January / February 2018
Contaminated Land:
Getting an Expert Perspective Inside the NQMS - A full breakdown of the National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination Management
Image: courtesy of Terraconsult Ltd
PREVENTING LYME DISEASE
AGS DATA FORMAT: UPDATE FOR 2018
DOMESTIC BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION
Comprehensive advice on the prevention of Lyme Disease
A new age for AGS Data to ensure pace is kept with the digital revolution
In-depth guidance from the AGS Loss Prevention Working Group
ABOUT THE AGS
Chair’s Foreword Happy New Year to our AGS members and to all in the geotechnical and geoenvironmental community. We are looking forward to a successful 2018 and the business of our Working Groups has already started with meetings taking place in January and February. Despite the early shock of the collapse of Carillion, many are hopeful that the industry is buoyant enough to provide employment for all of their workers. Indeed, it appears that there is a certain amount of optimism for 2018 within the AGS membership, which is supported by the number of new companies who have recently joined us. Continuing with our aim to promote quality and high standards within our sector, we have featured the National Quality Mark Scheme in this issue. This is a scheme that several AGS members have been involved in developing, together with some input from the AGS Contaminated Land Working Group. We 2
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wish CL:AIRE success in their promotion of the scheme and look forward to the improvement of contaminated land reporting standards. 2018 is set to be a busy year for the nine AGS working groups and their leaders, with some of the output published in the magazine. We also have Members’ Day taking place on 11th April at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, and our Ground Risk event on 12th September at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London to look forward to. We hope to see you there. If you’d like to register your attendance at any of our events, or provide feedback on AGS Magazine and our future plans, then please contact AGS@ags.org.uk
The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) is a non-profit making trade association established to improve the profile and quality of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. The membership comprises of UK organisations and individuals having a common interest in the business of ground investigation, geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, engineering geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and other related disciplines. EDITORIAL BOARD Neil Parry, AGS Chairman Ciaran Jennings, Forum Court Associates Caroline Kratz, Forum Court Associates Calum Spires, Equipe Group Julian Lovell, Equipe Group EDITORIAL STORY If you have a news story or event which you’d like to tell our editorial team about, please contact the AGS on 020 8658 8212 or ags@ags.org.uk. Please note that articles should act as opinion pieces and not directly advertise a company. The AGS is under no obligation to feature articles and events received. CONTACT US Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists Forum Court, Office 205 Devonshire House Business Centre, 29-31 Elmfield Road Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LT
ags@ags.org.uk 020 8658 8212
Neil Parry
Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists @agsgeotech
AGS Chair
www.ags.org.uk
Inside this month’s issue
FEATURE PAGE 14
Not all Office Insurance is the same...
COVER STORY PAGE 10
On a daily basis, professional consultants find themselves drawn into contractual discussions with their clients, contractors and other professionals. Often as part of this there are various insurance requirements and obligations placed on professionals that can pose a challenge.
A full breakdown of the National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination Management
How well do you understand these requirements?
PREVENTING LYME DISEASE PAGE 16 Advice from the AGS Safety Working group regarding the dangers and methods of prevention.
Q & A:SALLY HUDSON PAGE 18 The AGS Magazine conducts a Q & A with Coffey Geotechnics’ Sally Hudson.
DOMESTIC BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION PAGE 22 Full AGS guidance document covering domestic basement construction from AGS Loss Prevention WG
MORE INSIDE
PAGE 4-9
News in Short: Incl. AGS Data Format update
PAGE 28
Working Group Focus: Business Practice & Safety
PAGE 30
Training and Events Upcoming in 2018
January / February 2018
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News in Short
AGS Annual Committee Dinner The AGS’ annual committee dinner took place on Thursday 23rd November at Vinoteca, in Kings Cross, London.
reward, particularly our dedicated group of Working Group leaders who are highly committed to producing relevant industry guidance and analysis for our members. The annual dinner is a small
gesture towards them and I would encourage others to get involved in their groups as it is a very rewarding experience.” For further information on Vinoteca visit www.vinoteca. co.uk
The dinner was attended by over 20 members of the Senate, to thank them for their ongoing work and support for the AGS over the past year. Delegates dined on a seasonal British menu including Bavette Steak and Mersea Island Seabream. AGS Chair, Neil Parry said “I am extremely grateful to all of the many people who give their time to the AGS for no financial
New AGS Members AGS is pleased to announce seven new members have been accepted by the Membership Panel and approved by the Senate - Causeway Geotech, GeoIntegrity, Ground Stiffness Surveys, Ruddlesden Geotechnical, Stansted Environmental Services, Tensar International & Terra Tek.
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These members are a good example of the breadth of AGS Membership with geotechnical, geoenvironmental and laboratory testing services being represented. AGS Membership is open to geotechnical and geoenvironmental companies
who employ specialists who can provide competent services and also affiliate companies who provide support services and supplies to the members. Full details of membership criteria can be found at http:// www.ags.org.uk/about/ become-a-member/
AGS Members’ Day 2018 The AGS is pleased to announce that Members’ Day is taking place on Wednesday 11th April 2018 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. This full day seminar will celebrate 30 years of the AGS and is open to both members and non-members of the Association. The event will see approximately 150 geotechnical and geoenvironmental consultants, contractors, solicitors and insurance company representatives in attendance. The day will feature summaries from the AGS’ working group leaders, looking at the work accomplished over the past 12 months, and also a series of external presentations from industry experts. Speakers confirmed to date include Andrew Bond, Geocentrix (Eurocode 7), Paul Nathaniel, University of Nottingham (Sustainable Remediation) and Scott
O’Neill-Gwilliams, AECOM (Mineworking Remediation). Other speakers include Neil Parry, (AGS Chair and Technical Director at Geotechnical Engineering), Hugh Mallet, (AGS Loss Prevention Leader and Technical Director at BuroHappold Engineering), Vivien Dent (AGS Contaminated Land Leader and Associate Technical Director at RSK), Adam Latimer, (AGS Safety Chair and Director at Ian Farmer Associates), Dimitris Xirouchakis (AGS Laboratories Leader and Director of Laboratories at Structural Soils), John Talbot (AGS Business Practice Leader
and personal member), Jackie Bland (AGS Data Format Leader and IT Manager at Geotechnics) and Neil Chadwick (AGS Geotechnical Engineering Leader and Associate, Geotechnics at Arup). Additional speakers will be announced in due course. The event is free for up to three members from each AGS member company to attend. Additional members will be charged £75 to attend. NonMembers will be charged £120 to attend. All costs exclude VAT. For further information and sponsorship opportunities please contact ags@ags.org.uk
The top three AGS publications for January 2018 1. AGS Guide to Ground Investigation Reports 2. AGS Guidance for the Safe Excavation of Trial Pits 3. An Introduction to Geotechnical Laboratory Testing for Routine Construction Projects To download the publications for free; click here.
