AGS Magazine November 2023

November 2023

SUSTAINABLE INSTRUMENTATION & MONITORING

The AGS assess the potential and possibilities

AGS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

GEOTECHNICAL IMPLICATIONS OF PYRITE

UNCONSCIOUS BIAS IN RECRUITMENT

The results from the 2023 edition of the Association's annual competition

An insight into the consideration and management of pyrite

The AGS Business Practice Working Group examine it's prevalence in the industry

ABOUT THE AGS

The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) is a not-for-profit 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.

Chair’s Foreword Welcome to the November issue of the AGS Magazine.

The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and the weather has been miserable.

Please make sure you take care on site and drive safely.

In this edition we have the pleasure of announcing the winner and runners up of the fourth AGS photography competition. Thank you to everyone who entered.

There are a variety of topics explored in this edition: The Instrumentation and Monitoring Working Group begin to explore the possible sustainability benefits and barriers to using instrumentation and monitoring on site; we are provided with some insights into the geotechnical implications of pyrite and its consideration and management and the Business Practice Working Group take a look at unconscious bias in recruitment and how to reduce it.

Also in this edition: Dave Woods takes us on a look inside Huesker, a manufacturer

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EDITORIAL BOARD

and designer of geosynthetics.

Finally, I look forward to meeting some of you at our Ground Risk Conference on 22nd November which is being convened by the Geotechnical and Contaminated Land Working Groups. This is an in-person event with a range of talks and networking opportunities. Don’t leave it too late to book tickets registration closes on Friday 10th November.

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.

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.

Vivien Dent, AGS Chair Sally Hudson, Coffey Geotechnics Caroline Kratz, Forum Court Associates (FCA) Katie Kennedy, FCA Julian Lovell, Equipe Group Calum Spires, Equipe Group David Entwisle, BGS Chris Vincett, Retired Lauren Hunt, Arcadis Adam Latimer, Ian Farmer Associates Dimitris Xirouchakis, Structural Soils Emma Anderson, HaskoningDHV UK Daniele Fornelli, Geotechnical Observations 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.

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

Vivien Dent AGS Chair

& Geoenvironmental Specialists  @agsgeotech www.ags.org.uk

Inside this month’s issue

FEATURE PAGE 16

 COVER STORY PAGE 26  Chris Swainston looks at how I&M can help in the drive for greater sustainability in the sector.

Some insights into the geotechnical implications of pyrite and its consideration and management Mourice A. Czerewko, Associate Engineering Geologist at AECOM examines pyrite in a geotechnical context and environment.

AGS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION RESULTS PAGE 6  A look at the winner and three runners up for the 2023 AGS Photography Competition.

UNCONSCIOUS BIAS IN RECRUITMENT PAGE 24  Vivien Dent and Bradley Falcus provide details on how members can mitigate and avoid their unconcious bias.

INSIDE: HUESKER PAGE 30  The AGS Magazine conducts a Q & A with Dave Woods, Technical Manager at HUESKER.

MORE INSIDE PAGE 4

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News in Short: Incl. upcoming AGS Events

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AGS Annual Conference: Sponsorship opportunities

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AGS Webinar: Second Generation Eurocode

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News and Events Breaking Ground Podcast: New Episode Now Live Breaking Ground, a podcast collaboration between Ground Engineering Magazine and the Ground Forum, have released two new episodes which are available for free listening: Î

Dinesh Patel - Part One

Î

Dinesh Patel - Part Two

Hosted by Steve Hadley, Breaking Ground covers a wide range of ground engineering related topics. Key themes include sustainability, design, commerce, diversity, health and safety, welfare, construction techniques, education, and industry challenges. Episodes also profile industry members' careers within the context of discussing industry issues, construction techniques and case studies.

Breaking Ground is available for free download on channels including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. To listen to the podcast, click HERE. For further information on the podcast or for podcast sponsorship opportunities please email gforum@ground-forum.org.uk.

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Associates) and Arash Azizi (Lecturer at University of Portsmouth)

AGS Live and Virtual Events 2023/4 Ground Risk Conference: Are you Managing Risks or Taking Risks? (live event)

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Patrick Hayes (Technical Director at Institution of Structural Engineers)

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Nicola Harries (Technical Director at CL:AIRE)

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Stephen Tromans (KC at 39 Essex Chambers)

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Jon Palmer (Technical Director at HKA Global)

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William Bond (CPT & Geotechnical Account Manager at Royal Eijkelkamp)

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Date: 22nd November 2023

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Location: One Great George Street, London

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Fee: £160 for AGS Members, £230 for nonmembers. A limited number of places are available for students, local authority and EA places for £95. All prices exclude VAT. To express an interest in attending, email ags@ ags.org.uk

AGS Annual Conference (live event and networking drinks)

Speakers:

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Date: 25th April 2024

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Location: One Great George Street, London

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Fee: Fee for the AC is £110 for Members and £180 for non-Members (Ex VAT). A limited number of delegates per AGS Member company may attend the Annual Conference free of charge, see details on the AGS website.

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Sponsorship: A limited number of sponsorship packages are available. For details, please click HERE

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Steve Wilson (Technical Director at The Environmental Protection Group) and Amy Juden (Associate at The Environmental Protection Group)

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Alex Lee (AGS Chair Elect and Principal at HKA)

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Katharine Barker (Associate Geotechnical Engineer at CampbellReith), Matthew Penfold (Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Geotechnical & Environmental

AGS Publication Updates The top three downloaded AGS publications in last month: 1.

AGS Guide to Environmental Sampling

2.

