Ground •

UKAS Construction Industry Technical Advisory Committee www.ukas.com/about/ our-structure/technicalcommittees

Neil believes it is important to be involved with this

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European Ground Engineering Organisation

Jim is working with the European Ground Engineering Organisation to develop “levels of competence” and a “common platform” for undertaking ground engineering work in accordance with EC7 Part 1.

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The Geological Society www.geolsoc.org.uk

As a Scrutineer for the Geological Society, Jim is called upon several times a year to interview candidates for chartership. This involves reviewing candidate applications followed by an indepth face to face interview.

Forum / CIC link enables this, and the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee provides an opportunity to present key industry issues to Parliamentarians.

His involvement with the Ground Forum includes attending four meetings a year plus additional time preparing for meetings and completing actions.

committee to ensure the AGS has a voice and is made aware of industry developments and related issues. Being on the UKAS Construction Industry Technical Advisory Committee involves attending up to two meetings each year which take place at UKAS HQ.  March / April 2018

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Adam Lat i me r •

Operations Director at Ian Farmer Associates

•

Leader of the AGS Safety Working Group

Adam is the AGS’ representative at the BGA; the principal association for geotechnical engineers in the United Kingdom.

Adam believes it is important

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Roge r Cla r k •

Director at Marlowclark Consulting Ltd

•

Member of the AGS Contaminated Land Working Group

BGA (British Geotechnical Association) www.britishgeotech.org

AGS Director for SiLC and AGS representative for SiLC PTP (Professional and Technical Panel) www.silc.org.uk

Roger believes it is important to be involved with SiLC to assist in the professional development in the land contamination field. He also feels that as the profession has supported him over the years, he wants to give something back to the industry.

Roger plays a hugely active

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Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum (GAOF) www.ciria.org/gaof

David’s involvement with the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum includes attending up to four meetings a year.

Dav id Hutch i n son •

Honorary Member of the AGS

•

Member of the AGS Loss Prevention Working Group

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These meetings are attended by representatives from organisations such as Highways England, Network

that all working groups and committees work collaboratively to improve the industry, and that knowledge sharing between groups is invaluable.

His involvement with the BGA includes attending regular technical meetings and events with other learned groups.

role within SiLC. This includes attending regular SiLC Board and PTP meetings, carrying out interviews, drafting Disciplinary Procedures for SQPs, coordinating the new assessors, participating in the Marketing Sub-Committee and developing a SiLC Affiliate Scheme. Roger is also a member of the Exam SubCommittee so is instrumental in setting examine questions and ‘Answer Guidelines’ for each exam and assessing/ marking completed candidates’ exam papers.

Rail, London Underground, Canals and Rivers Trust, ADEPT and HS2.

He believes involvement with this forum helps the communication and the sharing of knowledge between UK infrastructure owners which should benefit the UK by more efficient use of its resources.

committee involved with the update and rewriting of BS EN ISO 22475-1 • •

Committee member of the Engineering Group of the Geological Society www.geolsoc.org.uk/ engineering

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Committee member of Ground Forum ground-forum.org.uk

Matt hew Ba ldwi n •

Technical Director at Soil Engineering

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Immediate past AGS Chair and Member of the Senate, Executive Committee and Business Practice Working Group

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A convenor for Task Group 1 of Working Group 2 of the TC250 SC7 group, tasked with the update and rewriting of Eurocode 7

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Lead UK expert for ISOTC182-WG4, which is the

Tim Ca r r i ng ton •

•

•

Member of B526 03 on Ground Investigation

Matthew explains that although many industry practitioners feel the geotechnical and ground investigation sector is slowmoving, European and international standards are constantly changing. Over the past five years, there

and Geotechnics Committee affiliated to Society of Underwater technology (OSIG) www.sut.org/specialistinterest-group/ osig-offshore-siteinvestigation-andgeotechnics/

Head of Geotechnical Tim and the OSIG committee Services at Fugro GB Marine meet four times a year and Ltd produce industry guidance notes, run training courses Member of the AGS on offshore geotechnics and Laboratories Working geophysics, and organise an Group international conference on a Technical Panel working 4-yearly basis. on ISO19901-8 Marine Soil Investigations and He also sits on the ISO19901-8 Offshore Site Investigation

have been more standards published (that affect these sectors), than were published in the past thirty years.

He believes it is vital for UK practitioners to make their views known in terms of the technical content of these standards and has joined the above committees where he feels he can make a positive contribution.

Matthew attends a large volume of meetings over the year as well as teleconference calls to allow for progress to be monitored. He gives up a significant proportion of his time to review and update existing standards and documents. He also plays a role alerting the AGS and the wider industry of new initiatives and trends.

Marine Soil Investigations and Offshore Site Investigation panel, which meet in person annually. Currently, the panel are starting on the first revision to the standard, expected for publication in 2020. Sub-committees of the panel will hold video conference calls on a quarterly basis to review and propose updates to the different chapters and annexes of the standard. Tim feels that it is important to make sure the ISO standards reflect the capabilities and the needs of the industry and his involvement within the standard allows the AGS to have a voice.

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Seamus Lef royBro oks • •

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Principal at LBH Wembley

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Chair Elect of CL:AIRE TRG

The CL:AIRE Technology Past AGS Chair and Member and Research Group (TRG) of the Contaminated supports CL:AIRE on issues Land and Loss Prevention associated with technology Working Groups development, providing Land Forum – Chair guidance on issues relating of Land Forum NQMS to sustainable land reuse and Steering Panel offering strategic review and www.claire.co.uk/ steering functions for all its projects-and-initiatives/ activities. land-forum

Ch r i s Ra i son •

The Land Forum brings central government departments together with the devolved administrations, local authorities, expert agencies and industry organisations (including the AGS) to discuss issues of brownfield development.

The Forum also oversees and coordinates contaminated land and brownfield policy and encourages the exchange of best practice and knowledge.