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Aarsleff to use silent and vibration-free equipment to install sheet piled wall Aarsleff Ground Engineering has been awarded a sheet piling project that will allow the company to utilise its new Giken ECO 700S machine, allowing for the silent and vibration-free driving of sheet piles at Grovehill Depot in Beverley. On behalf of main contractor, North Midland Construction/ Building Ltd, Aarsleff will be installing 155 No. steel sheet piles, 700mm width and 12.0m in length. The sheet
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piles will form a retaining wall approximately 108 l/m for maximum retained height. A long reach excavator mounted with Movax unit will handle and pitch piles to the press unit. Owing to the challenging site conditions, and wanting to deliver a safe and successful installation process, Aarsleff suggested a Movax unit mounted on a long reach excavator be employed. The limited working room, poor state of repair of the access, and the bank slippage demonstrated to Aarsleff that it is not practical for a mobile crane to traverse, nor provide a realistic radius for lifting. By utilising the long reach, Aarsleff hope to ensure increased manoeuvrability
and lower bearing pressures, all at a safe distance from the embankment, allowing the site team to work from behind the press unit where previously installed piles have increased the stability of the embankment wall. The Movax also allows us to safely and efficiently install and extract the necessary temporary reaction piles for the Giken press. Aarsleff’s head of sheet piling John Storry said: “The Giken enables us to provide cost effective installation programmes and solutions to our clients, even in the most environmentally sensitive conditions.� Aarsleff Ground Engineering commence works on the 29th January.
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A New Era for the AGS Data Format The AGS Data Format organisation is going through a period of change within AGS to ensure it can meet the demands of a digitalised industry. The way it is currently supported has to change. Jackie Bland explains… The AGS Data Format stands as one of the most useful digital standards ever developed for our industry. It’s the product of collaboration between likeminded technical experts who all saw the need to share site investigation data in a standard way between their different organisations, irrespective of the software and people involved. Yet for many its purpose is unknown or not understood. The AGS Data Format saw a group of enthusiasts come together with no budget and little dedicated time to create something that has become a defacto standard within the UK Site Investigation industry. Expanding on its UK success,
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has, to date, been maintained it has been adopted abroad in using a one-time fee for countries such as Hong Kong, registered users. As the AGS Australia and New Zealand. Format’s use has grown, the It anticipating the demands process of responding to of digital construction (BIM) queries, extending when it was the format and created 25 The AGS has maintaining years ago. decided that an the website Throughout its annual fee should be has become life it has been costly payable... maintained by and time the volunteers consuming of the AGS Data Management which needed to be addressed. Committee, with little or no While the publication itself budget towards its upkeep. will still be completely free to Today we are rebuilding the download and use. The AGS technical infrastructure that has decided that an annual sustains the Data Format to ensure that it will stand for the fee should be payable as a contribution to its upkeep for next 25 years. To support this invaluable work we have taken those wishing to make regular the decision to put it on a more use of data transferred in this way and to interact with the sustainable footing financially so that we can safeguard it into Data Management Group when proposing new codes and the future. needing answers to queries. The AGS publication ‘Electronic From 2018, the annual fee for Transfer of Geotechnical and AGS member organisations is Geoenvironmental Data’ (AGS £50 + VAT and annual fee for data format versions 1-4.0)
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non-member organisations is £150 + VAT.
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... only those organisations and individuals who have paid the fee for that year will be included in the revised list.
From April 2018, the existing list of Registered Companies on the website will be cleared and only those organisations and individuals who have paid the fee for that year will be included in the revised list. A logo and certificate will be supplied annually by AGS to those who are registered for inclusion on their website, email and social media feeds to demonstrate
their registration and involvement.
We would ask that, if you are a consumer of AGS data, you check that any company supplying you with AGS data is shown on the list of Registered Users. The benefits of being registered for AGS Data include: •
Ability to use the AGS Format for any application
•
DOC and RTF versions of
AGS Corporate Logo Guidelines
the Publication •
A copy of and the ability to use the AGS Data Logo on your SI reports and logs
•
The AGS Data Dictionary in CSV or Excel format
•
Company listing on the Registered list
Visit the AGS Data Format website here to become a registered user of AGS Data Format or email ags@ags.org. uk.
Article contributed by Jackie Bland ICT Manager, Geotechnics
and abbreviated version.
Following the relaunch of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) website in 2015, the AGS also updated their logo. The AGS logo is available in two formats, a full
In response, the AGS have produced a set of guidelines for Members to use, should they wish to display the AGS logo across company mediums including websites, email signatures, stationary and marketing materials. To view the guidelines please visit www.ags. org.uk or email ags@ags.org.uk
AGS Ground Risk Conference: Call for Speakers The AGS is organising a conference on ground risk, which will investigate the current risks associated within the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sector. This full day event will take
place at London’s Cavendish Conference Centre on Wednesday 12th September and will be open to both members and non-members of the AGS.
If you’d like to submit a relevant speaker proposal of geotechnical or geoenvironmental interest, please email ags@ags.org.uk before Friday 23rd February
January / February 2018
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Contaminated Land: Images courtesy of Terraconsult Ltd
The National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination Management
A
s many will know, the NQMS was launched by the Land Forum in January 2017. It is administered for the Land Forum by CL:AIRE. It is a system designed to ensure that land contamination management work meets necessary technical and regulatory standards.