AGS Guidance on Waste Classification for Soils – A Practitioners Guide

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Guidance on dealing with contamination during a ground investigation

Recent AGS publications available on the AGS website: •

Safety Share – Safety Boot Integrity

•

Safety Share – Pressurised Hose Whip Safety

To download the publications for free; click here.

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WINNING IMAGE Shannon Wade, Strata Geotechnics Image description: Truly highlights the highs and lows of rural GI. An additional scheme of work for The Coal Authority at the site of the Esgair Mwyn, Metal Mine near Pontrhydfendigaid to again improve water quality and prevent it leaching through metal mine spoil. The weather had been foul for days with limited shelter, our team worked their hardest in the conditions to get the works done safely and on time and were rewarded by a little bit of sunshine and a glorious rainbow.

AGS Photography Competition 2023 – The Results In March 2023, the AGS launched their fourth photography competition.

Members of the AGS Executive and Business Practice Working Group including Vivien Dent, Sally Hudson, Jo Strange, Bradley Falcus and Steve Hodgetts took on the challenging task to judge the images by scoring across the following criteria; Î Î

Originality Composition

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Colour, Lighting, Exposure and Focus Overall Impression, Impact and Visual Appeal

Four images were shortlisted, and we’re pleased to announce that Shannon Wade of Strata Geotechnics was the overall winner of the competition and won a luxury Fortnum and Mason Hamper.

Our three runners up, who each won a bottle of Champagne are Shannon Wade (Strata Geotechnics), Matthew Cook (Environmental Protection Strategies Ltd) and Aaron Stokoe (Brownfield Solutions Ltd).

The AGS would like to thank all those who took the time to enter the competition.

FIRST RUNNER UP Shannon Wade, Strata Geotechnics Image description: Working nights with our Comacchio 305 on the M1 Southbound, J35 for National Highways undertaking works to inform design for addition PRS lay-bys on our existing Smart Motorways network.

SECOND RUNNER UP Matthew Cook, Environmental Protection Strategies Ltd Image description: The drilling of windowless sample boreholes at an RAF site in Cambridgeshire with RAF jets in the background, boreholes were being drilled to to provide information for use in improvements to site

THIRD RUNNER UP Aaron Stokoe, Brownfield Solutions Ltd

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The AGS Annual Conference 2024 will be taking place on Thursday 25th April at One Great George Street in London. This will be a full day CPD event featuring a number of expert speakers from across the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sector, with a drinks reception post event for those wishing to network.

More information regarding speakers and presentations will be announced in due course.

SPONSORSHIP We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available for both Members and non-Members of the Association who wish to have a presence during the event:

DIAMOND SPONSOR* (AGS Member Rate: £1400 / Non-Member Rate: £1820) • • •

Catering sponsor with logo on menus Two – three page company Q&A article in AGS magazine (over 5800 subscribers)** Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400)**

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•

Entry for three delegates into the Annual Conference • A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software during the conference. This exhibition space can also be used to showcase marketing materials, company literature and banners.

• Company logo on the event PowerPoint presentation holding slide • Company logo and overview on the event programme • Company overview and URL on the AGS website • Company logo to feature on promotional emails • Three announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page (over 3630 followers) • Three announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8000 followers) • Company mention in pre and post-event articles in AGS Magazine *one package available **terms and conditions apply

EMERALD SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £1200/ Non-Member Rate: £1560) •

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A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software during the conference. This exhibition space can also be used to showcase marketing materials, company literature and banners.

Entry for three delegates into the Annual Conference Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400, over 5800 subscribers)** Company logo on the event PowerPoint presentation holding slide Company logo and overview on the event programme Company overview and URL on the AGS website Company logo to feature on promotional emails Two announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page (over 3630 followers) Two announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8000 followers) Company mention in pre and post-event articles in AGS Magazine

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ASSOCIATE SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £550 Non-Member Rate: £715) • • • • • • •

GOLD SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £1100 / Non-Member Rate: £1430) •

• • • •

A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software during the conference. This exhibition space can also be used to showcase marketing materials, company literature and banners.

Entry for two delegates into the Annual Conference Company logo on the event PowerPoint presentation holding slide Company logo and overview on the event programme Company overview and URL on the AGS

website 1/4 page advert in AGS magazine (worth £160, over 5800 subscribers) Company logo to feature on promotional emails Two announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page (over 3630 followers) Two announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8000 followers) Company mention in pre and post-event articles in AGS Magazine

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Entry for one delegate into the Annual Conference Company directory in AGS magazine (worth £50, over 5800 subscribers) Company logo on event PowerPoint Presentation holding slide Company logo on the event programme Company overview and URL on the AGS website Company logo to feature on promotional emails Announcement of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page (over 3630 followers) Announcement of your company’s involvement on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8000 followers) Company mention in pre and post-event articles in AGS Magazine

If you’d like to confirm your support, please contact Angharad Lambourne-Wade on ags@ ags.org.uk. Please note that packages are limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis.

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SPONSORED BY

Our next live event, Ground Risk Conference: Are you Managing Risks or Taking Risks? will be taking place in London on Wednesday 22nd November at One Great George Street, London.

Geotechnical engineering and geoenvironmental specialists deal with risk daily from commencement of a project through to final delivery. Working with the ground brings with it inherent risks and it can be a fine line between managing or taking risk. Our understanding of the ground is continually evolving and keeping up to date is important.

This full day, CPD conference organised by the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists and brought to you by the Geotechnical and Contaminated Land Working Groups, will explore the management of risk across a variety of subjects, including updates to piling through layered ground guidance, underpinning and Cone Penetration Testing. We will also explore topics often not considered such as cognitive bias and learn about changes in environmental legislation and policy.

Ground Risk Conference: Are you Managing Risks or Taking Risks? is aimed at attendees at any stage of their career, who are involved in development projects from concept and planning, through to implementation.

