News

Supporting the Aldous Bill

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Tags: Featured

The AGS have joined a confederation of almost 70 trade bodies and industry groups to back the so-called ‘Aldous Bill.’

The aim of the Aldous Bill (named after Peter Aldous MP who introduced it), is to change the practice of retentions and protect monies from insolvency; hopefully releasing millions of pounds back into the industry. To put it into perspective, the abuse of retentions has been abandoned by many other countries, including the USA, Germany, France, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Yet here in the UK, recent government research indicated that £700 million worth of retentions was lost as a result of insolvencies over the past three years. This means that for each working day, the construction industry is haemorrhaging almost £1 million of cash retentions.

This statistic alone justifies urgent intervention to ring-fence the monies, but in the aftermath of the Carillion liquidation, there is an unprecedented campaign from the industry calling on government to act. Proposals to stop the abuse of retentions have been made before, but in January 2018 the Aldous Bill passed its first reading unopposed and as we approach the second reading on April 27th ‘Aldous Bill’ has the broad backing of many industry associations, and cross-party support from over 100 MPs.

For further information, visit the BESA website.

News Data Management

Version 3.1 of the AGS Format to be retired from 8th March 2018

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Tags: AGS Data Format AGS Format 3.1 Featured

An earlier version of the digital data transfer format used to transfer ground investigation, laboratory testing and monitoring data rapidly between contributing parties to a geotechnical or geoenvironmental project will cease to be supported from 8th March 2018.

Version 3.1a of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) digital data transfer format, the so called ‘AGS Format’, was published in March 2005 and has been widely adopted within the ground engineering industry.

In May 2010 version 4 of the AGS Format was published, and has been gaining users and popularity since then. The latest 4.0.4 update was released in February 2017 in response to new laboratory industry standards and updated UK practice, and contains many features that are not available in the old 3.1 version.

The maintenance and updating of the AGS Format is carried out by a working group of volunteers. The decision to retire AGS 3.1 has been taken in order to allow the working group more time for future developments, and to speed up the response times to queries posted on the website.

Jackie Bland, Leader of the AGS Data Management Working Group said:

“This does not mean that industry colleagues will have to stop using the AGS 3.1 format, but it simply means that the working group will no longer respond to queries on 3.1 or its associated codes.

This should free up time to provide a swifter response to queries related to AGS4, which should now be the go-to choice for the efficient transfer of ground investigation, laboratory testing and monitoring data.”

Notes to Editors:
In 1991 the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) set up, and subsequently has supported, a Working Group to establish and maintain a digital data transfer format.

This format, known to many simply as ‘AGS Format’, has now been generally accepted as the most appropriate means to transfer ground investigation, laboratory testing and monitoring data rapidly between the contributing parties to a project that involves geotechnical or geoenvironmental elements.

Since its first publication in 1991 the AGS Format has become the de-facto industry standard for the reliable transfer of ground engineering data in the UK and has been adopted and adapted for use around the globe, including Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore and Australia.
The AGS Format enables transfer of geotechnical and geoenvironmental data in a digital form. It allows for the standardised representation of factual information, focusing on field and laboratory test results and monitoring data. AGS Format data are typically generated by a ground investigation specialist, a testing laboratory or on-site drilling crews and technicians and then shared with all project team members, be they designers, or contractors carrying out construction.

This team then uses the data without time consuming and expensive re-keying of data with the associated potential for errors or incomplete data entry.

Following completion of the project, the AGS Format data is easily archived and passed into the asset management sphere, for retrieval at a later date without requiring knowledge of the software used in its generation, or a requirement to have access to that software.

For more information contact:
Katie Kennedy
Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists
Forum Court, Office 205
Devonshire House Business Centre
29-31 Elmfield Road
Bromley
Kent BR1 1LT

Tel: +44 (0)20 8658 8212
Email: ags@ags.org.uk
Website: www.ags.org.uk

News Data Management

A New Era for AGS Data Format

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Tags: Featured

The AGS Data Format organisation is going through a period of change within AGS to ensure it can meet the demands of a digitalised industry. The way it is currently supported has to change. Jackie Bland explains…

The AGS Data Format stands as one of the most useful digital standards ever developed for our industry. It’s the product of collaboration between like-minded technical experts who all saw the need to share site investigation data in a standard way between their different organisations, irrespective of the software and people involved. Yet for many its purpose is unknown or not understood.

