FPS Calls for Immediate Right to Work & Residency for Current UK-Based EU Construction Workers
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), in the wake of the recent general election, is calling on UK government to act swiftly to reassure the status of EU construction workers currently employed within the UK construction sector, of their permanent right to residence and work within the UK post-Brexit.
The plea follows concerns by its [FPS] members that any failure to immediately reassure the
status of current EU construction workers risks the possibility of a labour exodus and with it
a sudden shortfall in the availability of professional, skilled and semi-skilled workers,
required to undertake current and projected large-scale infrastructure projects.
Alasdair Henderson, Chair of the FPS said: “There are very real concerns within the specialist
contractor sector, as well as the wider construction industry, that uncertainty over EU
workers’ right to work and residency within the UK may lead to a sudden scarcity of much-needed labour and skills.
In a sector already suffering from a recognised shortage of skills, skilled professional
workers from the EU not only addresses this, but are also critical to ensuring the
government’s own construction plans (£500bn infrastructure pipeline) marked as essential
for UK economic stability and growth, are not put in jeopardy.”
There are an estimated 175,000 EU workers, or approximately 8% of the construction
workforce (1) currently employed in UK construction, although the percentage is estimated as
much higher for the specialist contractor sector, where cross-border mobility of skills is
greater.
Alasdair added: “UK construction has always relied on non-UK workers, not only to fill
temporary shortages when demand is high, but to provide valuable educational, technical
and cultural diversity, all of which drive innovation and encourage young people to consider
the sector as a career option
Giving EU construction workers the continued right to work and reside within the UK will
provide welcome reassurance to the UK construction industry, a sector already being
battered by various levies and increased bureaucracy. It will also create an environment of
certainty that will allow construction companies to invest, train and recruit locally too – all
benefits to any post-Brexit economy.”
(1) Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
FPS Establishes Working Group to Investigate New Methods of Pile Integrity Testing
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has established a Working Group to evaluate the many new methods of indirect pile testing, to address concerns that exist over their over interpretation and ensure results are both robust and calibrated against each other and against existing direct testing methods.
With the development of a number of new methods for the integrity testing of large diameter and deep bored piles, such as Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP testing) and optical methods, the FPS feels methods need further examination to ensure the data they provide is of practical significance before they become a mainstream choice for specifiers. Presently there is caution that the indirect nature of these new testing methods require ‘calibration’ against previous forms of testing to satisfy specifiers that the testing is reliable, and will provide the same or better ‘visibility’ of a constructed pile and its properties.
Additionally, Sonic Logging, an indirect testing method already well-established, will be examined further with a view to looking at ways of improving safety reducing safety-related issues typically arising during the placement of long telescopic logging tubes in deep bores.
Alasdair Henderson, Chair of the FPS, said: “These new indirect testing methods should be perfect for installation verification of large bored piles used in the foundations of heavy structures and in retaining walls; however it is critical that the data these new testing methods present is reliable and meaningful compared to existing testing methodologies. The primary task of the Working Group will be the ‘calibration’ of these new methods of testing against each other and existing pile integrity test methods so that reliable and meaningful data sets can be produced that not only endure scrutiny, but help promote these new methods to commonplace application.
FPS Welcomes Parliamentary Debate on Cash Retentions Urging Cross-Party Consensus on Legislation
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has welcomed the recent parliamentary debate [Wednesday 26th April; 12:30] calling for the introduction of legislation to protect cash retentions and calls on all parties to ensure the debate is followed with legislative action through the parliamentary process and towards a future where they are eliminated altogether.
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has welcomed the recent parliamentary debate [Wednesday 26th April; 12:30] calling for the introduction of legislation to protect cash retentions and calls on all parties to ensure the debate is followed with legislative action through the parliamentary process and towards a future where they are eliminated altogether.
The issue of cash retentions, which is estimated to amount to over £1 billion (1) of unpaid fees to UK contractors, formed part of a “Motion Debate” and specifically Alan Brown MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun (SNP) argued for the introduction of legislation that can protect cash retentions, as well as highlighting how this “outdated” practice puts construction SMEs at risk.
Alasdair Henderson, Chair of the FPS said: “It is good to see this particular aspect of cash retentions back on the legislative agenda as it is a real and concerning issue to our [FPS] members as well as the much wider construction sector. The FPS, together with many other industry bodies, has long called for the introduction of legislation, such as that which exists already in parts of Europe, to ensure that cash retentions are protected from insolvency risk and released on time. More broadly, the FPS welcomes the trend towards eliminating cash retentions in the industry as part of our support for responsible commercial practices in construction.”
The motion was accepted and Alan Brown was given leave to introduce the Bill where it will proceed to a second reading scheduled for the 12 May 2017.
FPS Lends Support for CECA “Stop. Make a Change” Initiative
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce its support for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association’s (CECA) ‘Stop. Make a Change’ initiative - a national campaign being held on the 18th April 2017, which is designed to promote health and wellbeing in the infrastructure sector.
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce its support for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association’s (CECA) ‘Stop. Make a Change’ initiative - a national campaign being held on the 18th April 2017, which is designed to promote health and wellbeing in the infrastructure sector.
The ‘Stop. Make a Change’ campaign will drive a step-change in performance within the infrastructure sector, with participating companies encouraged to develop their own commitments based around:
Respiratory Health
Fatigue
Plant Safety
Mental Health
Speaking about the ‘Stop. Make a Change’ campaign, Alasdair Henderson, Chair of the FPS said: “This is an important CECA-led initiative that the FPS is pleased to support. Not only does it align closely with the FPS’s direction of travel, but it also helps our customers and principal contractors to recognise the importance of these topics and so join together with their specialist contracting partners to improve overall industry practice.”
In support of the CECA campaign on the 18th April 2017, FPS members are being asked to put work on hold to and engage constructively with employees and suppliers about health, safety & wellbeing issues, and to make commitments to actions targeting improved performance in these areas.
Anyone wishing to be involved in the ‘Stop. Make a Change’ campaign should e-mail enquiries@ceca.co.uk or alternatively, visit www.stopmakeachange.co.uk for more details.
For more information about the FPS, contact the FPS by email fps@fps.org.uk or visit the FPS website www.fps.org.uk.
New Associate Members Increases Sector Representation for Federation of Piling Specialists
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to welcome three new Associate Members.
The three new members are Arup Group Ltd, the multinational professional services firm that provides engineering, design, planning, project management and consulting services for all aspects of the built environment; Geofirma Ltd, a niche geotechnical consultancy and Pile Designs Ltd, an independent company providing geotechnical advice and undertaking calculations for pile loading and retaining walls.
Speaking about the new Associate Members, Alasdair Henderson, Chair of the FPS said: “A strategic aim of the FPS is to more fully represent geotechnical contracting, allowing it to provide a single and coordinated voice within the piling sector, the wider construction industry and at government level. The addition of these new members moves us closer to achieving this goal and each’s unique individual business and sector view is a very welcome addition to enlarging our knowledge base.”
Associate Membership of the FPS has been growing rapidly to include companies from the majority of sectors of the wider geotechnical contracting industry. Their addition strengthens the Federation’s knowledge and representation base giving it a more authoritative voice in the construction sector. It also helps the FPS lobby more effectively at industry and government and European levels on issues such as training and fair payment.
FPS Raised Concern over Proposed Immigration Skills Charge
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has raised concern over the soon-to-be-introduced ‘Immigration Skills Charge”, which from April 2017 means employers who sponsor a migrant worker for a Tier 2 visa will be required to pay a levy of £1,000 per migrant, per year, with a reduced rate of £364 applying to small businesses.
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has raised concern over the soon-to-be-introduced ‘Immigration Skills Charge”, which from April 2017 means employers who sponsor a migrant worker for a Tier 2 visa will be required to pay a levy of £1,000 per migrant, per year, with a reduced rate of £364 applying to small businesses.
