Article Laboratories

Explaining Laboratory Proficiency Testing

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by John Masters, Director of Geolabs

The use of Proficiency testing and Interlaboratory comparison schemes is an invaluable tool for laboratories to assure the quality of their test and calibration results. Often seen as simply a necessity to satisfy an accrediting body, the benefits of participation in proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparison schemes are greatly underrated.

The ILAC publication ‘Benefits for Laboratories participating in Proficiency Testing Programs’ highlights that ‘the basic purpose of proficiency testing is to assess performance of laboratories for their conduct of specific test, measurements or calibrations. Many laboratories operate in isolation from other laboratories and do not have ongoing opportunities to compare their data with others. Without such opportunities there are risks that a laboratory’s data may have errors, biases or significant differences compared to similar laboratories.

Proficiency testing provides an opportunity to undertake such comparisons and to have an independent appraisal of the laboratory’s data compared to reference values (or other performance criteria) or to the performance of similar laboratories. The results from such participation provide laboratory managers with either a confirmation that the laboratory’s performance is satisfactory or an alert that investigation of potential problems within the laboratory is required’.

As defined, Proficiency Testing (PT) is generally run by an independent third party and allows laboratories to objectively monitor the reliability of their test results by the use of standardised test materials, whereas Interlaboratory comparisons (ILC’s), when performed in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043:2010, require the measurement or test of test items in predetermined conditions by two or more laboratories.

All laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025(E) : 2005 are required to have procedures in place to monitor the validity of test results (and calibrations) undertaken.
Clause 5.9.1 of ISO/IEC 17025(E) : 2005 states that:
‘The laboratory shall have quality control procedures for monitoring the validity of tests and calibrations undertaken…. This monitoring shall be planned and reviewed and may include, but shall not be limited to;
a) Use of certified reference materials
b) Participation on interlaboratory comparison or proficiency testing programmes
c) Replicate testing
d) Retesting of retained items…’

Whilst ISO/IEC 17025(E) does not stipulate a mandatory requirement for accredited laboratories to participate in proficiency testing, it recommends that laboratories participate in quality assurance schemes such as interlaboratory comparison or proficiency testing.

However, Accrediting Bodies (UKAS for the United Kingdom) ARE required to ensure that ‘its accredited laboratories participate in proficiency testing or other comparison programs, where available and appropriate, and that corrective actions are carried out when necessary’(clause 7.15.3 of ISO/IEC 17011:2004).

The UKAS policy on proficiency testing is specified within UKAS Technical Publication TPS47 – UKAS Policy on Participation in Proficiency Testing, which states that:
‘4.1 all accredited laboratories shall participate in PT/ILCs where such schemes are available and relevant to their scope of accreditation’.

In August 2013, AGS produced a Position Paper (http://www.ags.org.uk/item/laboratory-proficiency-testing/), in which the AGS highlighted the necessity for proficiency testing to promote best practice and improve professional standards in the geotechnical & geo-environmental laboratory community.

Geolabs Limited has been running a Proficiency and Interlaboratory Comparison Testing Scheme (PICTS) since 2005. The Scheme is run every other year although there have been some years where ‘mini-schemes’ have also been run to accommodate certain specific tests and requirements.

The 2017 Scheme was limited to UK laboratories only, initially for 16 BS1377 geotechnical and chemical tests. A further 8 tests were requested for inclusion, but only 4 attracted sufficient interest to be included. Therefore 20 tests were included in the 2017 scheme.

51 laboratories fully participated in the 2017 Scheme. Each participating laboratory was provided with a unique Participant ID, known only to them to maintain confidentiality at all times.
Four types of standardised material were used in the Scheme, from sandy silty clay to very sandy gravel, all prepared from documented procedures before being sent to participating laboratories.

When all participant test data is received, each participating laboratory is provided with a report with tabular and/or graphical reporting formats, and statistical analysis of each test with the Participant ID being their unique laboratory number.

The 2017 scheme report will be issued once data from all of the participants has been received, collated and analysed. It is envisaged that the report will be issued to all participants, UKAS and to Ground Engineering magazine by end November.