The AGS Data Format saw a group of enthusiasts come together with no budget and little dedicated time to create something that has become a defacto standard within the UK Site Investigation industry. Expanding on its UK success, it has been adopted abroad in countries such as Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. It anticipating the demands of digital construction (BIM) when it was created 25 years ago.

Throughout its life it has been maintained by the volunteers of the AGS Data Management Committee, with little or no budget towards its upkeep. Today we are rebuilding the technical infrastructure that sustains the Data Format to ensure that it will stand for the next 25 years. To support this invaluable work we have taken the decision to put it on a more sustainable footing financially so that we can safeguard it into the future.

The AGS publication ‘Electronic Transfer of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Data’ (AGS data format versions 1-4.0) has, to date, been maintained using a one-time fee for registered users. As the AGS Format’s use has grown, the process of responding to queries, extending the format and maintaining the website has become costly and time consuming which needed to be addressed.

While the publication itself will still be completely free to download and use. The AGS has decided that an annual fee should be payable as a contribution to its upkeep for those wishing to make regular use of data transferred in this way and to interact with the Data Management Group when proposing new codes and needing answers to queries.

From 2018, the annual fee for AGS member organisations is £50 + VAT and annual fee for non-member organisations is £150 + VAT.

From April 2018, the existing list of Registered Companies on the website will be cleared and only those organisations and individuals who have paid the fee for that year will be included in the revised list. A logo and certificate will be supplied annually by AGS to those who are registered for inclusion on their website, email and social media feeds to demonstrate their registration and involvement.

We would 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.

The benefits of being registered for AGS Data include:
• Ability to use the AGS Format for any application
• DOC and RTF versions of the Publication
• A copy of and the ability to use the AGS Data Logo on your SI reports and logs
• The AGS Data Dictionary in CSV or Excel format
• Company listing on the Registered list

Visit the AGS Data Format website here to become a registered user of AGS Data Format or email ags@ags.org.uk.

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AGS Magazine – January/February issue

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Tags: Featured

The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists are pleased to announce the January/February issue of their new bi-monthly publication; AGS Magazine. To view the magazine click HERE.

This free, bimonthly publication focuses on geotechnics, engineering geology and geoenvironmental engineering as well as the work and achievements of the AGS.

There are a number of excellent articles in this month’s issue including;

Expert Perspective on Contaminated Land – Page 10
Not all Office Insurance is the same – Page 14
Preventing Lyme Disease – Page 16
Q&A with Sally Hudson from Coffey Geotechnics – Page 18
AGS Guidance: Domestic Basement Construction – Page 22
Working Group Focus: Business Practice & Safety – Page 28

Advertising opportunities are available within future issues of the publication. To view rates and opportunities please view our media pack by clicking HERE.

If you have a news story, article, case study or event which you’d like to tell our editorial team about please email ags@ags.org.uk. Articles should act as opinion pieces and not directly advertise a company. Please note that the publication of editorial and advertising content is subject to the discretion of the editorial board.

Article News Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety

AGS Magazine – November/December issue

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Tags: AGS Magazine Featured November/December

The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists are pleased to announce the launch of their new bi-monthly publication; AGS Magazine. To view the magazine click here.

This free, bimonthly publication focuses on geotechnics, engineering geology and geoenvironmental engineering as well as the work and achievements of the AGS.

There are a number of excellent articles in this month’s debut issue including;

  • Laboratory Proficiency Testing – Page 6
  • PCBs: What are they? – Page 10
  • AGS Geotechnical Data Conference Review – Page 14
  • Q&A with Chris Swainston from Geotechnics – Page 17
  • AGS Guidance: Ground Investigation Reports – Page 28
  • Standards Update: November 2017 – Page 30

Advertising opportunities are available within future issues of the publication. To view rates and opportunities please view our media pack by clicking HERE.

If you have a news story, article, case study or event which you’d like to tell our editorial team about please email ags@ags.org.uk. Articles should act as opinion pieces and not directly advertise a company. Please note that the publication of editorial and advertising content is subject to the discretion of the editorial board.

News

BSI Shop – Affiliate Scheme

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Tags: Featured

The AGS are now part of the BSI affiliate scheme, which means the AGS will get a small amount of commission from any sales generated from the below link to the BSI shop.

Click here to visit the BSI shop. Please note this is an affiliate link.

