Report Business Practice

AGS Business Practice Working Group Update

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Vivien Dent, AGS Chair Elect and Leader of the AGS Business Practice Working Group, has provided an update on the top issues the AGS Business Practice Working Group discussed at their last meeting which took place in September 2021.

New AGS Client Guides

Two new AGS client guides have recently been published on the AGS website which are Client’s Guide to the Selection of Geotechnical Specialists – Geotechnical Engineering / Engineering Geology and Client’s Guide to the Selection of Geoenvironmental Specialists. The client guides can be downloaded here and here.

Training Paths Documents

Two new training paths documents have recently been published on the AGS website which are Training Paths for Ground Practitioners – Geoenvironmental Specialists and

Training Paths for Ground Practitioners – Geotechnical Engineering / Engineering Geology. The training paths documents can be downloaded here and here.

Other Activities

The BPWG are looking at updating the AGS byelaws, collecting data regarding travelling to meetings and conferences in terms of sustainability and producing AGS promotional videos.

We are always keen to welcome new members into the BPWG and so for those interested in the governance of the AGS and wish to know how you can contribute to the BPWG, please contact the AGS Secretariat at ags@ags.org.uk.

Article Report Contaminated Land

AGS Contaminated Land Working Group – Update

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Alex Lee, AGS Contaminated Land Working Group Leader, has provided an update on the top issues the Contaminated Land Working Group discussed at their last meeting which took place virtually in July 2021.

Client’s Guides

The AGS CLWG are currently in the process of revising A Client’s Guide to Desk Studies and Reference List. The CLWG are also in the final stages of producing A Client’s Guide to Geoenvironmental Reports, which is being reviewed by the group ahead of publishing.

Sustainability

At the last meeting, the CLWG discussed sustainability, which may lead to a sub-group to work collaboratively on looking at sustainable site investigations and providing advice to AGS members on this.

HSG248

The CLWG have provided feedback on HSG248 and concerns from both CLWG and the AGS Labs WG were considered at the meeting. Representatives from the CLWG and Labs WG will continue to be involved with further discussions within the wider industry regarding this document.

ERES Codes

Members of the CLWG are involved with a sub-group which is assisting with the review of ERES codes.

Working Outside Of The AGS

The AGS Contaminated Land Working Group have many members who are involved in a range of different projects and working groups; SAGTA C4SL project, the National Brownfield Forum, SiLC, SoBRA and more. This enables us to share new information within the Group but also relay the position of the AGS CLWG outside of the organisation.

If you interested in joining the AGS Contaminated Land Working Group, please contact the AGS Secretariat at ags@ags.org.uk.

Report Safety

AGS Safety WG – Update

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Roseanna Bloxham, Leader of the AGS Safety Working Group, has provided an update on the top issues the Safety Working Group discussed at their last meeting which took place virtually in May 2021.

Client Guides

The Safety WG are in the process of developing a set of AGS Client Guides based on the documents which have been produced by the AECOM DOSIWG. The topics include Cable Percussion, Rotary Drilling, Dynamic Sampling and Trial Pitting.

Borehole Sites & Operating Regulations 1995

The Safety WG have been discussing the requirements of the ‘Borehole Sites & Operating Regulations 1995’ and will be producing guidance to advise AGS members of this requirement. The Safety WG will also be producing guidance on Coal Authority permits.

Upcoming articles / guidance

Articles and guidance on different topics are currently being prepared by members of the Safety WG. The topics include Health & Well-being, Vacuum Excavation and Decontamination Units.

Existing AGS Safety Guidance

There is number of AGS Safety Guidance documents which were published before 2014. It has been agreed by the group that these guidance documents need to be reviewed and amended or reviewed and withdrawn, as required.

If you would like to join the AGS Safety Working Group, please contact the AGS Secretariat at ags@ags.org.uk.