Director at Raison Foster Associates

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•

Member of the AGS Senate and Geotechnical Working Group

•

BSI B/526 Geotechnics, TC250/SC7/WG3/ TG3 Piling and TC250/ SC7/WG3/TG7 Ground Improvement

Focusing on the evolution and development of British and European Standards within the geotechnical and foundation areas, Chris works as a convenor and UK principal expert covering pile design within

•

JIWG – Joint Industry Working Group on Asbestos in Soil

The JIWG brings together the asbestos management, occupational hygiene and brownfield management sectors along with the HSE & HSL to promote the development of a consistent and harmonised approach to the regulation, investigation, analysis, assessment and management of asbestos in soil.

Seamus is also involved on the BSI 526/03 “Site Investigation and ground testing”, EIC Contaminated Land Working Group, EIC Waste Management Group and BS 8485 Drafting Committee “Code of practice for the design of protective measures for methane and carbon dioxide ground gases for new buildings”.

TG3, and as a UK member of the TG7 task group.

His involvement includes attending regular meetings and the review of drafts and proposals for revisions to existing standards.

The groups also involve discussions with experts across the UK and Europe and providing feedback to other UK associations including the Federation of Piling Specialists, the British Geotechnical Association and the Midland Geotechnical Society.

Wood Wharf © Daniel Imade, Arup

An introduction to the new AGS Geotechnical Working Group

T

he AGS’ Geotechnical Working Group (GWG) is the youngest of our committees, having been formed at Members’ Day 2017. Here the group’s Leader, Neil Chadwick, Associate, Geotechnics at Arup, introduces the group, outlines their current focus areas and how to join.

WHO ARE WE? Our Terms of Reference establish the overall aims of the AGS Geotechnical Working Group.

These are as follows:

“To promote technical excellence to the wider geotechnical engineering professional community and to raise general awareness of the need for geotechnical engineering input to all construction projects and land asset management to clients and asset owners.”

As the name of the groups suggests, the subject area is potentially very wide. However, parts of it are already served by other industry groups, such as the Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS). Where there is overlap

 March / April 2018

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Canary Wharf Riverside South © Daniel Clements, Arup

conflicting opinions! We will look more closely with other bodies we will seek to supplement at this with a view to producing definitive rather than duplicate, with the intention guidance. of establishing mutually beneficial relationships.

We will be In practice we expect ground investigation and geotechnical design to feature prominently in our work.

Having said that, geotechnical construction, monitoring and asset management will certainly be on our radar.

“ supporting the

work of the Safety Working Group relating to trial pitting and, in particular, soakaway testing.

It is early days for the group with only three meetings held so far, but we have already identified some tasks for us to work on:

BEST PRACTICE FOR SPECIFYING TRIAXIAL TESTING Should we test 3 x 38mm diameter specimens, or do a single test on a 100mm specimen? Or do both have their place? We have identified some possible inconsistency, confusion and

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TRIAL PITS AND SOAKAWAY TESTS

We will be supporting the work of the Safety Working Group relating to trial pitting and, in particular, soakaway testing.

For the latter we will be looking at the technical aspects, i.e. does the test provide good information, what alternatives are currently available and what alternatives could be developed in the future?

THE FUTURE OF GROUND INVESTIGATION Are prevailing practices in ground investigation ‘fit for purpose’? This was a question posed in the recent AGS/BDA* Task Force survey and

The Pinnacle Š Daniel Clements, Arup

the response received compels us to consider it further.

been drawn from the AGS membership with both consultants and contractors of various sizes represented. The intention is to meet Cable percussion boring will inevitably be a four times a year, generally in London, with topic of interest, but we will members working on tasks also be looking at sampling individually or in small Our initial work and testing generally. Our groups. We have received a will focus on the initial work will focus on the few expressions of interest technical case: what technical case: what do we but we are still looking for need from our investigations, do we need from our additional members. If you and do current techniques are interested in joining investigations, and do satisfy those needs? the GWG please email us at current techniques ags@ags.org.uk.

We think it likely that this

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satisfy those needs?

task will grow in size and complexity, requiring input from other AGS groups, especially Safety.

We are well aware that this is a contentious and sometimes emotive subject and we will approach it accordingly. Watch this space!

JOIN THE GEOTECHNICAL WORKING GROUP

* British Drilling Association

Article contributed by Neil Chadwick Associate, Geotechnics Arup

We currently have a group of 13 which has

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John Talbot: Honorary Life Member of the AGS

J

•

ohn Talbot, one of the AGS’s longer serving members, is stepping down as Leader of the Business Practice Working Group in April 2018, following 12 years of service to the committee, the last three of which he was its Leader.

Having been a member of the AGS for over 28 years, John has been closely involved for the last 5 years with the updating of AGS governance, which involved producing a huge volume of documents. Here, we look at John’s history within the AGS and some of his contributions and changes he’s helped to make for the industry: • • • • •

•

2006: became a member of the Business Practice Working Group 2011-12: drafted the AGS Code of Business Conduct 2013: drafted new Membership Bye-laws, with the assistance of Diane Jennings 2013-2014: developed a new and rational model for the AGS annual subscriptions 2014: appointed an Honorary Life Member of the AGS in recognition of his sustained contributions to AGS matters 2015: drafted the new AGS bye-laws in collaboration with Andrew Milne, which generated; • the removal of the Executive Committee and the introduction of the AGS Senate in its place 2016

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• • • • • •

•

the introduction of the AGS Executive Council 2016 • new membership categories and production of the associated revised and additional membership application forms 2016 2015-2017: drafted the new Articles of Association with Johanna Jennings 2015-2018: Chairman/Leader of the Business Practice Working Group 2015-2018: revived liaison with AGS Hong Kong 2016: drafted the AGS Complaints Procedure 2016: instigated registration of AGS for tax relief on members’ subscriptions 2016: wrote the Terms of Reference & modus operandi for most of the AGS’ Working Groups, committees and panels, based on the newly instated bye-laws 2017: presented with the first Senate Award in recognition of his further contributions to modernising the governance of AGS

We spoke to John before his biannual trip to Hong Kong, when he hopes to be talking to AGS HK, in continuation of our liaison with them, and managed to extract the following snippet: “I suppose that the greatest challenge during my 12-year membership of the BPWG has been the updating of the Association’s governance. The review of the AGS and its future direction that took place in 2012-15,

enabled the production of completely new Bye-laws in collaboration with Andrew Mine. These led to the need to rewrite the Articles of Association (with Johanna Jennings) to ensure that the two documents were mutually aligned.

