Making the switch to intelligent cat’s eyes

Switch Island in Merseyside is to benefit from the introduction of intelligent cat’s eyes.

Highways England is installing some 170 innovative new cat’s eyes at Switch Island, which is one of England’s busiest motorway junctions where the M57, M58 and three A roads converge, as part of a £3M project to improve safety. The new LED road studs, or intelligent cat’s eyes, light up in response to changing traffic lights. This will be the first time the technology has been used at a motorway junction to improve safety for the 90,000 vehicles that use the junction every day.

The new technology has already been installed at Hindhead Tunnel in Surrey, guiding drivers through the tunnel, but the Switch Island scheme will be the first time they have been linked to traffic lights at a motorway junction.

The LED road studs light up when traffic lights turn green so drivers can clearly see which lane they should follow. Cables under the road surface connect them to traffic lights through a nearby automatic controller unit. Visible up to 1,000m away, the new studs are far greater than traditional reflective cat’s eyes, and have been proven to help stop drivers drifting between lanes, reducing the risk of collisions.

Phil Tyrrell, Project Manager at Highways England, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to further improve journeys and safety for drivers, and I hope the new intelligent cat’s eyes will help better guide drivers around Switch Island.

“The innovative light-up road studs along with the other improvements we’re introducing will make it much easier to navigate the junction, benefitting the tens of thousands of drivers who travel through it every day.”

Work to improve congestion at Switch Island is due to start in February, and is being funded by the government’s £220M congestion relief programme. The scheme will take around a year to complete and is designed to improve the flow of traffic and enhance safety, following 49 collisions at the junction in the past two years. New traffic lights will be installed at a height of over five metres – higher than HGVs and double-decker buses – so that drivers approaching the junction can clearly see when the lights are changing.

Further improvements will see changes to the road layout and lane markings, new barriers between carriageways, coloured high friction surfaces and better signs. While a new 400m shared cycle path will be created through the junction, linking up with the existing cycle path alongside the A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road.

Jerry McConkey, Sefton Council’s Transportation and Highway Infrastructure Service Manager, said: “We have worked closely with Highways England and Merseyside Police to look at the issues at Switch Island and develop improvement proposals.

“As a result, we are delighted that these important safety measures are about to be introduced with Highways England implementing the latest technology solutions. This will further improve safety and give drivers a much higher level of confidence when negotiating this busy junction.”

The new intelligent cat’s eyes which are being installed at Switch Island were designed by Oxfordshire-based company Clearview Intelligence. Managing Director Nick Lanigan said: “The introduction of intelligent road studs, reacting to traffic light changes on a busy roundabout is a continuation of the traditional cat’s eye legacy but takes advantage of new technology available. The new studs have been proven to reduce lane transgression by over 50% in certain conditions so it’s a great way to help improve the safety for all road users.”

 

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Midlands to maximise HS2 benefits

Official Project Partner: Midlands Connect

The government, Midlands Connect and East Midlands Council have agreed a number of priorities which will help maximise the economic benefits HS2 will bring to the region.

 

These include a commitment to the partial opening of the East Midlands Hub Station in Toton, several years before HS2 arrives in 2033.

Between them, four key outcomes were agreed during a meeting between the Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling and representatives of Midlands Connect and East Midlands Councils in Nottingham.

All parties have agreed to work towards:

• Partially opening the East Midlands Hub station at Toton in the 2020s, at least for Network Rail services, to support and stimulate the development of the planned Innovation Campus nearby, which has the potential to create 10,000 new jobs;
• Early delivery of road infrastructure around the Hub to support the early phases of the Innovation Campus;
• Relocating the Network Rail/DB Cargo depot in Toton to another site within the East Midlands to facilitate the development of the Innovation Campus;
• Establishing an East Midlands “delivery body” to realise the potential of the Innovation Campus and associated Garden Village housing developments.

In addition to these four priorities, Midlands Connect and East Midlands Councils will continue to press for a link between the Midland Main Line and HS2 Phase 2b. This will ensure classic compatible trains can serve the north of England from the East Midlands. While all parties have also agreed that services on the Midland Main Line need to be improved, following the decision not to electrify the line between Kettering and Sheffield.

Commenting on the progress that’s been made, Midlands Connect Chairman Sir John Peace said: “We have said for a long time that more investment in transport and infrastructure in the East Midlands can have a transformative impact on its economy and the quality of life of the millions of people who live here. I’m therefore pleased that the Government is already in dialogue with the Midlands Connect team and East Midlands Councils to accelerate connectivity around the HS2 Hub station at Toton. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the region and I am looking forward to further meetings early in 2018 to keep up the momentum.”

Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said: “HS2 will become the backbone of our national rail network – supporting growth and regeneration, bringing passengers faster journey times and delivering an estimated 74,000 jobs and adding nearly £4Bn to the East Midlands economy by 2043.

“I welcome the ambitious growth strategy put forward by the East Midlands leaders to maximise the benefits of HS2 through the development of an Innovation Campus, garden settlements and better connections at Toton. We have also invested £25M to help Midlands Connect develop a transformational transport strategy, and will work with them on their proposals.”

It is hoped that by working more closely with the Government on the East Midlands Hub and Midland Main Line that regional communities and businesses will receive more certainty about the future of transport and infrastructure developments, to rebalance investment across the country.

As the transport pillar of Midlands Engine, Midlands Connect is contributing to achieving the ambition to add £54Bn billion to the Midlands and UK economies by 2030, powering post-Brexit growth, not just for the benefit of the Midlands but for the whole UK.

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Transform how you think about risk management

Within the construction industry, risk management ensures the successful achievement of project deliverables. It enables organisations to plan for uncertain and unexpected events, leading to better preparation and increased profit margins.

The real potential to getting the most out of your organisation requires using risk management proactively, using it to drive performance management and propel your business forward. The transformation that risk management brings is through a new mind set of strategic thinking. This is about moving away from short-term myopia towards encouraging medium-term stability through to establishing long-term resilience and positive change.

Risk management fosters confidence in the way your construction organisation operates. So, you can demonstrate the proactive, considered approach at the heart of your business. This can extend to managing organisational reputation too, working with internal and external stakeholders, from clients and auditors through to shareholders.

Develop a risk management strategy

The construction industry faces a set of unique challenges around developing a risk management strategy. One of the biggest challenges is lack of a risk decision-making structure and lack of accountability. The lack – or even absence- of an open risk-aware culture, together with engaging all the involved parties, compounds the challenges within the sector.

The big picture here is building a successful risk management strategy that will improve your business’ performance. This has to start from the top – whatever the size of your business; a proactive risk management culture requires senior management sponsorship, so this is essential to success. Take proactive mitigation action where it’s most cost effective, and have sound fall-back plans in place. This exercise ensures you have that full understanding around risk and are well prepared. Agree and use meaningful metrics for monitoring the effectiveness of risk management. Build on lessons that have been learnt – from across the construction industry and within your own business – relevant to the context of your business and its aims.

Transition your risk culture

As with other industries, to transition your risk culture in construction, risk management must be part of your organisation’s overall planning and procedures, rather being a stand-alone document.