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

 

News

Guidance for the Operation of Cable Percussion Rig and Equipment

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Tags: BDA news

The Guidance for the Operation of Cable Percussion Rig and Equipment which was driven by HS2 has been recently published by The British Drilling Association. The guidance sets the benchmark for people who wish to be involved in percussion cable rigs.

This publication was extensively revised and rewritten by the BDA in 2016. The guidance now covers all aspects of CP drilling, including safety (HSE have reviewed and endorsed) and is essential for anyone involved in operating, procuring, organising and supervising cable percussion (shell & auger) boring.

The guidance is free to BDA members and £150 for Non-Members.

Click here to purchase the guidance

News

John Litten of ESG

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Tags: news

ESG regret to inform that John Litten, Principal Engineer in Southam, died unexpectedly in the early hours of Friday 19 August. John had shown no signs of being unwell in the days prior to his death.

John worked with Exploration Associates before it became part of ESG and served a total of 19 years with the firm. Recognised within work for a phenomenal work rate and commitment to detail and outside of work for his keen cycling. John will be missed by his friends and colleagues in ESG and throughout the ground investigation industry.

John’s funeral will be held at on Friday 9th September starting 15:30 at the St Thomas-a-Becket Church, Main St, Skeffington, Leics, LE7 9YD. There will be a service in the Church immediately before the burial.

Refreshments have been arranged at the location below and all are welcome to assemble there after the service.

Fox & Hounds
Hallaton Rd,
Tugby
Leicester LE7 9WB

There will be many people who would like to attend and we welcome friends and associates from outside ESG.

Article News

Take the AGS-BDA Survey on Industry Standards

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Tags: AGS BDA Industry Standards news

The AGS and the BDA have collaborated to create a new taskforce to investigate what the UK Ground Investigation industry thinks of themselves particularly in relation to technical standards.

It is very much hoped that many people within the UK GI industry, from all types of organisation and at all levels, will now choose to participate in the survey linked below and in the subsequent discussions. The survey will close on 31st August 2016.

Take the Survey

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AGS Members’ Day: 7th April 2016

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Tags: ALcontrol Laboratories ALS Environmental Barbican CH2M Tunnels and Earth Engineering Concept Derwentside Environmental Testing Services Dunelm Geotechnical & Environmental Ltd ELAB Envirolab Equipe Group Fugro Geolabs Limited Geotechnical Engineering Limited In Situ Site Investigation Ltd members day Soil Engineering Geoservices Structural Soils Ltd

The AGS is pleased to announce details of Members’ Day 2016, which is taking place on Thursday 7th April 2016 at the prestigious Barbican Centre in London.

This full day seminar will see a number of industry experts present on topics unique to their experience and expertise. This year we’re pleased to confirm presentations on subjects including the Shape of the Geotechnical Engineering Industry in 2025, Assessment and Management of Unexploded Ordnance Risk in the Marine Environment, The Accelerated Programme for the Moorgate Shaft, Geosynthetics, and Geodata Management on the HS2 Project so Far.

Full details of this year’s speakers can be viewed AGS Members’ Day Programme 2016

This year’s event is open to both Members and non-Members of the AGS. To confirm your attendance, please complete the AGS Members’ Day registration form and return it to ags@ags.org.uk before Friday 25th March. There is no cost for AGS Members to attend Members’ Day, however Non-Members will be required to pay £85 (plus VAT) per delegate.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please note that registration forms received after Friday 25th March will not be accepted.

The AGS are pleased to announce that the following companies have sponsored this years event;

ALcontrol Laboratories is Europe’s largest independent provider of accredited laboratory testing services for the environmental industry, with over thirty years of global experience. They provide a range of tests including the following: TPH, PAHs, VOCs, phenols, PCBs, pesticides, metals and WAC testing.
www.alcontrol.com

ALS Environmental is a world-class analytical testing company supplying a wide range of expert services to the remediation and investigation markets. As an organisation ALS can provide you with UKAS and MCERTS accredited laboratory testing, in-field, real-time analysis and OnSite monitoring including sampling and Environmental Field Chemists.
www.alsenvironmental.co.uk

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.
www.ch2m.com

Concept specialises in the geotechnical, geoenvironmental and structural site investigation sector. We were formed some 18 years ago. Since formation we have grown to occupy a prominent role in our sector. In 2014 Concept were awarded both the prestigious Ground Engineering Award for the Best Ground Investigation Specialist in the UK and also the ICE London Civil Engineering Award for Greatest Contribution in recognition of the quality of the service we provide.
www.conceptconsultants.co.uk