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Attendees will be provided with opportunities for networking and will have the chance to question our expert speakers.

The conference will be chaired by Alex Dent (AGS Geotechnical Working Group Leader and Associate Director at WSP) and Geraint Williams (AGS Contaminated Land Working Group Leader and Associate at ALS Laboratories).

The event is sponsored by Eijkelkamp Fraste UK, Element, Groundsure, HUESKER, In Situ Site Investigation, Envirolab, Igne, Fugro and Landmark.

PRESENTATIONS Foundation Risks & Problems; A Structural Engineer’s Perspective Patrick Hayes, Technical Director at Institution of Structural Engineers Patrick will draw on his own experience, member feedback and CROSS reports to highlight the most frequent and serious building foundation design issues, look at underlying causes and how structural and geotechnical engineers can work together to resolve them. The range of topics will cover shallow foundations, deep foundations and basements.

Piling Risk Assessment for Contaminated Sites Steve Wilson, Technical Director at The Environmental Protection Group and Amy Juden, Associate at The Environmental Protection Group The presentation will discuss the update of the Environment Agency guidance on piling in contaminated ground, which is currently in progress. It will discuss some of the key contents of the new guidance.

Bias in the Delivery of GeoEnvironmental Assessments Alex Lee, AGS Chair Elect and Principal at HKA In performing geotechnical and environmental assessments, for example, when we develop and deliver our models and designs, then bias can and does on occasion arise. Such can bring both reputational damage and risks of litigation. Decision researchers1 have identified many biases in human judgment and decision-making. Most behavioral research addresses cognitive biases— faulty mental processes that lead judgments and decisions to violate commonly accepted normative principles. Equally important, but much less studied, are motivational biases, which include conscious or subconscious distortions of judgments and decisions because of selfinterest, social pressures, or organizational context. In this presentation, the speaker will discuss several of the more common types of bias while making specific reference to examples from Geo-environmental investigations and assessments. He will also introduce how we may self-check and move towards debiasing our reports.

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Cognitive and Motivational Biases in Decision and Risk Analysis, Gilberto Montibeller and Detlof von Winterfeldt, Risk Analysis, Vol. 35, No. 7, 2015

National Brownfield Forum Industry Census Nicola Harries, Technical Director at CL:AIRE Nicola will provide an overview of the recent National Brownfield Forum industry census that has been circulated across the brownfield sector.

The census has asked a series of questions across different themes to try and gather a national understanding of the obstacles and barriers that face Brownfield land development in the UK. New Challenges: New Risks Stephen Tromans KC at 39 Essex Chambers Stephen will take a look at the new challenges, opportunities, but most of all risks, facing practitioners.

Groundworks Litigation & Contracts Jon Palmer, Technical Director at HKA Global The presentation will introduce to the scope and global distribution of engineering disputes drawn from the HKA database, with particular reference to the area of unforeseeable ground conditions, including: • The definition of “unforeseeable” and importance of site investigations.

• The role of designers and contractors and difficulties determining liabilities.

• How “unforeseeable” is addressed in conditions of contract.

The presentation comments on the common issues of geotechnical disputes, centring on areas where general principles are often overlooked. Also, an introduction to dispute resolution methods, and the role of the expert witness in these proceedings, concluding with illustrative case studies.

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Photo Credit: Debbie Darling

Basement underpinning: Are we ‘managing’ the risks?

Matthew Penfold, Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Geotechnical & Environmental Associates, Katharine Barker, Associate Geotechnical Engineer at CampbellReith, and Arash Azizi, Lecturer at University of Portsmouth.

take the first steps to better understand and provide predictive tools for ground movements associated with underpinned basements.

Underpinning is widely adopted in domestic basement construction with little or no (reported) impacts. However, current planning procedures often include a requirement for detailed assessment of the likely ground movements and predictions of damage. This has highlighted the lack of consensus on the likely range of movements around underpinned basements, as well as exposing the general lack of guidance and supporting literature available to practitioners and auditors alike.

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) is a soil investigation technique that was developed some 90 years ago and is now utilised all around the world to establish soil behaviour and stratigraphy. The technique’s rapid nature, instantaneous data, multiple geotechnical measurements and high level of sensitivity make it a powerful tool for building detailed ground models. When correctly performed, processed and analysed CPT is an ideal tool to minimise ground risk. However, as a technologically advanced method, a lack of understanding can lead to erroneous and misleading data which, if unfamiliar, can be hard to identify.

So, whilst underpinning may be a relatively low risk solution for many basement constructions, can we really say that this is by design and that we are truly ‘managing the risks’.

To better understand these issues, a focus group was set up by members of the Geotechnical Working Group with the University of Portsmouth with the aim to

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How Misunderstood CPT Data, Processes and Specifications Can Lead to Ground Risk William Bond, CPT & Geotechnical Account Manager at Royal Eijkelkamp

TICKETS Tickets for this event are priced at £160 for AGS Members and £230 for non-AGS Members.

Prices exclude VAT. A limited number of student, local authority and Environmental Agency places are available for £95, ex VAT. For further details please email ags@ags.org.uk

AG S W E BI NAR

NEWS, R E P L AY S & UPCOMING EVENTS

Photo Credit: Alan Beattie

On 20th September 2023, the AGS held a webinar entitled Second Generation Eurocode EN 1997: Where are We and Where are We Going?. The webinar was chaired by Chris Raison (Director at Raison Foster Associates) and included presentations from Dr Andrew Bond (Director at Geocentrix), Matthew Baldwin (Independent Consultant) and Stuart Hardy (Technical Leader - Geotechnical at Laing O’Rourke).