The more your organisation makes sound risk-based decisions e.g. which projects to bid for or decisions to ‘no bid’, the more you can demonstrate business confidence. Risk management offers a powerful approach to developing resilience to uncertainty and future change. Knowing you have a robust decision-making infrastructure in place means you can be confident that over the long-term it supports ongoing business performance.

From a cultural perspective, this is about rewarding people for making strategic risk-based decisions that bring benefits to the wider organisation. It’s a proactive approach that considers the short, medium and long-term view of risks – and opportunities.  Strong leadership and a commitment to engaging everyone in the organisation is a winning theme here. A step-change is the willingness to take known risks, as these are vital to progress and growth in your business.

Engage at all levels

This is one we invest a lot of energy in. A risk strategy can only be as successful as its ability to engage right across the business. At a recent roundtable, our customers stressed the importance of boosting engagement by recognising what makes people tick. By connecting to the human benefits that risk brings, to improve confidence and connection, instead of simply hitting people with scary data, you can tap into those opportunities and close the gap on risk engagement.

Engage your supply chain

In construction, risk management must be part of internal supply chain plans and procedures. This allows you to establish a clear and unambiguous risk management framework. Vitally, this will help such disciplines as logistics or procurement to easily integrate their internal systems with the risk register and effectively manage any relative uncertainties.

Engage your supply chain in proactive risk management. Encourage and incentivise them to demonstrate that they can deliver on great risk management practice, strengthening your ability to win and deliver long term business. Make sure that your supply chain isn’t going to let you down by failing to deliver the quality you expect, on time and to budget. Equally making sure they share your business practices will minimise any threats to your reputation.

Successful delivery is dependent on the weakest link in the chain and all too often we see supply chains let customers down. Engagement, due diligence and making your supply chain part of the positive, opportunity management side will really boost the way your business operates.

Article supplied by Val Jonas, Risk Decisions.

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Major transport schemes underway in West Midlands

Official Project Partner: West Midlands Combined Authority

Top government officials have been given a tour of several major transport schemes currently underway across the West Midlands.

 

More than 100 senior Department for Transport (DfT) managers, including Permanent Secretary Bernadette Kelly, travelled from Whitehall to Birmingham for the regional tour. Guests were welcomed by Mayor for the West Midlands Andy Street, who chairs the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and is a keynote speaker at UK Infrastructure Show.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the transport arm of the WMCA, took the representatives around key schemes already under construction in the region and part funded by government, as well as other major project sites.

Between them, some of the schemes represent up to half a billion pounds worth of investment.

Laura Shoaf, managing director of TfWM, accompanied the permanent secretary on a tour of UK Central Hub, at the National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham Airport site. Here, they were met by Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands and leader of Solihull Council, Cllr Bob Sleigh and Huw Rhys Lewis, managing director of the Urban Growth Company who explained plans to transform Birmingham International railway station into a major transport hub.

The project aims to provide seamless connections to Birmingham Airport and the new HS2 Interchange Station by 2025, bringing together rail, tram and bus services, as well as private vehicles, taxis and bicycles.

Other projects visited by DfT officials were: the Midland Metro depot at Wednesbury, which was given government funding last November, here there are plans for a tram extension to Brierley Hill; and the Wolverhampton Interchange project, which involves a redevelopment of the city’s railway station and an extension of the existing tram line.

Cllr Sleigh said: “The West Midlands is enjoying a renaissance right now but we need to make sure we have a transport network that can not only meet the increasing needs of passengers and businesses but also help accelerate that economic growth.

“That’s why we will be spending £3Bn on new transport infrastructure over the coming decade to provide more tram and rail lines, better roads and more cycle routes.

“I’m therefore pleased we have been able to welcome Bernadette and her staff to the region and show them how these schemes make a real difference to people’s everyday lives.”

Bernadette Kelly said: “The Midlands is at the heart of the UK and its transport network. Modern, effective links are critical to driving forward the Government’s commitment to make the Midlands a powerful engine for economic growth, both regionally and across the country.

“We are improving connectivity, shortening journey times, reducing congestion and transporting people, ideas and goods. We are making every day journeys better and connecting lives, jobs and communities.

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Taking the complexity out of fall protection

Although health and safety has been given far greater priority over recent years, workplace injuries are still a concern. As reported in the most recent HSE (Health & Safety Executive) report – 2015/16 alone saw an estimated 621,000 non-fatal incidents and 144 deaths. Falls from height accounted for 26% of workplace accidents.

The personal cost can’t be quantified, but the cost to the UK economy is just under £5Bn annually. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of getting fall protection measures properly in place – both from the perspective of keeping people safe while they work and protecting reputation and resilience.

Andrew Pass is Global Engineering Manager for Fall Protection Engineered systems at MSA Safety – a company totally focused on providing the ultimate in safety solutions to ensure those working at height are doing so safely. MSA believes that success in fall protection is all about engineering integrity. Andrew is responsible for the continuous improvement of MSA’s portfolio, and here he explains how engineered simplicity is fundamental to success.

A tall order

There is no doubt that worksites are complex – and with many health and safety considerations, it is imperative that fall protection is a priority. From the harshest of construction environments to the highest telecomms tower or the smallest and deepest mine, there are a lot of variables to consider. This is why MSA Safety is constantly developing more effective solutions to meet ever changing demands.

This is no mean feat. With new designs and modern substrates, fall protection systems need the agility to perform when working on different, often lighter and more flexible, materials. Product innovation means being able to re-engineer products and systems to meet these needs while still maximising performance.

The basic rule underpinning fall protection is that nothing is left to chance. That means every new product or link in a fall protection system has to comply with stringent regulations, to ensure maximum safety. When structural materials change, so too do the forces at play if someone falls. Fall protection technology needs to continuously change to reflect these altered circumstances.

It’s not just different materials that need to be accounted for, it’s also changing working practices. A good example of this is the transmission tower. In the past, workers had to physically climb the structures to maintain them. Today, maintenance departments investigate and utilise MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) where appropriate, which need completely different fall protection solutions.

As these new solutions evolve it naturally means that more and more systems are being used for fall protection. This can lead to confusion when selecting an effective combination of products. Plus there is the increased risk associated with choosing non-compatible products. For this reason our skilled engineers create solutions that, while meeting complex needs, are still simple to understand and use.

When it comes to fall protection, ongoing evolution is imperative. Materials, designs and the built environment change constantly and this calls for a continuous cycle of newer and better products. All of these have engineered simplicity at their heart – simplicity of use, simplicity of choice, simplicity of peace of mind. It’s what gets workers safely home to their families every night. It’s what V-Series is all about. And it’s our message to the industry – get your engineering right, and everything else will fall into place.

 

 

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Why, as Carillion collapses, we must look back to the future

Simon Halewood, PR Account Director at Beattie Communications, says the disastrous collapse of Carillion must not be allowed to derail the vital modernisation of the construction industry.

At this point it remains impossible to calculate the damage and the fall-out from the liquidation of the UK’s second-biggest contractor Carillion – at around £1.5Bn in debt – with all of its 20,000 UK jobs at serious risk and suppliers and subcontractors owed a reported £2Bn.

