The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Quarterly Committee Meeting took place on 6th February 2025.
Key Updates & Actions:
- – Concrete Blockage Reporting – Continued focus on tracking and preventing concrete blockages. The reporting QR code has been recirculated to increase participation. Data suggests that most blockages occur on the first load, highlighting potential causes such as inadequate flushing or mix inconsistencies.
- – FPS Audit – 18 members scheduled for audits. Feedback from members has been positive.
- – Digital Database – Work has commenced on building a database of FPS member’s projects to facilitate pile reuse in the long term and to support potential clients in identifying who has experience working in the localised ground conditions.
- – Safety, Plant & Operations Committee – A new chair is still required. Key objectives for 2025 include enhanced safety alert reporting, improving committee engagement, and addressing inconsistencies in plant operator certification.
- – Carbon Reporting & Sustainability – Focus on improving data collection and reporting quality. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is expected to have a significant impact.
- – Early Careers Group (ECG) – Efforts underway to improve engagement and participation. Upcoming site visits and collaboration with ICE and BGA planned.
- – Technical Updates – Progress on Eurocode developments, working platform improvements, and reinforcement cage design. Additional sites required for lightweight deflectometer trials.
- – Sonic Logging & TIP Testing – Further site participation needed for trials. Blind tests proposed to assess accuracy and refine testing methodology.
- – Sustainability by Design – Proposed restructuring of documentation to enhance accessibility and usability.