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It applies in particular to the presentation of environmental information to the regulators in the form of reports setting out both factual and interpretative information. Reports are prepared in line with good practice and signed off by a suitably qualified and experienced person (SQP) registered under the
the underlying data and are based upon reasonable interpretations.
NQMS who ensures that: •
•
The work has been planned, undertaken and written up by competent people who have relevant experience and/or qualifications in their respective disciplines.
•
Any limitations in the data or uncertainties in the analysis are clearly identified along with the possible consequences of such limitations.
The underlying data has been collected The scheme is voluntary in line with established and has been designed good practice procedures The scheme is to operate alongside and and its collection has voluntary and within existing quality been subject to control has been designed to management systems. It via established quality operate alongside and has the support in principle management systems. within existing quality of the Department for The data has been management systems. Communities and Local processed, analysed and Government (DCLG), interpreted in line with the Department for established good practice and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), any specific advice provided by the relevant Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the regulatory authorities or regulatory bodies. Environment Agency (EA).
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•
•
The reports set out recommendations or conclusions that are substantiated by
The Environment Agency in particular, fully
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support the scheme and have a position statement (J9) in the land contamination section of their principle groundwater protection document: The Environment Agency’s approach to groundwater protection (GP3)
providing a “ InQuality Mark to
reports, the aim is to provide assurances to problem holders and regulators alike that land contamination issues have been adequately managed.
In providing a Quality Mark to reports, the aim is to provide assurances to problem holders and regulators alike that land contamination issues have been adequately managed. The intention is to help speed up regulatory permissions or decisions on regulatory compliance resulting in savings to both public and private sector participants. The scheme applies to; •
Desk Studies/Preliminary Risk Assessments
•
Site Investigations, Generic or Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessments
•
Remedial Options Appraisals, Remediation Strategies
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•
Remediation Verification and Monitoring Reports • Or a combination thereof.
Although the NQMS can be applied to the management of land contamination under a range of regulatory regimes, its primary focus is to improve the quality of work done to manage land contamination under the Town and Country Planning System. However, it could also be applied to Part 2A, environmental permitting, pollution incidents and enforcement actions. The SQP Provider is the organisation which examines the capabilities of prospective SQPs and compiles a register of their details. This role is currently carried out on behalf of the Land Forum by SiLC (Specialist in Land Condition Register). There are two routes whereby an individual can become an SQP. Someone who is already a registered SiLC can take an on-line Conversion Course which leads to an on-line multiple choice exam. If the required marks are achieved, the person will be registered as an SQP in addition to being a
SiLC. For someone who is not need for regulatory scrutiny. a SiLC and has the required However, the purpose is to The more SQPs expertise and experience, enable regulators to spend there are to fulfil the they can apply via less time and resources on need, the more inclined examination and interview reports which have a Quality clients will be to specify Mark thereby enabling them to become both SiLC and SQP. There are currently to concentrate more of their a requirement for an 84 registered SQPs and 194 time on those reports which SQP... registered SiLCs. Those SiLCs do not have this quality who have not yet taken the ondesignation. The benefits to line conversion course are encouraged to do a developer are less potential for delay in the so. The more SQPs there are to fulfil the need, approval of land condition reports as part of the more inclined clients will be to specify a the planning process. requirement for an SQP so that declarations For the scheme to be more widely used can be submitted for the reports that relate to there needs to be greater awareness of the their project. scheme within regulatory organisations, The scheme works by the SQP making a within client organisations such as developers Declaration, registered with CL:AIRE, to and generally within the contaminated land confirm that the principles outlined above community. have been followed and they can certify that the work has been carried out by appropriately Obviously, the NQMS is in its early stages and still needs to prove that it does result in qualified people, that proper quality control improved standards. The Land Forum are in procedures have been the process of developing an followed and that the audit process and SiLC have There are recommendations given and prepared a disciplinary currently 17 conclusions drawn, including procedure to deal with any uncertainties, are appropriate Declarations that have complaint that an SQP and can be justified by the been registered with has not followed the Code data on which they are based. CL:AIRE. of Conduct. In due course There are currently 17 the EA will be doing their Declarations that have been registered with own audit and will be sharing the results CL:AIRE. There should be many more. For the with the Land Forum. It is anticipated that by scheme to gather momentum, more clients these means confidence in the NQMS can be need to be made aware of the scheme and the established. benefits. SQPs are the ambassadors that can Some of the words in this article rely heavily on achieve this. A client will not request that a the documents on the CL:AIRE website. Where Declaration be made unless they know about comments and observations are made which the scheme and can see the benefits. So, SQPs are not on the CL:AIRE website, these are the - educate your clients, generate interest, and thoughts of the authors of this article. thereby make the scheme work. You have put in the effort to become an SQP, now make it Article contributed by worthwhile. Roger Clark, Marlowclark Consulting Limited The potential benefits of this scheme are Angela Haslam, Environment Agency enormous. It is not intended to remove the Phil Fitzgerald, Environment Agency
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January / February 2018
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Not all Office Insurance is the same - here’s why AGS asked Griffiths and Armour to write a note for AGS members regarding Office Insurance.
O
n a daily basis, professional consultants find themselves drawn into contractual discussions with their clients, contractors and other professionals.
often known as an Office policy. Such a policy would usually provide coverage for the consultant’s material property, pecuniary assets as well as their primary liability risks of Employers’ and Public Liability. A separate Professional Indemnity policy is also essential.
Often as part of this there are various insurance requirements and obligations placed on professionals that can pose a challenge.
Where things can become less clear is when consultants are appointing sub-contractors themselves and often accepting responsibility for them under contract.
Most professional construction consultants procure a combined insurance policy, more
On a traditional Office policy, such an undertaking can take the consultant beyond
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product. The intention was to develop Office insurance such that it would respond to the needs of construction professionals enabling them to run their businesses without the uncertainty that the above scenario can cause. The Workspace Plus policy is specifically designed with Engineers, Surveyors and Architects in mind and provides cover for the following situations that often fall outside of a traditional Office policy:
the bounds of their policy.
Why is this?