While there can be no downplaying the surprise that a business, so intrinsic to so many UK-critical public infrastructure and private sector projects, could allow itself (or be allowed) to fall so embarrassingly, the construction industry itself simply cannot afford to let its hard-fought post-recession recovery falter now.

This is an industry brought to its knees by the 2008 financial crisis, yet one which managed to survive and adapt by becoming leaner and smarter. Enormous barriers to change remain but pioneering companies – those with forward thinking and careful managers – daring to champion innovations such as the use of offsite manufacturing and the collaborative use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), have made huge strides to drag the industry kicking and screaming up to date in order to survive.

It is not to say that Carillion, or its sub-contractors, did not embrace innovative approaches to its projects – its thousands of talented and ambitious workers must be supported back into work urgently – but to say that in light of Carillion’s collapse, others cannot down tools in the push to modernise or this disaster will not end with Carillion.

As stories of Carillion’s faults continue to emerge – a Government inquiry into the disaster has been fast tracked by the Government, which, itself faces questions over its own decisions to continue to award contracts to the firm – they will surely do nothing but underline its industry’s perhaps archaic wider reputation.

It is an industry which has long reported difficulty attracting new talent perhaps down to its ‘macho culture’ reputation. The ‘skills gap’ remains a serious issue and sits side by side with the industry’s comparatively slow progress in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Stories like Carillion’s do not help.

There are still occasions when projects, of all shapes and sizes, will face delays and run over budget, but given the ever tighter budgets and operating profits, the industry has had to commit to change. It really does remain a case of adapt or die for the sector, and the only way to survive is to innovate to be the most efficient.

The industry now drastically needs to alter its approach to communications. In some corners, PR across the industry had long served no purpose except ‘to spin’, with releases notably full of back-slapping that you could cringe at a mile away. Crucially it’s an industry scared to shout about innovation for fear of being copied or having star performers pinched.

The advent of BIM and the ongoing adoption of collaborative efficient working practices between architects, designers, constructors, engineers, facilities managers and end-user clients, demonstrate that progress is being made.

The industry is changing and the parts that aren’t, be it at the top or bottom, are disappearing – not that that is of any consolation to those employed and giving their very best within failing companies. Finding these people jobs within the industry is of paramount importance.

Carillion’s public sector contracts will be re-tendered and the industry will face increasing scrutiny – and that is for the better because many are up to the challenge.  It is time to shout about the companies and those projects making an enormous difference to lives across the UK and those setting new standards across the world.

There are plenty of these success stories. Those companies working to transform and innovate could detoxify the UK construction industry. It is no longer an industry entirely adverse to change, but you might not know that.

Carillion’s failure is proof that the industry has no choice but to change and evolve, even having survived the recession. Championing evolution, efficiency and innovation is the only way to restore the industry’s standing, reputation and talent pool.

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NHBC reports rise in UK new home registrations

The NHBC has reported an increase in new home registrations for 2017, with more than 160,000 new homes registered to be built in the UK last year. The figures show an increase of 6% on 2016, according to NHBC’s latest new home statistics.

Throughout the year, some 160,606 homes were registered, up by some 8,500 homes in 2016, and the highest since the pre-recession levels of a decade ago.

The private sector showed the highest number of properties registered, at 3% (118,825 new homes) higher than 2017. The affordable sector has shown the sharpest increase, with 41,781 homes pushing the figures up 14% on 2017. This is also the highest yearly total for the sector since NHBC electronic records began 30 years ago.

Actual completion rates are also improving, increasing by 4% from 141,685 in 2016 to 147,278 last year.

Across the UK, nine out of 12 UK regions experienced an increase in registrations, with the East Midlands (+19% ;14,481), Wales (+19%; 5,470) and North West (+12%; 16,947) among the areas which saw noticeable growth.

2017 also showed the first increase in the capital since 2014, with a slight increase on 2016, with 17,850 units compared to 17,587.

Commenting on the statistics, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said: “Our figures show the market has delivered strong growth resulting in the highest new home figures for a decade and growth across the majority of the UK, including London for the first time since 2014.

“Looking ahead, NHBC will continue to work with the industry to help raise the standards of new homes. With 6% growth in the quantity of new home registrations, the focus on delivering quality for consumers remains critical.”

 

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London’s super sewer hits another milestone

Official Project Partner : Tideway

The mammoth task of creating London’s new super sewer is well underway with a key milestone recently completed.

 

This month saw the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) launch shaft excavated, at 60m deep, some 45,000cu m has been removed from the Kirtling Street site. In keeping with Tideway’s commitment to use the Thames to transport over 90% of materials to and from Tideway sites, the spoil was removed by barge along the river.

Works to begin construction of the walls of the shaft began in June last year, with excavation starting in late November. Preparations are now underway for the next phase of the project, which involves creating the lining of the launch tunnels, laying the groundwork for the TBMs to enter later this year.

Chris Darton, Tideway’s Central Delivery Manager, said: “Completing the shaft marks a major milestone in the delivery of the super sewer which will clean up the River Thames. The team worked tirelessly to complete the excavation and we are now looking forward to welcoming our giant Tunnel Boring Machines to site ahead of tunnelling starting later this year.”

Construction of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, a major infrastructure project which will tackle sewage pollution in the River Thames, has been divided into three sections – East, West and Central – with each section being built by a different joint-venture. The central section is being constructed by a joint venture of Ferrovial Agroman UK and Laing O’Rourke Construction.

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HS2 designs for Colne Valley viaduct

Official Project Partner : HS2 Ltd

Concept designs for the Colne Valley Viaduct have been released by HS2 Ltd.

 

The outline concept will help inform development of its final design, following engagement with local communities.

Colne Valley Viaduct is a vital connection amongst the HS2 plans and will have a large impact on the surrounding area. It is therefore important to HS2 Ltd to discuss with the community how it can be aesthetically designed into the landscape.

The concept was developed by independent specialists Knight Architects, working with Atkins, in consultation with the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel, and the HS2 Independent Design Panel, consisting of architects, designers and experts in sustainability.

The viaduct concepts explore a range of options and ideas for this technically demanding civil engineering project. It has been quite a demanding job to ensure the viaduct will be a sensitive and aesthetically pleasing addition to the Colne Valley, whilst addressing the technical requirements of the project. The area of the Colne Valley through which HS2’s route passes features a series of woods and lakes that developed when farming and quarrying ended, and sits alongside the Chiltern railway.

As with all infrastructure works along the HS2 corridor, the design has had to meet 14 key criteria, which were set by HS2 in consultation with the HS2 Independent Design Panel. These include whether the design fits the landscape, maintains views and landscape ‘flow’, is well proportioned and elegant.

Chair of the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel, Jim Barclay, said: “The construction of the Colne Valley HS2 viaduct will have a significant impact on the Colne Valley area. The Colne Valley Panel which is drawn from local stakeholders, is very pleased to have been consulted and through a series of workshops, Panel Members have been able to understand the design principles for the viaduct. The Colne Valley Regional Park Panel looks forward to further engagement with HS2 and Align over the actual viaduct design.