Speaking about the forthcoming charge FPS Chair Alasdair Henderson said: “Most specialist businesses in the infrastructure sector aim for stability in employee numbers across their portfolio of projects and where necessary use international staff, often from within the same organisation, to supplement their core UK workforce and manage short-term peak demand for specific skills. To assume that the UK resident labour market can supply both the number and quality of employees required to replace international staff in the short term, is to deny the existing UK skills shortage and the long lead-time involved in training and developing the specific skills base. This new levy approach thus serves only to inflate payroll costs in an industry that is already under significant cost pressure and suffering from the uncertainty around the CITB and Apprenticeship Levies.
“The levy also has the potential to do more than push up costs through higher wages, it could delay projects through firms unwilling to pay a premium for the skilled overseas labour they require.”
Alasdair added: “Skilled ground engineering employees are thin on the ground, as it is with many roles featuring on the shortage occupation list (for which there is no exemption proposed within the immigration levy). The shortage of suitable STEM trained school leavers and graduates exacerbates this skill short fall and the timeline for an enlarged future UK cohort entering the industry is well beyond the introduction threshold for this levy.
The FPS suggests there are better ways to tackle the issue without adding an extra financial burden on those companies already struggling under financial pressure and in most need of migrant labour. Specifically Alasdair suggests: “Rather than increasing the cost of employment for specialist UK businesses, government and private customers would be well-served by working with specialist contractors and trade bodies, such as the FPS, to improve continuity and predictability of workload, which is often the biggest single barrier to employment growth and training investment. By updating project procurement practices to reward responsible specialist businesses, long-term direct employment will be promoted resulting in the desired outcome – sustainable growth of the UK ground engineering skill base.”
FPS Revises Design & Lifting of Cages Guidance Note
The Federation of Piling Specialists is pleased to announce the publication of the third edition of ‘The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls (SPERWall).’
The Federation of Piling Specialists is pleased to announce the publication of the third edition of ‘The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls (SPERWall).’
The 2016 version of this preeminent document has been revised in response to developments in piling techniques and changes to European Standards, as well as taking into account modern forms of contract and procurement methods.
Divided into three parts, Part A is advisory, particularly for those procuring piling and diaphragm walling, whilst Parts B (the Specification) & C (Notes for Guidance) are now contiguous to each other for easier reading. Section 1, which discusses general requirements, has been extensively re-written, and the 20 sections which follow now include new chapters on micropiles and helical piles. The reference section has also been refreshed and includes relevant Eurocodes.
It is intended that the publication continues to be used as the UK national standard specification for piling and embedded retaining walls and that clients and designers will continue to refer only to SPERWall so that its standard clauses need not be reproduced for every contract. Where necessary, specifiers can make special amendments with the use of a Project Specification (which again is provided for in the new Specification).
Speaking about the SPERWall publication FPS Chairman Alasdair Henderson said: “A tremendous amount of work has gone into this document and I would like to acknowledge Jim De Waele who has led the revision, and the valued technical input of the FPS members and contributors from the wider geotechnical community. The document defines the UK national standards for piling and retaining wall work and is a must for any geotechnical engineer.”
The document is available for purchase from Thomas Telford and the ICE.
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has released a new revision of its Guidance Note – "The Design for Splicing and Lifting of Pre-Fabricated and Site Fabricated Reinforcement Cages for Piling and Walling Works."
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has released a new revision of its Guidance Note – "The Design for Splicing and Lifting of Pre-Fabricated and Site Fabricated Reinforcement Cages for Piling and Walling Works."
This new revision outlines current best practice in relation to the design and lifting of pre- fabricated reinforcement cages and site fabricated reinforcement cages for piling and walling works, as well as providing guidance on choosing proprietary systems of cage splicing to avoid any issues. It also specifies the need to follow any guidance from suppliers of proprietary cage splicing systems and there is also a section on lifting light cages.
From a listing of definitions through to cage design information, purchase orders and the delivery & lifting on site, the guidance note provides all the information required to ensure safe, competent and successful applications on site.
Speaking about the revised Guidance Note, FPS Chairman Alasdair Henderson said: "The document covers all the latest information and guidance to ensure best practice on site with regards to the design for splicing and lifting of pre-fabricated and site fabricated reinforcement cages for piling and walling works. The revision includes a number of new elements bringing the note right up-to-date."
The FPS is pleased to support New Civil Engineer’s 10th annual Tunnelling Summit, which takes place on 7-8 December 2016 and brings together the leaders of the tunnelling industry to examine current and future projects and share best practice from UK and international schemes.
The FPS is pleased to support New Civil Engineer’s 10th annual Tunnelling Summit, which takes place on 7-8 December 2016 and brings together the leaders of the tunnelling industry to examine current and future projects and share best practice from UK and international schemes.
This year’s event is firmly focused on providing an update on current and future projects and the opportunities available for the industry to shape and deliver those schemes. Major projects of focus this year include:
HS2
Tideway
Silvertown Link
National Grid's power tunnels
London Underground Future Stations Programme
Highways England’s future tunnelling projects on the Strategic Road Network
Attend the Summit on 7-8 December to pinpoint opportunities from these major projects, understand what clients are looking for from the supply chain and take part in panel discussions with industry leaders.
FPS Welcomes New Associate Members
As part of its on-going strategy to fully represent the geotechnical contracting sector, the
Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), is pleased to welcome a further two new Associate
Members
As part of its on-going strategy to fully represent the geotechnical contracting sector, the
Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), is pleased to welcome a further two new Associate
Members
The two new members; Atkins– one of the world’s leading design, engineering and project
management consultancies - and Byland Engineering– an independent geotechnical
consultant, with a particular specialism in the design and optimisation of piling and ground
engineering schemes - bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience of working
within their geotechnical specialism, knowledge that will be put to good use by the FPS in
setting standards and crafting guidance in the future.
Speaking about the new Associate Members, Alasdair Henderson, Chair of the FPS said
“Through the Associate Membership scheme, the FPS has been able to involve stakeholders
outside our direct membership, such as consultants and service providers as well as the
wider supply chain such as plant and equipment manufacturers. These two new members,
each with their own unique sector and business perspective, widen further the FPS’s
engagement with related industries and as such they are a welcome addition to the
Federation.”
Since its launch the FPS Associate Membership has grown to include companies from the
majority of sectors of the wider geotechnical contracting industry. Their addition strengthens
the Federation’s knowledge and representation base giving it a more authoritative voice in
the construction sector. It also helps the FPS lobby more effectively at industry and
government and European levels on issues such as training and fair payment.
For more information about the FPS, Membership including Associate Membership, contact
the FPS by email fps@fps.org.uk or visit the FPS website www.fps.org.uk.
Basements & Underground Structures Conference
Brought to you by Ground Engineering, Basements and Underground Structures conference your best opportunity to explore the procurement, design and delivery of underground spaces.
The event is a critical gathering of leaders from major clients, main contractors, consultants, designers, specialist contractors and suppliers and essential for anyone involved in small, medium or large scale projects.
Brought to you by Ground Engineering, Basements and Underground Structures conference your best opportunity to explore the procurement, design and delivery of underground spaces.
The event is a critical gathering of leaders from major clients, main contractors, consultants, designers, specialist contractors and suppliers and essential for anyone involved in small, medium or large scale projects.
There are many great reasons to attend the event in 2016, but here are three you should have in mind when weighing up whether to attend:
Exclusive networking - gain access to over 220 senior industry figures including potential clients, project partners and innovative suppliers
Peer learning - attend technical workshops, breakfast briefings, panel discussions and case study sessions to draw out lessons from current projects across the domestic, commercial and infrastructure sectors
Knowledge building - hear about the techniques and technologies which will be critical to the delivery of future basement projects and understand what this means for your business
Whatever the scale, location or stage of the basements you are involved in, Basements and Underground Structures gives you the industry’s best opportunity to improve your knowledge and understand where future opportunities will arise.