•
Visits to and work on construction sites
•
Manual work undertaken by the consultant as part of the provision of their professional services
•
Responsibility for sub-contractors on site subject to confirmation of their insurance
•
Professional services associated with hazardous activities e.g. diving, abseiling, rail side, and mining
•
Fulfilling the role of the main contractor
No two companies ever have exactly the same requirements and it is important to know that your insurer understands your business and the activities The traditional that you undertake to Office policy is ensure that your insurance designed for risks that coverage has been properly are office based but tailored to your exposures.
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Insurers have an expectation of the policyholder’s activities based on the business description in the policy and is often inadequate to the other information they If you have any queries or deal with the realities know about the insured. concerns regarding your The traditional Office policy of a construction current arrangements is designed for risks that consultant’s business and would like an are office based but is often independent review, activities... inadequate to deal with please contact: psapiro@ the realities of a construction griffithsandarmour.com consultant’s business activities, especially when this involves any manual work or work Article contributed by on sites. Paul Sapiro It is for this reason that Griffiths & Armour Director developed the Workspace Plus insurance Griffiths & Armour Insurance Brokers
January / February 2018
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Preventing Lyme Disease Risks, Controls, Symptoms and Treatments
T
the following areas: the New Forest; Exmoor; South Downs; Thetford Forest; woodland and heathland in Southern England; Lake District; North York Moors; and Scottish Highlands and Islands. Ticks favour a moist, shaded environment especially that provided by leaf litter and low-lying vegetation in wooded, brushy, or overgrown grassy habitat. Both deer and rodent hosts must be abundant to maintain the life cycle of the tick. In the UK, the risk of tick bites is highest from April to October, when the ticks are most active.
They are picked up when clothing or hair brushes a leaf or other object the tick is on. Ticks are generally found within 1 metre of the ground and, once picked up, they will crawl until they find a likely site to feed. Typically Lyme disease is an infection caused by the this might be at the back of the corkscrew-shaped bacterium knee, near the hairline, behind Borrelia burgdorferi that is Ticks favour the ears, or at pressure transmitted by the bite of a points where clothing a moist, shaded tick. The ticks feed on birds environment especially presses against the skin. and mammals that carry the The size of a tick varies, that provided by leaf bacterium in their blood and depending on the stage of litter and low-lying then transmit the bacterium its life cycle, gender, species to a human when they bite vegetation... and whether it has fed and feed. The tick needs to be recently. The photo in the attached to a person for about margin shows (left to right) adult female, male, 24hours before the disease can be transmitted. nymph and larva on centimetre scale. here are around 900 reported cases of Lyme disease in the UK each year, although estimates suggest there may actually be 2000–3000 cases.
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Those at particular risk from the disease include sheep farmers, deer farmers and veterinary surgeons but geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers may be at risk when working in the field in high risk locations (see below).
Control Measures
•
Be ‘tick aware’ in high risk areas.
Risk Assessment
•
Wear light coloured clothing to allow you to see ticks that are crawling on your clothing.
•
In areas of long grass, wear long trousers tucked in to socks.
•
Wear high rubber boots, or use tape to
The ticks which spread Lyme disease are common in forested areas, heathland, moorland and suburban parks. However Lyme disease is most likely to be acquired in
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The following control measures can reduce the risk of infection:
Figure 1. Expanding erythema migrans rash with bull’s-eye appearance
close the opening where they meet so that ticks. cannot crawl up the inside of your trouser legs. •
Wear a hat, and tie back long hair.
•
Check exposed skin and clothing for ticks (they are very small and therefore difficult to see) and remove immediately.
•
Use insect repellents (repellents containing permethrin can be sprayed on boots and clothing, and will last for several days).
•
Because it takes several hours of attachment before microorganisms are transmitted from the tick to the host, prompt removal of attached or crawling ticks is an important method of preventing disease.
•
To remove ticks use fine-tipped tweezers ( see photo in margin) . Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick; this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. The danger of pulling the body off and leaving the head in the skin tissue is that this may lead to infection. Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick because its fluids (saliva and gut contents) may contain infectious organisms.
•
After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.
•
Seek medical advice if you develop flu-like symptoms after visiting high risk areas.
Symptoms Where infection does occur then the incubation time is between 3 and 30 days so the symptoms may not obviously be associated with the exposure. There is a significant risk therefore that the symptoms may go undiagnosed. Some, but not all people with early-stage Lyme disease, will develop a distinctive circular rash (see photo below) which spreads from the site of the tick bite. It is not generally painful or itchy. There are often accompanying flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, fever, chills and neck stiffness. More serious symptoms may develop several weeks, months or even years later if Lyme disease is left untreated or is not treated early on. Later symptoms may involve the joints, heart, and central nervous system. A few people with Lyme disease go on to develop long-term symptoms similar to those of fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treatment In most circumstances, medical treatment of persons who only have a tick bite is not recommended. Otherwise in most cases, the infection and its symptoms are eliminated by antibiotics, especially if the illness is treated early. Anyone with these symptoms who has been in a high risk area should seek medical attention. Save the tick for identification in case you become ill. Article contributed by AGS Safety Working Group
January / February 2018
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Q & A with...
Sally Hudson
BSc. (Hons), MSc, DIC, CGeol, FGS Job Title: Regional Manager and Associate Geotechnical Engineer Company: Coffey Geotechnics Ltd, a Tetra Tech Company Brief Biography: After nearly 30 years in the geotechnics industry, I have worked on many aspects of ground engineering and currently have responsibility for technical management of a wide range of operations and for design delivery. I have a background in site investigation but have since worked for design consultancies for many years on significant transport and energy infrastructure schemes. Because of this, I am well placed to represent the consultancy sector as part of this important trade association.
What or who inspired you to join the geotechnical industry?
almost all aspects of ground engineering. The day can comprise attending design team meetings for major projects, inspecting One career highway open to a I joined the earthworks, geology reviewing industry as a graduate is tender designs young geologist that in ground or looking at engineering, a interested in all in-country route I chose things sub-surface. health and and have not safety and looked back. design risks associated with working on overseas ground I specialised and further investigations. qualified as an engineering geologist and then Are there any projects geotechnical engineer, quickly which you’re particularly becoming hooked on finding proud to have been a part out about the ground and its of? behaviours during interaction with the built environment and Certainly; High Speed 2 has the associated geo-hazards. presented a unique set of I joined the industry as a young geologist interested in all things sub-surface.