As well as the viaduct itself, the concept document also explores innovative ideas for additional elements such as transparent noise-reduction barriers with vertical lines which are visible to bats and wildfowl to reduce possible impacts, whilst creating a slimmer side profile of the viaduct.

Sadie Morgan, chair of the Independent Design Panel, said: “We are delighted that this imaginative and carefully-considered concept has been published, and can form the basis for wider discussions with the communities around the Colne Valley and all those who value and use the spaces and amenities within it.

“The Independent Design Panel will continue to work hard to ensure that the viaduct’s final design respects its location and communities, whilst being a shining example of great design that Britain can be proud of.”

HS2 programme director, Mike Hickson, said: “The Colne Valley viaduct will be one of the longest viaducts in the UK, and one of HS2’s best-known structures. We are pleased and grateful for the work done by Knight Architects, the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel and the HS2 Independent Design Panel to produce this potential scheme design. We have every confidence that our contractor, Align, will continue this collaborative approach and engagement, as they now develop their own scheme and then detailed design of this significant structure.”

Construction partner Align will be responsible for developing the final design and constructing the viaduct according to technical specifications and within an agreed budget.

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3 Key Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning

If you’re a contractor looking to step up your tech game in the highly-competitive construction industry, 3D laser scanning could be the next logical step towards making your jobs more efficient— saving you time and money.

 

How Does It Work?

3D laser scanning emits millions of laser lights and by timing their return, can accurately and precisely calculate their 3D locations, to produce multiple high-speed scans, brought together into one system. It works by digitally capturing the dimensions and spatial relationships of objects using the reflection of a laser light.

The technology has a wide array of jobsite applications, including:

• Pre-construction as-builts
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Virtual Design Construction (VDC)
• Quality Control during construction
• Comparing design intent to as-built conditions

When objects or existing site conditions are scanned, millions of data points are recorded (invisible to the human eye) and the result is an accurate depiction of the scanned site or object. This accurate depiction is called a point cloud.

Point cloud data goes into a common reference system where it’s merged into a complete model. This process is called alignment or registration, and dozens of scans can quickly be stitched together. The 3D CAD Model created from the point cloud can then aid in extending BIM workflows.

Why Would You Need It?

3D laser scanning is quickly becoming the norm in the AEC industry. In fact, technology is advancing much faster than the industry itself. According to KPMG’s Global Construction Survey from 2016, the industry is yet to fully embrace technology, and just over 20% of respondents said they’re changing their business models to accommodate this rapid growth. In addition, data volume is rising quickly, causing most executives and project owners to struggle to make sense of the information. The result is an industry far behind others in adopting the latest tech.

The bright side? A small group of contractors now have the advantage.

Since much of the industry has struggled to adopt even the most basic technology, firms that do are catapulted well above the competition. With the ability to capture data at one million points per second, with a scan time of only three minutes, adopting 3D laser tech is a great first step.

Although the benefits go beyond just three, the video below will give you a good idea of how scanning technology can catapult your firm well above the competition.

3 Key Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning

1. Speed, Accuracy, and Consistency

3D laser scanning enables a fast and accurate means of collecting millions of measurable data points in seconds to provide pinpoint accuracy, every time.

2. Valuable Data for Design

Datasets are dimensionally accurate, measurable, and shareable, so you can eliminate any guesswork back at the office.

3. Works on Retrofits and New Builds

For detailed MEP installations, you need a high level of accuracy. If your project is complex, involves retrofits, or requires refurbishment, you can capture precise data over the full measurement range.

This article was prepared by Trimble, a leading provider of  products and services that connect the physical and digital worlds.

Source: http://mep.trimble.co.uk

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Elizabeth Line roundels installed

Official Project Partner: TfL

Stations along the Elizabeth line have been transformed with the addition of the first iconic purple roundels.

 

The stations are now taking shape and the identification Elizabeth line roundels have been put in place with 11 months to go until the opening of the new railway

The original roundels were installed 110 years ago at St James’s Park Underground station, and the latest incarnation of Transport for London’s (TfL’s) historic design has begun to make an appearance across London’s newest railway. The first new roundels have been installed at the Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Custom House stations in a significant milestone for Europe’s largest infrastructure project.

When it launches, towards the end of the year, the Elizabeth line is set to redefine transport in London with quicker, easier and more accessible journeys. Construction is entering its final stages and a phased opening of the line will begin in December, when ten new state-of-the-art stations, all step-free, will open.

Val Shawcross, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “The Elizabeth line will truly transform travel across London and the South East. The installation of the roundels incorporating TfL’s iconic design shows how close we are now to the line opening, with new stations right at the heart of central London.

“The new roundels also show the huge benefits that Crossrail has provided to the economy all across the UK. With businesses involved from Exeter, Glasgow and the Isle of Wight, it shows once again that Crossrail is a project that will not just benefit Londoners, but is benefitting the whole country.”

Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “No other city is as defined by its transport system as London. The roundel is at the heart of our heritage, guiding Londoners and visitors to our city for over 100 years.

“Our state-of-the-art new railway, the Elizabeth line, will balance cutting edge engineering with the familiarity of traditional TfL design. Introducing the next generation of roundels to our stations brings us one step closer to the launch of the Elizabeth line this December.”

Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive, said: “Transport for London’s famous roundel has been updated for the Elizabeth line with installation now underway as part of the architectural fit-out of the new stations in central London and Docklands. The manufacture and installation of the Elizabeth line roundels by specialist suppliers from across the UK is another important milestone in the delivery of London’s newest railway.”

The TfL roundel is among the most recognised and imitated logos in the world. The newest addition to the roundel family – the purple Elizabeth line roundel – has been carefully designed to ensure it is visually distinctive from the London Underground and London Overground lines.

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Construction set for growth worldwide

A resurgence in US construction is set to support a robust run of growth for the sector worldwide, according to the latest report from Oxford Economics.

The report analyses statistics for the sector from across the world, and 2018 is set to be a strong year for construction, with several back-to-back years of robust expansion above average annual growth rates seen over the current decade also predicted.

This optimistic outlook is set to be fuelled by a sharp upturn in US construction activity after the American sector spent much of 2017 in the doldrums.

US construction is expected to have registered growth for last year of just 0.2% following a Q2 contraction by 0.6% and with a further expected decline in Q3 2017.

In contrast, the forecast for 2018 is an expansion US Construction by 2.8%, to be followed by an even stronger 2019 with projected growth of 3.3%.

Expectations for US construction growth are set by strong global economic growth and a further strengthening in world trade, plus higher optimism driving additional investment in new projects.

A further boost for the American sector will come from the Trump Administration’s proposed infrastructure investments.

Residential building is the dominant driver in the US, although infrastructure investment may leave civil engineering as the leader.

Oxford Economics predicts US civil engineering to grow by 2.2% in 2018.

Globally, the expected resurgence in US construction is a key driver of the forecast for global construction growth to accelerate to 3.2% this year and 3.3% in 2019, from an expected 2.4% in 2017, 2.5% in 2016 and an average of the preceding five years of 2.8%.