Participation in Proficiency Testing and Interlaboratory Comparison schemes is not just an accreditation requirement, it is essential for any laboratory looking to demonstrate technical competence and to provide confidence in the quality, reliability and integrity of the test data they produce.

This article was included in the November/December 2017 issue of the AGS magazine
Click here to view the full magazine

Article

Informal Review of 2nd generation Eurocodes – prEN 1990 and prEN 1997-1

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Structural Eurocodes are being developed into second generation of the documents that are expected to be published soon after 2020. The first drafts of the new EN 1990 and EN 1997-1 are now available for review and informal comment. The window of opportunity to review and comment is very short.

An introduction to the changes in the codes and the requirements for comments will be presented in a webinar on 30th November at 14:00. Details can be found here. All geotechnical design engineers are urged to participate in this process to ensure the UK voice is heard and that practice is improved. AGS liaison should be directed via the Geotechnical Working Group.

Comments should be entered into the appropriate comments tables. Comments should be constructive and will only be accepted if a clear proposed revision is included. Completed comment sheets should be returned to AGS at ags@ags.org.uk by 12th January 2018.

Please find the first drafts below:
EN 1990
EN 1997-1

Please find the comments tables below:
EN 1990 Comments Table
EN 1997-1 Comments Table

Article Loss Prevention

Not all Office Insurance is the same

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Tags: Featured

AGS asked Griffiths and Armour to write a note for AGS members regarding Office Insurance.

Not all Office insurance is the same
On a daily basis, professional consultants find themselves drawn into contractual discussions with their clients, contractors and other professionals.

Often as part of this there are various insurance requirements and obligations placed on professionals that can pose a challenge.

Most professional construction consultants procure a combined insurance policy, more often known as an Office policy. Such a policy would usually provide coverage for the consultant’s material property, pecuniary assets as well as their primary liability risks of Employers’ and Public Liability. A separate Professional Indemnity policy is also essential.

Where things can become less clear is when consultants are appointing sub-contractors themselves and often accepting responsibility for them under contract.

On a traditional Office policy, such an undertaking can take the consultant beyond the bounds of their policy.

Why is this?
Insurers have an expectation of the policyholder’s activities based on the business description in the policy and the other information they know about the insured. The traditional Office policy is designed for risks that are office based but is often inadequate to deal with the realities of a construction consultant’s business activities, especially when this involves any manual work or work on sites.

It is for this reason that Griffiths & Armour developed the Workspace Plus insurance product. The intention was to develop Office insurance such that it would respond to the needs of construction professionals enabling them to run their businesses without the uncertainty that the above scenario can cause.

The Workspace Plus policy is specifically designed with Engineers, Surveyors and Architects in mind and provides cover for the following situations that often fall outside of a traditional Office policy:

• Visits to and work on construction sites
• Manual work undertaken by the consultant as part of the provision of their professional services
• Responsibility for sub-contractors on site subject to confirmation of their insurance
• Professional services associated with hazardous activities e.g. diving, abseiling, rail side, and mining
• Fulfilling the role of the main contractor

No two companies ever have exactly the same requirements and it is important to know that your insurer understands your business and the activities that you undertake to ensure that your insurance coverage has been properly tailored to your exposures.

If you have any queries or concerns regarding your current arrangements and would like an independent review, please contact:

Paul Sapiro
Director
Griffiths & Armour Insurance Brokers
0151 600 2151
psapiro@griffithsandarmour.com
griffithsandarmour.com

Griffiths & Armour is a leading independent and privately owned UK insurance broker and risk management adviser.
For further information visit www. griffithsandarmour.com.
Griffiths & Armour is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Article

The Geotechnical Data Conference 2017: Best Practice, Challenges and Future Opportunities

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Tags: Featured

The Geotechnical Data Conference 2017: Best Practice, Challenges and Future Opportunities is taking place on Wednesday 20th September 2017 at National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ.

For over 25 years, AGS Data Transfer Format has allowed for the seamless sharing of data between different software within the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry. It has become the industry standard and today is used worldwide.