Save 20% on your place at the event when quoting FPS16 at registration. Book your place here.
FPS Rig Bearing Pressure Workshop
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce it has set a date for two
half-day workshops designed to train engineers and temporary works designers on how to
use its recently published Rig Bearing Pressure spreadsheet correctly.
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce it has set a date for two
half-day workshops designed to train engineers and temporary works designers on how to
use its recently published Rig Bearing Pressure spreadsheet correctly.
The workshops, which are being held at the Derby Conference Centre 1st November 2016
and hosted by the FPS’s Derek Egan of Remedy Geotechics, will take the attendees through
the spreadsheet, explaining how to best use it to inform the design of the working platform.
With rig overturns a continued risk to the sector, the FPS is keen to ensure the
spreadsheet’s correct use and reinforce the knowledge that may have lapsed over time since
the spreadsheet’s first introduction.
For example, feedback has shown that design engineers and those in the employ of
temporary works departments of main contractors, may not take into account the fact that a
different hammer is being used on the rig to the one that is standard, or they may not have
thought about what happens when a rig is operated in different modes.
Speaking about the workshops, Alasdair Henderson, Chair of the FPS said: “Rig overturns
are now a rare occurrence due to the industry’s adoption of the FPS guidance and working
platform certificate. However, it is important that we continue to do everything we can to
ensure these incidents never happen and an improved understanding othe calculations
required for rig bearing pressures is part of this. The workshop is essential attendance for
anyone tasked with working platform design - from our own Members through to those
employed by main contractors in temporary works departments.”
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the first workshops, the Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce it has set a date for its second two half-day workshops, designed to train engineers and temporary works designers on how to use its recently published Rig Bearing Pressure spreadsheet correctly.
The workshops, which are being held at Friends House, Euston Road, London on 1st December 2016 and hosted by the FPS’s Derek Egan of Remedy Geotechics, will take the attendees through the spreadsheet, explaining how to best use it to inform the design of the working platform. With rig overturns a continued risk to the sector, the FPS is keen to ensure the spreadsheet’s correct use and reinforce the knowledge that may have lapsed over time since the spreadsheet’s first introduction.
For example, feedback has shown that design engineers and those in the employ of temporary works departments of main contractors, may not take into account the fact that a different hammer is being used on the rig to the one that is standard, or they may not have thought about what happens when a rig is operated in different modes.
Speaking about the workshops, Alasdair Henderson, Chair of the FPS said: “Rig overturns are now a rare occurrence due to the industry’s adoption of the FPS guidance and working platform certificate. However, it is important that we continue to do everything we can to ensure these incidents never happen and an improved understanding other calculations required for rig bearing pressures is part of this. The workshop is essential attendance for anyone tasked with working platform design - from our own Members through to those employed by main contractors in temporary works departments.”
For more information about the workshops and how to sign-up for attendance contact the FPS at fps@fps.org.uk.
FPS UKATA Support
The FPS is pleased to announce its support and promotion of the UK Asbestos Training Association’s (UKATA) asbestos awareness campaign “Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe.”
The FPS is pleased to announce its support and promotion of the UK Asbestos Training Association’s (UKATA) asbestos awareness campaign “Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe.” The campaign promotes general asbestos awareness and safety advice, as well as explaining in detail the importance of correct handling of asbestos. With asbestos still a serious issue and claiming many lives annually, campaigns such as this are vitally important.
The campaign forms part of the ongoing commitment of UKATA and its members to emphasise the importance of sourcing a competent training provider and the Health and safety Executive (HSE) advice that workers and supervisors must be trained to recognise Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) and be able to know what to do should they encounter them.
With asbestos estimated to be present in many buildings including 1.5 million public buildings it is still a very present danger. Understanding it, and knowing how to deal with it safely is paramount. Find out more at http://www.ukata.org.uk/ukata-asbestos-campaign-vital/, visit www.ukata.org.uk or call 01246 824 437.
FPS Annual Awards 2016 - The Entry Process
This year sees the FPS Annual Dinner reincarnated as the FPS Annual Awards Dinner, the first of its kind, where the achievements of outstanding individuals and companies within the Ground Engineering industry will be recognised and celebrated.
This year sees the FPS Annual Dinner reincarnated as the FPS Annual Awards Dinner, the first of its kind, where the achievements of outstanding individuals and companies within the Ground Engineering industry will be recognised and celebrated.
It will take place on Friday 21st October at The Underglobe, beneath the prestigious Shakespeare Globe Theatre on London’s Southbank.
Please read the attached awards pack, which details the five awards and how you can enter. Please note that the deadline for entries is Friday 9th September.
The evening will start with a drinks reception, followed by a three course dinner and the all-important awards ceremony, which will be hosted by BBC's Steph McGovern and FPS Chairman, Alasdair Henderson. You can read more about Steph in the attached awards pack.
Further details about the evening and how to book your ticket will be sent very soon.
In the meantime, we look forward to receiving your award entries.
FPS Chairman’s Blog | Reasons to be optimistic post-Brexit
So, Britain has voted and decided to call it a day on the European project. Politically, it’s all change to the left, right and centre too, but political shenanigans aside (and there are plenty) the Brexit result will have implications for ground engineering as well as the wider construction sector, which ultimately feeds our work supply.
So, Britain has voted and decided to call it a day on the European project. Politically, it’s all change to the left, right and centre too, but political shenanigans aside (and there are plenty) the Brexit result will have implications for ground engineering as well as the wider construction sector, which ultimately feeds our work supply.
It was apparent from both sides of the argument during election campaigning that the future is uncertain and, unsurprisingly, the complexity of the UK’s ultimate exit and the relationship it negotiates is now the topic of much speculation and debate. With this backdrop and the lack of a crystal ball, just what can we do to manage the implications of Brexit for piling and the wider construction sector?
Well, we should take an optimistic view. Yes, there will be some challenges ahead for the construction sector, not least from the short-term volatility of the financial markets, but I really do think the sector is more resilient than many imagine. It has survived the worst recession of modern times and has had recognition of its importance to the UK economy.
To support this optimism, we need our domestic politicians and key public and private customers to focus on achieving stability. They can do this by making the right noises, in the right directions and to the right audience, ensuring the UK sends out an unambiguous message of confidence and business as usual. In practical terms, the FPS would like to see all parties confirming their commitment to the National Infrastructure Plan and commercial developers doing more to share their plans with the industry. Infrastructure, in particular, has been singled out for its importance to the growth of the UK economy and the referendum result does not change this. In fact, with the inevitable uncertainty that lies ahead of us infrastructure investment may be the one opportunity the UK has to ensure it doesn’t slip back into recession, however temporary this may be. Externally, the UK must aim for pragmatic agreements with Europe that avoid the imposition of trade and customs tariffs as far as possible, and maintain cross-border VAT arrangements to avoid raising the cost of doing business.
A contentious theme throughout the campaign was immigration, but I would hope the UK now maintains a sensible head on this topic and recognises the importance skilled European employees have to the UK construction sector. The industry relies on their contribution and this must be maintained to ensure the sector functions. Indeed, the contribution that UK construction specialists make to European infrastructure means that maintaining access for UK workers and companies to European markets is in everyone’s interest. A clear message needs to be sent out now about the UK’s position on the status of current European employees, as again this removes uncertainty both with the employees and with those companies that use them.
Regardless of the personal views held by us as individuals, and my own is widely known, we must now make the best of what we have. There were, and still are, aspects of Europe that need reform, but equally there is still much more for us to gain from maintaining a professional, mature and pragmatic relationship that works for Europe and the UK. We must therefore keep as much of what is good about Europe as we can and work enthusiastically to spread the message of sector confidence. Through all of this post-Brexit period, we need investment, we need growth and ultimately, we need an early return to stability.
FPS Issues New PUWER Guidance - Includes BS EN 16228
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has issued New PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) Guidance, which incorporates the new European Standard for safety equipment on piling rigs – BS EN 16228.