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What does a typical day entail? As Coffey is a specialist geotechnical design consultancy working in all sectors in all corners of the globe, it’s difficult to pin down a typical day. I deal with delivering projects and managing our technical team and workload in
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challenges for the geotechnical industry to tackle and I have been involved in this prestigious scheme in one form or another since 2012. We have had roles at tender assessing the geodynamic effects of high speed rail traffic on UK soils and how to mitigate this at unprecedented design line speeds, and also the engineering of heave of
M40 earthworks inspections carried out by Coffey Geotechnics Ltd
overconsolidated clay in very deep cuttings.
What are the most challenging aspects of your role? The main challenge is always the tight timescales imposed on us by many of our clients – either due to them not being aware how much they will need geotechnical specialist input on a tender or design until very late in the day, or due to delay of award date of a scheme but not of the delivery date. This constraint can affect the entire design team, not just in geotechnics.
Another key challenge is and what are your current trying to ensure that the focuses? ground investigation data we rely on so heavily as designers I have been on the Executive Committee and now the is available in AGS format Senate since 2014 and am to those that need it. It is staggering how difficult it often a member of the Business Practice Working Group. is to obtain the data that we know has been commissioned Working with the Marketing Sub-Group we have and produced but has not overhauled the made it along bye-laws and the chain to It is staggering are looking those who how difficult it at how to need it most. widen the AGS often is to obtain What AGS membership. the data that we Working Most recently, know has been Group(s) I have also commissioned and are you a joined the Member of produced... newly
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January / February 2018
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WERR bridge deck replacement & SPMT design carried out by Coffey Geotechnics Ltd
formed Geotechnical Working Group and have specific focus on addressing key issues such as excavation safety during insitu tests like permeability and soakaway.
What do you enjoy most about being an AGS Member? I have followed the AGS since my graduation and from an early stage in my career I have been glad of the advice given in the AGS guidance notes and publications such as the recently revised guidance on the selection of laboratory tests for construction schemes. Now I have the opportunity to help out and return the favour!
What do you find beneficial about being an AGS Member? I am long-standing member of the geotechnical community and I am always assured that
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data format the AGS are There is a is hugely there looking huge amount beneficial and out for the as we deliver interests of all of work being done more schemes geotechnical by members of the in BIM this and geoAGS alongside their format really environmental day job to promote comes into its practitioners excellence... own. and promoting best practice What and quality. I can changes would you like to access a plethora of advice see implemented in the and guidance documents geotechnical industry? produced by the AGS for use by all members and for use in I would like to see greater educating clients, colleagues awareness of the AGS and and suppliers. its activities. Does everyone
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Why do you feel the AGS is know there is a legal help line important to the industry? who can assist in advising on There is no other trade body dealing with the geotechnical and geo-environmental industry as a whole. There is a huge amount of work being done by members of the AGS alongside their day job to promote excellence and safe working practices across the industry. The well-established
tricky contractual matters? I encourage everyone to sign up to the AGS website and talk to your AGS company representative about the benefits of membership.
I look forward to seeing you all at the AGS Members’ Day.
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Delivered by the UK's leading Soil and Rock Description expert - Professor David Norbury Upcoming Dates: 14th March 2018, 4th April 2018, 2nd May 2018
Rock Description Workshop - £275 + VAT
Delivered by the UK's leading Soil and Rock Description expert - Professor David Norbury Upcoming Dates: 5th April 2018, 28th June 2018
Geotechnical Laboratory Testing Awareness - £250 + VAT Upcoming Dates: 13th June 2018
Geotechnical Foundation Design - £250 + VAT
Upcoming Dates: 15th February 2018, 28th March 2018
In Situ Testing - £250 + VAT
Upcoming Dates: 18th April 2018
AGS Guide to...
Domestic Basement Construction
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undertaken to dwellings, there is a tendency to view this as ‘simple building works’, on par with a rear extension or loft conversion. However, this is not the case.
Basement Construction Works
Irrespective of its size, construction of a basement involves significant excavation of soil and the use of temporary works. It requires a fully engineered approach to the scheme, to address issues associated with the loads from the soil, existing structure and surrounding structures, and to ensure issues of groundwater flow and surface water flow are adequately addressed.
Since domestic basement construction is
Anyone planning basement works should
ncreasing the size of domestic properties by digging basements has become very popular in recent years. This can involve constructing a new basement under an existing property or the complete redevelopment (demolition and reconstruction) of a property. This client guide describes the key ground engineering aspects associated with the planning of domestic basements so that those proposing to undertake such works will have a realistic idea of what is involved.
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onerous and detailed. Failure to meet these requirements will typically result in the application either failing to be validated or being refused, wasting both time and money. Therefore a property owner (or their agent) planning domestic basement works should make sure that they are familiar with the requirements of their local planning authority, and then ensure that they have adequately budgeted both money and time to meet all the requirements. Attempts to skimp on the submission will invariably prove to be a false economy. It is possible to seek pre-application advice from the Local Planning Authority, although there is no consensus among professionals in the industry as to whether such advice is useful.
Ground Investigation Basement excavation requires digging a large hole in the ground. The ground alongside and beneath the hole will respond to this by moving. The structure of the new basement itself will also place new loads into the ground, which typically causes further complex movements combining both heave and settlement. If these movements are excessive, the new structure may become damaged, or fail completely and become uninhabitable. therefore be aware of the need to have Where there are existing specialist geotechnical and structures to be retained on structural engineering input If these the site over the basement early in the development of movements or close by the works, these the scheme, in addition to are excessive, the may be affected by the the perhaps more obvious resulting ground movements, new structure may requirement of obtaining the suffering damage. In the services of an architect. become damaged, worst case, partial or even or fail completely Planning requirements full collapse of structures can and become occur, resulting in the need Many local planning uninhabitable. for demolition. It is therefore authorities now have guidance vital to ensure that the ground on their planning application conditions are well understood and this can process for basement developments. In some only be achieved by an intrusive ground cases the requirements for the documentation investigation (for example, by the excavation to be submitted can be quite restrictive, of boreholes and trial pits).
onstruction: v2
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The ground investigation should be undertaken soon after the basic outline of the basement development has been established, and should include a comprehensive desk The boreholes study prior to any should extend intrusive investigative works commencing deeper than the on site. The boreholes proposed basement should extend deeper to ensure that there than the proposed is no weak soil layer basement to ensure or other geotechnical that there is no weak soil layer or hazard just under the other geotechnical proposed works... hazard just under the proposed works; where piles are to be used the boreholes should extend some distance below the expected toe depth of the piles.
