Issue 22 | 2016/17

Ground Engineering Awards

#GOSAFE: Health and Safety

Triton Knoll: Background

Storm Eva: One Year On

Rigs at Castlerigg

COSHH: Signs of the Times

The development of the new Triton Knoll wind farm off the coast of Lincolnshire has given Geotechnics the opportunity to showcase its sensitive, collaborative approach to site investigation. After being appointed by the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm project, we worked closely with the main FEED contractor to deliver a multi-faceted exploration along the 60km interconnector cable route.

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE

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Featured in this edition

£3.6bn investment in the project

288 turbines could be used

500 jobs created during construction

820,000 homes provided with clean electricity

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›› Since the establishment of Geotechnics Limited over 33 years ago, engineers and clients have developed a growing awareness of the importance of geotechnology to the design of foundations, slopes, earthworks and general infrastructure. The ground is fundamental to construction in every sense, and is a legacy of natural and, increasingly, human activities.

The development of successful strategies to progressively reveal ground conditions depends upon knowledge of investigation techniques; their benefits and limitations; as well as an awareness of the ways in which the data acquired are used. Geotechnics revels in such challenges. Increasing the efficient use of all such data was an important reason behind the establishment of the AGS Format for its digital transfer and use some 25 years ago. Geotechnics is proud of the leading role it has taken, working collaboratively with all parts of the geotechnical community, in establishing this format in and for the industry. Long before the establishment of BIM, the format was level 2 compliant so it has led the way.

Such collaborative working continues to be a driver of Geotechnics’ development, as the projects featured in this year’s Geotopics illustrate. Nowhere is the need for such data more important than in cities. Under their ASK (Accessing Subsurface Knowledge) initiative, the British Geological Survey is seeking to benefit the community at large by making data on ground conditions in digital format a key element in the planning process. Glasgow has taken this up strongly and other urban areas are showing increasing interest. This was highlighted in ICE’s Re-Engineering Our Cities conference, held at Coventry University in September. We were pleased to help sponsor this event, where leading academics and practitioners - including two former ICE presidents - highlighted their experiences and their visions for the future.

Whilst the political climate may be changing, Geotechnics’ philosophy of innovation and continuous improvement has led to the positive picture of the future which we have today.

Len Threadgold Chairman – Geotechnics Limited

Len’s Focus

›› We certainly live in interesting times! Political and economic upheaval has dominated headlines over the last few months. For our part, we have just been getting on with what we do best. We have always recognised that we have to look forward with confidence and be flexible in our approach to deal with whatever comes. As one who is old enough to have worked through several cycles of boom and bust, strategic planning in the currently buoyant market is certainly more enjoyable. Our ‘can do’ attitude - coupled with investment in staff, skills, and equipment - has led to four nominations in this year’s GE Awards: a clear recognition of our capabilities by our peers.

Success brings its own challenges. Setting up a new regional office in Yorkshire needed belief in the market and the new staff. Recruitment of

intermediate and senior level staff is challenging as they are in high demand, but our investment in technical and operational training has been key to giving all our staff the skills they need to develop as individuals. Health and Safety continues to be at the forefront of our thinking, and our #GOSAFE initiative delivers new ways of communicating ideas and good practice.

We aim to be at the forefront of technical excellence, and we want to offer our clients a service which not just meets but exceeds their expectations. Management of the changes in British Standards has required a clear understanding of the technical and logistical requirements, and we are now well placed to give value-engineered solutions. Our collaborative approach with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and even competitors must be the way forward if the industry is to grow; sharing ideas, knowledge, and best practice.

John Booth Managing Director – Geotechnics Limited

John’s Corner

Geotechnics Shortlisted for Four Ground Engineering Awards

Health and Safety Innovation

›› In March, Geotechnics Limited made the shortlist in four categories of the 2016 Ground Engineering Awards. As well as being nominated for GI Specialist of the Year, we were in the running for Ground Investigation of the Year, UK Project up to £1 Million and Health and Safety Innovation.

Making the awards shortlist was particularly tough this year, with a record number of companies applying to take part. Ground Engineering editor Claire Smith said, “The range of projects, initiatives and innovations within this year’s entries clearly demonstrates that the UK geotechnics industry is very active and growing, which is great to see. The volume of entries this year means that making it onto the shortlist for the 2016 event was no mean feat”.