The webinar was split into two parts, the first part which was presented by Andrew Bond focused on preparing for the Second Generation Eurocodes and gave a clear timeline for publication. Andrew also provided information about Second Generation Eurocode EN 1997: Geotechnical design – Part 1: General Rules.

In the second half of the webinar, Matthew Baldwin presented on Second Generation Eurocode EN 1997: Geotechnical design – Part 2: Ground Properties, explaining the changed content and layout of this part of the standard.

Stuart Hardy provided an overview of Second Generation Eurocode EN 1997: Geotechnical design – Part 3: Geotechnical Structures and covered the changes which have been made to the clauses and what has not changed from current UK practice.

If you missed the webinar, the recording is now live on the AGS website and is free for AGS members and £30 for non-members (Ex. VAT).

November 2023

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It was formed through the consolidation of these core companies:

Igne enables success through the provision of integrated or stand-alone solutions

hello@igne.com | 0371 789 1000 | Igne.com November 2023

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Below: Cubic Pyr Shap Granite

Some insights into the geotechnical implications of pyrite and its consideration and management Article contributed by Mourice A. Czerewko, Associate Engineering Geologist, AECOM Ltd

T

he assessment of ground aggressivity and suitability of construction materials are fundamental aspects of geotechnics. Ground hosted sulphide and sulphate minerals are known to produce unwelcome implications for ground engineering. Confidence in selection of

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the most appropriate form of construction and mitigation methodology, must be based on the results of meaningful sitespecific material characterisation and assessment of performance in the likely construction environment. It is apparent that many ground engineering practitioners do not fully appreciate that certain rocks and soils are liable to contain sulphur species that may negatively impact ground engineering projects. In practice assessment procedures are often followed without a clear

understanding of the issues and how to best manage them. This approach is not always suitable for managing the extensive variability encountered in the UK. Furthermore, an appreciation of how the construction activities may bring about undesirable changes are necessary for design of appropriate mitigation and long-term management. This short article discusses some of the issues that may occur, particularly where pyrite is concerned and considers how these characteristics and associated risks may be managed.

disturbance, creating conditions that are aggressive to ground material including buried steel and concrete and, in some cases, raising sulphate to harmful levels.

Reaction of the sulphuric acid with calcareous minerals such as calcite or concrete, give rise to selenite-gypsum as discrete crystals, and this involves expansion. The replacement of pyrite and calcite by selenite involves a volume increase of around 103%, developing ground stresses and causing differential heave due to indiscriminate crystal growth. This chemical alteration is frequently accompanied by rapid Causes of construction groundwork damage deterioration in engineering properties of brought about through physical deterioration the host material and the volumetric gain of ground and engineering materials are often causes disturbance in filled ground, attributed to a wide range of factors that and failures of foundations, earthworks, involve physical, chemical, and biological underground excavations, tunnels, and slopes. processes. In the UK a high proportion of such Observations have also documented abiotic occurrences in the engineering environment pyrite oxidation where the pH result from the presence of of pore fluids was around sulphate ions in groundwater, The oxidation of pH >12, indicating that this brought about through pyrite is complex, it reaction mechanism can dissolution or reaction occurs through various also occur when pyrite of sulphur compounds. bearing ground is treated Pyrite and gypsum are the reaction stages, at using lime and cement. most commonly occurring different rates, which sulphur compounds likely conclude in a range of The oxidation of pyrite is to be encountered during complex since it occurs products. construction works. In through various reaction certain locations, the source of stages, at different rates, the sulphate ions is clearly through which conclude in a range of products. dissolution of evaporitic deposits, such as Ultimately reaction depends on various gypsum, but in many cases, covering a much aspects including the crystalline form and wider geographical area, these are derived grain size of the pyrite, the mineralogy from the oxidation of iron sulfide minerals, and fabric of the host, and environmental particularly pyrite. Pyrite, and the other conditions, including the exposure to infrequent iron sulphide minerals are unstable weathering brought about by the engineering in oxidising and damp conditions typical of work. To manage any negative impacts to the construction environment and will rapidly design and construction, the possibility of weather, producing insoluble orange-brown changes promoting the potential for pyrite hydrous iron oxide, with release of hydrogen oxidation during and after construction needs (H+) and sulphate (SO42-) ions into solution as to be considered. mobile sulphuric acid. This has a significant negative impact for ground engineering Sulphur is an abundant element in the Earth’s when reaction occurs consequent of ground crust and occurs in geological materials of all

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Below: Pyrite oxidation affecting tunnel

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more widely occurring as ages and origins, in a variety Not all forms the crystalline ‘selenite’ of forms. Sulphur is highly of sulfur are form, which tends to reactive and readily combines troublesome develop as a ‘secondary’ with most non-noble product of contemporary elements, particularly under in engineering weathering action on reducing conditions, to form situations, although pyrite in the presence of metallic sulphides of which this depends upon calcite. The oxidation of the iron form, pyrite (FeS2) is the environmental pyrite will also give rise the most widely occurring, conditions.

Some to high concentrations of along with its less common sulphate ions which are dimorph marcasite (FeS2), recalcitrant mineral mobilised by groundwater. and occasional pyrrhotite sulfates, such as Not all forms of sulphur are (Fe1-xS where x = 0 – 0.2). barytes, celestine, troublesome in engineering Gypsum tends to be the most and organic sulfur situations, although widely occurring sulphate are relatively stable this depends upon the mineral and is frequently environmental conditions. encountered during ground in weathering Some recalcitrant mineral works. Gypsum occurs as environments... sulphates, such as barytes, a primary accumulation in celestine, and organic evaporite deposits, such as the sulphur are relatively stable in weathering Mercia Mudstone Group, and forms through environments, and do not contribute to the evaporation of saline waterbodies. But it is

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specific surface area such that they tend to respond slowly in weathering environments.