Robust growth will continue in eurozone construction and forecasts have been upgraded for the year. This continuing buoyancy in construction comes against a backdrop of widespread economic strength in the eurozone.

The German construction sector remains the major driving force, riding a wave of demand in the wake of the million-plus migrant influx from 2015. Both residential and non-residential construction have seen significant boosts.

For China, the 2018 forecast has been scaled back, although construction growth is still strong at 4.2%. Overall, construction in China remains relatively steady, with non-residential construction the strongest component, especially commercial structures such as office buildings and shopping complexes.

In the UK, however, ongoing weakness is predicted for construction in 2018, with a contraction of 0.3% forecast for the sector. The sectoral picture is bleaker than in recent years as the outcome of uncertain Brexit negotiations impacts on investment decisions.

The full research report is available from Oxford Economics.

 

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Survey reveals challenges for 2018

Over 11,000 industry leaders have revealed their predictions for construction in 2018.

Through a survey, conducted for SCC Design Build, industry members have been polled for their opinions on a wide range of issues affecting the construction industry.

From Brexit, to the election of Donald Trump, the construction industry has had to battle some strong headwinds, and the poll sought opinions on how the industry was faring.

SCC Design Build, an industry-leading supplier of pre-cast concrete solutions for multiple projects, spoke to main contractors, architects, and housebuilders in the major industry survey.

The survey revealed the majority of respondents were ‘cautious’ about the construction industry going forward, rather than ‘confident’ or ‘not at all confident’. While some 53% thought that the construction industry would grow in the next eighteen months. Whilst reserved, these responses suggest that many are hopeful about the stability of their sector.

On Brexit, 41% of participants believed that negotiations would have the biggest impact on their business in the next five year. Problems highlighted focussed on employee growth and skills as specific concerns about the impact of our departure from the EU. With some eight per cent of the industry’s workforce coming from EU countries, companies are worried about the effect of their departure on the sector.

This problem is reflected in the survey, with 56% of respondents believing that the number of employees in their business would stay the same in 2018, and 41% thought it was very difficult to find workers with relevant skills.

Overall there was a positive outlook for the industry especially in responses to questions about turnover and growth. Some 43% of business owners expect their turnover to increase, and 81% believe that new build housing (over public sector and government-funded infrastructure projects, for example) will provide them with the biggest opportunity for expansion.

Respondents expect commercial projects to remain steady going forward, with 51% saying they would like the government to spend more on major infrastructure projects like HS2, to boost the economy.

Jim Durkan, Commercial Director of SCC Design Build, comments on the survey’s findings: “The results of this questionnaire have improved our understanding of industry confidence levels and of the expectations of business leaders across the country.

“Naturally, there is still an element of uncertainty surrounding Brexit though. For the construction industry, this has manifested in widespread concern about the availability of employees.

“However, the responses we collected show that whilst directors are cautious about the future, they are by no means pessimistic.”

 

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Horizon Nuclear Power selects secure support

Official Project Partner: Horizon Nuclear Power

Horizon Nuclear Power, official Project Partner of the UK Infrastructure Show, has awarded its support delivery contract to Aconex.

 

Horizon, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, is a UK energy company developing a new generation of nuclear power stations which will provide at least 5,400MW of new power station capacity to the UK, enough to power around ten million homes. The new station, Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Power station, is based on the Island of Anglesey in Wales, and is one of two Horizon projects currently underway.

At its peak, the construction of Wylfa Newydd will require some 9,000 workers and once complete, the power station will create up to 850 permanent jobs. Operating for 60 years, the project will provide employment opportunities for generations to come. With major companies such as Bechtel, Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe and JGC involved in the joint venture, the first electricity is aimed to be produced by the mid-2020s.

The power station will be a significant development and will include construction of nuclear reactors, electricity transmission infrastructure, access roads and other facilities, all of which will be supported through the Aconex platform.

“One of the challenges on a project of this scope is managing the massive flow of information. Horizon will utilise Aconex as a permanent storage platform for documents and to ensure we have a complete audit trail of decisions and actions,” continued Roy Irvine.

“This is another example of our leadership in the delivery of large-scale UK infrastructure projects. The Aconex platform is a premium digital solution ideally suited to support Horizon and its partners throughout the delivery phase of this significant project,” said Steve Cooper, General Manager, UK and Ireland at Aconex.

Aconex provides the world’s most secure Construction Management platform and the #1 platform for digital project delivery in construction and engineering projects

 

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UKIS 2018 : Keynote speakers announced

UKIS 2018, the UK’s Leading Infrastructure & Supply Event, has announced the keynote speakers for this year’s event.

Infrastructure is the foundation upon which our economy is built; and with the government committing £600Bn to delivering better infrastructure, the infrastructure industry represents a significant opportunity for businesses of all sizes.

The National Infrastructure Pipeline showcases some £600Bn in projects to be completed over the next ten years. Released at the end of 2017, the pipeline is backed by Transforming Infrastructure Plan aimed at revolutionising British infrastructure and boosting the construction sector’s productivity.

Government investment is supporting some 40% of projects included in the pipeline, which is the largest and most comprehensive ever, with private finance making up more than half of the pipeline to 2020/21. The pipeline will help deliver important local projects across the country including transport, broadband, flood defence, and housing.

Major projects featured in the pipeline include, Thames Tideway Tunnel, the rollout of smart meters, and the upgrading of the A14.

Through the pipeline, UK infrastructure investment is set to reach a record high. The investment fund includes infrastructure investments of over £2.6Bn to improve transport networks; a multi-million pound package to accelerate the future of broadband, and £7.2Bn to support the construction of new homes. Over 720 projects and programmes across transport, housing and digital to fire up the nation’s infrastructure are featured within the pipeline, with around 20 new schemes added to the pipeline since March 2016, including the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway

Investing in better infrastructure is at the heart of the government’s ambitious plans to close the UK’s productivity gap, and the NPIF is designed to boost productivity in the long-term. If the UK raised its productivity by one percentage point every year, within a decade it would add £240Bn to the size of the economy; £9,000 for every household in Britain.

Officially supported by CompeteFor and many major ongoing and future infrastructure projects, the UK Infrastructure Show 2018 will provide participants with a unique opportunity to engage, connect and collaborate with a vast array of key projects, decision makers and influencers representing all areas throughout the supply chain.

UKIS is delighted to be working with HS2, Transport for London, Tideway, Horizon Nuclear, Consortium Procurement and Midlands Connect on UK Infrastructure Show 2018.

Taking the stand at NEC, Birmingham on Tuesday 17 April, are number of experts with crucial insight into the infrastructure industry.

Keynote speakers include: Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, Roger Bailey, Asset Management Director at Tideway, Greg Bradley Head of Business Advisory at Arcadis, and as well as HS2.

UKIS 2018 is a must-attend event for those working in all areas of infrastructure.

UKIS celebrates major ongoing and future infrastructure projects including HS2, Tideway and Crossrail.

 

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Changing landscape of the industry

The CIOB has presented the findings of its latest scholarship award winners which focused on implementing innovation and delivering new technologies.