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Working Group and the Executive Committee where a very considerable amount of fingernail biting resulted.

However, in the event and to our immense relief, we were given a very easy ride by the AGS Members at the AGMs, when the two governing documents were voted for acceptance, effectively without quibble – huge sighs of relief all round, not to mention profound thanks to the AGM attendees for their positive support!”

... the greatest challenge during my 12-year membership of the BPWG has been the updating of the Association’s governance.

Sitting quietly, researching and bashing a keyboard to draft these documents, with their concomitant revisions, changes of thought and amendments, was as nothing when compared to the prospect of putting both the Bye-laws and the new Articles to the vote at successive AGMs. All sorts of possible nightmare scenarios were envisaged, of argumentative – even vitriolic – ‘discussions’ that might potentially happen.

This impacted adversely not only on those of us who had written the drafts, but on the entire membership of both the Business Practice

John is also the current Vice-President Chartership of the Geological Society and Chair if its Professional Accreditation Chartership Committees. In his ‘spare time’ he is a Director and Trustee of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, dedicated to restoring a 19th century derelict canal in Surrey and West Sussex.

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EMS66593

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Unlocking Complex Brown A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

P

rojects involving Brownfield Sites can be extremely troublesome to navigate and master. Andy O’Dea, Technical Director of Ground Risk and Remediation at WSP has extensive experience in this area and is able to offer his and WSP’s approach to this tricky subject.

of a group, especially when effective and efficient”. This is the nub of WSP’s approach to unlocking complex brownfield sites essentially, how to use effective teamwork, across disciplines and technical specialisms to deliver significant and tangible benefits in the land development projects we work on.

A Team Approach to Unlocking Complex Brownfield Sites

Where are all the Brownfield Sites?

As engineers, geologists and environmental consultants, a large part of our careers is spent working in teams. It allows us to work across different disciplines, companies and sectors; it allows us to work with technical specialists, planners, clients and regulators. The dictionary definition of teamwork is “the combined action

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Magazine

The Housing & Planning Act 2016 put in place regulations to ‘prepare, maintain and publish a register of land’, effectively a ‘Brownfield Register’, by the end of 2017. The Act compels local authorities to keep a comprehensive register of brownfield sites suitable for redevelopment for housing. Once identified, the local authority will be responsible for

make it into Part 2 of the Brownfield Register, thereby streamlining the planning process on these complex sites. The Government is hoping that this streamlined planning process will open up more sites for housing development and speed up granting of planning consent.

Keeping this in mind, we think that the introduction of the Brownfield Register will allow us to take a more integrated approach to the assessment of development constraints including potential constraints related to contamination and ground risks in general.

nfield Sites

Initial Indications from the Brownfield Register

securing planning consent on 90% of suitable brownfield land by 2020.

There are a number of criteria that must be satisfied before land can be included in the brownfield register. Most importantly, it must be capable of development and be free from constraints that cannot be mitigated. This will need to be supported by strong evidence of the mitigation of development constraints.

All local authorities in England were required to prepare, maintain and publish their brownfield registers by 31 December 2017 and the vast majority have done so. The information in the registers is showing some very interesting trends.

Act compels “ The local authorities to

keep a comprehensive register of brownfield sites suitable for redevelopment for housing.

Importantly, the legislation provides ‘Permission in Principle’ status for sites that

In the initial pilot study phase of the publication of the register, 53 local authorities identified ‘suitable sites’ that could provide 273,000 homes. If this is scaled up to a national level, then suitable sites could provide some 1.1

million homes.

We have reviewed the content of the initial pilot study registers. We have looked closely

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21



Fig 1: Early fixing of a masterplan (right) can lead to an inefficient and costly scheme.

Developing the masterplan in clear sight of the technical constraints (right) will lead to a far more cost effective and sustainable development. at local authorities located in the South East with a focus on 12 of them. Within these 12 registers, there are 773 sites representing delivery of 44,474 residential units. However, of these, some 63% already have planning permission in place or pending.

Referring to one particular Local Authority register, Medway Council, it has a respectable 45 sites with 1,325 units. However, 35 of these sites are less than 1 hectare, 25 sites are less than 0.25 hectares and, most importantly, 35 sites already have planning permission in place.

and developers the tools to bring brownfield land back into beneficial use.

It is also worth noting that where remediation costs make marginal sites unviable there are emerging funds from Government to support these through the Marginal Viability Fund.

A Constraints-Led Approach to Masterplan Development

In the Brownfield Register, we now have a potential In relation to the The Brownfield Register for Brownfield Register, repository of brownfield land that is free from constraints the City of Westminster we feel that there has that cannot be mitigated shows a similar trend. It been a good start but and doesn’t currently have identifies 101 sites within the much more needs to be planning consent. Next, Borough with a total plan we need to develop an area of almost 35 hectares done... appropriate masterplan that that could deliver over 6,000 will maximise the value and units. However, 72 of these sites, potential of the site. representing 17 hectares and almost 3,500 units, already have full planning permission in All too often, sites are presented to technical place or pending. advisors where the masterplan has been fixed before the contamination and other So, this raises some important questions. How technical assessments have been carried much new land, without planning consent, will out. The masterplan is set, the development actually come forward from the publication of constraints are understood, and then the bun the brownfield registers? Additionally, with fight starts over how the conflicting technical a large proportion of sites identified being requirements of the project can be met. For less than 0.25 hectares, outside of the major example, one paradox that we regularly see in metropolitan areas, will these smaller sites conditioned planning consents is a condition really be of interest to developers? maximising the use of SuDS in the drainage In relation to the Brownfield Register, we feel scheme with a second condition prohibiting that there has been a good start but much infiltration drainage through made ground. A more needs to be done to give local authorities clear conflict!