The document, which is available to download from the FPS website - www.fps.org.uk introduces the new European standard that specifies the requirement for guards and auger cleaners amongst other safety innovations. Although these have been required in the UK since 1998, and in a more stringent guise than is required under the new standard, the FPS is keen to maintain the high standards for plant safety that it pioneered when the guidance was originally created.
Speaking about the new Guidance Document, Alasdair Henderson, Chairman FPS said: “The PUWER guidance is one of the flagship achievements of the FPS and it was originally developed with the support of the HSE. The FPS document introduced the requirement for guards and auger cleaners on rigs, and these were safety innovations that the FPS had to overcome industry inertia to introduce on the grounds of worker safety. Auger cleaners themselves were developed by the FPS Member companies, to deal with the danger of spoil travelling up the auger and were a technical/safety innovation”.
Our new guidance is published as the FPS response to how the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations should be interpreted.
Henderson continued “In the UK, since its introduction there has been a huge cultural shift towards the provision of safety equipment on piling rigs with industry now expecting and welcoming guarding. However, in Europe, there is still considerable resistance from the foundation market regarding the introduction of guards – the claim is that it makes rigs more dangerous. The FPS rejects this position and, working alongside the HSE, is keen to ensure that the current high UK standards are maintained.”
For more information about the FPS and its new PUWER Guidance document, contact the FPS by email fps@fps.org.uk or visit the FPS website www.fps.org.uk.
Bachy Soletanche UK – Secure Top Prize at International Safety Awards
This year Bachy Soletanche was one of the few companies to gain a distinction with full marks from their entry into the British Safety Council International Awards and were subsequently shortlisted in the Construction and Properties sector. Fifteen other leading world-wide construction companies also made this shortlist, providing stiff competition.
On 5 May 2016 at the British Safety Council Awards dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, Bachy Soletanche achieved the ultimate prize of sector winners. This award reflects the hard work by every employee within our business to improve the safety on our worksites, and hence ensuring the health and wellbeing of everyone associated with our work.
A total of 460 companies world-wide entered for the British Safety Council International Awards 2016. Applicants are judged on responses to questions covering every area of health, safety and wellbeing. In total 436 of the entries gained an award which ranged from a pass, merit or distinction.
To gain a distinction entrants had to attain an overall mark of above 98% and only 7% of companies managed to attain this level. These companies are then entered into their individual sector awards with the ultimate prize of sector winner announced on the night of the annual award.
To have reached where we are today, we have had to change our behaviours and the way we work and this is certainly not the end of this journey. Although our incident rates are at an all-time low we still have employees sustaining accidents and this can never be accepted.
By working together and continuing to change our behaviours we can continue on our journey to make our work areas safe, healthy and a place where people are proud to work.
ICE Bridges 2016
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to be supporting ICE Bridges 2016 - Design, Construction and Maintenance, which is being held 1 June 2016, Westminster, London.
ICE Bridges 2016 is the third one day conference in this popular series and offers networking and insight for the whole supply chain. The event will explore methods to assess, manage, maintain and upgrade ageing assets, and levers the independence and specialist knowledge of the 200 year old ICE. It will also present the opportunity for the design, construction and maintenance communities to learn from innovative projects, hear about new approaches and understand the specifics of regulation changes.
For more information or to book your place follow the link www.ice-bridges.com, or call +44 (0)20 7665 2226.
New Chair at the Helm of the Federation of Piling Specialists
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has appointed Alasdair Henderson as its new Chair .
Alasdair Henderson, presently Divisional Director of BAM Ritchies, replaces Martin Blower who has completed his statutory two-year tenure at the helm.
In addition to the Federation’s core aims and goals, Henderson will focus on training, which is one of his big interests, as well as developing a route for pilers / geotechnical specialists to become professionally recognised as EngTechs, ideally through vocational routes recognised by the major engineering institutions.
Speaking about his role with the FPS, Alasdair commented: “It is an honour to be appointed as Chair of the FPS as its status and respect within the specialist contractors sector is extremely high. It is also encouraging to be a Chair from outside the mainstream foundation industry, as it demonstrates the FPS’s role in championing the full range of ground engineering specialisms.”
Alasdair added: “Training is my ‘thing’ which goes hand-in-hand with my mission to see geotechnics recognised widely as a highly skilled industry.”
Alasdair’s knowledge of the piling and foundation / specialist contractor sector is vast having more than 20 years’ experience working for BAM Ritchies, the specialist ground engineering division of BAM Nuttall Ltd. He is also a Divisional Director of BAM Nuttall and sits on their Engineering Board to support technical delivery and promote research and development initiatives across the business.
Alasdair’s enthusiasm for learning and development and in promoting the professional recognition of those with non-traditional educational backgrounds is well known in the sector. He holds the appointment of Visiting Professor at Strathclyde University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and is a member of the International Advisory Group for the DISTINCTIVE consortium of universities undertaking research into nuclear decommissioning.
On a technical level Alasdair’s interests cover the geotechnics of underground infrastructure, particularly relating to injection grouting and the management of radiological waste.
For more information, contact the FPS by email fps@fps.org.uk or visit the FPS website www.fps.org.uk.
FPS Welcomes New Associate Members
As part of its on-going strategy to fully represent the geotechnical contracting sector, the Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), is pleased to welcome four new Associate Members.
The four new members; ESG, Test Consult, Remedy Geotechnics and A-Squared, bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience of working within their geotechnical specialism, knowledge that will be put to good use by the FPS in setting standards and crafting guidance in the future.
Speaking about the new Associate Members, Martin Blower, Chair of the FPS said “Through the Associate Membership scheme, the FPS has been able to involve stakeholders outside our direct membership, such as consultants and service providers as well as the wider supply chain such as Plant manufacturers. These four new members, each with their own unique sector and business perspective, widen further the FPS’s engagement with related industries and as such they are a welcome addition to the Federation.”
Since its launch FPS Associate Membership has grown to include companies from the majority of sectors of the wider geotechnical contracting industry. Their addition strengthens the Federation’s knowledge and representation base giving it a more authoritative voice in the construction sector. It also helps the FPS lobby more effectively at industry and government and European levels on issues such as health and safety, training and fair payment.
For more information about the FPS, Membership including Associate Membership, contact the FPS by email fps@fps.org.uk or visit the FPS website www.fps.org.uk.
FPS Members’ Tournament and Summer Ball – Details and Date Announced
With summer fast approaching, it’s time to mark your diary with this year’s Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Summer Ball. The ball is being held Saturday 11th June at Oulton Hall, Leeds, a stunning and unique 18th century former family mansion set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside.
This year’s event will be preceded by a Member Tournament – a series of mini team-based challenges that will bring out everyone’s competitive spirit, as well as provide a series of fun events to put you in the mood for the evening’s dinner / dance event. The winning team will not only take away an impressive souvenir trophy, but also a cash prize!!!
Open to the membership of the FPS, the Summer Ball is an excellent event for networking in addition to providing some fun and entertainment, so book your places early!
Tickets cost just £250 for the Member Tournament (for a team of five) or £95 per person for the Summer Ball.
Primary sponsors of this year’s event include;
DYWIDAG-SYSTEMS are specialist manufacturers and suppliers of geotechnical systems, including ground anchors, soil nails, mesh facings and mini piles. It leads the field in geotechnical engineering and has been associated with many large and complex projects globally: UK examples include Loch Arklet Dam, M1 widening and Lyme Regis coastal protection.
