The Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum (GAOF) was formed in 2008 by like-minded organisations from the transport sector which manage geotechnical and related assets.  The Forum usually meets four times a year and provides a platform for the sharing and exchange of ideas. The Forum facilitates topical, important and forward thinking discussions for the mutual benefit of the asset owning community and the users of those assets.

The scope of the Forum comprises the management of geotechnical and related assets, which include the following: earth structures – typically embankments and cuttings; foundations; retaining structures; geotechnically processed ground – typically stabilised or improved ground; and earthworks drainage.

GAOF is a self-financed membership based forum, endorsed by the Department for Transport.  The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) provides the administration.

Objectives

The Forum aims to:

1. pool ideas and experiences in managing geotechnical infrastructure for collective benefit by the identification, development and dissemination of associated research, advice and Standards;
2. identify and prioritise technical and research needs on topics which promote good practice management of geotechnical assets by influencing research and other activities which support the priorities identified by the membership;
3. promote co-operation, collaboration and partnerships amongst geotechnical owners through inviting select organisations to become members; and
4. develop an effective communication strategy to promote and publicise co-operation and collaboration within the geotechnical infrastructure community.

Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum Founding Members
Highways England
Network Rail
Transport for London – London Underground

Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum Supporting Members
Transport Northern Ireland
Welsh Government 

Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum Regular Contributors
ADEPT North (Lincolnshire County Council)
ADEPT South (AECOM)
Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS)
Canal and River Trust
Environment Agency
HS2
Scottish Canals
Translink (Northern Ireland)
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Transport Scotland

The AGS is represented on the Forum and contributes to its discussions and when appropriate puts forward the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industries’ viewpoint on matters of interest to GAOF members.  Should AGS members have any particular issues they would like GAOF to consider, or would like to present to the Forum some research, new technical development, or a case history that is relevant to the aims of the Forum then in the first instance please contact the AGS secretariat.

To find out more about GAOF visit their website www.ciria.org/gaof