Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

Construction begins on Rockwell’s 30 storey tower in Canary Wharf

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Contents February 2020

05

Balfour Beatty successfully electrifies rail lines between Bristol and Cardiff

06

Construction Law: Late Payment of SMEs in Construction

08

Pagabo announces winners of its £10 billion national framework

10

Midas wins place on £30 billion Construction framework

11

NASC launches £30,000 mental health first aid training fund

14

Interview: Construction UK Magazine speaks with Bethany Skinner

18

Unicorn Island masterplan – First building nears completion

24

Principal Tower completion concludes Principal Place masterplan

30

Bridge to the future on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

32

An interview with Architectural Technologist Hadeel Saadoon

34

The Skills Centre leads training with zero emissions electric plant

40

Why SMART technology should be considered during manufacturing

05 08

14

11

18

24

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32

34

40

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Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 03

Project News

KENDAL DEVELOPMENT REACHES CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE A construction milestone has been reached at a new housing development in Kendal which is creating a new southern gateway to the town.

Jones Homes is building 110 homes at Stonecross Meadows, a new development located off Milnthorpe Road.

CLASHINDARROCH II WIND FARM PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED Vattenfall, the Swedish energy group, has announced that its wind farm proposals for Clashindarroch II are to go into planning, putting forward the company’s most powerful onshore turbines in the UK to date - anticipated to produce 2.5 times as much power as the existing turbines on site.

The 77MW scheme – to the north east of the existing Clashindarroch wind farm - would consist of 14 new turbines, each with around a 6 megawatt (MW) capacity. The turbines are expected to produce enough fossil-free electricity to meet the equivalent demand of more than 55,000 UK households, and annually prevent more than 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Alison Daugherty, Project Manager for Clashindarroch II, said: “Scotland has set its goal to reach net zero by 2045, and renewable energy projects such as this will

provide the platform for the decarbonisation of homes, businesses and transport needed to reach this ambition. Onshore wind can make a significant contribution, and we can deploy more powerful turbines than ever before.

“In fact, with one rotation of the blades, the turbines proposed for Clashindarroch II could power an average home for 16 hours.”

The submission comes after a final round of local events held by Vattenfall late in 2019 with local residents, community groups and businesses, to discuss how Clashindarroch II could add to the long-term investment in the area to help further support economic development.

“The team have focused on designing the best possible project that minimises impacts, is low cost and ensures that we are closely working with local communities to bring a lasting sustainable benefit.” continued Daugherty.

The landmark front row of 10 houses, which sit next to the site entrance behind the preserved drystone wall running along Milnthorpe Road, have now been completed and their buyers have moved in.

A total of 13 homes at Stonecross Meadows are now occupied and a further seven have been reserved off-plan.

When completed, Stonecross Meadows will comprise 72 houses for private sale and 38 affordable homes. There will be a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes at the development.

Carol Barlow, Sales Director for Jones Homes Lancashire, said: “Stonecross Meadows is our first development in Kendal and marks the beginning of our expansion into Cumbria.

“The development sits in a fantastic location on the southern edge of Kendal and has been carefully designed to provide an attractive gateway to the town which is very much in keeping with the character of the area. The completion of the landmark front row of houses marks a significant milestone for the development and we’re really pleased with how the site is progressing.

“It’s been wonderful to welcome the first residents into their homes at Stonecross Meadows and see a brand-new community beginning to form at the development. There has been a great deal of interest in the new homes at Stonecross Meadows, which is reflected by the fact they are selling off-plan.

The location is undoubtedly proving a major draw for buyers as it offers the best of both worlds – easy access to the Lake District but without the price premium that homes within the National Park boundary command.”

As part of the planning agreement for Stonecross Meadows, Jones Homes is contributing £279,300 towards education services in Kendal. This is in addition to £32,500 which the housebuilder has paid towards road junction improvements linked to the development.

04 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

Project News KIER HIGHWAYS ACHIEVES PROJECT MILESTONE ON M6 SMART MOTORWAYS PROJECT Kier Highways has achieved a key project milestone installing three large cantilever gantries over a nine-night period while the motorway network remained open to customers.

BALFOUR BEATTY SUCCESSFULLY ELECTRIFIES RAIL LINES BETWEEN BRISTOL AND CARDIFF This week, Balfour Beatty, working on behalf of Network Rail, successfully completed the electrification of 77 kilometres of the Great Western Railway (GWR) line between Bristol and Cardiff; a significant contribution to Network Rail’s overall Greater West Electrification Programme to electrify 275 kilometres of train line between Cardiff and London.

In order to deliver the works on time, over 750 Balfour Beatty operatives undertook complex works over the Christmas period, completing the final installation of the overhead cables at Cardiff Central Station, marking the completion of over 4,200 masts and booms, responsible for holding the 643 kilometres of electric cabling associated with the 77 kilometres section of route.

This milestone was marked with the first electrified train running out of Cardiff Central Station on January 6, 2020.

Mick Rayner, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Rail business, said

We are proud to have successfully delivered part of the largest modernization project on the Great Western Railway which we been working on for the past three years.

Delivering this important upgrade to the Welsh rail network will provide a more sustainable way of travelling for tens of thousands of commuters.

Three gantries weighing 24 tonnes and 18m in width now span the carriageway on the M6 between J14 (Stafford) and J15 (Stoke) and were installed with a contraflow in operation. This meant that one lane of traffic was able to stay on the main motorway carriage travelling north on the southbound side. Traffic on the southbound side ran in three narrow lanes. Customers were able to continue travelling on their preferred route instead of being diverted along sensitive diversion routes around Stafford. A team of 57 people worked each of the nine nights to install the gantries along with six smaller MS4 gantries and 28 lighting columns.

The M6 J13-15 smart motorway project is the first of its kind to operate under a full contraflow for the length of the works and its implementation is continuously increasing customer satisfaction through the roadworks.

Richard French, project director at Kier Highways recognises the work that all teams have put into this significant piece of work. He said: “We are coming to the end of a section of work on the northbound M6 and this critical activity makes the end date significantly closer. All teams have planned their activities meticulously and collaboratively, so that the result is completion to plan and on programme.

There is a large amount of personnel involved and I would like to thank everyone for their solid performance during this complex activity.”

The scheme which started in 2017 is scheduled to finish by 2022. As work progresses to the opposite carriageway, the contraflow operation will switch in the New Year.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 05

Construction Law LATE PAYMENT OF SMES IN CONSTRUCTION – HOW SIMPLE LEGISLATION CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM There are no effective legal rights in place to help small businesses (SMEs) with late payments. This problem must be taken seriously and the law needs to change.

If you search for articles on late payment relating to SMEs, you find publications deal with complaints and statistics showing how the problem is rife but actually offer no solution. All articles refer to optimistic future actions to be taken by the government, such as undefined fines and sanctions that have never materialised.

The Chamber of Commerce says it plans to lobby parliament on this problem in the New Year, but what is it going to ask for?

Late payment always becomes more acute when money gets tight, you see more bankruptcies and this year it has been a particularly trying one, for example with the uncertainty of Brexit.

The problem for all time, and especially in the construction industry, is the imbalance of contract power. Larger firms often impose onerous terms on smaller firms and play politics with SMEs on the promise of more work or exclusion if SMEs do not comply. Excuses such as contra charges, delay damages or refusal to pay due to demands for substantiation of the obvious are often used to avoid payments of accounts. Getting through the dispute risk area is not straightforward.

However, the Construction Acts (HGCR Act 1996 and LDEDC Act 2009) have now been around for some time, forcing better payment behaviour and including the right to adjudicate in the payment process. That legislation has kicked the non-paying bully boys in the teeth, they complain about “smash and grab” and now often have to live with paying out if they default. Although the Construction Acts are a major success for the construction SMEs, in my experience many still do not know about the power they have to get paid using that legislation. For example, obtaining payment by default, i.e. you get paid what you ask for, if you the payee are

ignored. It is a perfect example that the government should take account of when evaluating how legislation can even out the balance of power and help SMEs. It is worth noting that the cost of recovering late payments is a considerable barrier for SMEs, therefore by bearing these points of recovery costs and effective legislation in mind when considering late payment, changes here would be a very simple way the government could legislate to help SMEs survive and prosper.

Legislation designed to compensate the payee for late payment is already in place (the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, which was updated in 2013). It provides for payment of simple interest at 8% over the base rate alongside reasonable costs which are incurred in pursuit of payment. Great but? Such compensation for late payment is only due if the contract does not have late payment terms already agreed. In this way the larger firms abuse their power by putting a clause in the contract which amends the 8% to 2% over base rate and inclusive of any recovery costs. This type of clause is nearly always in the contract, indeed even the JCT forms have it in, albeit at 5%. As a result, there is almost no opportunity to recover costs of pursuing the debt, which might include adjudication, making pursuit of payment very difficult commercially.

Added to this, the Courts have made matters worse for SMEs with Enviroflow Management Ltd v Redhill Works (Nottingham) Ltd [2017] EWHC 2159 (TCC) by ruling that adjudication costs cannot be recovered under the Late Payment Act rules, despite the previous ruling in Lulu Construction Ltd v Mullalley & Co Ltd [2016] EWHC 1852 (TCC), which ruled that adjudication costs could be recovered. The Court effectively condemns SMEs with Enviroflow.

All the government needs to do to help SMEs take control and deal with the larger bullying firms is to update the

Late Payment Act legislation so that all contracts mandatorily comply with its rules, as opposed to it stepping in where the terms are absent. In essence, if you pay late, it will not matter whatever the clause the contract provides for 2%, 5% or no costs at, the clause will not comply with the legislation and be completely void. It means that in all cases late payment will mean interest will be compulsory and payable at 8% above the base rate and all reasonable costs will be recoverable, including debt collection and adjudication costs. The legislation must also be empowered to take precedence over all other legislation that restrict costs recovery, for example the Construction Act in respect of adjudication costs.

It all sounds simple but this small and easy update to this legislation can drastically change this enormous problem.

If a body, such as the Chamber of Commerce, is lobbying parliament on the late payment of SMEs, in my view they need to do more than complain. If they are demanding the imposition of fines or sanctions that cannot be policed and impossible to implement, this is also useless.

The right to charge damages contractually through legislation under the Late Payment Act will allow SMEs a commercial and fast means to recover the late payment and be properly compensated with a legally binding order obtained in adjudication with all those costs recovered.

The legislation would allow SMEs to effectively look after themselves without relying on any government department.

Win, win.

I do hope any lobbyists do not just complain; effective legislation on the costs of recovery and rights to it will help SMEs, even just the spectre of these rights would improve late payment.

At present, as I said in the opening statement, the current state of the law effectively does not help SMEs at all, and it needs to change.