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Fig 2: Typical technical disciplines and development constraints on brownfield land (right) A far better approach, a far more cost effective and sustainable approach, is one where the development constraints are screened and assessed and then mapped. Only at that stage is a targeted masterplan developed, working with the identified constraints. This is something that is strongly promoted by Homes England (formerly the HCA). We have worked closely with them in developing an early screening tool that looks at all development constraints and only then will they decide on the proposed masterplan and site failed. The site was being mix of uses. The result is a redeveloped for mixed masterplan that works with Decisions we make residential, commercial and the potential development on contamination industrial use as the works constraints on a site rather remediation may have were no longer viable and than battling against them a significant impact on the processes were some 40 with a ‘fixed’ masterplan. the foundation solution years old.

“

Many of these constraints are for buildings...

This site had huge interconnected and cannot be development potential treated in isolation. Decisions but also came with some we make on contamination significant development constraints. All the remediation may have a significant impact buildings needed to be decommissioned and on the foundation solution for buildings, the demolished; it had a flooding stream running design of road pavements, flood risk mitigation along one boundary; there were sensitive or ecological protection and enhancement. ecological receptors on adjacent land and it had Contamination remediation for domestic some major geotechnical and contamination gardens, for example, is likely to be simpler and issues in the ground. of lower cost if the planning consultant doesn’t decide at an early stage to put them over the In arriving at the original masterplan, it seems most heavily contaminated part of the site. that very little consideration was taken of any of these potential constraints…

How NOT to Masterplan a Brownfield Site

Inefficient masterplanning of complex brownfield sites that fails to unlock their potential appears all too frequently. Take, for example, a 12 hectare, former chlorine manufacturing site that was presented to WSP after the first attempt at masterplanning the

• The housing was placed in the location of greatest mercury soil contamination.

• The heavily loaded commercial buildings were located in an area of weak alluvial soils.

•

The ground level car park was located

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23

close to the adjacent sensitive ecological receptors.

were allocated to public open space.

• The car park for the commercial element was moved away from the ecologically sensitive area and into the area of greatest flood risk, allowing for temporary flooding of the car park in the design.

Abnormal development costs has been estimated at £20m with a long programme of ecological, contamination and ground improvement mitigation measures.

Discussions with the local planning authority had The Client knew been tense and fraught with that there had to be difficulties, adding further to development costs and a better solution and programme. so went looking for

“

•

The area of mercury soil contamination was allocated for car parking reducing the remediation requirements.

• The commercial buildings were moved away from the alternative advice.

The Client knew that there areas of soft alluvial soils, had to be a better solution and thereby reducing abnormal so went looking for alternative foundation requirements. advice. This is where WSP became involved.

At the outset, we gathered the whole project team at a workshop to openly talk through the Client’s aspirations, the scheme proposals and the development constraints. A number of low cost, initial technical assessments were carried out to understand the key issues. Through this collaborative approach, a development constraints plan was produced that led to a much improved masterplan. This revised masterplan allowed us to work with the constraints rather than against them, often turning them into opportunities: • The high sensitivity residential element was moved to a less contaminated area of the site and away from the area of greatest flood risk.

•

The areas of greatest ecological interest

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The Council were involved at an early stage in the discussions and played an important part in developing the revised masterplan.

This approach locked in their full buy-in and approval of the scheme from the outset.

Overall, remediation costs were reduced by 80% and ground improvement, ecological and flood mitigation works were removed almost entirely.

The Opportunity for Developers and their Advisors The Housing Minister has said that The Housing and Planning Act will be a catalyst for regeneration by simplifying and speeding up the planning process and unlocking brownfield sites for redevelopment that would otherwise be constrained or passed over. The Act is

Fig 3: The cornerstones of unlocking the potential of complex brownfield sites (right) designed to kick start a national crusade (no less) to get 1 million new homes built by 2020 with a concentrated focus on brownfield regeneration. There is a great opportunity for our whole industry to contribute to this aspiration with a sustainable, collaborative and solutions-led approach to land regeneration.

The opportunity for land developers is clearly around the effectiveness and efficiency of addressing development constraints in this way, and the associated programme and costs savings. The opportunity also lies in sites being included in the Brownfield Register and obtaining Permission in Principle through that designation.

Teamwork Using the integrated multi-disciplinary approach outlined above, we see a great opportunity to improve the outcomes of the masterplanning process. WSP’s view is that early screening and ranking of the technical risks is critical to understanding development priorities. We also feel that early collaboration is essential to achieving our clients’ development aspirations – get around the table and talk!

The industry needs to challenge development strategies for difficult sites and innovate in our solutions to address complex development constraints. And we need to engage with the regulators and planning authorities to get them on side and address their concerns.

In essence, there are three simple concepts we feel should be considered on all brownfield site developments: 1.

Carry out technical screening at the earliest opportunity so you don’t paint yourself into a corner with a constrained masterplan.

2.

Ensure that the project technical advisers operate as an integrated team, talking across disciplines and consulting with regulators to identify and address development constraints as early as possible in the process.

3.

Aim for positive development outcomes using the team’s expertise to work with potential development constraints rather than against them.

As mentioned at the outset, the results of teamwork can be measured against the effectiveness and efficiency of the outcome.

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” - Henry Ford.

Useful advice in car manufacturing and also in unlocking complex brownfield sites.

Article contributed by Andy O’Dea Technical Director, Ground Risk & Remediation WSP

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Q & A with...

Julian Lovell

BSc (Hons), FGS, PTLLS Job Title: Managing Director Company: Equipe Group and S M Associates Brief Biography: I obtained a 2:1 Honours degree in Applied Geology from Plymouth Polytechnic in 1990 and immediately started my geotechnical career as an Assistant Engineering Geologist for Soil Mechanics Associates.

I was ‘head hunted’ (well that’s what I like to call it) by the contracting division and over the following 15 years steadily progressed to Board level.