George Holder, Costain, and Alex Stephens, Bouygues UK, were awarded the Sir Ian Dixon Scholarship (SID) to produce and present findings to benefit the construction industry, themselves and their company, and those findings were presented at the reception.

The scholarship, presented by the CIOB in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Constructors, provides a £3,000 one-year research fund, which winners can focus on any area of construction management with support from a company mentor.

Innovation Management was the focus from George Holder, Costain. This relatively new concept is proving vital to the construction industry. The research examined the current use of innovation management standards and the role that these standards could play in improving how projects are delivered. The findings showed that standards are critical when creating an environment to support innovation and organisations benefit from implementing them.

New technologies in the construction industry, was the area that Alex Stephens chose to research. His project looked at the use of additive manufacturing technologies (technologies which build 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer of material) in construction through literature review and case studies. More demanding construction programmes are driving the industry to seek alternative methods to build and his findings show that these new technologies can produce complex geometries at a relatively low cost compared to conventional processes.

“These research projects reflect the changing landscape of construction as we learn to imagine, invent and implement new ways of working and building,” said Bob Heathfield, Past President of the CIOB and chair of the SID Scholarship Panel. “We need to continue, as an industry, to be forward thinking. We need to make space for new ideas and innovations to streamline our processes and improve the quality of the built environment.”

 

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Wales leads green energy revolution

EU funding has been awarded to a project in Wales which is at the cutting edge of the green energy revolution.

The multi million pound initiative will see underground mine-water used to warm homes in Caerau, near Maesteg. With an EU funding boost of £6.5M, the project will be the first of its kind in the UK.

Bridgend County Borough Council has been investigating how water from the underground mine workings of the former Caerau colliery, which has been naturally heated by the earth, could be used as a geothermal source of energy. If the water could be extracted, using heat pump technology and a network of pipes, it could be used to warm around 150 nearby homes.

The scale of the scheme will be the first of its kind in the UK and would use existing radiators to heat homes without mine-water ever entering residents’ properties. Holland is one of the global leaders in using this type of technology, the world’s first mine-water power station was opened in 2008 in the town of Heerlen – a Dutch coal-mining area that closed its last mine in the 1970s.

Test mine drillings were initially carried out to find out how much water is in the works, finding the void is filled to 230m. The British Geological Survey has since been testing the temperature, chemistry and volume of the mining-water, with the temperature expected to be around 20.6 degrees celsius – warm enough for the scheme to be a success.

The initial programme is intended to involve 150 properties, plus the nearby school and church, although there may be potential for the scheme to eventually warm up to a thousand local homes.

The scheme is a demonstrator project for the UK Government led Smart System and Heat Programme. The remaining funds for the £9.4M scheme will be made up by the UK Government, Energy Systems Catapult and Bridgend County Borough Council. Other partners include: BGS, Kensa, Egnida, SPECIFIC, Carreg Las, Natural Resources Wales and The Coal Authority.

Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Our ambition is for our nation to be a world leader in pioneering low carbon energy. This is a cutting-edge model of generating a clean source of renewable energy, drawing on the legacy of our coal mining heritage. It will not only attract further investment to the area, but also address fuel poverty by cutting energy bills and has the potential to be rolled out to Wales and beyond.

“This EU-funded scheme will also create jobs both within the initial construction period and the ongoing supply chain, as well as offering training and educational opportunities in a very innovative area.”

Councillor Richard Young, the council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The volume of water and its temperature makes the scheme possible and now we have been awarded £6.5M of EU funds from the Welsh Government, the next phase is to work through the full scope of the scheme and put everything in place to deliver a trailblazing project for the Llynfi Valley. It will also act as a catalyst for other energy project investments, possibly through the City Deal and other investment.”

Construction work will begin in 2020.

 

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SBD National Building Approval gathers pace with 3,000 buildings added over the last six months

An innovative scheme run by Secured by Design (SBD), the national police crime prevention initiative, which makes it simpler, quicker and cheaper for companies and organisations commissioning construction work to include building security into all kinds of developments, is expanding quickly around the country.

A total of 6,494 buildings over 67 building sites have been registered with the SBD National Building Approval (SBD NBA) scheme – an increase of 3,000 buildings over the last six months.

These sites are located in 17 different Police Force areas around the UK.

There are 23 SBD NBA member companies and organisations, mostly in the new-build residential marketplace.

They include Barratt Homes (Eastern Division), Berkeley Homes (East Thames), Bovis Homes, Crest Nicholson, David Wilson Homes, Forman Homes Ltd, Gleeson Homes, Redrow and Taylor Wimpey.

Springfield Properties has become the first developer in Scotland to join NBA.

Among the NBA member organisations commissioning building work, such as social landlords and housing associations, is London and Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q), also known as Quadrant Construction, which is the largest landlord in Greater London. They have 90,000 homes under management across London and the South East and are one of the largest residential property developers with ambitions to build 100,000 more over the next 10 years.

During November 2017, the SBD NBA scheme welcomed its first contractor, Durkan Ltd, of Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, along with its associated development company Durkan Estates Ltd, which deals with land purchases and planning permissions.

In addition, SBD is poised to engage with local authorities about NBA and gain their membership too.

SBD NBA was launched in 2016 and seeks to deliver security for new-build developments and major refurbishment schemes across a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, retail, mixed-use, transport, health, education, leisure and many others.

One of the scheme’s main benefits is that, after agreement has been reached on the basic level of building security to be provided before any development is planned or built, SBD takes on the administrative task of carrying out due diligence on the member company’s supply chain.

This is to ensure that security standards for products, including doors, windows and roof-lights, are compliant with the Building Regulations in England and Scotland, and/or meet the requirements set by SBD, whichever is applicable.

Many companies and organisations tell us that executing due diligence can be extremely difficult and time consuming and SBD has removed a significant burden from them.

Once an agreement is in place, members simply register their future building developments or refurbishment schemes using a single, one-page form. Once received, SBD issues a Silver Certificate for the site they have registered in advance of any building work to recognise the steps taken to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. Companies and organisations can join prior to registering sites.

The Certificate is valid for a development anywhere in the UK and does not require a separate local agreement to be reached with that area’s Police Force. New building designs or types can be added or removed at any time, as can any new door, window or roof-light supplier.

Our work with the Department for Communities and Local Government, National House Building Council, Local Authority Building Control and the Building Control Alliance, means that the SBD Silver Certificate can be used by members as evidence to discharge their third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the Building Regulations 2010 in England and the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 – Security.

It also discharges any other obligation placed upon the build by third parties to gain Section 2 (Physical Security) approval from the range of SBD published Building Guides, including SBD Homes, SBD Commercial and SBD Schools.

Visit http://www.securedbydesign.com/sbd-national-building-approval/ for more information or contact us at sbdnba@police-cpi.co.uk

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Combining AR and VR with cognitive technology

How combining AR and VR with cognitive technology can provide opportunities in manufacturing.

Digi Capital claims that not only the single phenomenon, but the double act of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) will raise approximately $150Bn of revenue by the year 2020. With less than three years to go until that predicted date, businesses working in construction and manufacturing must consider how existing cognitive technology can provide solid grounding to integrate VR and AR technologies.