Article Report Geotechnical

AGS Geotechnical Working Group – Update

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Stephen West, Leader of the AGS Geotechnical Working Group, has provided an update on the top issues the Geotechnical Working Group discussed at their last meeting which took place virtually in February 2021.

Underpinning Ground Movements

An article on the topic of underpinning ground movement is featured in the April/May 2021 issue of the AGS Magazine. The article looks at how members should approach the assessment of ground risk associated with the underpinning ground movements and the requirements for local authority and third party permissions for developing small-scale basements for residential properties in different parts of the country.

Net Zero Carbon Webinar 2021

The Geotechnical Working Group are currently in the process of organising a webinar on Net Zero Carbon. The webinar is scheduled to take place in October 2021 and further details will be announced in due course.  Potential topics include the management of embedded Carbon in investigation processes, design lower carbon whole life solutions for infrastructure and buildings, measuring our success in managing carbon as part of overall schemes, and considering the resilience of schemes in the face of Climate Change.

Soakaway Testing

Members of the Geotechnical Working Group are currently looking at preparing a statement on the use of trial pit infiltration testing considering issues of cost, programme, and health and safety risks. The GWG are also looking at alternative methods to trial pit infiltration tests for the design of soakaways which may require modification of existing design guidance.

Digitisation

The Geotechnical WG have been discussing the topic of digitisation of geotechnical interpretation and design process with a focus on analysis automatisation and machine learning when carrying out geotechnical interpretation and analysis. The GWG are aiming to proceed by producing an article on this topic which looks at industry developments without removing the importance of the human element in the development of good value solutions.

If you would like to join the AGS Geotechnical Working Group, please contact the AGS Secretariat at ags@ags.org.uk.

Article Report Laboratories

AGS Laboratories Working Group – Update

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Will Fardon, who is the new Leader of the AGS Laboratories Working Group, has provided an update on the top issues the Laboratories Working Group discussed at a recent meeting which took place virtually in January 2021.

New Working Group Leader
Will Fardon has recently taken over as Laboratories Working Group Leader. Will is currently the Technical Sales and Training Manager for i2 Analytical and Will’s background is predominantly within the environmental chemistry and lab testing industry.

As the new Leader of the Labs WG, Will hopes to build on the work done within the group in recent years and expand the discussions on a broad range of subjects across the full selection of analytical areas that contribute within the industry, and also help expand the reach of the group to a new and wider audience.

Sample Qualities / Quantities
A document on sample qualities and quantities is being finalised by the Laboratories WG. This document should assist with obtaining the correct sample qualities / quantities from clients.

BS EN ISO 17892-12
Following discussion within the Laboratories WG, a proposal has been put forward to change the current requirements for the measurement of wear of the cone penetrometer in standard 17892-12.

Increasing member participation
The Laboratories Working Group continues to look for new participants from members and to also encourage more people within the industry to become members of AGS. The aim of the Laboratories Working Group moving forward is to represent all laboratories, bringing more focus to geotechnical and geo-environmental testing. We hope though meaningful discussion and diverse input from across the industry we can help to drive positive change and also provide an increased amount of educational material to our members.

If you do wish to join the AGS Laboratories Working Group, please contact the AGS Secretariat at ags@ags.org.uk.

Article Report Instrumentation & Monitoring

AGS Instrumentation & Monitoring WG – Update

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Jonathan Gammon, Leader of the AGS Instrumentation & Monitoring Working Group, has provided an update on the top issues the AGS I&MWG discussed at their last meeting which took place virtually on 16th September 2020.

Critical Links in Ground Engineering Webinar

The I&MWG’s webinar on Critical Links in Ground Engineering is taking place on Wednesday 4th November 2020 at 10am. The four-hour webinar includes presentations from Jonathan Gammon, Philip Child, Paul Burton, Dr Andrew Ridley and Julian Lovell. Further details about the webinar can be found on the AGS website.