Ground Investigation of the YearOur Ground Investigation of the Year nomination came for work alongside United Utilities in Cumbria. The area around Ennerdale Water hosts numerous protected wildlife species and unless the amount of water drawn from the lake and surrounding sources is reduced, there is a risk of long term damage to the ecosystem. To help to protect the environment, whilst still providing high quality water supplies, United Utilities decided to link the West Cumbria area to the rest of the regional water network. Geotechnics worked with the client to complete a ground investigation along the 32km long route for a new raw water aqueduct to carry water north and west from Thirlmere Impounding Reservoir. Throughout the work, the company was sensitive to the needs of the local wildlife, working alongside United Utilities to ensure compliance with the area’s strict environmental guidelines.

UK Project up to £1 MillionMeanwhile, our work with ASH Group and PaSCOE on the former Cambrian Quarry Works in Wales brought a nomination for UK Project up to £1 Million. Working together, we designed and constructed a 250 metre access road across a steep, heavily wooded slope leading into the site. This challenging project had to be carefully engineered to link in with the existing highway infrastructure, whilst also being sensitive to the needs of the local community and wildlife.

By engaging local stakeholders as part of our outreach programme, we addressed a wide range of issues, from stringent planning permission requirements to environmental constraints such as tree preservation orders and habitat protection for local wildlife. The local community was delighted with the outcome and commended us on our sensitive approach.

#GOSAFE

For the full version of Len’s Focus, visit geotechnics.co.uk/blog

For the full version of John’s Corner, visit geotechnics.co.uk/blog

›› Our #GOSAFE initiative continues to go from strength to strength. Over the past year we have raised awareness on a variety of topics, ranging from mental health to the dangers of asbestos.

Every month, we launch a new campaign with a vintage-style poster and a handy infographic guide that is distributed to everyone in the company. We are now looking to develop #GOSAFE even further throughout 2017, with guest blogs from specialists and collaborations with other companies to spread good practice in the wider construction industry. For example, for our guide on rig checks we joined forces with a number of plant suppliers - including Dando Drilling, Comacchio, JKS Boyles and Macklin GeoTech - to share their expert input. One of #GOSAFE’s biggest successes this year has been our work around Mental Health Awareness Week in May. As well as holding a fundraising breakfast at Geotechnics’ Chester office,

we asked staff who they turned to for support during hard times as part of our #MYROCK campaign. “Mental health in the construction industry has always been a difficult topic to address, as historically there has not been a very open culture when it comes to discussing such issues,” said Michael Coates, Health and Safety Manager. “The Geotechnics #MYROCK campaign proved successful in helping to raise awareness of stress and mental health issues, and encouraged people to speak out about them. In 2017 we will continue to build on the success of #GOSAFE by introducing further safety campaigns, as well as focussing on issues such as healthy eating and ecology”.

Follow Geotechnics on social media to stay up to date with the latest news from #GOSAFE. For more information about our campaigns, visit http://www.geotechnics.co.uk/-gosafe

DON'T BOTTLE IT UP!

.aware

.Share .Care

TH

INK . ASSESS . GO

#GOSAFE

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Eva – After

RE-ENGINEERING OUR CITIES

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Triton KnollThe site investigation, which focused specifically on the onshore element of the electrical system linking the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm to the national grid, posed many logistical challenges. The project team – led by Clive Lange, Ian Boyle and Chris Bradley – had to liaise closely with local landowners and the Triton Knoll project land agent to ensure that any adverse impact of the investigation on crops across a large area of agricultural land was minimised.

Project BackgroundThe Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm would be located in the southern North Sea, approximately 32km off the Lincolnshire coast and 50km off the coast of North Norfolk. In 2004, the project became the largest Round 2 offshore wind farm to be awarded a licence by The Crown Estate, and it is being developed as a joint venture between Innogy Renewables UK Ltd (innogy) (50%) and Statkraft (50%), with innogy managing the project on behalf of the partnership. With up to 900MW installed export capacity, the wind farm would have the potential to power approximately 800,000 UK homes once fully operational.

A Development Consent Order (DCO) for the offshore array was granted by the Secretary of State in July 2013, while consent for the electrical system was granted in September 2016.