Macroscopic forms of pyrite occur extensively in igneous and metamorphic rocks and some strong limestones, sometimes in substantial concentrations distributed through the host and tend to be relatively stable in construction environments. These deposits Pyrite is remarkably widespread in its are widely worked in the UK for construction occurrence and is found aggregates in which slow as a minor constituent in oxidation or combination Pyrite is a wide range of naturally with cementitious binders remarkably occurring materials. It occurs may lead to problematic widespread in its in rocks and engineering chemical reactions. In lesssoils, ranging from ancient occurrence and is found well indurated sedimentary sediments to Recent deposits, as a minor constituent rocks, pyrite may occur as igneous and metamorphic visible nodules or smooth in a wide range of rocks and hydrothermally faced crystals, but more naturally occurring deposited mineral veins. typically, it takes the form of materials.

Pyrite occurs as diverse disseminated microscopic forms including variously framboids that are very shaped grains, nodules, and welldifficult to recognise. formed crystals, ranging from microscopic The microscopic framboidal form of pyrite is to several cm across; the morphology of of greatest concern to ground engineering. pyrite has an influence on its potential for Framboidal pyrite tends to form in sedimentary atmospheric oxidation. Therefore, its appraisal environments under anoxic reducing may help to determine its potential reactivity and the suitability of pyrite bearing ground and conditions through microbial activity where it remains stable, but when exposed to oxidising geomaterials for particular applications. and damp conditions it may rapidly deteriorate The different forms of pyrite and their with consequentially detrimental effects. It is combinations all share the same internal commonly found in dark coloured (grey and arrangement of iron and sulphur atoms but dark grey), fine-grained sedimentary deposits conditions during formation affect the crystal including clays, mudstones, argillaceous form. Well-crystallised pyrite occurs in the limestones, siltstones, sandstones, and brass-yellow macroscopic form, illustrated low-temperature hydrothermal deposits. on page 16, as large masses, veins or as large The microscopic reactive forms of pyrite discrete often striated cubic, octahedral or may also occur in newly formed sediments, pyritohedral crystals a few millimetres to a few including marine sands and gravels and centimetres in dimension and are commonly river flood plain deposits, which are widely referred to as the ’non-reactive’ form of pyrite. used as construction aggregates. Framboids Typically, these are found in rocks that are are raspberry-like spherules, typically 2 well indurated and / or have been subjected to – 80 μm diameter, comprising of ordered moderate to high-temperatures and pressures. agglomerations of microcrystalline pyrite These well-crystallised forms of pyrite have a grains that are themselves <0.3 – 2 μm in densely packed structure and relatively small diameter. They occur as disseminated sulphur present in groundwaters, unless conditions are unusual, so they are unlikely to impact significantly in construction and geomaterial applications. Therefore, knowledge of the likely occurrence and attributes may help to manage potentially adverse conditions that could occur during and after construction.

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Below: Limestone aggregate block with oxidising pyrite

It is cautioned that the allusion to the visible spherules, clusters, or dark greenish-grey form of pyrite as ‘non-reactive’ is not strictly concentrations along partings. The framboidal true, the well-crystallised macroscopic forms structure results in grains with a large surface of pyrite are still susceptible area in proportion to their to oxidation following volume, making them highly The framboidal exposure, but depending susceptible to oxidation in structure results on their surface condition, an oxygen and water bearing in grains with a reaction generally will atmosphere and oxygenated large surface area in occur over a much longer water. This reaction may proportion to their timescale and may not be mediated and greatly be considered significant accelerated by microbial volume, making them where construction is intervention from bacteria highly susceptible to concerned, although it such as the ubiquitous oxidation... may be expedited where Acidithiobacillus sp., which physical damage occurs to rely on electron transfer 2+ 3+ the crystals and through reaction of less stable between Fe /Fe for their metabolic process forms. Therefore, potential reactivity must and this functions as a key mechanism in the be assessed, with judgement also relying on oxidation reaction. In the ground engineering previous experience of that material. discipline, this form of pyrite is often referred to as the ‘reactive’ form of pyrite.

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Below: Mam Tor Road Failure

In the UK, framboidal pyrite is widely found in the dark coloured deposits of marine and fluvial origins of Carboniferous, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Eocene age. These account for a large part of the near-surface stratigraphy that contains many major urban centres. Through weathering, sulphate minerals can be present at shallow depth, whereas sulphide minerals may predominate at greater depths where oxidation has not occurred. Weathering involves physical and chemical changes to the natural material as it adjusts to different overburden pressures and the presence of atmospheric gases. The change in pressure results in development of fissures and joints which facilitate the movement of oxygenated groundwaters. Water movement promotes chemical adjustments including hydration, dissolution and alteration of certain minerals and the formation of other minerals.

The distribution of sulphate varies within the weathered zone, with the top few metres having negligible amounts due to removal by rain

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leaching, but elevated levels may be present at the base of the root zone at around 2 to 3 metres depth, decreasing towards the base of the weathered zone, and this is identified by presence of brown staining on fissure and bedding surfaces, and presence of selenite.

The weathering state is revealed by the colour changes of the iron forms present. In weathered horizons, the orange-brown of ferric iron predominates, whereas with depth the grey of ferrous iron represents less weathered lithology and indicates an increase in the presence of unreacted sulphide minerals.

