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AGS Magazine Media Pack

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

Launching in November 2017, the magazine will focus on geotechnics, engineering geology and geoenvironmental engineering as well as the work and achievements of the AGS. The publication will also look at a range of topical issues, insights and concerns, whilst publishing new guidance notes, working group activities and provide information on upcoming conferences and industry seminars.

With over 5,400 subscribers, the audience demographic includes industry professionals including practitioners, chartered specialists, senior decision makers and managing directors.

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

PCBs: What are they, and which Suite do I need for my Site Investigation?

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By David Bowen, Senior Chemistry Supervisor at TerraTek

There are 209 Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) congeners, named in simple terms using BZ numbers, ranging from BZ#1 (2-Chlorobiphenyl) to BZ#209 (2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’,6,6’-Decachlorobiphenyl).
Of these 209 congeners however, only the EC7 and WHO12 congeners are routinely tested for by commercial environmental testing laboratories. So why only these 18 congeners (one congener, BZ#118, appears in both suites) you may ask? And what about the other 191? Furthermore, which of these PCB suites would be the most suitable for your site investigation?
Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are Biphenyl organic compounds, C12H10, with the hydrogen atom substituted by a Chlorine atom. There can be from one to ten substituted atoms, C12H10-nCln (where n= 1 to 10). Depending on the number and position of the Chlorine atom/s around the Biphenyl, denotes which congener the PCB is, and named accordingly.


Figure 1. PCB structure

Commercial production of PCB mixes (e.g. Aroclors) began in the early 1930’s up until the 1970-80’s when they were phased out due to environmental concerns. PCBs are particularly useful for their electrical insulation properties, low flammability, and stability. Subsequently, they were used in transformer oils, coolants, paints, and flame retardants, to name just a few. Unfortunately, also due to these properties, they pose a significant risk to the environment, and were classified as one of the initial 12 Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm convention1. According to the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) 2 however, only 130 of the 209 PCB congeners have been reported in commercial Aroclor mixes and environmental samples.
PCBs can be sub-divided into two categories; the coplanar and non-coplaner congeners.
The co-planer congeners either have a single or no Chlorine atoms substituted for a Hydrogen in the ortho position (figure 1. A single or no Cl in position 2, 2’, 6 or 6’) on the phenyl rings. They are dioxin like in character, there are twelve of them, and are recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as being used to determine Toxicity Equivalent Factors (TEFs) in relation to the most toxic dioxin 2,3,7,8-Tertrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Health risks include reproductive and developmental toxicity, and / or immune suppression.3
The non-coplaner congeners have more than one Chlorine atom substituted for a Hydrogen in the ortho position on the phenyl rings. These congeners are considered to be less toxic, as they do not bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor which causes the health effects associated with the dioxin like PCBs. However, they are still toxic, and have shown to elicit neurological, endocrine and immunological effects, and are 4% more abundant in soil and 5% more in food, than the dioxin-like PCBs.3
So which PCB suite would you select for a site investigation?


Figure 2. Site investigation

A WHO-12 PCB suite is used to monitor the TEFs of dioxin-like-PCB compounds for a site investigation of human health risk assessments. If a site analysis was restricted to only the WHO-12 PCBs however, it is worth remembering that they are less abundant in the environment than the non-dioxin-like PCBs, and only make up by weight <4% of the commercial Aroclor mixtures produced. Therefore, even if a negative result for the WHO-12 PCBs is received, the site could still potentially contain a significant amount of the non-dioxin-like congeners. The PCB 7 suite was initially selected by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) as a PCB screen for monitoring biota and sediment samples, and became a mandatory requirement of the OSPAR Co-ordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme (CEMP).4 Subsequently, this became the recommended suite by the European Union Community Bureau of Reference for monitoring PCBs, and was also specified and a limit assigned in the UKs Landfill Directive for Waste Acceptance Criteria. These seven PCBs were selected as indicators as they make up ~20% by weight of PCBs in commercial mixtures3, they have a wide chlorination range, and one dioxin-like congener is included (BZ118). They are more likely to be found in environmental samples and at higher concentrations compared to the WHO-12.
Figure 3. A PCB 7 suite is routinely requested for sites containing Electrical sub-stations and transformers.

To cover all the PCBs present, an Aroclor matching total PCB suite could be performed. This covers all PCBs present and are quantified against the nearest matching Aroclor standard, although does not identify individual congeners and LODs are very high compared to the PCB7 and WHO12 screens.
So which suite should you select? Ultimately, the historical use of the site and the subsequent risk assessment of it would dictate the choice. Regardless of this however, the advantages of requesting a PCB-7 and a WHO-12 together cannot be underestimated in providing a full indication of the PCB contamination present at trace levels if any. Alternatively, if only a PCB-7 suite was requested, and the dioxin-like-congener (BZ#118) was found, an additional WHO-12 PCB test would be advantageous in assisting in the risk assessment process.

References:
1. Stockholm Convention, http://chm.pops.int/TheConvention/ThePOPs/The12InitialPOPs/tabid/296/Default.aspx
2. European Food Safety Authority, ‘Results of the monitoring of non dioxin-like PCBs in food and feed’, EFSA Journal 2010, 8, 1701; http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/1701.pdf
3. RSC, Environmental Chemistry Group, Bulletin, January 2014
4. ICES, Techniques in Marine Environmental Sciences, Determination of PCBs in Sediment and Biota, No.53, July 2013

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

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

News

BSI Shop – Affiliate Scheme

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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 Loss Prevention

Not all Office Insurance is the same

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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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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

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