Written By Jonathan Nugent, Managing Director at Arbicon ADR Ltd

06 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

CIVIL ENGINEER’S DIVORCE This month City Accountants (London) Ltd looks at ways of keeping the Taxman’s hands off the Matrimonial Home when Civil Engineers get divorced.

HOW IT WAS Back in the 1960’s (I’m afraid I’m too young to remember back that far!) divorce in Civil Engineering was a rarity.

A divorce was difficult to get, and settlements were mean. Indeed there was a time when the only way to obtain a divorce was to provide actual proof of adultery (a very difficult task). Then the law was relaxed and spouses just had to provide the infamous “receipt for a Brighton Guesthouse” as grounds for divorce (this was often given as a Christmas present from one party to the other)! During this period many Civil Engineers were party to hideous marriages.

Then came the Matrimonial Claims Act 1973 and the naughty noughties with new openness freedom and it has to be said intolerance amongst married couples.

THE SCENE TODAY The pressures of working in Civil Engineering, often working away from home, lack of job security and spiralling property prices in the UK have contributed, in part, to the flood of very well timed civil engineering divorce petitions we have witnessed in the past 2 years. We have seen some asset splits of 80:20 going against Civils as well as Civils losing £1 million matrimonial homes. Civil Engineers have been seen spiralling back to the bottom of the housing ladder, like a horrendously expensive game of snakes and ladders.

Then there are the maintenance payments. We had a recent case where a Civil Engineer working part time earning £19,000 a year was ordered to pay £3,000 a month maintenance. When he protested against the unfairness of the Maintenance Order the District Judge said he had earned £120,000 a year previously as a Chief Engineer and if he didn’t make the payment Wormwood Scrubs was very comfortable at Christmas!

He had to move back in with his ageing parents in order to satisfy the Maintenance Order.

CIVILS’ OBLIGATIONS ON DIVORCE Remember that as a Civil Engineer your Spouse will have the following rights if you divorce:-

• • • • •

The right to a car.

A house in which to live.

Monthly maintenance (until the children finish University or Medical School).

A share in your wealth (as much as 80% in some circumstances).

A share in your pension.

HOW TO SPLIT THE MATRIMONIAL HOME 2 WAYS – NOT 3 To rub salt into the wounds if the matrimonial home is sold following separation or divorce, some of the profit can be liable to Capital Gains Tax. This is a most unwelcome tax bill as often as two houses have to be found out of one. So giving a large slice of equity to the Inland Revenue is the last thing we want to do.

If you transfer your share in the house to your wife and you already have a new home, make sure you make the appropriate tax election to protect your Capital Gains Tax position with the Revenue

Civil Engineers have been seen spiralling back to the bottom of the housing ladder, like a horrendously expensive game of snakes and ladders.

WILL I LOSE MY CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY? The simple answer to this is no, for a variety of reasons:-

• •

Your Spouse cannot run a Civil Engineering Consultancy if they are not an Engineer.

You will need the Civil Engineering Consultancy to pay the monthly maintenance payments!

However there are circumstances where the Family Court might make an award which would force you to sell your Practice.

CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS ACT 2004 Since December 2005 Gay and Lesbian Civil Engineers co-habiting have been granted similar rights to married couples. Tax considerations include:-

• • •

Inheritance Tax Planning to ensure you do not get landed with a large Inheritance Tax bill when your Partner dies.

Capital Gains Tax opportunities with buy to lets Nasty pitfalls with child tax credits if there are children from previous relationships.

City Accountants (London) Ltd are Specialist Civil Engineering and Construction Accountants based North of London. They advise on a wide range of Construction Tax issues and regularly write for the Construction Press. City Accountants have over 20 years’ experience in Construction and Civil Engineering Accounts and are recognised for their proactive approach to Taxation in construction and business problems.

Phone 01438 722224 or email: kate@dentax.biz

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 07

Events & Awards

FOSTER + PARTNERS WINS COMPETITION TO DESIGN ALIBABA’S NEW HQ IN SHANGHAI Foster + Partners has won the competition to design the new headquarters for Alibaba – the Chinese ecommerce giant – in Shanghai. As a new signature building for the company, it is set to showcase their unique working culture to the public.

Luke Fox, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners said: “We are delighted to be designing the new Shanghai headquarters for Alibaba, the world’s largest online retailer and e-commerce company. Our design emphasises the importance of communication, the integrity of the working community and above all, the creation of an image that reflects the standing of Alibaba.

The scheme is truly designed from the inside out, centred on a dynamic, sheltered public space capitalising on its amazing location with its views of the Huangpu River and the Bund.”

Situated at Xuhui Riverside – a new, vibrant part of the city – the building boasts stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong CBD. The building is formed around a central heart that opens up to create a large public urban room, inviting people in. This creates an active social core, with viewing terraces overlooking the central space as well as the building’s principal

entrances opening onto it.

The building is designed to be extremely transparent, allowing people a glimpse into the world of Alibaba as well as preserving views to the outside.

The unique building form has been guided by an innovative design process that uses a genetic algorithm to evolve the optimal massing. The algorithm combines several aspects that are crucial to the project such as, being highly responsive to the environmental conditions, maximising outside views, and the specific area requirements for different functions, to create the most appropriate form. The design optimises the massing to provide the best year-round user comfort in the central public space, protecting it from strong winter winds and the harsh summer sun, while creating tailored workspace solutions for the different departments at Alibaba.

The desk arrangements, breakout spaces and meeting rooms are all carefully considered to encourage collaboration and teamwork. Visual and physical connectivity will encourage interactions. Natural light and external spaces animate the workspaces and create a more focussed and engaged workforce. Following a modular approach, the design will utilise off-site production for quality control, reducing wastage, and minimising on-site operations to create an efficient construction programme.

PAGABO ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS £10 BILLION NATIONAL FRAMEWORK The winners of Pagabo’s £10 billion, six-year Major Works Framework have been announced.

The framework, which launches in April 2020, is the second iteration of the Major Works contract and will see up to 28 contractors deliver projects starting at £5 million.

The framework - which is open to all public and private sector organisations - is split into three project value bands across seven UK regions and includes a core and reserve list of contractors.

Dominating the three lots are major contractors such as ISG, Morgan Sindall Construction and Sir Robert McAlpine, each appointed to up to six out of the seven regions on all three lots.

Willmott Dixon and Vinci Construction has also won a large proportion of geographies available across each lot.

SMEs AMCM Group, GF Tomlinson, Henry Brothers (Midlands) and Wildgoose Construction have also been granted full appointment across a selection of geographies in lot 1 (£5million - £15million) as part of Pagabo’s ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs and ensuring access to major projects.

08 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

New appointments to the framework for 2020 include Ashe Construction, Bowmer + Kirkland, Kier and Wates Construction.

To be considered for Pagabo’s Major Works Framework, contractors were required to prove strong finances, relevant experience and echo Pagabo’s passion for social value, supporting SMEs, and technology. Winning contractors were selected through a rigorous OJEU compliant tender process.

In order to provide greater choice for customers, Pagabo allows six core contractors for each geographical lot in every region. In addition to core contractors, three reserve contractors have been named to supplement the procurement process in each lot and region.

The framework’s first four-year iteration has seen the delivery of high-profile projects nationally, for clients including Liverpool John Moores University, St Albans District Council, Richmond upon Thames College, Merseyside Police, Birmingham Symphony Hall, National Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Doncaster Council.

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Company News

MIDAS WINS PLACE ON £30BILLION CONSTRUCTION FRAMEWORK Midas Group has secured a place on a multi-billion pound framework for one of the largest public procurement organisations in the UK. The construction company is now part of the £30billion seven year framework for Crown Commercial Services (CCS), which can be used by Central Government departments as well as all other public sector bodies.

Framework Manager Sarah James

Midas, one of the UK’s largest independent property and services providers, has also announced its place on the Procure Partnerships National Framework, a four-year scheme focused on public sector bodies.

Framework Manager Sarah James said:

Midas is delighted to make the announcement of having secured places on two further prestigious frameworks. These schemes support the continued expansion of our group of companies and regions by forging strong partnerships and understanding the unique needs of each customer.

Frameworks add value for customers through early contractor involvement and simplify procurement by connecting customers with the industry’s leading contractors. They also provide the opportunity for Midas to win repeat business and further its strategy to build long-term relationships.

Sarah added that the CCS framework in the South of England and Wales includes opportunities valued between £10million and £30million for Midas Construction, and the group’s specialist housing company, Mi-space, has joined CCS’s residential frameworks in the same regions.

The Procurement Partnerships National Framework saw Midas clinch lots for developments valued between £4million and £12million across three regions; the South West, South East and South Wales.

The news comes as Midas looks back on a series of national and regional framework wins in the past year, including the University of Oxford’s Capital Projects Partner Framework for developments valued between £5million and £20million; as well as re-securing its place on the £5.2 billion SCF Framework.

The Midas Group delivers projects across a range of sectors including; education, residential and commercial developments, and has offices throughout the South West, the Midlands and Wales.

The company’s strategy is to be the contractor of choice in the areas in which it operates, by the development of longterm relationships through delivery of its vision to be ‘leaders in customer service and performance’. It is a strategy which is already showing success with more than 81% of the Group’s projects being carried out on a repeat business basis.

ATKINS AWARDED CONTRACT TO DESIGN SWEDEN’S VARBERG TUNNEL Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been awarded a contract to deliver the detailed design and construction support for a new tunnel in Sweden, which forms part of an expansion to the country’s 300km West Coast Line between Gothenburg and Lund.

The new 3.1km tunnel will run under the coastal town of Varberg to accommodate the West Coast Line’s expansion to a double track railway, which will increase capacity and reduce travel times for passenger and freight services.

Atkins - alongside a number of other consultants - has already completed the phase 1 design of the project, which included the development of

the implementation plan. The next stage involves detailed planning for the construction phase of the new tunnel under a time and materials contract worth an initial £13m.

The expansion of the railway has been underway since 2015 and approximately 85 per cent of the West Coast Line has been upgraded. The project, which is being led by the Swedish Transport Administration and Swiss construction company Implenia, is expected to be completed in 2025.

Johannes Erlandsson, CEO, Atkins Sweden, said: “The Varberg tunnel and the line expansion will benefit the entire west coast of Sweden by connecting towns, cities, businesses and communities.

10 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

Having been involved since its early stages, we now look forward to working with our partners to deliver this complex and transformative project.

Atkins is working on a range of rail projects in Sweden including the 160km East Link Project, a 250km/h high speed line running from Järna to Linköping; the double track railway through the city of Hallsberg; the electrified direct connection to Gavle harbour and electrification of the harbour track from the freight yard to the new railway station; and the expansion of the railway from two tracks to four between Tomteboda and Kallhäll in Stockholm.

Company News

NASC LAUNCHES £30,000 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING FUND The NASC has created a £30,000 funding pot dedicated to mental health first aid training.