Casagrande UK have been the UK and Ireland distributor for Casagrande Spa, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of equipment for the construction of foundations, for over 27 years. In addition to Casagrande, Casagrande UK are also distributors for Hutte, Eurodrill, HD Engineering, TEC, TM Bohrtechnik, Hany and Stuwa
ABI Equipment Limited is the UK subsidiary of the highly respected German piling rig and piling equipment manufacturer ABI Group. The Group consists of several well established brands:
ABI – “Mobilram” multi-purpose telescopic piling rigs
BANUT – impact pile driving rigs
DELMAG - rotary drilling rigs and diesel piling hammers
PCP Group are the leading specialist supplier of Concrete and Grout Pumping Equipment to the UK Geotechnical sector. The Group hires Concrete Pumps, Agitator Remixers and Grout Pumps as well as offering for sale the best quality rubber hoses, primer and other products available. We also offer a comprehensive hose management service. www.pcpgroup.co.uk
Soilmecis the leading supplier of drilling and foundation equipment. Being part of the Trevi Group, Soilmec equipment is designed and manufactured in Italy and used on a wide range of ground engineering projects around the world. The Soilmec sales and service facility near Peterborough, provides the highest level of customer service to the UK and Ireland. www.soilmec.co.uk
For more than 60 years Liebherr has been designing and developing a broad and sophisticated product range. Liebherr’s piling and drilling rigs are highly productive under extreme conditions, reliable under continuous pressure, versatile in their application and operationally economical - providing maximum profitability through maximum utilization. www.liebherr.com
For further details and registration forms, please email fps@fps.org.uk. Registration closes on Friday 13th May.
Best Practice Guide to Tremie Concrete
With concrete technology advancing rapidly, it is good practice to ensure you are
familiar with the characteristic performance of fresh concrete and its method of
placement using tremie methods.
The EFFC and DFI has launched its 1st edition of its Best Practice Guide to Tremie
Concrete for Deep Foundations, which gives guidance on the characteristic performance
of fresh concrete and its method of placement using tremie methods in bored piles
and diaphragm walls, allowing construction of high quality elements.
Getting the mix right can only be achieved in a joint approach by the Specialist Contractor
(to achieve the execution requirements), the Designer (to meet the durability and structural
needs), and the Supplier (to produce an economic and practical mix).
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce its sponsorship and support for
ICE Engineering Underground Space 2016, which is being held 15 March 2016.
With many current and proposed UK infrastructure projects heavily reliant on underground engineering,
this one-day conference aims to help planners and engineers optimise the connection and liveability
opportunities, promote resilience and highlight the specialist skills required.
The event will feature a number of best practice case studies that highlight the effective use of
space as well as plan for sustainable developments. ICE will also give delegates the opportunity to
learn about the latest technological developments and explore innovative strategies with their
peers in the home of civil engineering, One Great George Street.
FPS Welcomes CITB Report Adding its Support for More Apprenticeships
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) welcomes the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB)
'Construction Skills Network' (CSN) report, which predicts '...sustained growth from 2016-2020...'
adding its support to its call for ‘All types of training, and especially apprenticeships.
Marin Blower, Chair of the FPS, said: "The FPS has long highlighted its concern over the growing skills
shortage within the geotechnical sector and construction industry as a whole, by pointing out the adverse
impact this will have on future development projects and the wider UK economy. This report, whilst positive
news for the construction industry in terms of growth (2.5% for the next five years*) and job creation (232,0000*)
highlights that demand must be met with the supply of talented, high calibre and well-qualified people –
all of which requires sustained investment in training and in particular, as highlighted by the report, apprenticeships."
Martin added: "The FPS has introduced a number of initiatives designed to tackle the skills issue, including its own Piling
Apprenticeship Scheme, but there is still a wider issue of attracting people into the construction sector in the face of strong
competition from other careers. Our own short careers video, which promotes the different roles available in the geotechnical
sector through youngsters explaining how rewarding their own careers are and the qualifications or career path they followed,
aims to address this for the geotechnical sector. But more must be done to make construction as a whole a more attractive
career option.
"The skills shortage is having an impact now and the construction industry needs to re-double its efforts before the sector
reaches a point of no return. The CITB initiatives will make a difference, but these must be matched with initiatives like
those of the FPS, as well as businesses investing in training their people if only for selfish financial reasons – that is
securing the resource to ensure their future growth!"
* CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report
Crossrail: a Specialist Foundation Construction Lessons Learnt conference in association with the Federation of Piling Specialists
The FPS Crossrail “Lessons Learnt Conference” was a tremendous success – with over 100+ delegates attending.
The quality of submissions was matched by the lively debate and discussion they generated and its format will provide a framework
for future events that promote better working practices.
The Proceedings from the event, which pulls together the Papers that provided the basis for discussion and debate, are reproduced
here for downloading.
Ground Engineering Awards 2016
The Ground Engineering Awards is back and
celebrating nine years of showcasing the very best in the industry.
Entries are now open and you have until 15 January 2016 to tell us why you are the best at what you do, so what are you waiting for?
There are 13 enterable
categories representing the diverse range of skills and attributes needed to deliver cutting-edge ground engineering to ensure there is an
appropriate route to showcase all of your achievements. This may be your work on a project of which you are particularly proud, a fantastic new training
initiative or simply a first-class new business idea that sets you apart from your competitors.
Plus, a new category for this year:
Geoenvironmental
Project of the Year.
The recent one-day Specialist Foundation Construction Conference focused on ‘Crossrail - Lessons Learnt,’ was universally hailed a success having
examined some of the many issues encountered during the project and showcased the new levels of innovation deployed by Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS)
Members in tackling some of the key geotechnical challenges presented by this major project.
The first event of its kind in the UK where a client organisation [Crossrail] has collaborated with the FPS to share knowledge with
the wider industry, the conference - held on Tuesday 10 November 2015 at London’s Living Room, City Hall - brought together over
100 delegates drawn from a wide spectrum of the construction industry as well as members of the geotechnical press.
Speaking after the conference Martin Blower, Chair
of the FPS, said: “The event has been a great success pulling together representatives from other client organisations such as High
Speed 2 and the London Underground, as well as our own Member companies, Crossrail, Contractors, Engineers and the media. All agreed that
it made a significant contribution to Crossrail’s tangible legacy. It provided an opportunity for those Members who had worked on
the project to talk about what they did and demonstrate how they had innovated to overcome issues. It also gave us an opportunity to
reinforce the message that clients should use FPS Members if they want to have a high quality service on their projects.”
Although planned as a one-off invitation-only event, its success in bridging the gap between client and contractor to improve working on
future collaborations, such as HS2 and Crossrail 2, means other similar events may well be held in future. As the FPS continues its
commitment to drive ever higher standards of working throughout the entire geotechnical and deep foundations sector, events such as this
will be pivotal.
Papers from the Conference will be available from January for viewing and download from the FPS website
www.fps.org.uk
FPS Annual Dinner
The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London – once the HQ of the Secret Service during the First World War – will this year be the stunning venue
for the Federation of Piling Specialists Annual Dinner. Quintessentially British, yet contemporary in every way, this stunning hotel will be the perfect
backdrop for a totally engaging night.
Entertainment will be provided by Canadian comedian Sean Collins, who has appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow on BBC 1, and is
regarded as one of the best after-dinner speakers. His comedic banter, audience engagement and professional delivery will ensure an excellent
evening.
Make a note in your diary – FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2015 – and reserve your place now.
Tickets are priced at just £115 (+VAT)* each and are available to FPS Members, FPS Associate Members and clients. Tables seat up to 12 people
- perfect for networking, entertaining or just to enjoy.
To book your place, contact Caroline Kratz at fps@fps.org.uk, before Thursday 1st October 2015.
*Please note that two tickets are included as part of your company’s Membership subscription.
Brush up your handicap – it’s time for the FPS Annual Golf Day!
This year’s FPS Annual Golf Day will take place on Tuesday 15 September at Staverton Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire, and we’ve chose
an exciting new venue that boasts an impressive 18-hole championship course.
Places cost just £64 +VAT per person, which includes a light breakfast, 18 holes of golf and a three course dinner,
complete with pre-drinks reception.
Those wishing to stay can book rooms directly, quoting Federation of Pilling Specialists, to receive a specially
negotiated rate of £65 per night based on single occupancy.