Assisting with the AGS Procurement of Ground Investigation Initiative

The I&MWG are currently providing feedback on the Yellow Book extracts and will prepare a proposed rewrite of these sections for the Procurement of Ground Investigation Working Group to review at their next meeting. The I&MWG have also been asked to give examples of their experience of using NEC Forms of Contract for Ground Investigation and to provide feedback regarding procurement processes.

Developing a link with the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum (GAOF)

The I&MWG are looking to develop a link with the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum (GAOF). A request has been received for the I&MWG to give a presentation to a future meeting of the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum, with a view to active participation in the work of GAOF and also GAOF having representation on the I&MWG.

Article Report Loss Prevention

AGS Loss Prevention WG – Update

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Hugh Mallett, AGS Loss Prevention Working Group Leader, has provided an overview on the groups top three items which were discussed at a virtual meeting on 8th September 2020.

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE – COST AND OTHER ASPECTS

 The availability and cost of Professional Indemnity insurance is a topic which is extremely important to all AGS member companies and practitioners.  The market has become much harder over the last couple of years and good practice advice would be useful for members in preparing for discussions with their insurers.

In response, information on the difficult PI market will be provided in due course. The Loss Prevention Working Group are also looking to provide some good practice advice on: (i) managing your PI policy and (ii) issues for retired members.

 COAL AUTHORITY – POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND UNFAIR COMPETITION

 The Loss Prevention Working Group have drafted an article, (which is published in this issue of AGS Magazine), summarising the experience of some AGS members with regards to the Coal Authority.

In summary, concerns have been raised regarding the Coal Authority and Coal Mining Risk Assessments (CMRAs) due to the Coal Authority both:

  1. acting as a Statutory Consultee for planning applications (in relevant areas) and thus providing related guidance for developers and
  2. undertaking CMRAs on behalf of third parties as a commercial service.

The Loss Prevention Working Group have made initial enquiries with a lawyer and obtained advice on competition law.

 Currently it is not clear whether the issues raised regarding the Coal Authority are “one-off” or localised.  It appears that there may be aspects of Competition Law which may be of more general relevance.  The request for information in the magazine article will help determine the need for and direction of any next steps.

 LEGAL ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH AGS DIGITAL DATA

 Position Paper is being prepared by Beale & Co with the aim of clarifying the legal issue associated with the “ownership of data”.  If appropriate a Client Guide may then be prepared.

A paper previously presented at the AGS Annual Conference raised concerns regarding the legal issues of the ownership of data.  Potential solutions have been discussed since then, but the legal position is still to be clarified.  The forthcoming Note from Beale & Co will aim to provide this clarity.

Article Report Safety

AGS Safety WG – Update

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Roseanna Bloxham, AGS Safety Working Group Leader, has provided an update from the Groups most recent meeting, which was held virtually on 20th May. Here is an overview on the top topics which are currently in discussion:

COVID-19 SAFE WORKING PRACTICES ON SITE
Version 1 of our guidance document on safe working practices was released in May 2020. This is an active working document and will be updated and re-released as government guidelines change and new industry processes are developed.

The group have worked hard to produce this guidance quickly in light of the COVID-19 crisis with the outside assistance of Paul Nathanial. I am extremely grateful for all the hard work they have put in, but we understand it is work in progress.

COVID-19 was a new risk to the industry meaning there was little guidance on how we should continue to work. The AGS Safety Working Group felt it was important to aid their members at this time by producing an outline document that shares ideas for measures which could be introduced.

COVID-19 is likely to have an ongoing impact to the industry as a whole. At present it is unclear how large this impact will be and how long it will last. The main focus of the Safety Working Group is to provide our members with guidance and information to help keep them working and safe during this time.

If any readers of AGS Magazine have any comments or thoughts for future versions of this guide, please do send comments across to ags@ags.org.uk for consideration.