The fund gives NASC members the ability to claim up to £125 towards the cost of completing a mental health first aid course.

BAKERHICKS TRIO SELECTED FOR WORLDSKILLS 2021 UK SQUAD Three employees from BakerHicks, the multidisciplinary design and engineering company, are amongst the 137 young people named on the UK squad for WorldSkills 2021.

The WorldSkills series pits the best students from across the globe against each other in a competitive scenario, with the aim of promoting skilled careers and fostering excellence in trades.

Darren Houston, Mona Nawaz and Connor Patterson have been selected for the UK Building Information Modelling (BIM) team following their strong performances at both the Regional and National legs of the competition series. They will now embark upon an 18-month training period, at the end of which one of them will be selected to represent the UK at the WorldSkills competition, which will take place in Shanghai on 22-27 September 2021.

The BIM competition tests competitors on their ability to produce, coordinate and quality check multiple 3D Project Information Models whilst working in a Common Data Environment, including configuring and inputting classification and asset information. Competitors are also judged on their ability to demonstrate a full understanding of and ability to use the BS/PAS 1192 suite and ISO 19650-1 and 19560-2 BIM standards in a range of situations.

Martin Lubieniecki, Managing Director at BakerHicks, congratulated the three:

It’s fantastic to see BakerHicks employees taking up all three spots on the BIM squad. I know Darren, Mona and Connor have put a huge amount of work into this and their selection is thoroughly deserved. I look forward to seeing all three progress as a result of this experience.

The £30,000 pot was set up as part of the NASC’s Head for Heights campaign, which is focused on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting the importance of focusing on employee wellbeing in the workplace.

Recent activities include the creation of SG38:19, a free goto guidance on mental health and wellbeing that provides employers with proactive steps they can take to improve wellbeing in the workplace as well as a host of useful links and services that they can signpost their employees to, and a mental health-focused toolbox talk.

Lynn Way, NASC President, said: “The £30,000 funding pot will help pay for nearly 250 NASC member employees to complete a mental health first aid course.

Company News

NASC LAUNCHES £30,000 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING FUND The NASC has created a £30,000 funding pot dedicated to mental health first aid training.

The fund gives NASC members the ability to claim up to £125 towards the cost of completing a mental health first aid course.

BAKERHICKS TRIO SELECTED FOR WORLDSKILLS 2021 UK SQUAD Three employees from BakerHicks, the multidisciplinary design and engineering company, are amongst the 137 young people named on the UK squad for WorldSkills 2021.

Darren Houston, Mona Nawaz and Connor Patterson have been selected for the UK Building Information Modelling (BIM) team following their strong performances at both the Regional and National legs of the competition series. They will now embark upon an 18-month training period, at the end of which one of them will be selected to represent the UK at the WorldSkills competition, which will take place in Shanghai on 22-27 September 2021.

Martin Lubieniecki, Managing Director at BakerHicks, congratulated the three:

It’s fantastic to see BakerHicks employees taking up all three spots on the BIM squad. I know Darren, Mona and Connor have put a huge amount of work into this and their selection is thoroughly deserved. I look forward to seeing all three progress as a result of this experience.

The WorldSkills series pits the best students from across the globe against each other in a competitive scenario, with the aim of promoting skilled careers and fostering excellence in trades.

The BIM competition tests competitors on their ability to produce, coordinate and quality check multiple 3D Project Information Models whilst working in a Common Data Environment, including configuring and inputting classification and asset information. Competitors are also judged on their ability to demonstrate a full understanding of and ability to use the BS/PAS 1192 suite and ISO 19650-1 and 19560-2 BIM standards in a range of situations.

The £30,000 pot was set up as part of the NASC’s Head for Heights campaign, which is focused on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting the importance of focusing on employee wellbeing in the workplace.

Recent activities include the creation of SG38:19, a free goto guidance on mental health and wellbeing that provides employers with proactive steps they can take to improve wellbeing in the workplace as well as a host of useful links and services that they can signpost their employees to, and a mental health-focused toolbox talk.

Lynn Way, NASC President, said: “The £30,000 funding pot will help pay for nearly 250 NASC member employees to complete a mental health first aid course.

“This will go a long way to improving awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues in the workplace and enable NASC members to better support their employees if and when they need to.

The Head for Heights campaign has been incredibly wellreceived by NASC members, who are as keen to do more to support anyone in the industry who’s dealing with a mental health challenge.

There’s much more to come from us on this front in the year ahead.

There are currently four mental health first aid training courses covered by the £30,000 funding pot. These are offered by MHFA England, St John Ambulance, 3B Training and the British Safety Council.

The creation of this fund comes just a month after the NASC launched a £150,000 fund dedicated to training and upskilling former servicemen.

The NASC also provides members with financial support for the completion of COTS and CPD training.

Cumulatively, NASC funding totalling £280,000 is currently available to members to subsidise the cost of training.

Trevor Strahan, Head of BIM at BakerHicks, says the WorldSkills series is a great training ground: “Through setting tests based on realworld industry challenges the series provides competitors with a real insight into what they can expect once they enter the industry. For us as employers this experience is invaluable. WorldSkills has a huge role to play in the development of future talent for our industry and we’re very proud to support the series.”

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 11

“This will go a long way to improving awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues in the workplace and enable NASC members to better support their employees if and when they need to.

The Head for Heights campaign has been incredibly wellreceived by NASC members, who are as keen to do more to support anyone in the industry who’s dealing with a mental health challenge.

There’s much more to come from us on this front in the year ahead.

There are currently four mental health first aid training courses covered by the £30,000 funding pot. These are offered by MHFA England, St John Ambulance, 3B Training and the British Safety Council.

The creation of this fund comes just a month after the NASC launched a £150,000 fund dedicated to training and upskilling former servicemen.

The NASC also provides members with financial support for the completion of COTS and CPD training.

Cumulatively, NASC funding totalling £280,000 is currently available to members to subsidise the cost of training.

Trevor Strahan, Head of BIM at BakerHicks, says the WorldSkills series is a great training ground: “Through setting tests based on realworld industry challenges the series provides competitors with a real insight into what they can expect once they enter the industry. For us as employers this experience is invaluable. WorldSkills has a huge role to play in the development of future talent for our industry and we’re very proud to support the series.”

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 11

Company News

KELTBRAY AND CAPITAL CONCRETE DEBUT FIRST EVER PILE USING EARTH FRIENDLY CONCRETE (EFC) IN LONDON Keltbray Group, a leading UK specialist business that offers engineering, construction, demolition, decommissioning, remediation, rail, power transmission & distribution, reinforced concrete structures and environmental services today announces it has installed the first ever pile using Wagners Earth Friendly Concrete (EFC®) in London, with leading concrete supplier Capital Concrete.

This week, a 900mm diameter, 25m deep anchor pile was installed at the Keltbray site at Landsec’s Nova East, London Victoria project using Wagners EFC®. Keltbray is the principal contractor on the project which is valued at a total of £4.5M. Keltbray is undertaking the trial of the EFC concrete mix in conjunction with further ongoing trials associated with their Innovate UK funded HIPER pile project.

INTERSERVE GROUP LIMITED AND THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX’S JOINT VENTURE SUSSEX ESTATES AND FACILITIES WINS TOTAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT CONTRACT EXTENSION Interserve Group Limited, the international Support Services, Construction and Equipment Services group, and the University of Sussex have won a contract extension worth £30 million per annum to deliver excellent facilities management services at the University of Sussex as part of joint venture Sussex Estates and Facilities (SEF).

Interserve and the University of Sussex formed the joint venture in 2013. SEF delivers total facilities management (TFM) services which include 23 service lines involving 290 colleagues. SEF delivers solutions spanning from soft FM services through to maintenance, security to energy and waste disposal.

SEF has also been a key partner in numerous major projects on the university’s campus, including investment in student accommodation, construction of a new multi-storey car park and the installation of more than 3,000 solar panels.

Martin Burholt, Interserve’s Managing Director International FM and UK Communities, said: “The contract extension illustrates our ability to work together with our joint venture partners to create a unique partnership that delivers a best-in-class TFM service to the University of Sussex. An example of the value that Interserve adds to contracts is the implementation of the latest computer-aided Facilities Management technology that has helped SEF drive efficient and effective service delivery and performance reporting. We have also used Interserve’s Customer Experience team to review how we increase customer satisfaction and further improve service delivery.”

The contract illustrates how Interserve is meeting it’s key strategic objective of winning contract extensions and creating long-term relationships with our partners.

12 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

EFC® is a product manufactured by Australian firm Wagners and is a zero cement, geopolymer concrete supplied by Capital Concrete in London. The innovative product typically offers a 50% saving in embodied Carbon over and above standard piling mixes.

Stuart Norman, Keltbray Piling’s Managing Director, says, “This is a significant milestone for the business and we’re pleased with the progress we’ve made on the project. This continues our efforts and commitment to sustainability, and embodies our ethos as a business of helping to drive innovation in engineering.

I am especially thankful that we have finally, seemingly arrived at a point in our industry where the whole supply chain is acknowledging the need for change.

Luke Smith, Capital Concrete’s Managing Director, says, “We’ve seen interest in ultra-low-carbon concrete pick up recently, interest which is clearly linked to the growing importance of environmental considerations in construction build designs. We have a strong reputation for developing cuttingedge solutions and niche products and the development of ‘Earth Friendly Concrete’ represented an opportunity to do both simultaneously. Supplying this product to the highest level of quality control was easy at our new state of the art, high output wet-batch concrete plant at Silvertown.”

Further announcements will be made as the project progresses.

Case Study

Major UK Airport Choose Fibrelite For Safe Retrofit Replacement for Aging Concrete Recess Covers

Retrofit Fibrelite covers specified for major northern UK airport

To meet the demands of an increasing population, this major airport in the North of England is undergoing major redevelopment.

Fibrelite GRP composite trench access covers have been specified for a second installation in this development: a retrofit replacement for previous installed concrete recess covers over sewage systems, making access simpler and safer.

Fibrelite were pleased to play a part in this major project which will see the highest quality of suppliers from every industry leave their mark on this bustling facility.

Problem The previously installed heavy concrete recess covers were showing signs of severe corrosion, adding to the difficulty and manual handling risks when removing and replacing covers for essential monitoring and maintenance.

Previously installed heavy concrete recess covers

Key considerations: • Covers were very heavy, making them time consuming to remove as well as causing health and safety risks.

• Covers presented a trip hazard (especially during hours of poor visibility), as they did not sit flush with the ground surface.

• Visually, these covers were an eyesore and were not in keeping with the aesthetically pleasing finish desired by the client given their recent overall investment.

Fibrelite were pleased to play a part in this major project which will see the highest quality of suppliers from every industry leave their mark on this bustling facility.