Although British, European, and other standards promote good practice in carrying out investigations, potential problems are often not adequately anticipated and catered for. Historically the Building Research Establishment(BRE) have provided guidance for routine UK assessment of potential ground aggressivity based upon water and

budget and progress when unsuspected. The acid soluble sulphate content and acidity of oxidation of pyrite bearing deposits during soil and groundwater samples. This worked earthworks and construction has been well for many decades with few instances of observed to progress rapidly over a matter sulphate attack on buried concrete reported. of weeks or months, producing conditions However, following investigation on several chemically aggressive to engineering cases of sulphate attack on construction materials. Therefore, to avoid or manage materials and disruptive ground heave during potential problems attributed to pyrite the 1980s-1990’s, it was realised that the oxidation it is necessary to know not just consequences of pyrite oxidation were not that it is present, but also its distribution, being considered and had been attributed its form and reactivity. Investigations and to various other assumptions. Precipitation construction may overlook the potential for of new minerals such as gypsum provoke material deterioration, but this possibilities of ground heave. can be determined at a site As the process of dissolution The consequences level through observation of and precipitation will not of pyrite reaction changes following exposure generally occur in the same and targeted chemical location, both expansion and may become a testing. The distribution of void creation may produce significant hit for the sulphur compounds in soils differential movements and construction budget and rocks can be highly heave causing structural and progress when variable so testing must damage. This necessitated unsuspected. ensure that sulphur-bearing revision of testing standards, horizons are not missed, and guidance advocating a and a suitable characteristic staged approach based on initial value selected for design. Material selected review of the geological setting, followed for laboratory testing should focus on the by a planned investigation programme and construction zone but also evaluate other detailed ground assessment. This requires strata that may be affected. an awareness of potentially aggressive material and importance of focused chemical Knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of the testing. The severity of pyrite oxidation host material and the changes brought about depends not only on the crystal form but through exposure during construction may also on the permeability and chemistry of expedite management of the construction the host deposits as well as the groundwater process. This is done by facilitating re-use of conditions. The site investigation may confirm a favourably weathered product that would the presence of significant quantities of pyrite, otherwise constitute an unsuitable material. gypsum, and calcite but these values alone do Ultimately, management of material avoiding not facilitate assessments of the reaction rate costly offsite disposal, may be achieved and significance to construction. Assessment through informed investigation with prealso requires that the consequences of the weathering of pyritic fill to mitigate the risk of construction activity and weather-related heave through conversion of pyrite to selenite issues in the construction period and beyond or by blending, encapsulation, or provision of are fully addressed to provide an adequate targeted drainage and impermeable barriers. basis for the design of structures.

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The consequences of pyrite reaction may become a significant hit for the construction

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Unconscious in recruitment

Article contributed by Prepared on behalf of the Business Practice Working Group by Vivien Dent (Groundwater and Land Quality Technical Specialist, Green Growth and Delivery, Environment Agency) and Bradley Falcus (Senior GeoEnvironmental Administrator, Central Alliance Pre-Construction Services Ltd)

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hether we think so or not - we are all biased. Decisions we make about people are impacted by our unconscious bias without us even being aware of it. This can have consequences when we are recruiting people into the workplace as well as in appraisals, training and development, networking and mentoring.

There are several types of unconscious bias that can strongly influence who we recruit. A couple of examples include:

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Affinity bias: where you unconsciously favour someone because you share similar interests, backgrounds and experiences. We feel more comfortable around people who are like us.

Confirmatory bias: where we look for evidence / information that confirms our beliefs and values and we ignore evidence that disproves them.

When it comes to recruitment, examples of how our unconscious bias could influence our decisions include: • • • • • •

Employing someone who is not the most qualified; Not recruiting people with differing views; Following ‘status quo’ as a ‘safe’ option; Not asking someone to interview due to a name not sounding ‘English’; Not recruiting someone because they are not a good ‘cultural’ fit; Assuming that a mother won’t be able to

•

commit enough time to work; Assuming an older worker will not be open to learning new skills.

If we want to create an inclusive environment where everyone can flourish, we must address unconscious bias.

There are a number of ways to reduce unconscious bias in recruitment: 1. Define the job role; 2. Redact information on the application form / CV that identify key characteristics of a person such as age, gender, ethnicity. This will remove unconscious bias while short listing potential candidates.

3. Have a diverse hiring / interview panel.

Even by following these steps, it is unlikely that we will be completely unbiased.

Unconscious bias can sometimes be difficult

to self-identify and to assist with that there is a test called the Implicit Association Test (IAT).

The IAT measures the strength of associations between different groups of people and your immediate thoughts and unconscious stereotypes about those groups of people. The test’s purpose is to specifically highlight bias, this does mean that you may be confronted with some results that you may find upsetting or do not agree with; however, it can be a great method to understand your unconscious attitudes and beliefs.

You can take part in the anonymous test or learn more about it here: https://implicit. harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html *Stereotype: a fixed idea or image that many people have of a particular type of person or thing, but which is often not true in reality and may cause hurt and offence.

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Assessing the possible Sustainability Benefits of using Instruments and monitoring on site Article contributed by Chris Swainston, on behalf of the AGS I&MWG

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he AGS has asked each of its working groups to discuss sustainability issues at their meetings and the Instrumentation and Monitoring Working Group is no exception. From the Group’s

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perspective there are obvious sustainability, cost, time and carbon benefits in not having to go to site regularly to monitor Geotechnical or Geoenvironmental parameters. Instead, remote monitoring equipment can be installed, and the data downloaded periodically or streamed in real time to your office computer.

This is also very much in keeping with the AGS data management philosophy – require input of data only once and get the most appropriate person (ideally the producer) to do it.

Unfortunately, many practitioners have had bad experiences with continuous remote monitoring, which can be tricky to establish, maintain and interpret effectively without sufficient experience. Regulators may also not accept on-site analysis of data without prior approval (difficult to obtain with current regulatory response delays), significant oversight and complementary analysis.

to carbon footprints, credits and the fuel in the plane that takes you on holiday.