In 2008, when the company became part of a much larger organisation and lost its focus I decided to leave and set up Equipe which has now been established for nearly ten years.

I have always been keen to help promote and move the industry forward and so have also been involved with the AGS and BDA for over 15 years now.

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What or who inspired you to join the geotechnical industry?

The first decision I have to The reality is that I fell into make is to what office or geotechnics as my geology site should I go that day. I course at Plymouth was always have to weigh up more aimed at the petroleum the practicalities industry. So of sorting out whilst many technical and ... I was of my peers commercial continually became aspects of our inspired as I was mud loggers work with the surrounded and offshore I day to day role wanted to supported by people of overseeing stay on terra who were simply just and keeping firma and so my companies good at their job... had to weigh solvent and up joining operational.

Soil Mechanics, a ground This clearly is very varied investigation company or the National Rivers Authority (now and each day can include aspects from tendering the Environment Agency). for work, paying suppliers, However, once at Soil chasing payments, speaking Mechanics I was continually to trainers, logging, mentoring inspired as I was surrounded and strategic decisions. and supported by people who Oh, and somewhere I have to fit were simply just good at their in my work for AGS! job and cared about doing the job right. I am lucky that some Are there any projects of them are still around for which you’re particularly advice now but alas not all.

“

What does a typical day entail?

Where do I start? I can honestly say that no one day is the same.

proud to have been a part of?

I have been lucky enough to have been involved in many interesting geotechnical projects including Sellafield



Practical, hands-on learning during one of Equipe’s popular Soil Description Workshops

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Geotechnica - The UK’s Largest Geotechnical Conference and Exhibition

Deep Repository where we cored to 2km as well as numerous logistically and technically challenging projects including M1, M25, M3 & M4 Widening projects, GCHQ, Kings Cross, Rugby Remodelling to name a few.

your role?

innovation and The challenges provides no incentive at business to invest level are to develop whether products and deliver that be in services which break equipment or people. the mould and at a

“

My aim for the last 10 years has been to assist where I can to move the industry forward higher level...

The challenges I am also particularly proud of whether at business what Equipe has achieved in through training, level are to develop products the last ten years especially promotion or innovation. and deliver services which the training I frequently feel break the mould and at a courses, I frequently that most of higher level to help elevate innovative feel that most of the industry the industry so that procurers products and the industry is slow is slow to recognise its value.

Geotechnica change but to change but often - the UK’s What AGS Working often through through no fault of largest Groups are you a Member no fault of geotehcnical its own... of and what are your its own it is conference and current focuses? strapped by exhibition. the procurement of work by I have been involved in the What are the most lowest price and not quality.

Safety Working Group and the challenging aspects of This massively restricts

“

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Magazine

and visibility of all of the good large sites but focus is always This is often things the AGS does and would not for our to develop a challenge as like to do more of moving specialist and and maintain often transient forward. succinct most occupational operations. industry safety and health What do you enjoy most related regulations I am also about being an AGS guidance a current Member? require a level of which is both member of interpretation to pragmatic and I really enjoy networking the Business compliant. relate them to our and working with other likePractice This is often minded people who want to workplace and Working a challenge make a difference. activities.

Group, as most Executive I also like the fact that the occupational Committee, committees and safety and health regulations and Senate working groups require a level of interpretation I really enjoy where all are inclusive to relate them to our aspects of the networking and and want a workplace and activities. association working with other representation are discussed, Representing a specialist across the like-minded people healthily industry which is often on the who want to make a sectors and debated and fringes of construction adds specialisms. difference. agreed. The another level of complexity It is not a club current focus and we sometimes fall foul of or an old interpretations which work on is to improve the marketing ď Ž

“

“

March / April 2018

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Specialist Geotechnical Foundation Design training delivered by Equipe Training Ltd

boys network, it is a trade association which tries very hard to represent the industry and deliver tangible benefits.

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which AGS produces is up to date and at the forefront.

The AGS is the only body which actively represents the best interests of both the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sectors...

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

The quality of both the safety and commercial guidance is very useful.

The AGS is the only body which actively represents the best interests of both the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sectors and addresses both commercial and technical issues.

The collaboration with other associations and bodies means that members can have reliance that the information

It is the only body which includes consultants, contractors and clients across these sectors.

What do you find beneficial about being an AGS Member?

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The AGS is also the largest contributor to industry guidance and Standards which helps these to become workable documents and not detrimental to UK practice.

What changes would you like to see implemented in the geotechnical industry?

I would like to see a better understanding and compliance to the British Standards as I believe that this will improve the efficiency and quality of what we do as an industry.

Whilst we have Class 1 samples being specified using sampling techniques which will not achieve them and laboratory tests being scheduled on inappropriate samples there is room for improvement.

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You can meet representatives from every sector of the industry and most (if not all) of the largest and most influential players. From clients to contractors, laboratories to geophysicists - every corner of the geotechnical community is represented. Expect to see the industry’s brightest and best minds, as well as some excellent product manufacturers and suppliers.

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C o m m u n i c a t e with industry leading practitioners, academia, suppliers and manufacturers.

P r o m o t e your specialist services, latest products and innovations.

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AGS Guide to...

The Selection of Geotechnical Soil Laboratory Testing

I

“

After a slightly guide is being published in t was at a fateful AGS electronic format and is Committee meeting in longer than available to download from 2015 that John Powell anticipated gestation the AGS website. from Geolabs suggested period, the AGS is that the AGS guide: The The updating of the guide has pleased to announce Selection of Geotechnical Soil had its challenges – not least the publication of the Laboratory Testing might because no electronic version require some updating.