Should you and your company like to attend, contact the FPS for a booking form and return it to
fps@fps.org.uk no later than Friday 14th August.
GE Awards 2015
The Ground Engineering Awards 2015 celebrate the best achievements of our sector, rewarding those organisations that share the
same values as the Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), values such as best practice; quality; innovation and engineering and
the FPS is pleased to be supporting this year’s event. For full information about this year’s Awards please visit
www.geawards.com
FPS 2015 Summer Ball – Details and Date Announced…
A highlight event in the FPS social calendar the Summer Balls is open exclusively to the Membership of the FPS and is as
much a networking occasion as it is entertaining. This year’s Summer Ball will feature Victorian fairground stalls
– coconut shy; tin-can-ally and hoopla – which will all test your diminishing hand-eye coordination during the
drinks reception. There will also be the ever popular charity raffle, along with some new attractions, including a photo
booth and chocolate fountain, along with a live band – Freddie and the Freeloaders, who have played at Glastonbury
and will ensure you get your exercise on the dance floor!
The Belfry, which is set in 500 acres of gorgeous countryside, is famous for its golf and there to be enjoyed, but for
those who don’t fancy 18-holes the resort’s spa facilities have plenty to offer too.
Book early to secure your place(s); tickets cost just £79 each and a table of 12 can be purchased for the discounted
price of only £900.
Book your place now by completing your Company registration form and sending it to fps@fps.org.uk
before Friday 29th May.
Primary sponsors of this year’s Summer Ball event include FPS Associate Members’ ABI, Casagrande and Soilmec;
Soilmec Ltd is a mechanical engineering company belonging to the Trevi Group, major force in foundation
engineering, hydraulic engineering and hydrogeology.
Our world class Sales and Service facility near Peterborough, supplies Soilmec Drilling and Foundation Equipment throughout
the U.K and Ireland. We also supply accessories, spare parts and used equipment. Our fleet of mobile Service Engineers
undertake servicing and repair work, across the U.K and in our workshops.
ABI Equipment Limited offer new and used piling equipment for sale and hire. They specialise in
providing project specific advice. Their brands include:
ABI - telescopic piling rigs with innovative piling systems and attachments
BANUT - rigs for driven pile installation
DELMAG - heavy duty drilling rigs and diesel piling hammers
INTEROC - rock and geothermal drilling equipment
Casagrande is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of piling and drilling equipment,
having celebrated their 50th anniversary recently. Owned and managed throughout this period by the Casagrande family,
the company has focussed on consistently improving the performance and reliability of the products it offers and maintaining
the respected values of the company. For more than 25 years, Casagrande has been represented in the UK by their sole dealer,
Casagrande UK.
ICE Flooding 2015
Future Proofing for Business and Communities
To be held on Wednesday13 May 2015 at the Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, London, W8 4PT
On 13 May in London
200 senior members of the wider flood community will come together at ICE Flooding 2015. The third consecutive event in the series
will explore detailed case studies looking at how far the UK has come in terms of sustainable flood risk management in the last eight
years and what is being done to ensure long term planning to protect business, infrastructure and residents.
The latest on strategy for flood defence from the Environment Agency
The scale of the challenge - an update from Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs
Climate change predictions and data
Drivers of risks and avoiding future floods and droughts
The event will be expertly chaired by ICE’s President David Balmforth and Jean Venables CBE, Chief Executive of
ADA and former ICE President. The programme also features speakers from the Environment Agency, Network Rail, UK
Rainwater Management Association, Nottingham City Council and Southwark Council.
For more information, visit the website www.ice-flooding.com.
ICE Skills Conference 2015
Talent Development for Project Delivery
To be held on 21 April 2015 at the Institution of Civil Engineers, One Great George Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3AA
The Institution of Civil
Engineers is holding a Skills Conference that will outline the abilities your employees need in the post-recession economy, and analyse
the most effective ways of ensuring they have them.
Eight years of financial squeeze have left a legacy of underinvestment in talent management, skills and L&D, and nearly a third of
engineering and construction CEOs are ‘extremely concerned’ about access to key skills limiting growth in the next two years.
The conference programme will focus on ways to fill the gaps with what is available today. Key sessions include:
Recognising potential and transferable skills - freeing your employees trapped in career silos
Big data and informatics – teaching digital skills to engineers rather than competing with other industries and sectors for IT professionals
Employee engagement
Utilizing diversity: moving from quota attainments to growth enabling flexibility
By bringing those responsible for on-time and on-budget delivery and infrastructure project management together with HR
professionals and the wider L&D community, this conference will give directors, managers and supervisors from across
the built environment the tools and insight they need to upskill their workforce.
For registration and more information, visit the website www.ice-skills.com
FPS Lends Its Support to UK Centre for Research in Cities and Infrastructure (UKCRIC)
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce its support for the establishment of the UK Centre for Research in Cities
and Infrastructure (UKCRIC), in particular the proposed ‘buried facility’, which will allow the testing of equipment and foundation
systems under controlled conditions.
UKCRIC is an initiative of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham, UK. The support by the FPS represents a
continuation of collaboration with the University’s School of Civil Engineering and will see the FPS provide a number of support
elements to the project specifically:
Representation of a member of the FPS Council on the UKCRIC advisory panel, with the focus on the buried infrastructure centre at Birmingham.
The canvassing of opinion of its [FPS) Membership on the aims of the project and encouraging corporate members to participate. This participation may be in the form of provision of data, loan of equipment and the provision of equipment and staff to conduct surveys to assist in the development of the equipment.
Advice on the needs of the UK foundation and geotechnical industry with respect to the design of the facility.
Collaboration with academic partners to apply for joint funding to develop new and improved foundation systems and test installation processes to overcome current barriers of the technology.
Commenting on the support of
the UKCRIC project Martin Blower, Chairman FPS said: “The facility will be of tremendous benefit in the advancement civil engineering and the buried
facility, in particular, to the foundation sector. Problems that arise when installing various foundations into busy urban conditions are estimated to cost
the UK foundation sector millions of pounds annually, so the ability to test approaches under controlled conditions will help reduce this figure as well as
advance the sector.” For more information about the FPS and its support of UKCRIC contact the FPS by email fps@fps.org.uk
or visit the FPS website www.fps.org.uk.
FPS Sponsors Ground Engineering’s Piling and Foundations conference
Ground Engineering’s 2015 Piling and Foundations conference is a key industry forum where clients, main contractors,
engineers and geotechnical contractors gather to explore how the next generation of projects will be designed and delivered.
With key infrastructure projects such as the Northern Line Extension rapidly approaching and the commercial and residential markets remaining
strong, these will be an exciting and highly active few years for the industry. Join us to ensure you know the techniques which will be in
demand and the knowledge to take advantage of future opportunities when they arise.
If you are involved in the procurement, design or installation of piles and foundations, then this is an essential event for you.
For more information and to book your place please visit: www.pilingevent.co.uk
When booking quote FPS_PF_20 to get 20% off your place.
Ground Engineering’sGround Investigation event is now in its second year,
and is a focused one day event designed to give you expert insight into best practice, innovation and future opportunities
in the sector.
These are exciting times for the industry as projects including HS2 move forward and strength continues to grow in the short-medium
term outlook for the commercial and residential sectors. In this highly competitive market it is important to stay ahead of the
competition and have the right contacts and knowledge to ensure you win future work.
If you are involved in the procurement, specifications of delivery of investigations, then this is an essential event for you.
For more information and to book your place please visit: www.geinvestigations.co.uk
when booking quote FPS_GI_20 to get 20% off your place
Plant Yard Open Days
The FPS is encouraging Members to run a ‘Plant Yard Day’, week commencing 2nd March 2015, to inspire young people to consider a career
within the construction sector.
Although the construction sector is commended for being an important driver of the UK economy, these days, as a career,
it is generally not considered appealing to the young. This is bad news, as it could leave construction facing a skills and
labour shortage in the medium to long term.