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Typically, the boreholes are also required to establish groundwater levels with sufficient confidence, and this may require multiple monitoring visits over Local planning a prolonged period of time to establish authorities often seasonal variations. have quite specific Ideally a full year of requirements monitoring would be regarding the ground undertaken. Local investigation that planning authorities often have quite must be undertaken... specific requirements regarding the ground investigation that must be undertaken and failure to meet these requirements will generally result in a planning application being rejected. See also the AGS publication “A Client’s Guide to Site Investigation”.
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Basement Impact Assessment Process
Figure 1. Example of a Basement Impact Assessment Process
geotechnical desk study
initial geotechnical advice screening for potential groundwater, surface water and stability impacts
identify the geotechnical and structural conclude the assessment of pot
ground investigation
detailed geotechnical advice
assessment of potential impacts
assessment of any ground water impacts
assessment of any surface water impacts
are impacts acceptable?
See attached flowchart, Figure 1. The requirements for Basement Impact Assessments (and similar reports) vary
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YES Proceed
assess ground buildi
START
architect’s outline basemane proposals
outline structural design
initial construction strategy
l information required to tential impacts
structural investigation
detailed construction proposals and method
sment of any movement & ing damage
NO
revise construction proposals and methodology to mitigate impacts
between local planning authorities (LPAs), and in some cases on the nature of the property being developed. Several of the LPAs Several of the have specific LPAs have specific requirements for the requirements for the qualifications and areas of expertise of qualifications and the engineers and areas of expertise of geologists involved the engineers and in preparation of the geologists involved... planning and design documents. ALL basements involve engineering changes in the ground and the AGS recommends that a ground engineering adviser should be involved throughout the design and construction of the basement, not just at the pre-planning stage. The Register of Ground Engineering Professionals (RoGEP) provides details of ground engineers who are registered as practising Ground Engineering Professionals, Specialists and Advisers, and can be downloaded here. Many of these professionals are employed by AGS member companies, a list of which can be downloaded from http:// ags.org.uk/directory/
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Impact on Subterranean Infrastructure There are extensive tunnels beneath our major cities, especially London, including sewers, water supply tunnels, cable tunnels, national railway and London Underground tunnels, If a basement including many which do not feature development is on the current route above or close to maps. If a basement these tunnels, it has development is the potential to cause above or close to unacceptable damage these tunnels, it has the potential to to them. cause unacceptable damage to them. The operators of this infrastructure may require a
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of the works may be felt to quite some distance. For the client, this disruption is generally seen as worthwhile, since they get the new basement as a result, but for neighbours near and far, they receive no benefit from the disruption that they must undergo due to the works.
formal agreement to be signed before works commence.
Impact on Neighbours A basement development is not work that can be completed in a few days or a few weeks. Construction works on site will typically take many months, quite possible well in excess of one year, depending on the size of the development.
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Construction works on site will typically take many months, quite possible well in excess of one year, depending on the size of the development.
An early and comprehensive consultation process with neighbours is advisable. This enables issues of concern to be addressed early on, and often enables suitable mitigation measures to be introduced. Moreover the simple act of consultation and informing neighbours of works in advance can help to reduce objections to the works.
Property owners undertaking domestic basement construction projects should also be aware that such works are often subject to the requirements Excavation will generate many truckloads of the Party Wall Act 1996 (the PWA). Anyone of soil that need to be removed, and then significant quantities of construction materials undertaking a basement excavation should thus ensure they are familiar with (steel, concrete, temporary their obligations under the props, cladding, new topsoil, PWA, and allow sufficient If the works are etc.) must be brought to site. This involves very many truck in quiet and narrow time and funds to meet these obligations. movements throughout the
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residential roads, the
day. In addition, there will likely Health and Safety impact of the works be noise, vibration and dust Issues may be felt to quite associated with the works. some distance. There are numerous items of The works can therefore, health and safety legislation even if well controlled, be highly that apply to construction disruptive to people living or works, the majority of which place no working in close proximity. If the works are in particular duties on the client. However, the quiet and narrow residential roads, the impact
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Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) do place some duties upon domestic clients. Any client planning to undertake a domestic basement development should ascertain from their professional advisers what duties and responsibilities they have under the CDM 2015 regulations.
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A well planned basement development, properly designed and constructed by a competent contractor, should be constructed with no significant problems...
Contractor Competence and Insurance A well planned basement development, properly designed and constructed by a competent contractor, should be constructed with no significant problems, and without generating excessive ground movements or damage to the existing or neighbouring properties. While a client may choose how they wish to identify a competent contractor, it is recommended that they select a contractor that is a member of a relevant trade body, for example: • ASUC, the Association of Specialist Underpinning Contractors: For retrofit basements constructed using underpinning techniques. ASUC members are required to demonstrate a level of professional
competence, and the trade body offers insurance guarantees (www.asuc.org. uk). • Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS): For basements constructed using perimeter bored pile walls (www.fps.org.uk).
While basement works normally proceed without incident, there is the potential for incidents to occur which may lead to damage to the client’s or other people’s property. Additionally, the construction of a basement will result in a considerable structural alteration to the property. Anyone considering a basement development should therefore also contact their own insurers to inform them of the proposed works; to ensure they retain insurance cover throughout the works and thereafter for the completed structure. Consideration should also be given to issues of security for the site and for neighbouring properties both during the works and for the completed structure. Liaison with utility providers is also likely to be required, with drainage issues often requiring particular attention.