In fact, the basic concept underlying sustainability is that it is best achieved using a process involving quantification of a combination of potentially related factors from each of the identified key areas as expressed for example in UN sustainability guidance.

This process-led methodology and approach is There remains a seeming lack of absolutely key to determining and calculating understanding on the part of some the positive and/or negative elements practitioners and regulators as to what can identified and quantified to be done these days with achieve the “best” result - for remote monitoring, the There have a given value of “best”. range of equipment that is been several available and what guidance There have been several attempts to undertake is available for the use of that attempts to undertake equipment (usually precious sustainability sustainability calculations little and out of date). The skill calculations by both by both AGS members and lies in the ability to determine others, and several more AGS members and exactly what to do and what attempts are currently others, and several equipment to use for any in the process of being more attempts are particular project, depending determined, tested and on one’s perspective, currently in the process calculated, including at least competence and defined of being determined, one for UK regulators. This sustainability goals. is in part a response to the

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Sustainability

tested and calculated, including at least one for UK regulators.

In terms of sustainable development, the Brundtland report (UN Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future, 1987) defines sustainable development as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.

Sustainability is the combination of several different considerations including environmental, economic and social factors, which can sometimes be even more important than simply reducing carbon. Offsetting is a commonly misused word in the context of sustainability as it rarely is in practice and most people will only come across it in relation

engineering sustainability initiatives being developed within the development/ building industry at the request of groups like ICE. However, this is far from a simple task in practice, especially when one starts including considerations of total life cycle carbon, recycling and waste elements, which are very difficult aspects to attach precise and accurate quantifications to.

Process So, how does one actually go about proving or justifying the use of on-site methods, equipment, analysis, remote monitoring and costs against more traditional methods such as laboratory analysis? One of the

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easier ways to at least start the process is to determine the benefit primarily on the basis of cost, especially as the carbon intensive travel to site element is becoming ever more expensive.

For example, six gas monitoring visits (minimum recommended by CIRIA document C665 ‘Assessing risks posed by hazardous ground gases to buildings’ for residential low risk) may cost in the order of £3,000 and 1.2 tonnes carbon dioxide emissions.

As a regulated industry, we can fail on sustainability when it comes to presentation, guidance and especially the regulation itself, which is We hope that often many years behind the this article will current realities of what can provide an initial spur now be achieved on site.

“

Compare this with a remote continuous monitoring system at two visits (one to install and one remove) over a week of falling low pressure continuous monitoring at a total cost in the order of £2,200 and 0.2 tonnes carbon dioxide emissions.

to tackling some of the issues raised by the working group and that with the help of its members and others, the AGS can produce influential and informative guidance to practitioners, clients and UK regulators...

Issues Identified However, if the regulator treats the CIRIA C665 requirements (for example) as strict requirements and not as guidance, they may not accept the possibility of remote monitoring data and conclusions as continuous monitoring for gasses largely postdates the original publication of that guidance.

This could increase the costs beyond that for the proposed six visits. This is where the sociolegal aspect of the sustainability calculation comes in, along with our professional duty of care to our clients, and perhaps explains why this is not taken up as much as it could and should be, to improve the sustainability of the industry when using newer technologies and alternative, but equally valid and proven methodologies.

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Summary

We hope that this article will provide an initial spur to tackling some of the issues raised by the working group and that with the help of its members and others, the AGS can produce influential and informative guidance to practitioners, clients and UK regulators regarding the options available, new ways and examples of how to achieve regulatory compliance, and how remote monitoring and analysis can contribute to the overall sustainability of our Client’s projects and the industry as a whole.

Whilst, in fact, the determination process can be fairly simple (at least in theory), to determine what is probably the best, greater or more sustainable method of undertaking current site tasks and analysis, it may not be attainable using a method currently accepted by the appropriate UK regulator or society.

The Instrumentation & Monitoring Working Group will be exploring this topic further and will aim to provide additional case studies and examples of how this can be successfully achieved in practice. If any AGS members have relevant examples, case studies and critiques on any of the above or related topics then please send them to the group via the AGS Secretariat.

Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists WHY BECOME AN AGS MEMBER? Enhance your status in the industry. Make a statement about quality and good practice. Participate in the AGS Working Groups and help shape the industry and set the standards.

WHAT DO WE STAND FOR? ■ Good practice in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering ■ Quality companies providing a quality service ■ Health and Safety ■ AGS Data Format

WHAT DO WE OFFER? ■ Guidance to good practice ■ Listing in the Directory of Members ■ AGS Magazine focused on ground engineering ‘hot topics’ ■ Legal helpline ■ Chemical safety helpline ■ AGS Loss Prevention Guidance Document ■ Seminars, meetings, conferences and webinars ■ Collaboration with other bodies ■ Liaison with UKAS ■ Lobbying on matters important to the sector ■ Developing and maintaining the AGS Data Format

MEMBERS CAN CONTRIBUTE BY PRODUCING SUCH DOCUMENTS AS: ■ AGS good practice guidance ■ AGS publications ■ AGS safety guidance ■ AGS client guides

MEMBERS CAN PARTICIPATE IN AGS WORKING GROUPS: For further information on the AGS and details on how to become a member visit www.ags.org.uk Established in 1988, the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists is a not-for-profit trade association which represents over 140 leading companies specialising in site investigation, geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, engineering geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and other related disciplines.

■ Laboratories ■ Contaminated Land ■ Safety ■ Business Practice ■ Loss Prevention ■ Data Management ■ Executive Committee ■ Geotechnical ■ Instrumentation and Monitoring

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IH UNE SSK EIRDLTED globally

How long have you worked at HUESKER? Approaching 4 years.