This conference will examine the growing role of data management within digital engineering and Building Information Modelling, whilst looking at examples of best practice from ground investigation specialists, designers and constructors.

Divided into four chaired sessions, the conference will also focus on recent technological advances, collaborative working practices, trends and potentially disruptive changes, helping to paint a picture of what the industry’s future may look like.

Established in 1988, the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental represents over 130 leading companies specialising in site investigation, geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, engineering geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and other related disciplines.

Working to improve the profile and quality of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, the AGS works closely with its members to establish standards and provide guidance and publications to improve safety, promote quality professional practice and encourage quality management systems across the industry.

The programme for the conference can be viewed here.

The sponsors of the conference are:

Arup
As an acknowledged leader in geotechnics, Arup is often asked to push the essential skill and science of designing and building structures in the ground. Wherever difficult ground conditions, sensitive environments or ambitious projects present geotechnical challenges, Arup provides robust and advanced solutions. Arup are experienced consumers of digital geotechnical data undertaking detailed analysis and interpretations to add value to our clients projects. AGS data transfer at the heart of this.
https://www.arup.com/

Bachy Soletanche
Bachy Soletanche is one of the UK’s leading geotechnical specialists with a reputation for quality and innovation within the field of foundation and underground engineering. Bachy Soletanche specialise in all aspects of modern geotechnics and foundation engineering, including LDA piling (large diameter bored), CFA piling (continuous flight auger), restricted access mini-piling, diaphragm walls, tunnelling, grouting and engineering to safeguard the environment.
www.bacsol.co.uk

Bentley
Bentley Systems is a global leader in providing engineers, architects, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure. Bentley users leverage information mobility across disciplines and throughout the infrastructure lifecycle to deliver better-performing projects and assets. Bentley solutions encompass MicroStation applications for information modeling, ProjectWise collaboration services to deliver integrated projects, and AssetWise operations services to achieve intelligent infrastructure – complemented by worldwide professional services and comprehensive managed services.
https://www.bentley.com/

CH2M
CH2M Tunnels and Earth Engineering teams work globally, designing and building infrastructure, underground space and natural resource solutions on behalf of our clients. Technology, innovation and delivery are key, as we integrate our strongest capabilities and experts from across the company to solve complex problems, add value and reduce risk.
https://www.ch2m.com

ESG
ESG, a SOCOTEC company, is the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services, offering comprehensive solutions in Infrastructure, Built Environment and Energy & Waste. ESG has nationwide coverage, with a network of UKAS accredited laboratories, and continues to be a driver of innovation within the industry. By helping clients design solutions and remain compliant, ESG has become the leading partner in its chosen sectors for technical expertise and services.
www.esg.co.uk

Geolabs
Geolabs Limited is one of the largest UKAS accredited independent geotechnical soils, rocks and materials testing laboratories in the United Kingdom with in-house facilities enabling performance to British and other National and International Standards. Our staff serve on numerous National and International Standards committees, working groups and technical panels, often in the capacity of Chairmen or Working Group Coordinators. They have also lectured and given technical papers throughout the world.
www.geolabs.co.uk

Geotechnics
Geotechnics Limited was established in 1983 to provide the full spectrum of services covering the design, implementation, interpretation and evaluation of geotechnical and contaminated land site investigations. Our head office and laboratory are based in Coventry, with additional offices in Exeter, Chester and Yorkshire. We have considerable experience of working on varying scales of projects, and we are currently able to undertake individual site investigations ranging from £500 to in excess of £2.75 million.
www.geotechnics.co.uk

i2 Analytical
i2 Analytical is an leading independent testing and analytical laboratory, reporting our Geotechnical and GeoEnvironmental data in a range of formats including: EQuIS, AGS 3.1 and AGS 4. Our Geotechnical laboratory supports a range of sectors including Civil Engineering and GeoEnvironmental contractors/consultants. We also have expertise in asbestos testing and perform a range of chemical analyses using state of the art techniques on waters, soils and associated materials.
www.i2analytical.com