2018 version of the of the original publication The genesis of the guide guide... could be found and neither stretches back some 25 years were there originals of the to a previous AGS Committee numerous figure available. The remit from meeting in 1993 where the need for such a the AGS Committee was simply to update the guide was identified. Some 5 years later, with guide where necessary and not to re-write contributions from over 20 individuals the first the document. Therefore whilst the text has edition of the guide was published in 1998. been updated by and large most of the original figures and the overall format of the document After a slightly longer than anticipated have been retained. gestation period, the AGS is pleased to announce the publication of the 2018 version When the working group embarked on a of the guide. Like most AGS publications, the 32

Magazine

review of the guide it was heartening to have colleagues offering well-thumbed and slightly dog-eared versions of the guide to start the laborious task of scanning and retyping the document. Clearly many practicing engineers had regularly consulted the guide when preparing specifications and scheduling laboratory testing.

“

One of the key drivers in updating the guide was to reflect the gradual withdrawal of BS1377 and its replacement with BS EN 17892 in its various parts.

One of the key drivers in updating the guide was to reflect the gradual withdrawal of BS1377 and its replacement with BS EN 17892 in its various parts.

The AGS recognises the evolving situation with regard to the publication of European standards and it is anticipated that periodic updates of the document will undertake to reflect this. The original publication includes a significant list of references, not just British Standards but also a significant number of ASTM as well as Russian, Danish and other national standards. The 2018 version cites the latest version of these standards.

Despite the fact that 20 years have elapsed since the first edition there are very few innovations and new forms of test that have emerged in the interim. This perhaps reflects the fact that the 1998 edition of the guide covered all of the modern testing techniques that were available at the time such as various small strain testing techniques, the use of bender elements and resonant column testing.

The contents list of the 2018 edition will be familiar to users of the 1998 edition. Changes of note include the re-titling of Chapter 8 which is now ‘Testing of Anthropogenic Soils’ and Chapter 9 –which is ‘Tests for Special Applications’. Chapter 9 is now split into two sections. The short section 9.1 on ‘Special Testing’ includes tests not readily included

elsewhere in the guide, for example durability and testing of stabilised soils.

However the majority of Chapter 9 comprises section 9.2 Advanced Geotechnical Testing. This section has been substantially reviewed updated and expanded and the original 14 pages of text now runs to some 20 pages.

The AGS has Professor Chris Clayton to thank for producing this part of the guide – which not only benefits from Chris’s personal experience and knowledge but includes input from internationally renowned experts who Chris was able to call upon for their opinion and input. We are confident that experienced practitioners and those relatively new to the industry alike will find this a useful reference document for those contemplating use of advanced triaxial testing as part of their ground investigation.

Special thanks are extended to fellow members of the task group. Lynne Llewellyn (Structural Soils) and Geraint Williams (ALS Global) for updating several chapters as well asa dealing with many of the formatting challenges.

It is not intended that a further 20 years will elapse before the next version of the guide is published and the baton for the next update has already been handed to Neil Chadwick and the recently formed AGS Geotechnical Working Group.

The AGS Guide: The Selection of Geotechnical Soil Laboratory Testing can be downloaded here.

Article contributed by Peter Boyd, Operations Director, Ground Engineering, AECOM

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AGS Working Group Focus

Data Management Overview Group will be doing during the next five years. The plan was drafted in this meeting.

Image Credit: Geotechnics Ltd

The first AGS Data Management Working Group meeting of 2018 took place on 7th March 2018 and the Data Management Leader, Jackie Bland of Geotechnics, has provided an update on the top three current issues the Data Management Working Group are discussing.

1. 5 Year Plan The Data Management Working Group have been discussing their five year plan, in order to know what the 34

Magazine

laboratories - if there is no code available for a specific contaminant, then no data can be transferred. The AGS 2. AGSi / Ground Modelling Laboratories Working Group and AGS Contaminated Land Transferring ground models Working Groups have been is a holy grail for the Data informed of this issue and Management Working have agreed to take over the Group and the topic has been process of authorising the discussed on and off for the codes. However, last five guidelines The subyears. The will need to sub-group group working be drafted working on on this issue has before this can this issue has been recently happen. been recently

“

reassembled to continue their good works.

reassembled to continue their good works.

3. ERES code approval Environmental / Contaminant codes are the key to AGS Data transfer for geoenvironmental

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

Loss Prevention Overview

The first AGS Loss Prevention Working Group meeting of 2018 took place on 23rd January 2018 and the Loss Prevention Leader, Hugh Mallett of BuroHappold, has provided an update on the top three current issues the Loss Prevention Working Group are discussing.

1. Loss Prevention Guidance (formerly known as the “Tool Kit”) All the former toolkit papers have now been reviewed, checked and re-drafted. The papers that had become no longer relevant to current practice have been archived.

All the other 23 papers will all be re-issued as the “AGS Loss Prevention Guidance – 2017” at AGS Members’ Day on 11th April 2018. (The 2017 date refers to the date the laws and legal citations were checked). The Loss Prevention Guidance is important to the AGS as the Guidance provides a substantial body of advice to members on matters ranging from the basis upon which members are appointed to

provide their professional services, the potential for professional liability and how this can be managed, through to the risks of working alone and the implications of the Freedom of Information Act. The Guidance provides essential information for all members and their staff.

Knowing that the legal aspects have all been checked for current relevance and updated should increase the confidence of member’s employees in dealing with these matters. AGS Members should always aware that specific matters can always be discussed via the AGS legal advice line managed by BLM Solicitors.

2. Loss Prevention Alerts on the Case of MT Hojgaard AS v E.ON (LPA 65), Construction Act Payment Provisions (LPA 66) and Japanese Knotweed (LPA 67) These Loss Prevention Alerts have been developed and prepared over the last year. All three LPA’s were published on the AGS website in January and February 2018. The three new Loss Prevention Alerts respond to recent issues that have been raised with or on behalf of the Working Group. They provide members with an explanation of the issues that gave rise to

concern and advice as to how to mitigate potential risks. The LPA’s can be downloaded here.