What is your career background, and what enticed you to work for HUESKER?

Getting to know Huesker Ltd with Technical Manager, Dave Woods.

What does the company do and what areas does it specialise in?

Manufacturer and designer of geosynthetics.

Where is HUESKER located?

UK office in Warrington, production facilities in Germany, USA & Brazil

“

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

We are proud of all our projects from small retaining walls and foundations to huge infrastructure schemes.

How many people does the company employ?

10 UK employees, 600+ 30

Civil / Geotechnical Engineer with 30 years of experience in UK, Asia and Europe.

Geosynthetics have always been a major area of interest and expertise for me, and Huesker were a company whose materials I had known and worked with over my entire career from my very first project widening the M25 motorway.

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Technical support for sales and design of the company products, advice on site installation, business development, external training through CPDs, conference papers

and presentations, university lectures etc and representation of the company and industry on industry and technical committees. No two days are alike.

What are the company’s core values?

Imagination, Progressiveness, Excellence, Attractiveness & Reliability.

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

We are proud of all our projects from small retaining walls and foundations to huge infrastructure schemes. Most recently the development and implementation of geogrid with integrated fibre optic cables to monitor ground movement and warn of sink holes prior to failure on HS2 and the development of active composite textiles, which treat contaminants within soils in situ rather than condemning them to landfills.

How important is sustainability within the company?

Sustainability is at the core of all we do. Our products offer up

to 85% reductions in embodied carbon content versus conventional construction methods whilst we continue to lead the market with advances in the use of post-consumer recycled materials in our products and increasing use of renewable energy in our production facilities.

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

Where possible we offer external lectures to students at undergrad and postgrad level within universities globally.

We seek to employ the very best young engineers and through continuous internal training, mentoring and the sponsorship of Masters and

PhDs seek to advance the careers of our employees to reach their full potential.

more regular global meetings and training sessions to better share individual knowledge.

How has COVID-19 impacted HUESKER today? Are there any policies which were made during the pandemic that have been kept to improve employee wellbeing and productivity?

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

Options for remote working and flexibility of working hours were always part of Huesker’s working practices, but during and post Covid, these options were made available to more staff members. The increased use of video conferencing has reduced both in house and external face to face meetings helping to improve sustainability and increasing productivity whilst introducing

The AGS is a valuable source of information and networking opportunities within the geotechnical field through in person events, webinars and published guidance.

What are HUESKER’s future ambitions?

To continue to innovate within the geosynthetics field with an aim to improving the sustainability, safety and economy of geotechnical projects whilst providing solutions to both existing problems and questions which are yet to be asked.

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Training Courses Equipe Training: Specialist Geotechnical Courses Equipe Training's specialist geotechnical training courses are delivered both in person at our dedicated training facility just outside of Banbury, Oxfordshire, and also online via Zoom!

Available upcoming dates are provided below: Î

21st November 2023 - Understanding & Scheduling Geotechnical Laboratory Testing

Î

22nd November 2023 - Basic Foundation Design

Î Î

23rd November 2023 - Slope Stability Design 11th January 2024 - Professor David Norbury’s Soil Description Workshop

Î Î Î

25th January 2024 - Earthworks Design and Construction (Online) 15th February 2024 - Professor David Norbury’s Rock Description Workshop 12th April 2024 - Further Foundation Design

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: 20th December 2023 - Managing and working with Asbestos Risk in Ground Investigation (MARGI) Î 18th January 2024 - IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services Î 6th – 8th February 2024 - IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites Places on these courses can be booked online here, or via contacting Equipe on +44 (0)1295 670990 or info@equipegroup.com Î

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P O T S VER

NE

G N I N AR

LE

WITH WORLD CLASS GEOTECHNICAL TRAINING FROM EQUIPE Health and Safety Courses

Delivered in partnership with RPA Safety Services

IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites (3 Days) - £495 + VAT

Learn in detail how to keep yourself and your on-site operatives safe in the field - industry SSSTS equivalent

IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services - £175 + VAT

In accordance with the requirements and guidance set out within HSG47

Other Health and Safety Courses Delivered in partnership with EB Safety Solutions & RPA Safety Services

MARGI - Managing & working with Asbestos Risk in Ground Investigation - £225 + VAT

Comprehensive guidance to deal with asbestos in a GI environment, including CAR 2012

Geotechnical Courses

Prof. David Norbury’s Soil Description Workshop - £295 + VAT

Providing a detailed approach to soil description practices and techniques

Prof. David Norbury’s Rock Description Workshop - £295 + VAT

Providing a detailed approach to rock description practices and techniques

Online and In-Classroom Geotechnical Courses Delivered in partnership with Plough Geotechnical

Basic Foundation Design - £250 + VAT

Shallow foundation overview for geotechnical practitioners and engineers

Further Foundation Design - £250 + VAT

Complex & deep pile foundations for geotechnical practitioners and engineers

Earthworks Design and Construction - £250 + VAT

A general overview of materials sourcing / selection for design & construction

Slope Stability Design - £250 + VAT

Comprehensive overview for geotechnical practitioners and engineers

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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 Executive meeting.

The deadline for the next round of completed applications is 9th January 2024.

AGS Chemical and Legal Helplines All Members of the AGS are entitled to free introductory advice on chemical and legal/contractual matters from AGS Loss Prevention Group members, Marquis & Lord and Beale & Co. For advice on chemical safety and best practice, Marquis & Lord will provide up to 30 minutes of free advice, for one issue, to any 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 All articles in the AGS 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(s), 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 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

Advertising 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

All advertising artwork must be supplied in 114 dpi resolution.

 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

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.

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