The skills gap facing construction and infrastructure sectors in the next five years is variously reported as between 600,000
and 750,000 individuals, with a recent report from the UK Commission on Employment and Skills suggesting that employers “hold
the key” to its solution.
In the past, Member companies such as, Bachy Soletanche and BAM Ritchies have successfully run ‘Plant Yard Open Days’
to allow local school children to see first-hand what construction is about and inspire a few. Van Elle have confirmed there
participation for 2015.
Education is key, so let’s teach our young people about the many careers available in construction and make sure there’s
someone to employ in the future!
Members who would like further information on the Plant Yard Open Day initiative should contact
fps@fps.org.uk for further information.
The 2015 Ground Engineering Awards are now open for entries
Attracting the biggest names in the industry, and international interest, the 2015 Ground Engineering Awards
offer an ideal opportunity to promote your engineering excellence, demonstrate your competitive edge, and position your company
alongside the finest firms in the country.
Being shortlisted for a Ground Engineering Award is not only the biggest opportunity to showcase your best work,
we also make sure you have an opportunity to do so in front of the most influential people in the business
Everyone who is shortlisted will be invited to present to our category judges face to face, and
each finalist will be featured in Ground Engineering before we unveil the winners
New category: Ground Investigation Project of the Year
An unequalled celebration of geotechnical and geoenvironmental achievements,
enter today for
the opportunity to:
Promote your engineering excellence, demonstrate a competitive edge, and position your company alongside the finest firms in the country
Showcase your outstanding projects - demonstrate how your technical skills outstrip your competitors’
Prove you are the best - being shortlisted or winning establishes you on the international stage
Reward and motivate your team - outstanding work requires commitment; what better way to reward your team's efforts than with an award?
For full details of each category and the entry criteria,
click here
Act now for your chance to
showcase your projects in front of the industry's finest.
One Day Safety Awareness Course – Site Safety Plus (accredited by CITB)
We are happy to advise that Skanska UK have agreed to support Cementation Skanska and the FPS and have offered to deliver their one
day Site Safety Plus course to FPS members. The course provides an awareness of health and safety highlighting potential hazards when
working on site in particular on Piling sites and offers practical advice on keeping yourself, and your colleagues safe. The course
is CITB accredited and therefore can be used as preparation training for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test or as
refresher training.
At the end of the course successful candidates will have an understanding of:
Their individual responsibilities for their own safety and the safety of others
The importance of preventing accidents, through careful planning
Risk assessments and method statements
Health and Safety law
Typical hazards on site, and how these are controlled
The course will initially be delivered at Cementation Skanska’s training facility in Bentley House, Pipering Lane,
Bentley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 9NB on the following dates:
Maximum 12 candidates per session. 09.00hrs to 17.00hrs.
Monday 19th January 2015
Friday 23rd January 2015
Monday 26th January 2015
Friday 30th January 2015
Other dates are available (venues to be determined), 5th 12th 26th Feb and 9th 12th March. Although we are not currently
taking bookings for the Feb / March dates, any member company wishing to propose a venue please respond accordingly.
Cost: £120.00 for FPS members or £130.00 for non-FPS members (please note this cost is inclusive of publications,
certification and lunch)
If you or any of your colleagues are interested in attending the course, please contact Ann-Marie Casserly at
fps@fps.org.uk for a booking form.
The FPS are looking for Members to appear in a short, inspiring video which will showcase three different career paths
to promote the benefits of joining the geotechnical engineering sector.
Aimed primarily at school leavers and undergraduates, the video will be approximately 3-6 minutes long and will focus
on three different FPS Members who have followed one of the below career avenues. The overall aim of the video is to
inspire new recruits across all diversities to join FPS Member companies and start a careers within the geotechnical
engineering sector.
The three career paths that the video will cover are as follows:
GRADUATE ENGINEERS OR GEOLOGISTS
The chosen candidate will be required to portray the varied and challenging work, and vast number of opportunities available to him/her.
The broad nature of the Graduate's work should also be demonstrated and include areas such as safety leadership, site management,
technical ability and commercial acumen.
TECHNICIANS
The candidate should communicate that the geotechnical industry is becoming increasingly technical. Developments in automation,
instrumentation and monitoring, and BIM mean that there are many interesting and varied roles available.
PILING AND GEOTECHNICAL OPERATIVES
The chosen candidate should relay that there are vast opportunities within the sector for those without engineering qualifications.
Ideally they should have successfully completed an FPS Piling Apprenticeship scheme.
All filming will take place in London, on 28th January 2015.
Can all Members please email fps@fps.org.uk if they have any candidates
who would be interested in appearing within the video before Friday 5th December? All candidates should fit
within one of the listed categories, and appeal to the target market. Please note that the FPS welcomes
candidates from all backgrounds.
Ground Engineering, Slope Engineering and Geotechnical Assets Management Conference 2014
Ground Engineering’s
Slope Engineering and Geotechnical Asset Management conference is the only geotechnical event which will bring together the industry and asset
owners, to pinpoint the techniques, technologies and strategies needed to better mitigate geotechnical risk in infrastructure. The
event has been designed to give you more detailed knowledge into how improved modelling and asset knowledge can impact maintenance and
management of complex assets. There will also be insights from award winning individuals and projects that are demonstrating excellence
and innovation in their approach to geotechnical asset management.
Mark Pennington, Chair of the FPS Technical Committee, will be participating in a panel discussion, which promotes the use of BIM
modelling to improve understanding and management of assets. The discussion takes place on the main Conference day, 19th
November, at 3.15pm.
FPS Supports 2014 Basements and Underground Structures Conference
The FPS is proud to support the 2014 Basements and Underground Structures Conference, being held from 30th September
to 1st October at the Emirates Stadium, London. For further details on the Conference, speakers and how to book
your place please visit: http://www.gebasements.co.uk
FPS to partner with Engineers without Borders
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we’re partnering with charity Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
to sponsor a number of placements on their upcoming 2015 projects.
EWB aims to solve the challenges facing communities in the developing world through the use of engineering. The charity targets
developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, providing teams of specialist volunteers to work on projects such as
building wells, dams and housing, to give communities the tools they need to survive and thrive.
As a sponsor of the 2015 Professional Programme, the FPS would like its Members to put forward potential candidates
who would be interested in attending a 3, 6 or 12 month placement abroad, funded by the FPS and organised by EWB. All potential
volunteers should be energetic and conscientious engineers, who are interested in making a real difference to these communities.
Candidates don’t need to be fully trained Engineers or Technicians in order to qualify for a placement; they can be practical
individuals who have experience of working within the construction industry also.
To explain the scheme in further depth to interested candidates, the FPS has arranged for an Open Day with Engineers Without Borders
to take place on the morning of Friday 17th October in London. Can all Member companies please promote this day within their
organisations and help raise awareness of this life changing opportunity with EWB?
For further information on Engineers Without Borders placements and the Open Day on Friday 17th October, please contact Caroline
Jackson at the Federation of Piling Specialists on 020 8663 0947 or email caroline@fps.org.uk.
See also the pdf leaflet available for download from this site.
FPS Raises Awareness of Rig Instability through Over-Flighting
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has issued a Guidance Document that is designed to highlight situations where piling
rigs can become unstable through over-flighting during Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling.
The document, which is available for download from the FPS website www.fps.org.uk,
is aimed at piling contractors; geotechnical designers; CDM Co-ordinators and others involved with the specification, selection and
procurement of CFA piling. It provides background information to the flighting mechanism, helping identify some of the situations
where the risk of over-flighting is likely to occur.
In addition, the Guidance Document details some of the options that are available to piling specialists and
presents best practice that can help reduce the risk of rig instability and further enhance safety of operations
on-site.