Derwentside Environmental Testing Services offer a wide range of high quality accredited analytical testing services for the environmental, construction, waste, fuel and engineering industries. Our range of testing services cover the analysis of Land, Groundwater, Effluents, Waste & Gases, Fuels & Biomass, and Asbestos.
www.dets.co.uk

Dunelm Geotechnical & Environmental Ltd have 50 years’ experience as leaders in the field of ground investigation. Having complete accreditation for Quality, Environment and Health and Safety, our clients are afforded a first class service. Our highly qualified, experienced staff and in-house drilling services deliver an efficient and flexible service to all our clients.
www.dunelm.co.uk

ELAB specialises in the testing of soil, water and leachate samples as well as providing environmental monitoring equipment hire. Our analytical services cover inorganics and organics analysis, geotechnical chemical testing, metals analysis, as well as asbestos identification/quantification, waste characterisation testing and waste acceptance criteria (WAC). ISO 17025 accredited laboratories.
www.elab-uk.co.uk

Envirolab provides laboratory services spanning a broad organic and inorganic portfolio. Our reputation for excellence is built on continually providing our clients with reliable results delivered on time and within budget. Our UKAS and MCERTS accreditations guarantee our commitment to quality. We are the utterly reliable analytical laboratory.
www.envlab.co.uk

Incorporating Equipe Training and Equipe Geosolutions, the Equipe Group are at the forefront of the sustained development and growth of the geotechnical and drilling sectors. Equipe Training offer NVQs, industry specific Health and Safety training, along with geotechnical and drilling courses, whilst Equipe Geosolutions provide new, ground-breaking technologies such as KeyLogbook and SAFER-G.
www.equipegroup.com

Fugro is a leading international provider of geo-intelligence and asset information. Geotechnical capability includes a full range of terrestrial and marine in situ and laboratory based ground investigation services supported by a comprehensive geospatial and consultancy capability.
www.fugro.com

Geolabs Limited are a wholly independent testing-only company, providing soil, rock and aggregate laboratory testing services since 1995. Geolabs ensure a high quality, UKAS accredited service, for a wide range of tests with staff having a combined total of 400+ years of testing experience.
www.geolabs.co.uk

Geotechnical Engineering Limited was incorporated in 1961 and remains the largest privately owned ground investigation contractor in the UK. We provide an integrated service of utility surveying, drill rigs, insitu testing, laboratory testing and engineering services.
Our large fleet of drill rigs includes our in-house developed slope climbing P45s, P60s and P45K rigs, providing quality site data to the construction industry.
www.geoeng.co.uk

In Situ Site Investigation Ltd is a specialist geotechnical and geo-environmental site investigation company, which specialises in the use of Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) techniques and other related pushing technologies. We also offer a full range of pressuremeter testing services including cone pressuremeter, self-boring pressuremeter and high pressure dilatometer.
www.insitusi.com

Soil Engineering Geoservices is an award winning company and one of the largest providers of geotechnical site investigation, drilling & grouting and geotechnical laboratory services in the UK.
The business operates nationally offering both land and marine services from three offices at Leeds, Cleland in Scotland and Camberley, Surrey.
www.soil-engineering.co.uk

Structural Soils Ltd is a site investigation contractor with offices in Bristol, Castleford , Hemel Hempstead and Glasgow. The company’s has over 50 years of experience provides a sound knowledge of all aspects of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. As the company operates various boring and drilling rigs and associated equipment, an investigation can be designed to suit the client’s requirements and to obtain information in the most efficient manner.
www.soils.co.uk

News Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety

- by
Tags: Ground Engineering Awards

The Ground Engineering Awards is back and celebrating nine years of showcasing the very best in the industry.

Entries are now open and you have until 29 January 2016 to tell us why you are the best at what you do, so what are you waiting for?

There are 13 enterable categories representing the diverse range of skills and attributes needed to deliver cutting-edge ground engineering to ensure there is an appropriate route to showcase all of your achievements. This may be your work on a project of which you are particularly proud, a fantastic new training initiative or simply a first-class new business idea that sets you apart from your competitors.

Plus, a new category for this year: Geoenvironmental Project of the Year.

View details of all categories here

You don’t have to finish your entry right away, so why not get started now and submit when you’re ready? Add the entry deadline to your calendar here to make sure you complete the process on time!

Good luck!