3. The Shortage of Reservoir Panel Engineers A Position Paper highlighting the issue of the shortage of reservoir Panel Engineers has been drafted and discussed at AGS Senate. This is not solely an AGS matter of concern and it is proposed for the AGS Chairman to discuss the paper and the issues it raises to the President of the ICE. The shortage of registered Panel Engineers was identified by a member of the Loss Prevention Working Group as a looming problem due to the increased required for inspection of reservoirs, the decreasing number of persons qualified to do so and the difficulties of entry onto the register for young engineers. The position paper to be discussed with the ICE is very much a plea for action to address this gap between the requirements of the regulations and the ability of the wider industry to deliver people with the necessary skills and experience to fulfil those responsibilities.

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

March / April 2018

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Standards Update

March 2018

UK LED GEOENVIRONM STANDARD

SUBJECT / TEST

SUP

BS 10175:2011+A2:2017

Investigation of potentially contaminated sites

BS

BS ISO 18504: 2017

Soil quality – Sustainable remediation

New

BS PD ISO TR 19588:2017

Soil quality – Background information and guidance on environmental cyanide analysis

New

ISO STANDARDS ON SO STANDARD

SUBJECT / TEST

SUP

BS EN ISO DIS 11504 (REVISION) Impact of soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons

ISO

BS EN ISO DIS 15175 (REVISION)

Soil & groundwater protection

BS

BS ISO 15176 (REVISION)

Re-use of excavated soil and soil materials

BS

BS ISO 15799 (REVISION)

Ecotoxicological characterization of soil & soil materials

BS

ISO 15800 (REVISION)

Human exposure

ISO

ISO 16133

Design of monitoring programmes [for soil quality]

BS

BS ISO DIS 7924

Bioavailability of metals in soil to humans

BS

BS ISO 18512

Guidance on long & short-term storage of samples

BS

BS ISO 18400-104

Soil quality – Sampling - Strategies

BS

BS ISO 18400-202

Soil quality – sampling – Preliminary Investigations

New

ISO 18400 - 203

Soil quality – sampling – Potentially contaminated sites

ISO

BS ISO 18400-205

Soil quality – sampling – natural sites etc.

ISO

BS EN ISO 19258 (REVISION)

Determination of background values

BS

ISO 21365

Conceptual site models for potentially contaminated sites

New

BS EN ISO 25177 (REVISION)

Soil quality – Field Soil Description

BS

GEOTECHNICAL LABORATOR STANDARD

TEST

SUP

BS EN ISO 17892-1

Moisture/Water content

BS

BS EN ISO 17892-2

Bulk density

BS

BS EN ISO 17892-3

Particle density

BS

BS EN ISO 17892-4

Particle size distribution

BS

BS EN ISO 17892-5

Incremental oedometer

BS1

BS EN ISO 17892-6

Fall cone

No

BS EN ISO 17892-7

UCS test

BS1

BS EN ISO 17892-8

UU triaxial test

BS1

BS EN ISO 17892-9

CID, CIU and CAU tests

BS1

BS EN ISO 17892-10

Shear-box and ring-shear

BS1

BS EN ISO 17892-11

Permeability tests

BS1

BS EN ISO 17892-12

Plasticity Index tests

BS1

SOIL AND ROCK DESCRIPTIO STANDARD

SUBJECT / TEST

SUP

BS EN ISO 14688-1

Geotechnical investigation and testing – Identification and classification of soil –

BS

Identification and description BS EN ISO 14688-2

Geotechnical investigation and testing – Identification and classification of soil –

BS

Principles for a classification BS EN ISO 14689

Geotechnical investigation and testing – Identification, description and classification of rock

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BS

MENTAL STANDARDS

PERSEDED/WILL SUPERSEDE

STATUS

PUBLICATION DATE

10175: 2011 + A1

Published

N/A

w standard

Published

N/A

w standard

Published

N/A

STATUS

PUBLICATION DATE

Proceeding to publication

2018

EN ISO 15175:2011 (ISO 2004)

Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) in preparation

2018

ISO 15176:2002

Draft International Standard (DIS) expected early 2018

2019

ISO 15799:2003

DIS – commenting completed end of 2017

2018

DIS issued 14 February 2018 - comments by 14 April

2019

EN ISO 16133:2011

DIS issued January 2018 – comments by 14 March

2019

DD ISO TS 17924:2008

To proceed to publication

2018

ISO 18512:2007

May be revised – decision pending.

2020

ISO 10381:2002

FDIS in preparation

2019

w standard

FDIS in preparation

2019

O 10381-5:2005

FDIS in preparation

2019

O 10381-4:2003

FDIS in preparation

2019

EN ISO 19258:2011 (ISO 2005)

To proceed to FDIS/ Publication

2019

w Standard

DIS expected April 2018

2020

EN ISO 25177: 2011

DIS issued January 2018 – commenting ended February

2020

PERSEDED/WILL SUPERSEDE

STATUS

PUBLICATION DATE

1377-2, clause 3.2

Published

N/A

1377-2, clauses 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4

Published

N/A

1377-2, clause 8.3

Published

N/A

1377-2, clause 9

Published

N/A

1377-5, Clause 3

Published

N/A

OIL & SITE ASSESSMENT

PERSEDED/WILL SUPERSEDE

O 11504:2012

O 15800:2003

RY TESTING BS EN ISO 17892

BS equivalent

Published

N/A

1377-7, Clause 5

Published

March 2018

1377-7, Clause 7

Proceeding to publication

Mid 2018

1377-8 (replaced in its entirety)

Proceeding to publication

Mid 2018

1377-7, Clauses 4, 5 and 6

Parallel Enquiry Launched

Mid 2019

1377-5, Clause 5 and BS1377-6, Clause 5

Parallel Enquiry Launched

Mid 2019

1377-2, Clauses 4 and 5

Preparing for Final vote

Late 2018

PERSEDED/WILL SUPERSEDE

STATUS

PUBLICATION DATE

EN ISO 14688-1:2002

Published

March 2018

EN ISO 14688-2: 2004

Published

March 2018

EN ISO 14689-1: 2003

Published

March 2018

ON BS EN ISO 14688 & 14689

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Upcoming Events DFI-EFFC International Conference on Deep Foundations & Ground Improvement June 5 - 8 2018 in Rome Registration opened on Monday, December 4, 2017, for the 2018 DFI-EFFC International Conference on Deep Foundations and Ground Improvement at Sapienza University, June 5-8, 2018.