References and Further Reading Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (2004). A Client’s Guide to Site Investigation. Download from www.ags.org.uk/publications Association of Specialist Underpinning Contractors (as ASUC plus), (2016). Guidelines on safe and efficient basement construction directly below or near to existing structures. 2nd Edition. 189 pages. Can be downloaded from www. asuc.org.uk Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (2015). 28pages. www.legislation.gov.uk/id/uksi/2015/51 Party Wall Act (1996). 20 pages. Available from www.legislation.gov.uk
Disclaimer This document does not present a complete or comprehensive statement of the law, nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight issues that may be of interest to clients of AGS. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in any particular case.
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AGS Working Group Focus
Business Practice Overview 1. Review & Reform of the AGS
holding our annual Members’ Day event and a Ground Risk event in London this September.
Having made huge progress in reforming the working 2. Marketing of AGS to practices of the AGS over the Wider Geotechnical the last two years, the Group Community is working on this initiative to increase This initiative awareness Since January started last of the 2017, the AGS has year and Association seen a 30% increase is starting through to gather the AGS’ in Twitter followers momentum, social media and 27% increase in thanks to the channels LinkedIn followers. drafting of the (Twitter AGS Business and LinkedIn) and Marketing and through the ongoing Plans and the launch of AGS rejuvenation of the AGS Magazine. website. Since January 2017, the AGS has seen a 30% This is the second issue of AGS increase in Twitter followers Magazine, which has a huge and 27% increase in LinkedIn reach of 6,000 subscribers followers. across the geotechnical and
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The mission of the AGS Business Practice Working Group (BPWG) is to address and, where appropriate, improve the business practices of not only the Association, but the general geotechnical and geoenvironmental community. Led by John Talbot, the BPWG takes a lead in promoting the AGS and enhancing its membership with the aim of regenerating the AGS and increasing its overall reach. The group had its last meeting of the year on 23rd November in London, and is currently focusing efforts on the review & reform of the AGS and marketing.
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The AGS is also working to increase the number of seminars it holds year on year. In 2017, we organised a Geotechnical Data Conference at the National Motorcycle Museum, which saw attendance from over 140 delegates. In 2018, we’ll be
geoenvironmental industry. I’m sure this figure will continue to rise month on month. If you wish to attend AGS Business Practice Working Group meetings, please contact the AGS Secretariat by emailing ags@ags.org.uk.
Safety Overview
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methodology Members to We actively is still fit for report any encourage AGS purpose or safety alerts Members to report whether we and near need to totally any safety alerts and misses to rethink trial the AGS so near misses... pitting across we can share the industry. learnings The AGS Guidance on Trial across the wider audience. Pitting is regularly reviewed As an industry, we all need by the Safety group and to work collaboratively to is one of the most popular improve H&S awareness. downloads by AGS Members. 3. Increasing Participation The group are also working on The final AGS Safety Working in the Safety Working the publication of an article Group meeting of 2017 took Group place on 14th November 2017 in specifically on trial pitting, The Safety Working Group London and the Safety Leader, which will be in a future issue of the AGS Magazine. The are a small and dynamic Adam Latimer of Ian Farmer AGS Guidance for the Safe team, but they would like to Associates, has provided an Excavation of Trial Pits can be increase member participation update on the top three current downloaded here. in the group, which is vital to issues the Safety Working maintain a fresh and vibrant Group are discussing. 2. Safety Alerts/Near approach to H&S topics. Misses 1. Trial Pitting Guidance The Safety Working Group produces numerous guidance As an industry the reporting Trial Pitting has been a documents which are free to of safety alerts, near misses staple tool used within the download to Members which and accidents remains low ground investigation industry can be viewed here. compared to other industries. to obtain good material descriptions, samples and test This vital information will If you wish to attend AGS data. However, with numerous allow both the AGS and Safety Working Group wider industry to continue changes in legislation (e.g. meetings, please contact the working at height regulations), to improve in respect of H&S AGS Secretariat by emailing performance and awareness. we need to ask ourselves ags@ags.org.uk. We actively encourage AGS whether the current January / February 2018
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Upcoming Events DFI-EFFC International Conference on Deep Foundations & Ground Improvement June 5 - 8 2018 in Rome Registration opened on Monday, December 4, 2017, for the 2018 DFI-EFFC International Conference on Deep Foundations and Ground Improvement at Sapienza University, June 5-8, 2018. The conference explores the challenges of upcoming urban infrastructure megaprojects and highlights modern technologies and techniques available to overcome these challenges. Client representatives will present upcoming or in progress megaprojects such as Rome Metro C, Fehmarn Belt, Gran Paris and the Chennai Metro as well as the water infrastructure challenges in Italy and worldwide. A panel of clients will discuss award mechanisms, contractual challenges and risk management. From the 200+ peer-reviewed submitted papers, select presentations will focus on the following topics: • • • • •
Deep Foundation Technologies Ground Improvement Technologies Modeling & Computing for New Techniques Information Management Systems Building Information Modeling
• • • • •
Equipment and Material Advancements Contractual Rules and Construction Risk Case Histories including Lessons Learned Innovative Solutions for Complex Problems Geotechnical Investigation & Testing
Registration is open for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors at www.dfi-effc2018.org.