Martin Blower
Overturned rig
Speaking about the Guidance Document, Martin Blower, Chairman FPS said: “CFA piling is widely used and there have
been a number of notable rig overturns recently. What this document does is raise wider awareness of the potential risks
of over-flighting, loss of support and stability of the working platform that may result in a piling rig or attendant
crane overturning. More importantly, the document encourages robust risk management and the controls to be implemented
to mitigate such risk.”
The document is not intended to replace the requirements to use competent supervision and operatives when undertaking
CFA piling, but as an additional information source offering guidance.
Martin added: “Safety is fundamentally important and we [FPS] encourage all those involved in CFA piling to look
at the Guidance Document and circulate it widely to all those actively participating either in the specification or
the delivery of CFA piling on sites.”
Information about this safety alert, the Working Platform Certificate or for detailed information regarding working
platforms, can be found in the guidance section of our website.
FPS Issues Safety Alert Raising Awareness of the Dangers
of Poor Working Platforms
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is reminding piling companies to ensure that Working Platforms for rigs have been properly
risk assessed, following a number of reports from its members that they are being asked to work on inadequate platforms.
FPS Chairman, Jim De Waele, said: “It is concerning that as the economy improves, FPS members are increasingly
reporting arriving on-site only to be met with a poor, or even no working platform; and this is extremely worrying.
It is thirteen years ago when FPS Members passed a resolution agreeing not to commence work on any site unless a properly completed
Working Platform Certificate had been issued. Since then, thankfully, the number of incidences of rig instability involving
FPS members has declined significantly.
However, now that we are witnessing an upturn in work, we must not forget the lessons of the past. We feel it right to
raise awareness of this important and extremely safety critical issue, to the wider piling community and not just within the
membership. We would also urge Clients and Principal Contractors tempted to cut corners with such a safety critical
area to consider the implications and to not put pressure on the piling contractor to work under such circumstances.”
FPS members rely on the industry to provide a safe working environment and insist this is confirmed by way of a properly
completed Working Platform Certificate.
FPS PUWER Guidance revised
FPS Guidance on the provision and use of Equipment Regulations (PUWER) (Regulations 11 & 12) in relation to guarding and cleaning
of augers on piling operations has been extended to cover cased secant piling (CSP) and has been published as Edition 2b within
the Safety Guidance section of the website.
This will be the final revision before the publication and introduction of the new European Standard for rig safety
(EN 16228) which, subject to final acceptance by CEN, is expected to be available later in 2014.
FPS E-Pile Schedule Speeds Information Flow and Eliminates Errors for Structural Engineers
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has introduced an E-Pile Schedule that not
only increases information efficiencies, through the provision of data in a standardised format, but
is also designed to eliminate potential errors with loading details, assisting structural engineers
throughout the specification and design process.
The Microsoft Excel-based E-Pile Schedule, which can be downloaded from the
FPS website, is available for British Standard and Eurocode design approaches and eliminates
the need to input data manually – an advantage to all those potentially involved in a
construction project and in-line with BIM.
Speaking about the E-Pile Schedule’s introduction, Andrew Bell,
Chief Engineer at Cementation Skanska and member of the FPS Technical Committee Said:
“With the advent of Eurocodes loading details relevant to pile design have
become ever more complex. As such there is a much greater margin for error when
deriving the appropriate design loadings, when compared to the traditional standard
approach. What the E-Pile Schedule will do is remove any ambiguity
in the derivation of pile loadings with piling details delivered to the Structural
Engineer in an easy-to-use standardised format, so the piling contractor no longer
has to ‘make a judgment’ of the loading conditions removing any potential
for error.”
Over the life cycle of any project, data is often derived manually from PDF’s or
other file-types, a process which not only takes time and adds a potential error source,
but can also introduce delays in the design and pricing of works.
Andrew added: “With data available in a standardised electronic format its transmission
is far easier and more robust and will allow fully automated inclusion of pile details into
project BIM models, as well as allowing updates to be added throughout the project and
these adjustments updated also in the BIM model.”
The FPS Piles into BIM Establishing Dedicated Working Group
The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has initiated a programme of activity designed to
help its members embrace Building Information Modelling (BIM) and at the same time establish a
set of standard formats for information that can be used by both members and members’
clients to facilitate process and interoperability of systems and software.
FPS BIM activity was kick-started in February of this year, with a series of presentations from key
industry figures [John Roberts, Design Director & Chair of Atkins’ Structural Network;
Malcolm Stagg, UK Head of BIM at Skanska; and Ivor Barbrook, BAM Nuttall’s Head of BIM],
who sought to bring together the differing views of BIM, its benefits and highlight the pitfalls
of approaching it without a clear and coordinated plan. Lively discussions and debate highlight
areas of concern for members and key areas for the FPS to address and support its membership
over the coming year.
Mark Pennington, Chairman of the FPS Technical Committee, said: “The construction sector
as a whole is often accused of being slow to adopt BIM technology, but certainly within the
FPS there is a drive to change. BIM is a transformative industry technology, which is why
following the initial presentations and subsequent discussions the FPS has established a
BIM Working Group. This Group, which will lead the FPS’ programme of BIM activity,
will bring together members with and without direct BIM experience to develop a joint framework
and schedule of guidance, as well start the process of compiling a basic library of images
and associated data for use by both members and members’ clients.”
Mark added: “What was clear from discussion is that different FPS members are at
different stages of readiness for BIM and therefore it is the aim of the FPS BIM Working
Group to get all members to the same level. The value of BIM cannot be underestimated,
as those best placed to take advantage will win more work.”
This year sees the FPS Annual Dinner reincarnated as the FPS Annual Awards Dinner, the first of its kind, where the achievements of outstanding individuals and companies within the Ground Engineering industry will be recognised and celebrated.
The 
Speaking after the conference Martin Blower, Chair
of the FPS, said: “The event has been a great success pulling together representatives from other client organisations such as High
Speed 2 and the London Underground, as well as our own Member companies, Crossrail, Contractors, Engineers and the media. All agreed that
it made a significant contribution to Crossrail’s tangible legacy. It provided an opportunity for those Members who had worked on
the project to talk about what they did and demonstrate how they had innovated to overcome issues. It also gave us an opportunity to
reinforce the message that clients should use FPS Members if they want to have a high quality service on their projects.”
The Ground Engineering Awards 2015 celebrate the best achievements of our sector, rewarding those organisations that share the
same values as the Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), values such as best practice; quality; innovation and engineering and
the FPS is pleased to be supporting this year’s event. For full information about this year’s Awards please visit
The much anticipated Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Summer Ball will be held on Saturday 13th June,
at 
On 13 May in London
200 senior members of the wider flood community will come together at ICE Flooding 2015. The third consecutive event in the series
will explore detailed case studies looking at how far the UK has come in terms of sustainable flood risk management in the last eight
years and what is being done to ensure long term planning to protect business, infrastructure and residents.
The Institution of Civil
Engineers is holding a Skills Conference that will outline the abilities your employees need in the post-recession economy, and analyse
the most effective ways of ensuring they have them.
Commenting on the support of
the UKCRIC project Martin Blower, Chairman FPS said: “The facility will be of tremendous benefit in the advancement civil engineering and the buried
facility, in particular, to the foundation sector. Problems that arise when installing various foundations into busy urban conditions are estimated to cost
the UK foundation sector millions of pounds annually, so the ability to test approaches under controlled conditions will help reduce this figure as well as
advance the sector.” For more information about the FPS and its support of UKCRIC contact the FPS by email 
Ground Engineering’s
Slope Engineering and Geotechnical Asset Management conference is the only geotechnical event which will bring together the industry and asset
owners, to pinpoint the techniques, technologies and strategies needed to better mitigate geotechnical risk in infrastructure. The
event has been designed to give you more detailed knowledge into how improved modelling and asset knowledge can impact maintenance and
management of complex assets. There will also be insights from award winning individuals and projects that are demonstrating excellence
and innovation in their approach to geotechnical asset management.