Solution The Fibrelite technical engineering teams created a retrofit composite trench covering solution • Covers were manufactured to fit existing frames, cutting installation time and costs.

• Covers were manufactured and delivered within a month of PO. • The lightweight Fibrelite covers will perform as an effective covering solution even when subjected to heavy loading pressures, allowing safe removal by hand– Fibrelite covers offer the very best strength to weight ratio available in the market today.

• Previous health and safety trip hazards created by the concrete recess covers were nullified by Fibrelite’s ‘fit and forget’ replacement solution, as the new covers were cut precisely to sit flush from the ground surface.

• A modern finish which will not rust over time.

Results This northern airport now has an access solution that will continue to perform for the years to come.

For more case studies, visit the Fibrelite website

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 13

Interview

INTERVIEW: BETHANY SKINNER Construction UK Magazine speaks with Bethany Skinner, about her journey into Bricklaying and about opportunities available out there for other people who are considering an apprenticeship in the same industry.

Have you always wanted to pursue a career as a Bricklayer?

No, I never considered bricklaying as a career until I finished my first apprenticeship and even then I wasn’t sure. When I was leaving school I was more interested in property developing than a career on a building site that’s why I decided on the Level 2 MultiSkilled apprenticeship course for my first apprenticeship.

My first apprenticeship was a massive influence on my next career choice because in college I was learning a full range of repair skills in the different trade areas; Painting, Tiling, Plastering, Bricklaying, Joinery, Plumbing, Roofing.

However, my placement was completely different from what I was learning in college. I was out on site concreting, laying drainage and rail tracks, laying kerbs and using big machinery.

I really believe that if my placement was different and more related to my course at the time and not doing groundworks on site I wouldn’t have chosen bricklaying.

What was it that made you want to apply for an apprenticeship in bricklaying in particular?

My love for buildings. Bricklaying for me combined the two things that I love, property development and groundworks.

Growing up watching homes under the hammer and being fascinated by a rundown building being transformed into something incredible. Then being onsite as a groundworker and falling in love with working with my hands. Experiencing all aspects of what goes into demolishing and then rebuilding something to be more attract had a huge impact on my career choice.

Were there many opportunities in getting into this industry when you were applying?

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities out there but trying to find them yourself without knowing where to look is difficult. I really struggled! I remember applying to every company I could think of that did groundworks to see if they offered apprenticeships but I never heard anything back. If I didn’t enrol at college I wouldn’t have found anything myself, well I didn’t.

Tell us a little bit of what a typical day at work involves A typical day on site is, starting at 7:30 am, taking my tools over from my car to the plot we’re working on and preparing the area I’ll be working at. We work from 7:30 to 9:30, 9:30 is our morning break, so my morning really consists of preparing my area, building corners or building straight away if the corners are already up from the previous day.

What I build really depends on what plot we are on and what lift the plot is at. It could be at joists, and when a plot is at joists I normally have beam fill to do. Or if a plot is ready to be topped out, the roof, I will build the middle wall on my own.

14 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

Interview Talk us through your favourite part of your apprenticeship The sense of achievement I’d say. Being able to step back and look at something you’ve built, knowing that it’ll be there for years to come.

Not many people can walk past a site and say they built multiple homes and garden walls on there and being able to provide families, couples, and elder, people with a new home or bungalow really is a great feeling.

What are your future ambitions?

Start my own business as a bricklayer, build garden walls and extensions for people. I’d love the freedom to discuss with customers different designs and aspects of a build and really put my own stamp on what I build

instead of building to a drawing. Building on-site can be extremely repetitive at times so being able to build different and really grow my skills is definitely something I want to do.

Do you have any words of advice for someone considering an apprenticeship in the same industry?

Yes. Do it! Don’t live with the regret of what if. Even if you decide a few months down the line that the construction industry isn’t where you want to be at least you tried.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Happy. My main goal in life is to be happy with where I am and what I have around me. I want to run my own company, only something small, where I can build extensions, garden walls and potentially new homes for people. I build homes now but I want my work to be more personal and detailed.

Expamet Release New Windpost and Masonry Support BIM Models for Seamless Specification Expamet has made its Windpost and Masonry Support products available in BIM to simplify the specification process of these bespoke products.

The new models will enable specifiers to upload the objects as placeholders within their models to signify where the additional support is needed. Upon submission of the drawings, Expamet’s team of Structural Design Engineers will design and manufacture an appropriate solution to ensure sufficient support is achieved.

Masonry Support Systems provide a method of controlling the uninterrupted height of masonry panels and accommodating differential vertical movement between masonry cladding and framed structures. The range includes BAT Bracket and Angle Support Systems. All designs are supplied with method statements, product installation instructions and packed in order using the supplied site layout and inventory.

Expamet’s Windposts come in four designs, Spine Posts, alongside U, L and H section variations. In addition to this, Parapet and Spandrel Windposts are also

included within the range to offer stability to walls and parapets below windows.

Paul Hiley, Specification Design Manager at Expamet is pleased with the new BIM Objects, he comments: ’Historically, Expamet has been supplying Windposts and Masonry Support systems to large projects in the UK using the traditional specification routes. Whilst we still offer this service, these new models will allow specifiers to simply drop in the object as a placeholder and our team of highly qualified and experienced Design Engineers will design a system that is fit for purpose.

‘We have complete control over our manufacturing capabilities and are able to pass this benefit down to our customers through service and competitive pricing. For applications subject to corrosive environments we can manufacture using stainless steel 1.4401 and we have the facilities on site to hot dip galvanise our products to BS EN ISO 1461 if needed.’

For more information about our Masonry Support and Windpost systems or to download our BIM objects visit www.expamet.co.uk/expamet-bim

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 15

Exhibition

FUTUREBUILD 2020: BE THE CATALYST FOR CHANGE From recent demonstrations to government declarations the message is clear – we need to work together if we are to succeed against the climate change challenges, we all face.

Against this backdrop, Futurebuild 2020 (03–05 March, ExCeL London) will inspire construction professionals to join fellow industry leaders and innovators to be the catalyst for change and deliver a more sustainable built environment.

Setting the agenda The highly-regarded Futurebuild conference returns and will follow a three-day progression for 2020. With a central theme of responding to the climate and ecological crisis, the Arena will host engaging debate and discussion led by politicians, academics and industry shapers.

Sessions which are set to be unmissable include: ‘The future is regenerative’ chaired

by Peter Murray, Chair of New London Architecture (03 March). The session will explore how design and construction needs a circular rethink. Additionally, on the second day of the conference (04 March), London Mayoral Candidate Rory Stewart will sit on a panel on the ‘Carbon neutral cities of the future’ session.

While discussions on the conference stage will focus on the biggest issues facing the built environment at a macro level, the six Keynote Stages will look at the specific challenges impacting Buildings, Offsite, Energy, Interiors, Resourceful Materials and Critical Infrastructure. This programme of solution-driven sessions will share the latest thinking and research, to educate, inform and inspire visitors to make a positive change.

The Buildings Keynote stage will focus on the latest thinking and initiatives in building quality and performance, key sessions include ‘Building a Safer Future - what steps are being taken towards fundamental reform?’ The session taking place on the first day (03 March) will be chaired by Peter Caplehorn, Construction Products Association.

Beyond the stages Around each Keynote Stage will be an exhibition of innovative brands, offering unique solutions to the challenges discussed in the companion knowledge programme.

It will feature some of the largest headline brands in the sector, alongside SMEs and start-up organisations, creating a dedicated platform to connect these companies with forward-thinking specifiers and buyers.

Brands and organisations that are leading the charge when it comes to innovation will be recognised through a dedicated Innovation Trail. A guided route will take visitors on a journey through the event and enable them to learn more about the latest thinking from Futurebuild’s Innovation Partners, including ACO Technologies, Smart Systems, The Hadley Group and Internorm.

The event’s Buildings section, meanwhile, will be of particular interest to construction professionals. Visitors will be able to explore

and discuss modern building technology, innovations and legislation surrounding the need for a low carbon-built environment.

Expanding for 2020, the section will also include two new showcase areas; the Whole House Retrofit Zone and the Digital Impact.

The zones will focus on refurb and retrofit solutions and the latest developments in digital construction.

The game changers are back With the focus on true innovation, Futurebuild 2020 will also see the return of the Big Innovation Pitch. Hosted in conjunction with technical partner BRE, the competition will identify and celebrate novel new approaches to some of the biggest challenges facing us all.

Entrants will present their ground-breaking ideas on each of the six Keynote Stages on day one, before shortlisted entries go headto-head in the Arena on day two.

Martin Hurn, Event Director of Futurebuild, comments: “The responsibility for tackling the climate emergency lies in all of our hands and we must collaborate in order to find solutions to secure our future. Futurebuild 2020 provides the perfect platform for forward-thinking decision makers across the built environment to come together and play a key part in driving positive change.

“We understand that taking time out of work to attend events can be a challenge, which is why we will make sure that visitors can really get involved across a number of levels, from the world class knowledge programme in the Arena and on the Keynote Stages, to the showcase of the latest innovations across the exhibition.

Innovation to us is more than just futuristic concepts, it’s about sharing the latest thinking and ideas, processes and solutions, products and materials. All of these things coming together under one roof at Futurebuild 2020 will inspire people to do things differently and create real change.”

For more information about Futurebuild 2020, the home of innovation, visit www.futurebuild.co.uk.

16 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

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Project News

Construction begins on Rockwell’s 30 storey tower in Canary Wharf Ground-breaking at Central London’s largest Premier Inn

UNICORN ISLAND MASTERPLAN – FIRST BUILDING NEARS COMPLETION The Start-Up exhibition and conference centre, the first building within Chengdu’s Unicorn Island masterplan, is nearing completion.

With China’s economy evolving from traditional industries to internet and technology-based organisations, the country is now home to a third of the world’s technology start-ups valued at over a billion US dollars - termed ‘unicorn companies’.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, has developed into a centre of excellence providing computer chips for half the world’s laptops and is a leading producer of mobile computing hardware. With a focus on next-generation information technologies, intelligent manufacturing, digital entertainment and new energy, the Tianfu New Area to the south of the city is being developed as an ecologically sustainable civic, business and residential centre for China’s technology and research sectors.

The 67-hectare Unicorn Island masterplan within the Tianfu New Area will foster the continued growth of China’s digital economy, creating living

and working environments for Chinese and international companies.

A mixed-use masterplan for 70,000 researchers, office staff, residents and visitors, Unicorn Island has been designed to enhance the wellbeing of its community; its design influenced by principles within the region’s historical natural engineering projects.

Constructed 2,300 years ago to the northwest of Chengdu, the nearby Dujiangyan irrigation system on the Min river was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000. This ancient water management system deployed the river’s natural forces to irrigate the Chengdu plain, creating some of the most productive agricultural land in China and protecting the region from flooding.