Keynetix
Keynetix are experts in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Data Management. Our solutions cover every stage of the Geotechnical data journey from planning, through site work and reporting to 3D Modelling, BIM and National Archives.
Being experts at every stage of your site investigation process enables Keynetix to advise you on the best solution to meet all your needs and gives you a single supplier to ensure that all your systems work together smoothly.
www.keynetix.com

Soil Engineering
With over 50 years of experience, Soil Engineering are one of the country’s foremost Ground Investigation and Specialist Grouting Contractors. The comprehensive in-house geotechnical laboratory, continually updated plant fleet, and ongoing investment in training and staff development, allow Soil Engineering to provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for any geotechnical project, throughout the UK.
www.soil-engineering.co.uk

Structural Soils
Structural Soils is one of the country’s leading and award-winning ground investigation contractors. It is a national company with offices in Bristol, Castleford (near Leeds), Coventry, Hemel Hempstead, Glasgow and Tonbridge. For over 50 years, we have provided comprehensive site investigation and ground investigation services in the UK, across Europe and, more recently, further afield. Soil Samples are tested in the well-equipped UKAS-accredited laboratories in Bristol, Castleford, Hemel Hempstead and Tonbridge.
www.soils.co.uk

Article Contaminated Land

The Contamination Expo Series: the free event that everyone is talking about

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The programme for the Contamination Expo Series is almost complete, and all signs point to this being the largest and most influential event in its history. Free tickets for this year’s event are still available and are likely to prove priceless when the doors swing open at the ExCeL London on the 27th & 28th of September.

The show – which is supported by the Environment Agency and the largest environmental exhibition & conference of its type in the Europe – has attracted some of the industry’s largest names, reinforcing its growing reputation as the premier exhibition & conference in the industry.

The two-day event features over 150 innovative suppliers, 120 CPD-accredited seminars, interactive masterclasses, one-to-one advice from industry experts, unparalleled networking opportunities, and much more.

Major names already staking their claim to the growing floorplan include ALS Environmental, Coleman Remediation, Braemar Howells, C A Blackwell, DEME Environmental Consultants, ARCA, ACAD, Exova Jones, CL:AIRE, EIC, Blobel Umwelttechnik Gmbh, ISAA, Raw Group, Oil Spill Response, Shield Environmental, SMH Products, AEC, MOLDEX, CNSE, IATP, and more.

They, along with the other leading environmental organisations will be unveiling new products, offering free one-to-one advice, and answering any questions you may have.

What’s more, the Environment Agency will be on hand with their own networking area and seminar theatre, where they will host their own sequence of insightful and revealing seminars.

Your free ticket will also gain you access to all six theatres which include highly anticipated talks from the Dr. Frank Kleissen from Deltares, Professor Julian Eastoe of University of Bristol, Environment Agency’s Trevor Renals, Dr Kevin Leahy from ERM, the Coleman Group’s Debbie Burns, Dr Yvonne Waterman of the European Asbestos Forum Foundation, ARCA’s Stephen Sadley, and more – making this year’s show the most important and influential in the industry this year!

To discover why this event has grown so rapidly and to register for your Free Ticket, visit the Contamination Expo Series registration page.

Article

Ground Engineering Basements and Underground Structures Conference

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Ground Engineering is delighted to bring you the 10th annual Basements and Underground Structures conference, which will provide you with expert insight into the challenges and opportunities facing future projects across the commercial, residential and infrastructure sectors. The conference will be taking place on 4-5 October 2017 at Victoria Park Plaza.

Whatever the scale, location or stage of the basements you are involved in, the conference gives you the industry’s best opportunity to improve your knowledge and understand where future opportunities will arise.

Book your place today to ensure you are in the room with industry leaders including clients procuring geotechnical work, engineers designing complex basements and contractors looking for lean solutions to challenging underground projects.

Article

Contamination Expo Series 2017

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The Contamination Expo Series is Europe’s largest event designed to showcase the latest innovations that further the protection of the environment and management of contaminated land, water, and air. It takes place on the 27th & 28th of September at ExCeL London and tickets are FREE from the Contamination Expo Series website.