TRIAL PITTING
Trial pitting is currently an ongoing discussion for the group. There are a number of guidance documents associated with trial pitting within the industry with conflicting views. In addition, the questionnaire sent out by Steve Everton in October 2019 highlighted that there are discrepancies within companies regarding safety when trial pitting, and no obvious quick and easy solutions. Given the scale of the topic a separate sub-group has been formed to tackle the issues in greater detail. The initial aim of the group is to review existing AGS guidance associated with trial pitting.

Safety surrounding trial pitting is complex, whilst this process of investigation has been around for decades with little evidence of falls into pits, there is a big ‘what if’ hanging over the process. The AGS Safety Working Group feel it is important to investigate potential ways to target this ‘what if’ to pre-empt and prevent harm to their members.

GENERAL OVERHAUL OF AGS EXISTING GUIDANCE
It has been noticed by the group that a number of guidance documents on the AGS website are over 6 years old and may have been overlooked. The group has decided to put a focus on reviewing these older documents and either bring them up to date in line with current guidance or re-write them and withdraw as necessary.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS
In addition to the topics mentioned above, the Safety Working Group hold regular, ongoing discussions related to mental health and undergraduate involvement and training.

Article Report Contaminated Land

AGS Contaminated Land WG Update

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Vivien Dent, AGS Contaminated Land Working Group Leader, has provided an update from the Groups most recent meeting, which was held virtually on 28th April. Here is an overview on the top topics which are currently in discussion:

AGS GUIDE TO ASBESTOS

We’re currently in the final stages of reviewing the AGS Guide to Asbestos, and are close to completion. The guide will be published on the AGS website in due course.

GRADUATE KEY READING LIST

The Contaminated Land Working Group have decided to create a key reading document. This will be primarily aimed at graduates or those new to the industry, and will feature a reading list of key documents across all areas to educate and guide individuals who are new to the field.

We’re keen to engage with graduates and early career professionals, so this working group task is specific for this new generation of geo-environmentalists.

UKAS INSPECTION BODIES SURVEYING CONTAMINATED LAND FOR THE PRESENCE OF ASBESTOS

UKAS plans to establish a pilot programme for the development of ISO/IEC 17020:2012 accreditation for the inspection of land for the presence of asbestos.

The AGS CLWG have concerns that the scheme has not considered broader land contamination issues and that people who are unqualified will attempt to do the role of a contaminated land engineer. Whilst an asbestos surveyor might be qualified to look into asbestos, it’s unlikely that they’ll understand all documentation and the processes for all contaminants.

Naturally we don’t want there to be a situation where projects are required to have both an asbestos surveyor and a contaminated land surveyor. This would be an additional project expense and create additional work and expense for the client.

WORKING OUTSIDE OF THE AGS

The AGS Contaminated Land Working Group have many members who are involved in a range of different projects and working groups; SAGTA C4SL project, the National Brownfield Forum, SiLC, SoBRA and more. This enables us to share new information within the Group but also relay the position of the AGS CLWG outside of the organisation.

Article Report Geotechnical

AGS Geotechnical Working Group Update

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Stephen West, Leader of the AGS Geotechnical Working Group, has provided an update on the top issues the AGS Geotechnical Working Group discussed at their last meeting which took place on 20th February 2020.

1. What are the top three issues in your Working Group at present?
• Issue 1: Improving soil and rock sampling quality for use in design
• Issue 2: Consideration of embodied carbon in design decision making
• Issue 3: Skill set of newly graduated entrants into the industry, reduction in numbers coming into UK universities studying geo-science subjects

2. What is the status of these issues within your Working Group?
• Issue 1: Sub-group producing a counter piece to article in last month’s AGS magazine
• Issue 2: Organisation of conference for 2021
• Issue 3: Drafting of poll for AGS members, engagement with key universities and STEM organisations

3. Why are these issues important to the AGS?
Delivery of technical excellence for clients and reduction in risk to clients and stakeholders. Contribution to UK Net zero carbon agenda, helping AGS members with carbon consideration for clients

4. What impact do these issues have on Members of the AGS?

Additional cost due to re-work, risk of PI related disputes with clients

5. What should the AGS do about these issues?

Provide forum for discussion within the AGS – conferences and webinars, liaise with fellow institutions to engage with UK Government

Article Report Business Practice

AGS Business Practice Working Group Update

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Sally Hudson, AGS Chair Elect and Leader of the AGS Business Practice Working Group, has provided an update on the top issues the AGS Business Practice Working Group discussed at their last meeting which took place on 11th February 2020.