Health And Safety InnovationFrom the very first day of the investigation, the team brought technical innovation to the project. Thermal resistivity values for the soils surrounding the cable are amongst the geotechnical parameters that influence the design of a cable to enable effective power transfer. Resistivity probing

at selected depths up to 4m below ground level in trial pits was originally scheduled, and the team adapted the probe so it could be used from the surface. This removed the need for pits to be supported or battered back; kept all staff at ground level; and reduced the size needed for each excavation, thus reducing the impact made on the land.

The site also piloted the use of the company’s new TAG IT reporting system. By filling out a TAG IT card and putting it into a collection box, anyone on site can anonymously report any Health and Safety issues they witness. According to Geotechnics’ Health and Safety Manager Michael Coates, “The TAG IT observation cards used on the Triton Knoll project proved very successful in helping to improve the safety culture on site, and were used by everyone from the client to the site technicians to highlight positive observations and areas where Health and Safety could be improved”.

We were proud to be one of the sponsors for ICE West Midlands’ Re-Engineering Our Cities conference at Coventry University in September. Geotechnics’ Len Threadgold chaired the event, which saw leading academics, practitioners, local authorities, public bodies and two former ICE presidents come together to share their thoughts on how we can deal with construction legacies and, whilst working in thriving cities, prepare them for future generations.

The keynote address was given by the University of Birmingham’s Professor Chris Rogers, who spoke about different visions for sustainable, resilient and liveable cities. This was followed by presentations on the challenges involved in maintaining and enhancing connectivity in Britain’s cities while still maintaining existing services. Two former ICE Presidents discussed energy types, supplies

and networks, as well as the management of flood risk and public expectations.

The architect Glenn Howells focussed on building for an evolving city; Simon Hinsley of Severn Trent Water on securing resilient water supplies in the West Midlands; and, of particular relevance to the geotechnical community, David Entwisle of the BGS talked about the establishment of a usable database on geology and ground conditions in cities, based on the AGS Format.

Other presentations looked at what re-engineering and regenerating could mean on a local level. Speakers included Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, and Coventry City Council’s Colin Knight, who talked about the area’s recent regeneration.

#GOSAFE

Unprecedented flooding across Calderdale in West Yorkshire saw streets submerged beneath the water. In early January, as part of Calderdale Council’s work to keep Calderdale moving for residents, businesses and visitors, Geotechnics carried out ground investigation work at three different sites which had all suffered as a result of the weather.

The A646 at Falling Royd in Mytholmroyd had been reduced to one lane when a concrete beam supporting the carriageway had slipped downhill, causing the carriageway to crack. To investigate the impact of the severe weather on the ground conditions, two boreholes were completed in the carriageway using a combination of dynamic sampling and rotary techniques. To gain further information, groundwater monitoring equipment and inclinometers were used. Working in partnership with Calderdale Council, the repair work on the road was completed at the start of October 2016 and both lanes are now open to traffic.

Meanwhile, the A6026 at Salterhebble was threatened by a scour hollow

located near a wing wall of the bridge over the Hebble Brook. A single cable percussion borehole was drilled in the field adjacent to the scour hole to gather geotechnical data for the design of the remedial works.

The third site was at Midgley Road in Mytholmroyd, which had been reduced to signalised one way due to a landslip. A single borehole was sunk through the carriageway using a combination of dynamic sampling and rotary techniques, with optical imaging of the borehole carried out with wireline tools prior to backfilling.

Since our initial response in January, several issues caused by flooding have been addressed, including a multi-phase ground investigation at the collapsed Copley Bridge.

The flood recovery works were financed by Department for Transport flood recovery funding following Storm Eva.

Adrian Stevens, North East Regional Manager said, “I am proud of the involvement of the North East Regional team of Geotechnics in the repair of the damage done by Storm Eva across the local area”.

›› On Boxing Day 2015, Storm Eva wreaked havoc across Yorkshire. When people should have been celebrating the Christmas holidays, extremely heavy rain caused the level of the local rivers to rise and much of the region was flooded. With a dramatic bridge collapse and road closures, Geotechnics had to work fast to help put things right again.

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Newtown – New Bypass

›› There have long been plans to create a bypass to alleviate congestion near Newtown, Mid Wales, in the light of extensive work on identifying traffic problems dating back to 1969. In the mid-2000s, the Welsh Government commissioned an independent study which identified the preferred route.