Contemporary hydraulic engineering is also re-establishing the wetlands of the Tianfu New Area as part of a comprehensive ecological project that serves as water conservation, flood control and recreation area.

Driven by the environmental principles of Dujiangyan’s historic irrigation system

Rockwell has today begun construction on the scheme at 82 West India Dock Road which will include London’s largest and tallest Premier Inn hotel, alongside new homes, adjacent to Westferry DLR station.

The £151m project will mark Westferry as a destination and rejuvenate the formerly derelict site.

The new mixed-use scheme, which sits between West India Dock and Limehouse Causeway, was granted planning permission in October 2018 by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. John Sisk & Son are the appointed contractors for the development, which is scheduled for completion in early 2022.

Rockwell will create the landmark scheme at Canary Wharf which will also include a restaurant, café, gym facilities and a landscaped pocket park, alongside communal gardens for new residents.

and Tianfu New Area’s ongoing work to re-establish its natural wetlands, Unicorn Island’s parkland design incorporates green civic spaces, water conservation and enhanced connectivity to create its living and working environments; following concepts that are redefining the true measure of a building’s efficiency as the improved wellbeing of its inhabitants.

Integrated clusters of buildings surround Unicorn Island’s central plaza and metro station; its radial masterplan enables the entire island to be accessed by a few minutes’ walk or bike ride.

The height and composition of each cluster will be established organically over the lifetime of the development; directly responding to varying requirements of function, programme and efficiency to cultivate a diversity of interconnected buildings at a human scale that establish a sense of community.

Within new parklands bordering Xing Long Lake, Unicorn Island will incorporate natural water management systems and include innovations in urban farming technologies to provide residents, workers and visitors with fresh, locally-grown produce.

18 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

Project News

PEAB BUILDS EXTENSION OF E6 NEAR TRONDHEIM

It’s great to see construction begin on such a fantastic development which will make a positive contribution to Tower Hamlets by creating local jobs alongside new public areas and affordable homes Designed by architects SimpsonHaugh, the 30-storey mixed-use development is a gateway to Canary Wharf’s central cluster.

A marker for the area, the scheme will create significant employment opportunities in the hospitality and leisure industry and will create 66 new residential properties, of which 18 will be affordable homes, located within the same building - responding to the growing demand for affordable housing in the borough.

Donal Mulryan, Founder of Rockwell commented: “We are immensely proud to break ground on this landmark building which will be an important asset for the area, providing significant benefits for the local community with the creation of numerous jobs for local people, enhanced public realm and much needed new homes. We look forward to working with our contractors John Sisk & Son to deliver this high-quality hotel-led scheme, and look forward to delivering similar highquality schemes in the future.”

Peab has received a contract for the extension and maintenance phase of the new section of highway on E6 between Kvål and Melhus in Norway. The customer is Nye Veier and the contract is worth NOK 784 million.

The new road will be 7 km with four lanes. The project includes building five new bridges, on-ramps and off-ramps, an ecoduct and commuter parking.

“We are now starting up the second phase of this project. Construction of the new section of highway increases traffic safety and passability, and we will reduce travel time as well. Naturally we are pleased to be part of this development,” says Johan Hansson, Region Manager Peab.

The project is Norway’s first road project with an IPD contract (integrated project delivery) which is a unique form of collaboration in Norwegian road construction. Nye Veier has selected Peab to be the contractor and Cowi as consultant.

The project is divided into two phases and the first phase began back in the spring of 2019. The first phase included collectively planning and calculating a target price for the project, parallel with optimizing. Now, in the second phase, the project is going forward with detailed planning and construction.

“Almost a year has passed since we started the three-party contract for the development and optimization of the project together with Peab and Cowi. It has been a developing and educational process. It feels good to have come to the point where we signed a contract for the construction phase, and we look forward to further developing the implementation model,” says Johan Arnt Vatnan, Project Manager Nye Veier.

The project has already begun and is expected to be completed in the middle of 2022.

The project will be order registered in the first quarter 2020.

Ajaz Shafi, Regional Managing Director at John Sisk & Son added: “We are delighted to be working with the Rockwell team on this exceptional project. We have used smart thinking and an innovative approach to the design, planning and delivery of this high rise building on a tight footprint in London. Sisk works in close collaboration with all the key stakeholders to ensure we deliver quality projects, safely, which meet the needs of the community and our client. Our track record in this type of project and our strong supply chain partnerships in the region are key to the successful delivery of this development.”

Louise Woodruff, Property Acquisitions Manager - Outer London, Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants explained: “This is a landmark hotel for us as it will be the tallest Premier Inn in the UK and, aside from our hotels at Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, it will also be our largest in London at 400 bedrooms.

It’s great to see construction begin on such a fantastic development which will make a positive contribution to Tower Hamlets by creating local jobs alongside new public areas and affordable homes.”

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 19

Latest News

IWJS APPOINTED

BY SCS JV TO SUPPORT HS2 AREA SOUTH ENABLING WORKS IWJS, one of the UK’s leading providers of services to wastewater networks and part of M Group Services, has been appointed by SCS JV (Skanska, Costain, STRABAG) to support enabling works for the key Phase One Area South section of the High Speed 2 (HS2) route.

“Some of the trunk sewers that our teams will be working on day and night are over 11m deep and almost 2m in diameter and located under some of London’s busiest streets. Over the next six months, approximately 20,000 people are set to be inducted on the SCS project, so collaborative working will be essential.

Under the terms of the agreement IWJS will manage GPS, structural condition and asset mapping surveys of the chamber, sewers and trunk sewers covering the section between Euston station and Ruislip, approximately 15 miles by road. IWJS teams commenced work on the project in December 2019.

Given the scale and complexity of the project, we will work closely with SCS and other key stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the works and ensure that the best possible decisions are made throughout the duration of the project.

IWJS Managing Director, Christopher Stewart, commented: “HS2 will be the new backbone of the national rail network and we are delighted to have been selected by SCS JV for this key element of the works.

Our CCTV crews will deliver a full utility mapping service so that all appropriate measures are taken to avoid service conflicts and collect detailed inspection data to identify any required service realignment works for the Area South route.

HS2 will link London and Birmingham to Manchester, the East Midlands and Leeds. The high speed train will leave the HS2 Euston station entering a twin-bore tunnel underneath London and will arrive at HS2’s Old Oak Common station.

After continuing through the underground station at Old Oak Common, the new interchange station connecting with the new Elizabeth line (Crossrail), a 13km tunnel will run through to West Ruislip, where trains will emerge to run on the surface.

SES ENGINEERING SERVICES WINS £12.5M CONTRACT FOR UNIVERSITY OF BATH HIGH-TECH FACILITY Leading national engineering specialist, SES Engineering Services (SES), has been appointed to deliver £12.5m worth of MEP services to the University of Bath’s £70m Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS).

propulsion test cell suppliers’ highly complex technical requirements.

SES will provide full mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services across the university’s new 11,300 sq m IAAPS site, located at the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Bristol.

Steve Tovey, SES’ Business Director for Midlands and South West, said:

The two-storey scheme will house 17 specialist pieces of equipment used to test vehicle propulsion systems, as well as offices, experimental and demonstration spaces, prototyping workshops and start-up space for future entrepreneurial activities.

IAAPS will be a worldleading centre for research and innovation into future advanced propulsion systems.

Its unique experimental facilities, combined with academic expertise in advanced propulsion systems, will enable the development of new technologies for ultralow emission vehicles.

The SES team, led by Operations Manager Andy Harris, will work closely with main contractor Rydon Construction and other stakeholders during the design process to ensure the integration of the

20 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

Work started on site in October 2019, with completion expected in August 2020. IAAPS will be operational in early 2021.

This latest contract win continues to demonstrate our prowess when it comes to delivering high-tech projects. Our technical expertise, experience in automotive research establishments, digital engineering capability, off site capability and ability to deliver BIM Level 2 projects were all critical in helping us secure the contract.

“IAAPS will be the catalyst to develop future generations of ultra-low emission vehicles and we look forward to applying our technical authority in delivering this landmark facility safely and on time.”

The appointment is the latest project to demonstrate SES’ expertise in delivering complex, high-tech projects in the region, including The Avonmouth Resource Recovery Centre and work on E.ON’s combined heat and power (CHP) project in Rugby.

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Project

PRINCIPAL TOWER COMPLETION CONCLUDES PRINCIPAL PLACE MASTERPLAN The completion of Principal Tower is the final piece of the Principal Place masterplan, a comprehensively planned mixed-use scheme on the border of Shoreditch and the City of London that creates a thriving new neighbourhood, drawing on the rich industrial heritage of the area. It comprises a 15-storey office building that hosts the London headquarters for Amazon, alongside one of London’s tallest residential buildings, the 50-storey Principal Tower, with six eateries that wrap around the building at street level and a light bar, creating a 360-degree active frontage that extends the vibrancy of the City towards the north.

Grant Brooker, Director at Foster + Partners, commented: “The phenomenal rise of Shoreditch as the new, vibrant part of London marries perfectly with the development of Principal Place and the completion of Principal Tower.

We’re delighted that the final project so closely mirrors our original vision, where the tower was designed to create a liveable and distinctive addition to London’s beautiful skyline.

The relationship between the creative, formerly industrial east end and London’s financial centre is expressed in the tower’s massing, which appears as three slim volumes. Where the tower addresses the residential neighbourhood of Shoreditch, it appears lower from ground level, while from the west it reflects the high-rise nature of the City. A central volume rises up between the two to provide an elegant marker on the skyline.

The 50-storey building offers a variety of apartment sizes, topped by spectacular penthouses on the top. Designed from the inside-out, there are eight apartments on a typical floor: four two-bedroom apartments that occupy the main corners of the plan, and four one-bedroom apartments. The square floorplate has been extended in the centre of two sides to create a cruciform plan and most importantly eight corners, each one of which forms a curved balcony. By maximising the perimeter in this way, all the units on the typical floors are dual aspect, with a very efficient plan that places the entrance at the heart of the apartment to eliminate unnecessary corridors. The bedrooms are enclosed by solid cladding panels for privacy, while the remainder of the apartment is fully glazed and protected by shading fins.

Every apartment has a curved balcony at the corners that provides a double aspect with bronze exterior detailing – externally, this softens the tower’s profile, adding a rich texture, and creates a residential scale that contrasts with typical City buildings that surround it.

Providing 85,000 square-metres of flexible premium office space, the office building houses the UK headquarters of Amazon. The primary entrance to the building opens out onto a new plaza, creating an active interface with the surrounding urban environment, and generating a place that establishes connections within the community.

Internally, the building is designed as a

24 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

Project 21st century warehouse that responds to the changing nature of the workplace, offering a more interactive and flexible model.

Spanning over 100 metres, the innovative office floors allow for an exciting mix of spaces that operate at different scales, from large open-plan areas to small pockets of space that enhance collaboration and creativity.