The show features over 150 innovative environmental suppliers, 120 CPD-accredited seminars, interactive masterclasses, one-to-one advice from industry experts, unparalleled networking opportunities, and much more.

Guests can filter between areas dedicated to hazardous materials, land remediation, spill response, clean air technology, geotechnical solutions, nuclear decommissioning, and more, as well as the Flood Expo and M&CCE Expo next door.

To book your FREE ticket and take advantage of everything the Contamination Expo Series has to offer, register on the Contamination Expo Series website.

If you’re interested in exhibiting at this year’s event, contact Daniel Rogers on +44 (0)117 990 2005 or daniel.rogers@prysmgroup.co.uk.

Article

CL:AIRE Launches Verification of Gas Protection Systems Training

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CL:AIRE has recently launched a series of one day training dates on Verification of Gas Protection Measures. This course will cover in detail the approach to verification and is being delivered by two experienced trainers who have a good and pragmatic understanding of membrane installation and verification.

This full day course provides participants with a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of the requirements for verifying the installation of gas protection systems. It is an essential introductory learning package for environmental and construction professionals engaged in gas protection verification. The main focus is verifying gas membranes but it will also cover venting systems, what to consider when specifying integrity testing or checking that correct testing procedures are followed on site.
The course is specifically targeted at consultants, contractors and other stakeholders/dutyholders involved with the verification, assessment and management of gas protection systems. Each course is restricted to 10 delegates to ensure good trainer to delegate ratio for the practical work.

A certificate of attendance will be provided on completion of attendance.

Dates available:
24th October 2017
30th November 2017
19th December 2017

Course costs: £375.00 + VAT (CL:AIRE membership discounts apply)
Location: Doncaster

For further information or to book a place: https://www.claire.co.uk/commerce/112374-gas-protection

Article

CL:AIRE Launches New Half Day CAR-SOIL Training Courses along with Full Day

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CL:AIRE has just launched a series of half day CAR-SOIL training courses in addition to their already successful full day training, in London, York, Manchester and Edinburgh. This is in response to delegate feedback from those who have already participated on the full day courses and to meet the demand of the asbestos and brownfield industry to improve their knowledge in working with asbestos in soil.

Half Day – assumes that participants already have demonstrable in-depth knowledge of CAR2012 and HSE Approved Code of Practice L143.

Prices start from: £183.75 + VAT

Full Day – This course assumes that participants already have a basic awareness and understanding of the requirements of CAR2012 and HSE Approved Code of Practice L143.

Prices start from: £221.25 + VAT

London
Half Day CAR-SOIL: 18 September 2017
Full Day CAR-SOIL: 19 September 2017

York
Half Day CAR-SOIL: 16 October 2017
Full Day CAR-SOIL: 17 October 2017

Manchester
Half Day CAR-SOIL: 13 November 2017
Full Day CAR-SOIL: 14 November 2017

Edinburgh
Half Day CAR-SOIL: 11 December 2017
Full Day CAR-SOIL: 12 December 2017

To book a place or to find out more about the courses please follow the link:

https://www.claire.co.uk/commerce/212352-asbestos-in-soil-and-construction-demolition-materials-training

Bespoke courses in Asbestos Awareness for Groundworkers, Non Licensed Work for Groundworkers and the CAR-SOIL courses are also all available, please provide your requirements using the CL:AIRE Hep Desk https://www.claire.co.uk/help-desk

Article

Ground Engineering Awards and Conferences 2017

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The Ground Engineering Awards is your chance to come together as a community, celebrate your achievements and network with the best in the business. Secure your place now to network with 800+ geotechnical experts. This is your opportunity to boost your business by establishing new contacts and relationships.

The awards ceremony will be held on 5 July at the Hilton Park Lane, London bringing together some of the biggest names in the industry to celebrate engineering excellence.

As a partner of the awards, we hope that you can join us and this year’s finalists to show your support and pride of what this industry has to offer.