The route lies to the south of the town and runs for 5.6km. Starting at the flood plain of the River Severn, it extends eastwards over low, north facing slopes of the Severn Valley. The route crosses undulating sidelong ground and a number of steep valleys and minor streams, as well as going under the main Cambrian railway line to the east of the Dyffryn Industrial Estate.

The route also passes through or near 8 BGS reported landslide areas, though these do not appear to be actively moving. Localised areas of shallow hillside creep have been noted here, and deeper instability may also be encountered. It is also reported that thin layers of bentonite clay may be encountered within otherwise competent bedrock that could play a part in deeper seated instability.

The aim of the investigation was to provide further geotechnical information for the detailed design and construction of the bypass. A previous ground investigation had found little or no superficial and drift deposits. However, it soon became apparent that there could be at least 10m of superficial deposits including cobbles, boulders and clays. Our team was able to mobilise a cable percussive rig at short notice to bore through the drift before rotary rigs were used to core the rock.

In total, the team completed 22 boreholes up to 36m in depth. Downhole televiewer logging took place in 4 of the holes, and installation of monitoring wells or inclinometer casing was undertaken in selected holes. A further 20 trial pits were dug by machine.

Paul Hayes, North West Regional Manager said, “By talking to one another and getting round the table with the client and the consultant, we found a solution together and tailored the right rig and techniques to the ground conditions encountered.

By understanding the client’s needs, talking the same language and being flexible, making the right kit and experienced staff available, we were able to provide iterative real-time assessment of ground conditions to feed directly into the client’s design”.

To prepare improvements to their water supply system, United Utilities commissioned a site investigation near this English Heritage site that dates back to the Neolithic age. Castlerigg Stone Circle is thought to have been constructed around 3000 BC, and stands in the middle of the picturesque Cumbrian mountains close to Helvellyn and High Seat. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the North West of England, with hikers coming from all over the globe to enjoy the glorious countryside.

With 15 boreholes to drill at depths of up to 135m near such a sensitive area, our North West team prepared carefully to conserve the

beautiful landscape. What is more, they took into account the needs of a range of local stakeholders: from nearby guest houses and farms to tourists and hikers.

To give just a sense of the scale of the team’s preparation, approximately 3.5km of aluminium trackway was used throughout the works to access borehole locations. This trackway helped to protect the ground as the drill crews moved between each location, and it provided a safe access route across the countryside too.

For each borehole, the team installed vibrating wire piezometers and diver loggers to record pore water pressures and groundwater levels. This vital data will help United Utilities understand more about the site and how they can design and optimise construction of the water supply tunnel which will pass beneath it.

RIGS AT CASTLERIGG

›› On all sites, Geotechnics does all it can to minimise any impact of investigation work on the local environment. Nowhere has this been more evident than on our work with United Utilities near the historic Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Making the Link

Going Round the Bends›› In January 2014, Somerset County Council declared a major incident after devastating floods hit the region. By this time, 17,000 acres of agricultural land had been submerged for over a month due to the winter storms. With regular flooding representing a significant risk to local livelihoods, the council decided that action needed to be taken. As part of the ongoing improvement of local flood defences, Team Van Oord asked us to investigate the site of a proposed scheme at the Cannington Bends.

Situated 3km to the north of Bridgwater, the proposed defences follow the River Parrett, with many of the exploratory holes positioned along a public footpath on the embankment. In addition, a number of trial pits were carried out at the location of a proposed borrow pit within an agricultural field. A further group of cable percussion and static cone penetrometer holes was also carried out at Stallington’s Clyce, to the south of the river, to investigate an existing slipped area of embankment.

Much of the cone testing work was undertaken using a 16 ton truck rig from Lankelma, which was particularly useful in the soft ground as it could adapt to different conditions by using wheels and/or tracks. The Geotechnics team used the rig to take Class 1 MOSTAP samples through the soft ground and thick alluvial deposits. Using Static Cone Penetration techniques, they probed 25m down onto the bedrock to get the valuable data which the council needs to design its future defences.

The team also installed instrumentation which enables the client to receive real-time information on the behaviour of the underlying ground conditions, including vibrating wire piezometers, magnetic extensometers and inclinometers. With this data, the council will still be able to monitor conditions long after we have left the site.