Maintaining the Unpredictable

The concept of cognitive technology has existed for decades, regardless of the misconception that it is a modern day buzz trend. In the marketing industry for example, data has been consistently analysed in order to target and engage specific customers. As an extension, predictive maintenance helps to provide a process in which software can interrogate, interpret and use data to identify when repairs or faults may be needed to save time and cut costs for businesses. These analytics promise the capture of crucial and often hidden data in real time. Combined with existing data from visual inspections, asset availability and service levels, the manufacturing industry can be aided effectively.

A notable example demonstrating its functionality would be the fitting of an irrigation system on a construction site. Whilst working on fitting water pipes into a new building, the installation of software can monitor and alert builders to any problems that may arise and help to prevent avoidable malfunctions such as leakages and flow blockage. In the long run, this is effective in preventing untimely delays resulting in lost time and effort, as well as financial implications.

Visual guidance and interactivity

With the UK ranked as the world’s ninth largest manufacturing nation, it is essential for individuals and companies in the industry to adopt the latest technologies in order to continue to grow and maintain quality output. Manufacturers prepared to stand out from the competition and embrace innovation, particularly those adopting predictive maintenance, must integrate AR and VR into their manufacturing processes to stay ahead of the game. Providing a visual platform to aid professionals and bring an interactive approach to manufacturing, AR and VR can provide opportunities to drive personal growth and innovation in the sector.

In the manufacturing process, the use of predictive maintenance and AR can work hand in hand. The former would identify issues that have arisen in the manufacturing process whilst the latter would allow another connected device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, to provide a visual representation of what the issue is, why it has happened and what solutions can be implemented. AR provides a platform that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world. This could identify on a screen where a specific fault in a lighting, water or gas system is located, reducing time, effort and costs upon initial diagnosis and consequent management. Complementary to this, VR provides another layered dimension by allowing a user to perceptually integrate into an otherwise inaccessible environment. Through wearing mainstream headsets or an appropriately assimilated device, users can guide themselves through the cloned environment in real time with a magnified lens. Interactivity can enhance the depth and perception of their overall experience, as well as providing a stronger foundation of knowledge and understanding of the key figures within manufacturing.

Training and on-the-go monitoring

With that in mind, AR, VR and predictive maintenance may have the potential to form a technological powerhouse for training and on-the-go monitoring purposes. It is often considered that there is a lack of investment into the research and development aspects of manufacturing. However, technologies such as AR and VR can act as an extension to integrate into the busy lives that trainees and seasoned professionals are accustomed to.

VR can provide a physiologically secure, flexible and private environment for a professional to experiment with and design experiences for a range of purposes. For example, a trainee graduate entering the industry would be unqualified and inexperienced to work closely with sophisticated equipment in hazardous surroundings. By trialling a variety of skills in different contexts, the use of VR can benefit the developing workforce, combat an ageing population and continue to evolve a new generation of manufacturers who will deliver high-quality service.

AR can support this function too, allowing frequent travellers in global manufacturing companies and those unable to physically attend their workplace due to extraneous circumstances to provide value remotely. AR can expand on VR’s offering by propelling live imagery over current surroundings. This would create an on-the-go method of continual learning and development for manufacturers, as well as providing another dimension to the industry’s processes.

The future of manufacturing

The current landscape of VR and AR scopes further than using the technology for gaming purposes or for a novelty social media post. In fact, the consumer angle of these extensions of our reality should be seen as key tools that enhance knowledge and skills whilst simultaneously increasing productivity across key industries. By providing transparency, security and education, this combination of modern day technologies will continue to adapt and evolve, helping businesses innovate in the long term.

 

Article submitted by Mark Armstrong, Managing Director and Vice-President International Operations, EMEA & APJ at Progress.

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Balfour Beatty to helm £124M Wokingham highways upgrade

Balfour Beatty has been hired by Wokingham Borough Council to oversee its hugely ambitious £124M Major Highways Programme.

The four year work package – awarded via Scape Group’s National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework – will require the planning, design and construction of nine much-needed road schemes in Wokingham, alongside four strategic development roads which will unlock access to around 12,000 new homes.

In October 2015 Balfour Beatty began its collaboration with Wokingham Borough Council under the National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework. This early engagement has enabled the infrastructure specialist to participate fully in the scheme’s development, having mitigated risk and established the most cost-effective solution for the council.

“We are delighted to have been appointed to construct the Major Highways Programme in Wokingham,” said Dean Banks, Chief Executive Officer for UK Construction Services at Balfour Beatty.

“We have a wealth of experience in delivering significant highways schemes across the UK and this contract award is yet another testament not only to our in-house engineering capabilities, but to our clients’ confidence in our ability to deliver.”

Councillor David Lee, Executive Member for Strategic Highways and Planning at Wokingham Borough Council, added: “We are committed to providing the roads and other infrastructure necessary to accompany the homes coming to Wokingham borough and this contract is a massive milestone toward that.

“Our residents can be fully confident that these vital roads will be built and will help us control congestion and keep the borough moving.”

The heavy lifting is set to begin this month. It is thought that 150 jobs will be generated at peak construction – among them plenty of opportunities for apprentices and graduates alike.

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Birmingham flood initiative to safeguard 200 homes and businesses

New flood defence measures have officially opened in Birmingham, safeguarding more than 200 homes and businesses in Selly Park South.

The £2.7M project has been delivered in partnership with Birmingham City Council and St Andrew’s Healthcare, and comprises part of a £2.5Bn Environment Agency investment programme designed to shore-up flood defence provision nationwide.

A 500 metre long embankment has now been built, enabling the Environment Agency to create flood storage area which will pool overspill from the River Rea during periods of intense rainfall before drip-feeding it back into the river proper as the water-level decreases.

The Environment Agency also built a new flood wall and raised a river bank to the rear of 15 properties adjacent to the river’s edge.

“We’re pleased to deliver these flood protection measures for the people of Selly Park South,” said Environment Agency spokesperson and Flood Risk Senior Advisor Mike Adams.

“This community has experienced the terrible effects of flooding and the measures we’ve built here reduces future risk of flooding. We would like to thank local people for their patience and support throughout the building of this scheme.”

Councillor Lisa Trickett, Cabinet Member for the Environment from Birmingham City Council, added: “We’ve seen the devastating impact that flooding can have on communities, so I am delighted that these new measures are now in place.

“These will make a real difference by reducing the risk of flooding to hundreds of homes and businesses in Selly Park South.”

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Optimising collaborative working in the construction industry

The construction industry is notoriously fragmented. Relationships between the client, design team, engineers, consultants, contractors, subcontractors and operatives can have a massive impact on the success of a project. However, fraught relationships mean that the industry sees its fair share of underperformance and waste, while a lack of communication can result in extra expense, and innovation being lost as ideas travel down the pipeline.