Book your table now online or contact Adam Hassan on 020 3033 4296 or email adam.hassan@emap.com

The Ground Engineering Basements and Underground Structures 2017 is taking place on 4-5 October 2017 at Victoria Park Plaza. For more information; click here

Article News Data Management

Progress on the test standards cited in EN 7-2

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New Standard

BS EN ISO 17892

Test

Superseded/will supersede

Current Status

Publication

BS EN ISO 17892-1:2014

Water content

BS1377-2, Sub-clause 3.2

Published

31/12/2014

BS EN ISO 17892-2:2014

Bulk density

BS1377-2, Sub-clause 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4

Published

31/12/2014

BS EN ISO 17892-3:2015

Particle density

BS1377-2, Sub-clause 8.3

Published

31/01/2016

BS EN ISO 17892-4:2015

Particle size distribution

BS1377-2, Clause 9

Published

31/12/2016

BS EN ISO 17892-5

Incremental oedometer

BS1377-5, Clause 3

Published

April 2017

BS EN ISO 17892-6

Fall cone

No equivalent

Published

March 2017

BS EN ISO 17892-7

Unconfined compressive strength

BS1377-7, Clause 5

Comments being resolved

Early 2018

BS EN ISO 17892-8

Unconsolidated undrained triaxial test

BS1377-7, Clause 7

Comments being resolved

Early 2018

BS EN ISO 17892-9

Effective stress testing

BS1377-8 entirety

Comments being resolved

Early 2018

BS EN ISO 17892-10

Shear-box and ring-shear

BS1377-7, Clause 4, 5 and 6

Drafted

Late 2018

BS EN ISO 17892-11

Permeability tests

BS1377-5, Clause 5 and BS 1377-6, Clause 5

Parallel enquiry imminent

Mid 2019

BS EN ISO 17892-12

Plasticity Index tests

BS1377-2, Clauses 4 and 5

Comments being resolved

Early/Mid 2018

 

New Standard

 

Test

Current Status

Publication

BS EN ISO 22476

Field testing

BS EN ISO 22478-1

Electrical Cone and piezocone penetration tests

Published

February 2013

BS EN ISO 22478-2

Dynamic probing

Published and amended

UK proposing revision

Amendment

Jan 2012

BS EN ISO 22476-3

Standard penetration test

Published and amended

UK proposing revision

Amendment Jan 2012

BS EN ISO 22476-4

Menard Pressuremeter

Published

March 2013

BS EN ISO 22476-5

Flexible dilatometer

Published

March 2013

BS EN ISO 22476-6

Self-Boring pressuremeter test

Being drafted?

BS EN ISO 22476-7

Borehole jacking test

Published

March 2013

BS EN ISO 22476-8

Full displacement pressuremeter test

Being drafted?

BS EN ISO 22476-9

Field vane test

Draft and commented on (lots of them) progress stalled

BS EN ISO 22476-10

Weight sounding test

Currently published as a technical specification. Full EN version
comments being resolved

BS EN ISO 22476-11

Flat dilatometer test

Currently published as a technical specification. Full EN version
comments being resolved

BS EN ISO 22476-12

Mechanical cone penetration test

Published

2009

BS EN ISO 22476-13

Plate loading test

Being drafted

BS EN ISO 22476-14

Drilling parameters – recording

Published

2016

EN ISO 22476-29

Phicometer shearing test

No progress

EN ISO 22476-30

Menard pressuremeter test with an unload- reload loop

No progress

BS EN ISO 22477

Geotechnical structures

New Standard

 