›› This summer, Geotechnics investigated the proposed course for a new road linking Plymouth’s Forder Valley Road to the Derriford Business Park. The road will travel across a range of terrain, including farmland and steep hills. Our South West team overcame a number of challenges to successfully complete 19 boreholes along the route using a combination of percussive dynamic sampling and rotary coring techniques.

As the proposed road will cross an environmentally sensitive area, we needed to work with an ecologist to conduct a fingertip search for invasive species. This time intensive process involved cutting down the grass which we would travel across, in order to facilitate the search and be sure the work would not disturb local wildlife. To ensure the process was carried out efficiently, the team had to map out the exact course the rigs would take before they got to site. This preparation and foresight meant that the searches could be as effective as possible.

Steep slopes in the south east of the course restricted access to some borehole locations. Temporary earth platforms were prepared by cutting and filling. Once each hole had been drilled and backfilled, the team were careful to ensure that the site was returned as close as possible to its original condition.

We also had to liaise with local landowners to facilitate access to certain areas; again ensuring that any impact was minimised.

In addition, the team drilled two exploratory boreholes through existing road surfaces. To ensure the safety of everyone on site, we worked at night (meaning a minimum of disruption) and managed the traffic flow.

In the face of all these challenges, the works were successfully completed on time. Anne Simpson, South West Regional Manager said, “Our team on site dealt with a number of factors that could have caused undue delays to the fieldwork programme. These included liaising with ecologists who cleared areas

ahead of plant operations, unexploded ordnance specialists who scanned the ground ahead of commencing excavations, landowners to ensure permissions were in place (and cattle safely out of the way) for us to access their land; and of course negotiating the British weather, which made plant movement on slopes difficult”.

This project was undertaken for Amey on behalf of Plymouth City Council for the FVLR scheme. This has been funded through Plymouth City Council, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and the Department for Transport.

For more information on our work in the South West, please email Regional Manager Anne Simpson at asimpson@geotechnics.co.uk

›› From 1 June 2017, the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation will mean that Geotechnics will start using new labels to classify the chemicals that we work with. The new labels have been adapted from the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System, so that workers all over the world can immediately understand the risks and responsibilities that come with handling any given chemical.

The new labels are very similar to the ones we have used in the past, but there are some important changes to be noted. For one, the old ‘harmful/ irritant’ symbol has now been changed. Rather than a black cross, an exclamation mark pictogram will be used on any substances which could present a hazard to health. All the symbols now appear in white diamonds with red borders, rather than the old orange boxes.

In addition, each substance will now have either ‘Danger’ or ‘Warning’ written on the label, unless it is deemed to be of such low hazard that it will not require one.

• Danger = more severe hazards

• Warning = less severe hazards

To comply with the new regulation, all chemicals used across the company will be re-labelled. This process will be completed in the laboratory, on sites and at all four offices around the UK in time for the change in the law.

CoventryThe Geotechnical Centre203 Torrington AvenueTile HillCoventry CV4 9AP024 7669 4664mail@geotechnics.co.uk

ChesterThe Geotechnical CentreUnit 1B, Borders Industrial Park River Lane, SaltneyChesterCH4 8RJ01244 671 117mail@chester.geotechnics.co.uk

ExeterThe Geotechnical Centre7 Pinbrook UnitsVenny BridgeExeterEX4 8JH01392 463 110mail@exeter.geotechnics.co.uk

YorkshireUnit 1Bypass Park EstateSherburn-in-ElmetYorkshireLS25 6EP01977 525 037mail@yorkshire.geotechnics.co.uk

For any enquiries regarding Geotopics or any of the projects we have worked on over the past year, please email marketing@geotechnics.co.uk

COSHH: SIGNS OF THE TIMES

Bowled Over Nicholas Bland, the son of David and Jackie Bland (the Midlands Regional Manager and IT Manager respectively), would like to thank Geotechnics for the support we provided him to attend his cricket academy’s tour to Dubai in October. Nic was one of nineteen players between 14 and 19 years of age selected to spend a week in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

The squad trained at some of the world’s best facilities, including the ICC Academy and the Dubai Sevens ground. They played four matches against strong local academy sides, some of which contained UAE U19 international players. Playing in 35°C+ temperatures, Nic scored heavily throughout and was proud to be named batsman of the tour.

For more information about this or other Health and Safety issues, please contact Michael Coates at mcoates@geotechnics.co.uk