Three ‘wing cores’ on the north and south façades provide points of natural contraction that impart a spatial rhythm to the interior volume, which is clearly articulated on the building’s façade. Its segmented form responds to Shoreditch’s industrial built heritage, bringing

a sense of continuity to the streetscape as you move from the City to the north. The refined materiality of metal and glass offers a unique texture to the building, with an expressed bronze structural frame that references the historic cast iron structures found in the area.

“Concord London, Brookfield and Multiplex were the perfect partners for this project, each bringing a wealth of residential experience and a real attention to detail. We hope that the Principal Place project will continue the spirit of this regeneration and be a positive contribution to the area that surrounds it,” added Brooker.

KNEE AND BODY PROTECTION FROM REDBACKS CUSHIONING Redbacks Cushioning Limited, developers of the award winning, ‘Leaf-Spring’ cushioning technology offers a range of products to help protect the knees and body from damage caused by kneeling

support; traditional foam or gel solutions create point-pressure which focus the force or energy to a point which is then transmitted back into the knee joint and beyond.

The Redbacks Pocket Kneepad, specifically designed to fit work trousers, features a flexible leaf-spring held within a thermoplastic honeycomb matrix which unlike foam or gel ensures a high compression rate and 100% recovery to its original shape.

Easy to slide in and curved to fit comfortably around the knee, the waterresistant pads which conform to CE EN14404 Type 2 Level 1 help to protect against possible injury from sharp objects, wick away sweat and provide thermal protection from warm or cold surfaces; they are machine washable at 30°c and 100% recyclable.

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Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 25

Latest News

ATKINS LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS TO REIMAGINE SOCIAL HOUSING DELIVERY Atkins – a member of the SNC-Lavalin group – has launched EDAROTH, a new subsidiary business which aims to reimagine the way social housing is delivered across the UK. EDAROTH provides end-to-end development solutions which focus on delivering social and affordable housing at the point of need. This addresses the social and economic challenges experienced by communities and individuals, by providing homes where they are most needed to support inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

This approach prioritises brownfield and under-utilised land within existing communities – which are often considered too difficult or expensive to develop due to factors such as remediation costs, size, shape and site access – and sees the landowner typically retain the land, assets and ongoing rental income.

EDAROTH brings together design and engineering expertise, the latest off-site manufacturing techniques and construction

partnerships to deliver new houses at speed, volume and at a significantly reduced cost compared to traditional new builds.

To mark its launch, EDAROTH has published a report entitled “Unlocking Brownfield Land - A Social Housing First Policy” which calls for an accelerated growth in social housing and a renewed focus on brownfield land development. The report also reveals: • English brownfield sites account for over 25,000 hectares of available, unused land – roughly the area of Birmingham • Untapped potential to provide development space for over 1 million social housing homes – or 93% of current waiting list volumes EDAROTH is currently delivering a pilot scheme with Lambeth London Borough Council. The four modern and spacious family homes which are in close proximity to transport links and local services, have unlocked a parcel of brownfield land previously deemed unsuitable for housing.

AMEY IN 5TH YEAR OF PARTNERSHIP WITH GEEP TO ENCOURAGE DIVERSE GRADUATES Leading service provider, Amey, is continuing its partnership with The Graduate Engineering Engagement Programme (GEEP) to encourage students and graduates from diverse backgrounds into the engineering field.

The programme, led by The Royal Academy of Engineering, in partnership with SEO London, looks to aid the transition of engineering graduates from diverse backgrounds into engineering employment.

It seeks to address the unequal employment of BAME engineering students within the field and was designed to inspire, attract, recruit and retain.

skills from industry professionals and career guidance. For those who go on to secure placements and internships, the programme provides mentoring from a working engineer.

Amey was among representatives from 16 world-class engineering firms who participated in the programmes’ Speed Networking session. This provided students with the opportunity to build relationships with and learn from some of the leading public service providers within the industry and enabled Amey the opportunity to encourage more young people to pursue a career in engineering.

Since the programme began, GEEP has seen 653 students from 66 different universities participate. Of which, 91% were BAME, 30% female and 80% were from non-Russell Group Universities.

For the 5th consecutive year, Amey supported the two-day event: networking with prospective engineers, discussing their knowledge of the field and sharing the skills to succeed. The event, which was co-hosted at Amey’s Manchester offices, provided participating students with access to CV workshops, mock interviews, technical

26 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY NEEDS A VAT CUT The Chancellor must use the upcoming Budget to slash the rate of VAT on repair and maintenance work and to invest in the construction sector in order to maintain the industry’s recovery, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the ONS construction output data published today.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “While 2019 was a year marked by political and economic uncertainty, there does seem to be some small signs of hope for the construction industry, with the largest monthly growth in the industry seen in November since the start of the year. It is too soon to tell whether this will be a longer term trend, as some sectors such as private house building and repair and maintenance continue to see sluggish growth.”

“The upcoming Budget provides the perfect opportunity for the Government to help ensure this positive trend at the end of 2019 continues into the new decade. In order to help boost the industry, the Chancellor should prioritise cutting VAT on home improvement works, so that tax isn’t a barrier to homeowners upgrading the energy efficiency of their properties. The Government should also use the Budget as an opportunity invest in construction skills to help build the homes and infrastructure we need, and invest in planning departments to ensure the planning system doesn’t act as a blockage to the Government’s ambitious housing targets.”

Of the scheme, one student commented: “GEEP opened my eyes to the fact that being an ethnic minority student doesn’t mean I have to suffer. I now know that there is opportunity for female engineers like myself.

My favourite part was the speed networking session. I’ve never been in a controlled environment with an employer, with so few peers and I found it really valuable.”

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BIM Show Live

BIM Show Live returns for 2020 BIM for Good

Timandra Harkness © BigT Images

BIM Show Live 2020 guests are set to benefit from inspirational talks and discussion about how the digital construction industry is using BIM for Good at the UK’s original BIM conference being held in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, on 26-27 February 2020.

Responding to the topical challenges of environmental protection, health and safety issues and changing demographics, BIM Show Live’s 2020 theme aims to highlight BIM’s role in delivering positive outcomes like helping to reduce carbon emissions, creating safer environments and maximising efficiencies in buildings and cities.

Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group and co-founder of BIM Show Live said, “We’re delighted to have ‘BIM for Good’ as our BIM Show Live theme for 2020.

“BIM Show Live has always encouraged positive discussions about the future. Our world faces many challenges and the construction and property industries have a huge impact on many of these. For example, 39% of carbon emissions come directly or indirectly from buildings.

“The construction sector is transforming and digitising quickly and we now have the opportunity to use many of the benefits of technology to address some of the issues facing the world. Rather than looking at resolving our own issues, we have an opportunity to play a part in solving some broader social issues.”

BIM Show Live attracts up to 400 delegates every year and provides a unique opportunity for built environment professionals to exchange knowledge on the emerging ideas and technological advancements in digital construction and beyond.

Event attendees benefit from over 30 seminar sessions and four high profile keynote speakers discussing the latest trends, innovations and exciting new projects.

Over the course of two days, sessions will be delivered by over 50 leading figures across four key content streams; Technology, Stories, People and Next Generation.

BIM Awards entertainment © TyneSight Photographic

BIM Show Live presentation 2019 © TyneSight Photographic

BBC Radio 4 presenter, writer and comedian Timandra Harkness is the first keynote speaker to be announced and the full programme of speakers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

BIM Awards 2020 Reflecting the 2020 event theme, a brand new award category has been added to the BIM Awards 2020. The BIM for Good Award will champion those pioneers working to help others and the environment, and is one of 10 award categories this year. AECOM’s Stefan Mordue, architect, project manager, author and BIM Awards 2020 judge said: “The BIM Awards are all about bringing to the forefront all of the projects and the innovative work that people are doing in the industry.

The new BIM for Good award is about recognising those champions and their projects which are reducing carbon emissions, and creating safer buildings, better hospitals or better schools. It’s a great award to have.

This year’s shortlist includes: BIM for Good • Constructive Thinking Studio Ltd • David Miller Architects • One Creative Environments Ltd Large BIM Project of the Year • Curtains • John Sisk & Son Ltd • Multiplex Small BIM Project of the Year • Fraser Brown Mackenna Architects Rob Charlton, co-founder of BIM Show Live © TyneSight Photographic

• GSS Architecture • University of the West of England Best New BIM Product/Software • Buro Happold Engineering • Morta • NBS Best BIM Training Programme • Alan Johnston Partnership LLP • Buro Happold Engineering • New College Lanarkshire BIM Rising Star • Dylan Atkinson - Capita Real Estate and Infrastructure • Patrycja Wisniewski - New College Lanarkshire • Tom Channell, Ramboll UK BIM Designer of the Year • Cundall • Curtains • One Creative Environments Ltd • Peter Dann Ltd BIM Specialist of the Year • ARC:BIM • TEA Engineering Services BIM Constructor of the Year • Galliford Try • GRAHAM • Willmott Dixon The BIM Awards 2020 winners will be revealed on the evening of Wednesday 26 February at The Boiler Shop in Newcastle, UK.

Get involved Tickets for BIM Show Live 2020 and the BIM Awards can be booked via www.bimshowlive.co.uk Follow BIM Show Live on Facebook, Twitter @BIMShowLive, Instagram @bimshowlive and LinkedIn ‘BIM Show Live’.

This year’s event sponsors include Twinview, bimstore, Space Architects, Nemetschek Group, BSI Group, Exactal, NBS, Revizto and Waterstons. Limited sponsorship packages are still available.

28 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

The Original UK BIM Conference 26th — 27th February 2020, Boiler Shop, Newcastle upon Tyne BIM Show Live is the platform for the industry to look ahead, forecast and challenge future developments. From smart technologies to AI, 2020 brings many innovations within the built environment.

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Project

BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE ON QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK Carpenters Land Bridge connecting East Bank to International Quarter London was installed on Christmas Day – a brand new pedestrian and cycle bridge on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The 66 metre-long, 7.2 metrewide and 350-ton steel Carpenters Land Bridge was installed by contractor GRAHAM and Mace on Christmas Day. Work began at 3.30am on Christmas morning and was completed by 3.30pm that afternoon.

The bridge is a key part of the infrastructure for East Bank, the new £1.1 billion culture and education district being created on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The new connection will link the buildings of Sadler’s Wells, the BBC, UAL’s London College of Fashion and the V&A, including a

partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, with the new business district at International Quarter London. GRAHAM is the project’s civil engineering contractor and Principal Contractor for the Installation of Carpenters Land Bridge. Mace is the London Legacy Development Corporation’s project management partner and principal contractor for the East Bank development.

GRAHAM’s team took advantage of the rail network Christmas shutdown to rotate the bridge in to position and minimise disruption to three Network Rail lines, two DLR lines and Carpenters Road.