Test

Current Status

Publication

BS EN ISO 22477-1

Pile testing – Static axial compression

Being drafted

BS EN ISO 22477-2

Pile testing – Static axial tension

Not registered

BS EN ISO 22477-3

Pile testing – Transverse tension

Not registered

BS EN ISO 22477-4

Pile testing – Dynamic axial compression

Comments being resolved

BS EN ISO 22477-5

Testing of grouted anchors

Comments being resolved,. Title change

BS EN ISO 22477-6

Testing of nails

Not registered

BS EN ISO 22477-7

Testing of reinforced fill

Not registered

BS EN ISO 22477-8

Full displacement pressuremeter test

Not registered

BS EN ISO 22477-10

Rapid testing of piles

Published

2016

BS EN ISO 22282

Geohydraulic tests

BS EN ISO 22282-1

General Rules

Published

October 2012

BS EN ISO 22282-2

Water permeability test in borehole without packer

Published

October 2012

BS EN ISO 22282-3

Water pressure test in rock

Published

October 2012

BS EN ISO 22282-4

Pumping tests

Published

October 2012

BS EN ISO 22282-5

Infiltrometer tests

Published

October 2012

BS EN ISO 22282-6

Closed packer systems

Published

October 2012

BS EN ISO 14688

Identification and classification

BS EN ISO 14688-1

Identification and classification of soil – identification and
description

Published with amendment

Under revision at comment resolutions stage

2013

(Revision late 2017 early 2018)

BS EN ISO 14688-2

Identification and classification of soil – Principles for a
classification

Published with amendment

Under revision at comment resolutions stage

2013

(Revision late 2017 early 2018)

BS EN ISO 14689-1

Identification and classification of rock – identification and
description

Published with amendment

Under revision at comment resolutions stage

2013

(Revision late 2017 early 2018)

18674

Geotechnical monitoring by field instruments

BS EN ISO 18674-1

Geotechnical monitoring by field instruments – General rules

Published

2015

BS EN ISO 18674-2

Geotechnical monitoring by field instruments –Measurement of
displacements along a line ; Extensometers

Published with amendment

Under revision at comment resolutions stage

2016

BS EN ISO 18674-3

Measurement of displacements along a line; Inclinometers

Comment resolutions stage

BS EN ISO 18674-4

Measurement of displacements along a line; Piezometers

Being drafted

BS EN ISO 18674-5

Measurement of displacements along a line; Total pressure cells

Being drafted

BS EN ISO 18674-6

Measurement of displacements along a line; Hydraulic settlement
gauges

Being drafted

BS EN ISO 18674-7

Measurement of displacements along a line; Hydraulic settlement
gauges

Being drafted

BS EN ISO 18674-8

Measurement of displacements along a line; Strain gauges

Being drafted

BS EN ISO 18674-9

Measurement of displacements along a line; Geodetic monitoring
instruments

Being drafted

BS EN ISO 18674-10

Measurement of displacements along a line; Vibration monitoring
instruments

Being drafted

More information can be found here

Article Contaminated Land

SoBRA – Publication of methodology and generic assessment criteria for assessing risks to human health from volatile compounds in groundwater

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Tags: SoBRA

SoBRA is pleased to announce the methodology and generic assessment criteria for 64 commonly analysed volatile constituents in groundwater has been published. Many thanks to the sub-group for working tirelessly to prepare the methodology, derive the GAC and prepare the report documenting the work undertaken. The methodology and assessment criteria are designed to evaluate the volatilisation and migration into buildings of contaminants from shallow groundwater. The methodology utilises the Environment Agency’s (England and Wales) CLEA model to estimate the average long-term concentration in shallow groundwater (the GAC) that would lead to tolerable / minimal risk to site occupants from vapour migration and inhalation in indoor and outdoor air from chronic exposure. Screening values have been derived for residential and commercial land-use scenarios. Sensitivity analysis has been undertaken to demonstrate how the screening criteria change with soil type, building type and source depth. The generic screening values are intended to complement other screening methodologies (such as exclusion depths and distances) for assessing the groundwater vapour contaminant linkages.

Furthermore please note that Geologists with an interest in contaminated land may apply for accreditation with SoBRA in respect to risk assessment. The next window for application is now open until the 31st of May 2017. This is a standalone scheme. However, the scheme presents an opportunity for its members to demonstrate to a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP), under the Land Forum’s upcoming National Quality Mark Scheme, that they are sufficiently competent to support the SQP in undertaking or reviewing the risk assessment element of their project.

SoBRA is a learned society for individuals, with membership drawn from the private, public, voluntary and academic sectors. Its goals are to improve technical knowledge in risk-based decision-making related to land contamination applications and to enhance the professional status and profile of practitioners. To become a member or download the methodology and assessment criteria please visit their website: sobra.org.uk. You can also communicate with SoBRA via linkedin and twitter @sobra15138564.