Promoting and Enhancing Quality and Safe Practice within the Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Industry

The AGS continues to promote and enhance quality and safe practice within the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry. To increase awareness, it is our goal to increase AGS membership as widely as possible throughout the industry. The BPWG is working on updating the AGS Business Plan and is monitoring the services and benefits of the Association to ensure that members best interests are represented.

Updating AGS Publications

Some Client Guides and other publications are becoming out of date and so the BPWG is driving a programme of identifying and amending key publications. Although some recent updates have been published, such as the Selection of Geotechnical Soil Laboratory Testing guidance, the BPWG are working with the other Working Groups to continue this effort, starting with some of the most popular documents such as the Client’s Guide to Site Investigations. We are also continuously monitoring our website data to assess publication popularity.

New AGS Client Guides

It can be difficult for our clients to know what the geo-professional qualifications and designations mean and how they fulfil their requirements and what value they offer. The BPWG has instigated preparation of two Client Guides to summarise the meaning of geo-professional affiliations. We have produced two draft documents, which are at review stage, one each to cover geo-environmental and geotechnical professionals. We will promote the new guidance within the AGS magazine once available to members.

As a trade body dedicated to promoting best practice within the industry, we need to ensure that the advice we provide to our members is as current and accurate as possible and reaches as wide an audience as practicable.

We are always keen to welcome new members into the BPWG and so for those interested in the governance of the AGS and wish to know how you can contribute to the BPWG, please contact the AGS Secretariat at ags@ags.org.uk.

 

Article Report Data Management

AGS Data Management Working Group Update

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Jackie Bland, Leader of the Data Management Working Group, has provided an update on the top issues the Data Management Working Group discussed at their last meeting which took place on 18th September 2019.

Release of AGS4.1
The Data Management Working Group are in the process of working on AGS4.1 which is due to be released at the AGS Data Format Conference in 2020. As standards are changing, the group need to ensure that all data can be transferred between relevant parties. We also need to be aware that perhaps different methodologies may be required in future for transferring this data. The update to AGS4.1 is important to members of the AGS because frustratingly large costs can be incurred in bespoke system design where there are no appropriate or specific locations within the format to store the data. It’s preferable that everyone follows a standard within the industry and therefore the same update can be applied to all software packages capable of receiving or producing AGS digital data.

Release of AGSi
AGSi is almost ready for beta publication in 2020. AGSi has been developed by the Data Management Working Group over the last few years. It provides the ability to move the ground model in a structured way between parties and will hopefully reduce the meetings, sheets of paper and the requirement for the same software package. This also continues our groups’ desire to continue to be truly be software agnostic or software independent.

The AGS Data Format Conference 2020
The Data Management Working Group are in the early stages of organising the AGS Data Format Conference 2020 which will be taking place on Wednesday 23rd September 2020 and will be returning to the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. Sponsorship opportunities for the conference are already available and make sure to keep an eye out for future issue of the AGS Magazine and on the AGS website for registration details and speaker line-up.

Registered Users of Data Format
There are now 87 registered companies of AGS Data Format. As a reminder, it is now a requirement to be a registered user of AGS Data Format if your company supplies or receives AGS Data. Also, we ask that, if you are a consumer of AGS data, you check that any company supplying you with AGS data is shown on the list of registered users. To register as a Data Format user, email ags@ags.org.uk for further information.