The bridge was manoeuvred into place using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) rather than a traditional crane to reduce the risk of cancellation caused by potential high winds.

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Project The bridge deck was transported on the SPMTs along Carpenters Road in a jacked-up position circa 8-9 metres above ground level. It was supported on the SPMTs in a cantilever arrangement with a large counterweight of 450 tonnes to balance the bridge during installation.

The bridge was finally rotated into position across the road and rail lines and lowered into position on top of a cill beam and portal frame, at either end of the bridge.

Rosanna Lawes, Executive Director of Development at London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “Our thanks go to all the hard-working construction staff who have made fantastic progress, especially those from GRAHAM and their contractors who were hard at work over the Christmas holiday to deliver this fantastic new bridge.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “The installation of the Carpenters Land Bridge is another key moment in the East Bank development. It will provide access to local people and visitors from around the globe to the world-leading institutions that are set to be based at the country’s new powerhouse of culture, education, innovation and growth.”

Leo Martin, Managing Director of GRAHAM’s civil engineering division said: “We’re very pleased to have successfully delivered the installation of the new Carpenters Land Bridge at East Bank. I would like to give special thanks our project team, which worked tirelessly throughout the night of Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day to ensure the bridge was installed without any disruption to the rail network.

“The dedication and commitment of our people are huge assets for us and have been pivotal in

delivering these works.

Without their hard work during the Christmas period we would not have achieved this major milestone in the East Bank scheme, so it is only right that their efforts are recognised.”

Jason Millett, Mace’s Chief Executive Officer for Consultancy, said:

The East Bank development at Stratford Waterfront is a vital element of the continued regeneration of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the installation of Carpenters Land Bridge is a major milestone in unlocking this new cultural and education district.

“As LLDC’s project management partner and principal contractor on Stratford Waterfront, Mace has the privilege of overseeing the entire delivery of the East Bank scheme, but this bridge lift certainly stands out as one of the most memorable moments so far. The dedication of everyone involved to achieve such a complex operation under incredibly challenging time constraints – and on a day that’s very important to a lot of people – must be praised.”

Andrew Tobin, Project Director for IQL, Lendlease said: “This bridge will be of great benefit to the community at IQL as it will provide swift and easy access to the world-class cultural and education institutions and waterfront leisure space that East Bank has to offer.”

With the bridge in place, GRAHAM’s team will complete drainage works to the bridge’s deck, earthing and bonding protection, and install a waterproofing system.

The bridge works are due to be completed in spring 2020.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 31

Interview

AN INTERVIEW WITH HADEEL SAADOON Construction UK Magazine spoke with Architectural Technologist Hadeel Saadoon all about Building Information Modelling and Management

Have you always aspired to become an Architectural Technologist?

Yes technology has always attracted my attention and I always aspired to be innovative. I started my career as an Architect working in the healthcare sector then moved to the educational sector and that’s where I had my initial experiences with Building information modelling. Since then I took a Master’s degree in construction management and BIM and that’s when it clicked that technology and Building Information management is actually what I would like to do so after few years of experience I got chartered by the CIAT (Chartered institute of Architectural Technologists) and progressed from a BIM coordinator role in the offsite construction industry into my current BIM Manager role at Coventry University Estates

Have you always felt there were many opportunities to gain experience in this sector?

Yes. You can do so much with a degree in construction and especially in architectural technology. I worked in Northern Ireland and England and there are so many opportunities all over the country, you just need to be open minded and willing to take risks and It’s up to what you like.

ATs can work in various roles from buildings design, interior design, onsite construction and also Building Information Management (BIM). With a lot of opportunities in academia and research too. You can also become a technologist in the new immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality and become an expert in digital innovation!

Talk us through your job role and what it entails Currently I work as a Building Information Manager for Coventry University Estates. I’m managing the implementation of BIM across all the new projects and collaborate with our development team and operation and maintenance teams in delivering accurate data for all the university campuses in Coventry, London and Scarborough. I’m building a digital campus of Coventry University with our CAD/BIM team which consist of new and existing building models that are used for the operation of the buildings and for managing future works. The Estates comprises of over a hundred buildings that range between research centres, teaching facilities and accommodation blocks that needs continuous maintenance and development.

My next biggest project is building a platform to exchange data with a structure that’s accessible by all of our stakeholders at Coventry University Estates. We are investing in a common data environment and my job is to manage it and lead the implementation team to adopt it and in the future integrate it with our existing systems to automate the data transfer through the buildings lifecycle.

So my role has two main dimensions of work – the management of BIM data in design ,construction and also managing building data for Operation of the buildings to provide better customer services and to deliver excellent learning spaces to provide ultimate value to our customers – The Students and Staff of Coventry University.

32 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

Interview What is Building Information Modelling?

BIM to me is about better information management, process optimization and better use of technology. It’s a new way of thinking and working that helps to Shape strategy, create best practices and benchmark digital maturity.

What does your typical day to day involve?

I manage the implementation of BIM and facilitate the digital transformation for our Estates, I seek continuous improvement of our workflows and processes. In the design and construction areas I federate individual models received from the external consultants and validate data while continuously develop the overall digital campus model that combines both new building models and existing buildings models that our team is creating retrospectively.

I’m responsible for responding effectively to changes in legislation and standards such as the new International ISO BIM Standards and its effect on our policies and information requirements. I support our CAD/BIM team to continue our Digital Skills development, supervise our interns with modelling tasks and also support the Faculty of Engineering, Construction and Environment with research, guest lecturing and teaching and sharing case studies for the new students in various Built Environment courses.

What are the challenges you face?

The interoperability of data sets, missing data and formats that are incompatible with our existing systems and available software solutions are the biggest challenges we face every day. Mapping data is an everyday challenge that keeps the job interesting. One of the biggest challenges is also trying to implement BIM in such different areas and keeping consistency of data from design to construction and onto Facilities Management. Another challenge is showcasing the benefits of BIM and the

return on investment and I’m collaborating with the Centre of Digital Built Britain at Cambridge University to create Case Studies of BIM Benefits for two of our projects at Coventry University.

In your opinion, do you feel there many opportunities for women in this industry sector?

Yes! I’ve been very lucky to have always been supported by my managers in various roles since my early career till now and I think that women are getting a lot of support in the industry. There are a lot of networks such as the Women in Construction Network and also the Women in BIM network who help support women in different areas of the industry. I am a vice chair and deputy regional councillor of CIAT west midlands region and chair of the BIM4Estates group and we are always happy to support where needed and our groups are open for all women in construction!

What are the three things you like most about your job role?

Being at the forefront of digital transformation, implementing new

standards, methods and procedures and most importantly Turning data into knowledge that people can understand and benefit from.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to become a leader in my field and a role model for young women in architecture, engineering and construction. I want to increase the visibility of the contribution and achievement of women in construction and I aim to support the industry in adopting BIM, technological change and the vision towards Digital Built Britain.

What would your one piece of advice be for other women who aspire to become an Architectural Technologist?

Be ambitious, the sky is the limit! With this profession you can practice, design, go to site, lead technology innovation and work with BIM. With persistence, hard work and dedication you can accomplish everything you set your goals too so always aspire to progress.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 33

Latest News

THE SKILLS CENTRE LEADS THE WAY ON TRAINING WITH ZERO EMISSIONS ELECTRIC PLANT Students from The Skills Centre’s Southwark training facility are the first in the UK to benefit from training qualifications in zero-emission electric plant, thanks to a partnership with JCB. The British plant manufacturer brought its innovative electric excavator, the JCB 19C-1E, to the Southwark Construction Skills Centre (SCSC) at the Elephant Park development in South London, to allow students to train on the electric machinery.

The Elephant park site, which is being developed by Lendlease in partnership with Southwark Council , aims to be one of the most sustainable urban regeneration projects in the world and has committed to being ‘Climate Positive’, or net-carbon negative, by the time it is complete by 2025.

John White, General Manager of SCSC, said: “As our development partner Lendlease has committed to the Elephant Park project being climate positive by 2025, The Skills Centre has an important role to promote sustainability across the site and to the local community.

To that end, it is a real asset to be able to offer our students the chance to train on the innovative JCB zero emission machine. The JCB 19C-1E is an innovative product delivering environmental improvements and it will be invaluable in training local people on the most revolutionary technology. We are thrilled that JCB are working with us to educate the constructors of the future with the most pioneering plant machinery on the market.”

The Southwark Construction Skills Centre (SCSC) has a Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA) quality mark, which recognises high

quality construction sector employers and trainers in London. The MCA was established by London Mayor Sadiq Khan to train more Londoners with the right skills to take advantage of the boom and job opportunities in the construction sector in the capital.

Charles Stevenson, General Manager of JCB`s London office, said: “JCB is leading the way in clean technology and reducing harmful emissions, especially in urban, air quality sensitive environments such as utility works. We are delighted to be able to support the SCSC in offering the world`s first zero emission plant training course at a facility recognised for its excellence by the Mayor’s Construction Academy. With the drive towards lower emissions, the JCB 19C-1E will allow contractors to work inside buildings and in emissions-sensitive inner-city environments.

The external noise of the electric excavator is also five times less than its traditional dieselpowered counterpart, allowing contractors to work after hours in urban streets without disturbing residents, as well operating in other noise sensitive environments such as hospitals and schools.”

SCSC was established in 2014 by Southwark Council and Lendlease at Elephant Park to help tackle the construction skills gap across South East London due to the surge in construction projects and developments.

SCSC has trained more than 6000 students in a range of disciplines from post tensioning and formwork to delivering more than 400 apprenticeships, with students gaining jobs on major projects such as HS2, Tideway and Wood Wharf.

RIA ANNOUNCES THE RAILWAY BENEFIT FUND (RBF) AS ITS CHOSEN CHARITY FOR 2020 The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has announced that this year it will be supporting the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) as its chosen charity.

RIA will support the RBF through its major events and dinners, including RIA’s prestigious Gala Dinner on the 13 February, its Innovation Conference on the 2-3 June and its Annual Conference on the 12-13 November, as well as other events and activities throughout the year.

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, said:

We are delighted to have the Railway Benefit Fund as our chosen charity this year. They are a fantastic organisation that support railway people and their families during difficult times, providing assistance to those that need it most.

We hope that RIA members, and all those that join us at a RIA event over 2020, will help us in supporting this important cause.

Faye Jaques, Head of Fundraising and Engagement, from the Railway Benefit Fund said: “We are excited to be working with RIA as their chosen charity in 2020. We are the only charity that solely supports the UK Railway family and every penny raised will go towards helping them in times of need.

“This is a great opportunity for RBF to highlight the work we do to RIA’s members and we are looking forward to the year ahead.”