IGS UK Symposium: Use of Geosynthetics in Rail: Towards 2025 The UK Chapter of the International Geosynthetic Society (IGS) are running a symposium at the National Railway Museum in York on Wednesday 18th April 2018. The UK chapter of the IGS want to educate the Industry about the use of geosynthetics in rail. The symposium will look at the use of geosynthetics in rail applications from around the world. The one-day event will include speakers from HS2, Network Rail and professionals from network operators in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, who will be discussing topics including Client Geosynthetics Experience in Rail, Research, Specifications and Case Studies. Visit the event website here for more information. To register for tickets, please visit the registration website. 30
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SiLC Annual Forum 2018 Specialists in Land Condition (SiLC) have announced details of their Annual Forum, which is taking place on Thursday 19th April 2018 at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London. This is a half day seminar which will see over 70 practitioners working in the assessment and management of land condition and brownfield regeneration in attendance. Speakers confirmed to date include Rebecca Pullinger (CPRE) who will be discussing brownfield registers, and Hannah White (National Grid Property), who will be providing an update on the progress of the C4SL Environmental Standard. There will also be a panel discussion on the National Quality Marks Scheme and SQP update, featuring Nicola Harris (CL:ARE), Angela Haslam (Environment Agency) and Phil Crowcroft (ERM), amongst others. The panel will be compered by Paul Burden (Ministry of Defence and SiLC Chair). Further speakers will be announced in due course. The event costs £80 for SiLC’s to attend and £95 for non-SiLC’s. Prices exclude VAT. For further information on speakers, sponsorship packages or to receive a booking form, please contact silc@silc.org.uk
The IES Land Condition Symposium
The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) are holding a Land Condition Symposium in London on the 8th March 2018. Are you an expert practitioner, remediator, consultant, academic, researcher, or a central, regional or local government officer working in land condition? Then this event is for you. This one-day technical symposium will focus on knowledge exchange, debate and discussion addressing topical issues at the centre of land condition. The confirmed speakers include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Claire Dickinson, Director at Geo-Environmental Matters Ltd Harry Burchill, Planning Policy Officer at RTPI Nicola Harries, Project Director at CL:AIRE Peter Atchison, Managing Director at PAGeotechnical Ltd Eric Dede, Research Engineer at University of Reading
Download the programme and see the full list of eminent speakers presenting at this event. To book your place for the event, please click here. Sponsorship & Exhibitor spaces are available now, visit the IES website for more information.
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Training Courses
Asbestos from Soil Training Did you know that CIRIA now offers both open and in-house training on asbestos from soil awareness and for non-licensed work for asbestos in the ground? For further information visit www.ciria.org
CAR-SOIL This course provides participants with a very detailed understanding of the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Interpretation for Managing and Working with Asbestos in Soil and Construction and Demolition Materials: Industry guidance (CAR-SOIL). • •
27th February 2018 (Full Day) Birmingham 20th March 2018 (Full Day) Manchester
To book a place go to the link: https://www.claire.co.uk/commerce/112352-asbestos-in-soiland-construction-demolition-materials-training
Asbestos Awareness & Non Licensable Work Training CL:AIRE is currently delivering in house CAR-SOIL, Asbestos Awareness & Non Licensable Work training for groundworkers for those companies that wish to upskill their work force in working with asbestos in soil, construction and demolition materials in a cost effective way. In addition, for those who may only have a small number of staff who need training, do get in touch and CL:AIRE would be happy to try and bring companies together to make the training more cost effective by providing training in your region. If this is of interest, please enquire through the CL:AIRE Help desk and specify which course you are interested in, the location and any specific requirements you have: https://www.claire.co.uk/ help-desk
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How to become a Member of the AGS
AGS Members all share a commitment to quality in the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry. This has become widely recognised by clients, governmental bodies and other associations that touch issues to do with the ground. We welcome both companies and individuals who want to be recognised for their quality of practice to join our growing membership of over 130 Members. We shape our industry, continually improve practice and collaborate on issues that affect us all; from clients, all the way through to the people who use the land and the buildings we help develop. To become a Member of the AGS, please visit http://www.ags.org.uk/about/become-a-member and submit your application online. Please note that all membership applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee 6 weeks in advance of each quarterly Senate meeting. The deadline for the next round of completed applications is 17th May 2018.
AGS Chemical and Legal Helplines All Members of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists are entitled to free chemical and contractual advice through the use of Loss Prevention Committee Members, Marquis & Lord and BLM Solicitors. For advice on chemical safety and best practice, Marquis & Lord will provide 30 minutes of free advice to all AGS Members. Additionally, if you’re an AGS Member and are looking for legal advice, please speak to Michael Salau, Guy Lane or Zita Mansi at BLM Solicitors where the first 15 minutes of legal advice will be free of charge. CHEMICAL SAFETY HELPLINE
LEGAL HELPLINE
Marquis & Lord Tel: 0800 083 4610 www.marquisandlord.com
BLM Solicitors Telephone: 020 7638 2811 www.blmlaw.com
Disclaimer The articles included in this magazine are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to be a complete or comprehensive statement of the law, nor do they constitute legal or specialist advice. They are intended only to highlight current issues from date of publication that may be of interest. Neither the writer, nor the AGS, assumes any responsibility for any loss that may arise from accessing, or reliance on the material and all liability is disclaimed accordingly. Professional advice should be taken before applying the content of the articles to particular circumstances.
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Advertising and Rates An online advertising campaign within the AGS Magazine will help to build and increase industry awareness of your company’s profile, initiatives and offerings. The AGS can help build a package to suit your needs and budget; whether it’s a series of adverts across multiple issues, a combination of event sponsorship and advertising, or a single advertorial. How to Advertise in the AGS Magazine The AGS Magazine is a free email publication which looks at a range of topical issues, insights and concerns, whilst publishing new guidance notes, working group activities and information on upcoming industry seminars. With 6 issues each year, our subscribers include industry professionals such as practitioners, chartered specialists, senior decision makers and managing directors. To receive a media pack or to discuss advertising rates, please contact Caroline Kratz on 0208 658 8212 or email ags@ags.org.uk
Adversiting Requirements
Advert Sizes and Rates
All adverts should be sent in a PDF, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD (Photoshop) or EPS (Illustrator) format.
FULL PAGE W: 210mm H: 297mm RATE: £400 HALF PAGE W: 210mm H: 145mm RATE: £250 QUARTER PAGE
company name address contact number email
W: 105mm H: 145mm RATE: £160
logo
DIRECTORY Company name, address, contact number, email and one logo.
RATE: £50
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All advertising artwork must be supplied in 114 dpi resolution.
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Artwork must be delivered to the AGS using the agreed artwork specification size listed left. Artwork should be emailed to ags@ags.org. uk no later than 10 days prior to publication.
Directory Aarsleff Ground Engineering UK Hawton Lane, Balderton, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 3BU 01636 611140
ADVERTISE HERE FOR JUST £50
info@aarsleff.co.uk
AGS Dates for Your Diary
Upcoming AGS Events AGS Members’ Day National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham Wednesday 11th April 2018 For more information, contact ags@ags.org.uk
AGS Ground Risk Conference London’s Cavendish Conference Centre Wednesday 12th September 2018 For more information, contact ags@ags.org.uk
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