The conference explores the challenges of upcoming urban infrastructure megaprojects and highlights modern technologies and techniques available to overcome these challenges. Client representatives will present upcoming or in progress megaprojects such as Rome Metro C, Fehmarn Belt, Gran Paris and the Chennai Metro as well as the water infrastructure challenges in Italy and worldwide. A panel of clients will discuss award mechanisms, contractual challenges and risk management.

From the 200+ peer-reviewed submitted papers, select presentations will focus on the following topics: • • • • •

Deep Foundation Technologies Ground Improvement Technologies Modeling & Computing for New Techniques Information Management Systems Building Information Modeling

• • • • •

Equipment and Material Advancements Contractual Rules and Construction Risk Case Histories including Lessons Learned Innovative Solutions for Complex Problems Geotechnical Investigation & Testing

Registration is open for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors at www.dfi-effc2018.org.

IGS UK Symposium: Use of Geosynthetics in Rail: Towards 2025 The UK Chapter of the International Geosynthetic Society (IGS) are running a symposium at the National Railway Museum in York on Wednesday 18th April 2018.

The UK chapter of the IGS want to educate the Industry about the use of geosynthetics in rail. The symposium will look at the use of geosynthetics in rail applications from around the world.

The one-day event will include speakers from HS2, Network Rail and professionals from network operators in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, who will be discussing topics including Client Geosynthetics Experience in Rail, Research, Specifications and Case Studies.

Visit the event website here for more information. To register for tickets, please visit the registration website.

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SiLC Annual Forum 2018 Specialists in Land Condition (SiLC) have announced details of their Annual Forum, which is taking place on Thursday 19th April 2018 at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London.

This is a half day seminar which will see over 70 practitioners working in the assessment and management of land condition and brownfield regeneration in attendance. Speakers confirmed to date include Rebecca Pullinger (CPRE) who will be discussing brownfield registers, and Hannah White (National Grid Property), who will be providing an update on the progress of the C4SL Environmental Standard.

There will also be a panel discussion on the National Quality Marks Scheme and SQP update, featuring Nicola Harris (CL:ARE), Angela Haslam (Environment Agency) and Phil Crowcroft (ERM), amongst others. The panel will be compered by Paul Burden (Ministry of Defence and SiLC Chair).

Further speakers will be announced in due course.

The event costs £80 for SiLC’s to attend and £95 for non-SiLC’s. Prices exclude VAT. For further information on speakers, sponsorship packages or to receive a booking form, please contact silc@silc.org.uk

BDA Emerging Best Practice in Ground Investigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects The British Drilling Association are pleased to announce that there Emerging Best Practice in Ground Investigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects conference is taking place on 25th April at The Lighthouse in Glasgow.

With the go-ahead given for many infrastructure projects, such as the A9 and many other large-scale projects that form part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in construction and infrastructure, it is vitally important that you are prepared.

Securing work will require a thorough understanding of what main contractors demand, including best practice and an appreciation of the unique requirement of working in Scotland, where so much of the work will be originating.

Speakers from: Clients; Consultants and Contractors will present their unique insight in to the mechanisms behind securing infrastructure work.

Tickets are priced at £75.00 + VAT for BDA Members and £100.00 + VAT for non-BDA Members.

Registration opens at 12.30pm.

To book online visit www.britishdrillingassociation.co.uk/Events or contact the BDA at office@ britishdrillingassociation.co.uk or 01773 778751.

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Training Courses

Asbestos from Soil Training Did you know that CIRIA now offers both open and in-house training on asbestos from soil awareness and for non-licensed work for asbestos in the ground?

For further information visit www.ciria.org

Asbestos Awareness & Non Licensable Work Training CL:AIRE is currently delivering in house CAR-SOIL, Asbestos Awareness & Non Licensable Work training for groundworkers for those companies that wish to upskill their work force in working with asbestos in soil, construction and demolition materials in a cost effective way. In addition, for those who may only have a small number of staff who need training, do get in touch and CL:AIRE would be happy to try and bring companies together to make the training more cost effective by providing training in your region.

If this is of interest, please enquire through the CL:AIRE Help desk and specify which course you are interested in, the location and any specific requirements you have: https://www.claire.co.uk/ help-desk

Revised Training: Specialist Geotechnical Heath and Safety Courses Equipe Training and their health and safety training partners RPA Safety Services are delighted to announce their collection of specialist IOSH health and safety courses for the geotechnical market have been revised and renewed for 2018.

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 include: • 25th - 27th April 2018 - IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites • 27th March 2018 - IOSH Working Safely (on Geotechnical Sites) • 4th May 2018 - IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services Places on these courses can be booked online here, or via contacting Equipe on +44 (0)1295 670990 or info@equipegroup.com 40

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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 Senate meeting.

The deadline for the next round of completed applications is 17th May 2018.

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 BLM Solicitors.

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 speak to Michael Salau, Guy Lane or Zita Mansi at BLM Solicitors where the first 15 minutes of legal advice will be free of charge.

CHEMICAL SAFETY HELPLINE

LEGAL HELPLINE

Marquis & Lord Tel: 0800 083 4610 www.marquisandlord.com

BLM Solicitors Telephone: 020 7638 2811 www.blmlaw.com

Disclaimer The articles included in this magazine 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.

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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 which 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

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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 i2 Analytical Ltd 7 Woodshots Meadow, Croxley Park, Watford, Herts, WD18 8YS  +44 (0)1923 225 404  reception@i2analytical.com

ADVERTISE HERE FOR JUST £50

AGS Dates for Your Diary

Upcoming AGS Events AGS Members’ Day National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham Wednesday 11th April 2018 For more information, contact ags@ags.org.uk

AGS Ground Risk Conference London’s Cavendish Conference Centre Wednesday 12th September 2018 For more information, contact ags@ags.org.uk

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