34 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

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Technology HOW TECH INNOVATIONS ARE SET TO SHAPE THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD

By James Hepton, Head of e-Commerce & Marketing at Actavo Direct Architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries are notoriously underdigitised. Financial restrictions are limiting investment in tech – with 56 percent of UK construction companies citing it as the reason for falling behind other industries in tech investment.

However, further statistics show 54 percent of companies who have invested in trending technologies have seen sizeable cuts in operating costs. With 2020 being dubbed the year of digital transformation, companies should be looking to digitise and reap the rewards of efficiency, cost effectiveness and quality.

Designing and planning Planning in construction has shifted drastically from the days of pencil and paper sketches. Building information modelling (BIM) and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) have become instrumental in construction design.

The use of VR in construction has almost doubled since 2017. VR and AR are being combined with 3D modelling software to diagnose potential problems and share them across other teams and sub-contractors.

They are also being used to give ‘virtual tours’ to clients of finished projects before making any physical changes.

Actavo Direct’s James Hepton looks at the tech innovations set to shake-up the industry.

The platform can also be used with integrated software to provide safer training and risk analysis. Software like PixoVR offers fully-interactive VR, allowing users to simulate real-world construction scenarios to perfect work practices safely.

Examining Artificial intelligence According to GlobalNewsWire, the ‘AI in construction’ market is set to reach $4.51 billion by 2026. With the growing popularity of AI, it’s projected to become the norm on construction sites.

The BIM industry is only projected to grow, too – with the industry already worth an estimated $4.9 billion and projected to rise to $13.2 billion by 2024. BIM is revolutionising construction efficiency, facilitating:

AI, with its machine learning capabilities, uses previous project data to forecast material demand and help schedule employees and project deadlines – making jobs more productive, ensuring greater accuracy on repetitive tasks, preventing cost overruns and helping to tackle labour shortages.

• Better communication – BIM software allows cloud access to share models and coordinate plans, improving speed and clarity across projects

One of the biggest benefits of AI is safety.

With UK construction-related injuries at 54,000 (30 fatalities) per year, AI may be able to keep employees safer on-site, for example using real-time video and AI to detect hazards.

• Model-based cost estimation – providing more accurate invoicing and avoiding over-running on projects • Safer construction sites – BIM software helps pinpoint workplace hazards, mitigating injury • Improved scheduling and resource management – schedules and plans can be made with a higher degree of accuracy • Automated management tasks – time-

36 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

consuming manual tasks can be managed automatically, freeing up managers to work on more important jobs Robotics and drones Construction has the highest adoption of drone technology of any industry, with a 239 percent increase in use between 20172018. Drones are being used to take aerial shots for site surveying pre-project and progress tracking and site mapping during a job.

There’s also evidence to suggest drones and drone pilots can significantly cut surveying costs. With the average site survey costing 2 percent of a project’s value, a drone operator with the correct software can do the job within a working day, for a fraction of the cost.

Drones and other communication technologies will also speed up when new 5G connectivity becomes available. With 5G expected to roll out at scale in 2020, we’re likely to see quicker communication and less lag when running projects on-site.

The internet of things The internet of things (IoT) is a growing network of connected devices which share and feed data. It’s being increasingly used in construction for site security – for example, telematics in vehicles and machinery, helping businesses monitor their fleet and reduce plant vehicle theft.

Vehicle and machine tracking also offer benefits in traffic management, allowing project managers to plan the safest and most efficient routes around the site.

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Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in environmental awareness and a growing interest in reducing our footprint. A range of interrelated mega-trends has slowly but surely changed the business environment and strategic thinking for many companies across all industry sectors. Companies must react to complex, and evolving demands for addressing key global environmental concerns and showcase how their ‘positive impact’ initiatives are reflected through their culture and business progress.

After the ultra-prime property developer Northacre secured planning permission for the site of the former Metropolitan Police Headquarters in 2016 and embarked on their first venture into newbuild, they were looking for a contractor who could not only deliver a high-end development of the scope planned for The

Broadway but also in the most environmentally friendly way possible. The competition saw Multiplex win the contract over three other teir one contractors to deliver six towers of thirteen to nineteen storeys offering 355,000 square feet residential space including 268 high-end apartments and 143,000 square feet of commercial and retail.

With its leading position and an inherent commitment to environmentally sustainable design, Multiplex fended off the competition and was appointed the preferred contractor.

Construction Director at Northacre, Robert Gibson commented: “The construction industry is a big user of natural resources and has a huge impact on the environment, with high energy usage accounting for 36% globally and 40% of CO2 emissions.

Contour Revamps Sovereign Range For 2020 Introducing Sovereign: Contour’s new range of wall and floor mounted heat convectors. Combining sleek design and functional usability, these convectors have been manufactured for office and sales areas, car showrooms, hotels and other public buildings.

The Sovereign range is particularly suitable in spaces occupied by members of the public. In such environments, a low surface temperature is required to ensure effective heat output whilst maintaining safety.

This new range is proving to be a popular product due to its simple and effortless design; an elegant substitute for standard panel radiators. If you’d like to improve the comfort of your workspace or public building, get in touch with one of our experts.

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Sustainability Despite the many challenges involved in adopting sustainable construction methods, we are extremely pleased to be working with a contractor who puts as much effort into protecting the environment and leaving a positive impact in the areas they operate in as Multiplex.

Multiplex has truly shown the worth of their sustainability capabilities and has achieved a total diversion from landfill rate of 99.9% of construction waste and a 100% diversion from landfill rate of excavation materials. Furthermore, they have used more than 30,000m3 of responsibly sourced construction materials with BES6001 and CARES environmental certification, and 100% of all timber used onsite is from responsibly managed sources all carrying FSC or PEFC certifications.

In terms of energy usage and carbon emissions Multiplex is also at the forefront and is already using 100% renewable energy at The Broadway site, and has increased its already ambitious objective for reducing carbon emissions by targeting a 55% reduction by 2030 in line with the 1.5C trajectory and the Paris Agreement. In-house architects and engineers also ensure that the designs are efficient and capture the latest material and construction techniques from around the world. In fact, research from the European Commission suggests that the use of the latest technologies in construction processes could potentially deliver a remarkable £350bn a year in savings on global energy spending*, which Multiplex is contributing to.

Since January 2019 when the construction of The Broadway began, Multiplex has been working hard in delivering Northacre’s first venture into newbuild.

Meticulously planned and with great attention to the environment, The Broadway is now quickly coming out of the ground, and the scope of the development is starting to show with three towers already in sight from areas such as Green Park.

Construction Director at Northacre, Robert Gibson

The Broadway is one of the largest, if not the largest, highend residential schemes in London and is set to become a contemporary lifestyle destination at the heart of one of the capitals most historic districts, providing residential, office and retail with a generous new public space linking Victoria Street with Broadway and Dacre Street.

When completed, The Broadway will comprise of six striking residential towers which have been named after three of the world’s most revered diamonds; The Sancy, The Paragon and The Cullinan with apartments showcasing carefully considered interiors that take advantage of the dramatic quality of light created by the unique exterior.

Elevations are composed with a distinctive vertical expression, referencing the local vernacular in the rhythm of facades and the use of materials sympathetic to the sandstone and brick of the historic Conservation Area.

As a whole, the development expresses a transition between the historic architecture and more contemporary design along Victoria Street, whilst providing exemplary accommodation for local residents and businesses. www.northacre.com // www.thebroadwaylondon.com

Construction UK Magazine - February 2020 39

SMART Modular Construction

Why SMART technology should be considered during manufacturing A modular build can be completed up to 50 per cent quicker than traditional construction methods. However, this time saving can be compromised if installers need to add time on to incorporate SMART technology at a later date. Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of PVCu windows and doors manufacturer Euramax Solutions, discusses how and why modular construction must advance to incorporate SMART technology at the factory stage.

From taps and thermostats, to lights and plugs, SMART technology is transforming our homes, making our lives easier and more efficient. In fact, according to an industry survey, it’s thought that ten billion pounds was spent on SMART home devices by the end of 2019 – demonstrating the popularity for SMART technology.

With that in mind, SMART technology is now beginning to be incorporated into the fenestration and construction industries too. Windows and doors play a huge part in our day to day lives, and as SMART technology becomes more recognised and increasingly accessible, there’s great potential for technology to be integrated.

Modular construction Just as technology makes our lives easier, modular construction feeds the same purpose. Modular construction is the method of pre-fabricating parts of a building, such as windows, doors and walls, away from the building site before the components are transported to the designated location for final construction.

Modular builds offer many benefits to the construction industry, including lower costs to manufacture, higher design standards and increased energy efficiency.

Furthermore, modular building is being used to help combat the UK housing shortage, as builds can be constructed in a shorter amount of time, meaning labour and construction costs are all reduced.

Furthermore, if a window has been opened, SMART sensors can provide extra security as the sensor signals an alarm, which can send alerts directly to an allocated person’s smartphone. Some sensors can even detect a change in temperature that could be as a result of a fire, which can potentially help prevent major damage or disaster.

Other applications for modular build SMART technology include fingerprint recognition systems that could be installed into a door to allow only authorised personnel into the site.

This increases security for the build and safety for both site staff and members of the public.

SMART technology can be retrofitted to windows and doors post installation if it is requested by site managers or modular construction owners. However, this can waste significant time and money. One way this could be avoided is by installing SMART technology into the windows and doors directly during the manufacturing stage.

Implementing SMART tech Compared to traditional methods of construction, modular building is easier and has a quick turnaround from purchase to construction. However, the efficiency of the process can be challenged if SMART technology needs to be fitted once the windows and doors have been manufactured or even after the project has finished.

Installing SMART technology at the manufacturing stage will not only save budget, but also prevent additional costs on labour to retrofit the technology into the site.

For both the buyer and installer of a modular build, the process can be made easier if the products are already fitted with SMART technology. Working with a supplier like Euramax, that can install SMART technology into windows and doors before the fabrication stage, will help streamline the process for everyone involved.

Windows and doors are highly important to a building, and the benefits of selecting the right ones are commonly overlooked.

The purpose of windows and doors is not just for accessibility and aesthetics, but also for the protection they can provide from the outside world.

With the use of SMART technology rising, modular construction must advance to support its growing demand. While modular construction offers a wealth of benefits to industry manufacturers and buyers, these benefits could easily be contradicted if extra time and money is spent to retrofit the tech at a later date.

For instance, the windows and doors on a modular build could be installed with automated locks and controlled remotely from the site manager or owner’s smartphone. Not only does this enhance security, it also provides peace of mind that as the build is secure without having to return to the site.

It’s clear to see that SMART technology will continue to significantly impact and improve our daily lives, but it is now that modular build specifiers must begin to consider SMART technology as an integral element of a building plan. Who knows, there could come a time where we may never shut a window or close a door by hand again.

SMART-er options

40 Construction UK Magazine - February 2020

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