When the project is handed over from the design team to engineers, to contractors and subcontractors, a direct chain of information is created. A single weak link – poor communication or relationship between two teams – can disrupt the integrity of the project. A lack of communication, stemming from the absence of shared principles and interests, results in wastage, mistakes, and conflict as certain parties inevitably feel undermined.

Collaborative working seems to be the new buzz word in the industry, but what are organisations really doing to address the situation?

We can clearly see that the ‘norm’ is just not good enough; that the current way of working has led to a blame culture between disciplines and average performance across the board.

Greater emphasis on collaborative working seems to be the obvious answer. Yet, the impression remains within a significant proportion of the industry that collaboration will be expensive and time consuming.

As a main contractor, we consider ourselves to be in an integral position to champion collaborative working, to encourage two-way communication between all parties involved in a project. It is in the best interests of all the teams involved to collaborate, to make sure that their priorities are shared by all the other teams working on the project. With advances in technology, it is also getting easier and more practical to introduce collaboration into industry practices.

Throughout ITC’s history, we have tried to develop a collaborative culture, both internally with our staff teams, and by building good working relationships with professional teams and our supply chain.

One way to improve relationships and establish priorities is to involve all the relevant teams from the get-go. Setting up distinct lines of communication and authority from the off will promote collaboration, as will establishing protocols for sharing information and standards. Creating benchmarks, giving feedback and target setting throughout the project also helps teams to bear in mind the agreed standards for the project.

At ITC, we have found that sites work best when everyone on them is looking out for each other, regardless of whether they are our operatives or subcontractors. We believe two-way communication helps to create a positive working environment and have systems in place to facilitate this.

Many of the steps that need to be taken are about changing attitudes and encouraging relationships, including simple initiatives like team meetings and workshops. It is beneficial for all the teams involved if the environment that is created is one of learning and sharing information. Actions such as holding regular collaborative working workshops with subcontractors can help foster the idea of collaboration and result in a very positive impact on site.

Innovations in technology has made collaboration so much easier. The introduction of email was ground-breaking at the time. Today, project management systems that can be updated in real time and prevent information silos and BIM modelling are paving the way for even better communication flow. Recent developments in technology have allowed companies such as ours to introduce a mobile quality management app to site, allowing operatives and subcontractors to monitor and manage snagging in a cohesive and efficient way.

Most of all collaborative working requires all teams to be willing; the best way to encourage this is to change the perception of collaborative working within the industry. More industry leaders need to demonstrate their faith in collaborative working, and implement it in their projects.

At ITC, we see collaboration as the future of the construction industry. It is ingrained in our management system. Time and time again we have seen the benefits of clear communication, using technology to work collaboratively, and encouraging operatives to look after each other on site. For us collaborative working has meant safer sites, more effective problem-solving and a better relationship with clients and subcontractors.

Collaborative working means working smarter, not harder.

Article submitted by Ian Conway, Director of refurbishment and fit out specialists ITC Concepts

 

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£350 million Gateshead regeneration progresses to Phase II

114 new homes are to be built across three separate sites in Gateshead, adding to the 309 completed or near completion at Birtley, Deckham and Bensham as part of Phase I.

Three newly announced housing developments are to be sited in Gateshead on Kelvin Grove, Whitehills Drive – on land to the rear of Queen Elizabeth Hospital – and the former Rowlands Gill primary school.

The housing initiative, which will also foster community facilities and public spaces designed to help cultivate sustainable communities, is being delivered by the Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP) – a collaboration between Gateshead Council, Galliford Try and Home Group.

Over the coming decade, the partnership will build over 2,000 homes on sites right the way across the borough, delivering a wide range of homes – many of which are bespoke to their development – for private sale, shared ownership and affordable rent.

As was the case during Phase I, more than 25% of the sub-contracting and supply work will be allocated to local business. What’s more, a quarter of all new jobs created will be filled by local residents and there will be several apprenticeship opportunities.

“We are delighted to have been given the go ahead to prepare for the second phase of this project, which is delivering much needed, quality family housing in Gateshead,” said Christine Curran, Development Director for GRP.

“However, this programme is not just about the bricks and mortar. We will continue to work closely with existing and newly emerging communities to help build a sustainable long term legacy of employment, local economic activity and cultural opportunities that will reinvigorate neighbourhoods and help to reverse the trend of people moving away from the borough.”

According to Councillor Malcolm Brain, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council: “We want Gateshead to be a place where everyone thrives. We are committed to putting people and families at the heart of everything we do; working with our partners to provide high quality housing and to invest in our economy to provide opportunities for employment. This project is a perfect example of how we make that vision a reality.”

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Colne Valley viaduct concepts revealed by HS2 Ltd

An initial concept for the Colne Valley viaduct, which may help inform the final design and spark discussion within the wider community, has been unveiled by HS2 Ltd.

Independent architect Martin Knight drafted the preliminary viaduct concept, having consulted with the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel and HS2 Ltd’s own Independent Design Panel.

Crucially, the concept document considers how the viaduct might be “sensitively and aesthetically sited” within the Colne Valley, while also addressing the complex technical requirements of the infrastructure project.

The hope now is that this initial legwork might benefit future design and technical specification from Align, the principal civil engineer for the Colne Valley viaduct and the northern portal of the Chilterns Tunnel. Align is expected to consult with the local community in spring 2018.

Underpinning Martin Knight’s design are 14 factors, established by HS2 in collaboration with its Independent Design Panel. Key considerations included that the design fit the landscape, that views and “landscape flow” are maintained, and that the viaduct itself is well proportioned and elegant.

The concept document also explores innovative solutions to additional concerns; among them transparent noise-reduction barriers with vertical lines visible to bats and wildfowl to reduce impacts.

Hs2’s proposed route will pass through woodland and lakeside alike, all of which dates back to the end of farming and quarrying in the region, and it will sit alongside the Chiltern railway.

“The construction of the Colne Valley HS2 viaduct will have a significant impact on the Colne Valley area,” said Jim Barclay, Chair of the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel.

“The Colne Valley Panel which is drawn from local stakeholders, is very pleased to have been consulted and through a series of workshops, Panel members have been able to understand the design principles for the viaduct. The Colne Valley Regional Park Panel looks forward to further engagement with HS2 and Align over the actual viaduct design.”

Sadie Morgan, Chair of the Independent Design Panel, added: “We are delighted that this imaginative and carefully-considered concept has been published, and can form the basis for wider discussions with the communities around the Colne Valley and all those who value and use the spaces and amenities within it.

“The Independent Design Panel will continue to work hard to ensure that the viaduct’s final design respects its location and communities, whilst being a shining example of great design that Britain can be proud of.”

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Affordable housing slows

New research by Glenigan shows that the rise in housing association planning applications is slowing down.

A new study, analysing detailed planning applications for new-build housing made by registered social landlords (RSLs) or housing association made during 2017 shows thee number of units due to be built has slacked off from a surge of 20% in 2016.

Figures from 2018 show that while the pipeline is still growing, the surge has dissipated somewhat, with growth of 8% recorded for 2017. RSLs are still more active in terms of planned new homes, with 453 detailed planning applications submitted for ten or more units during the 2017 calendar year, which is a rise from 435 in 2016.

The number of homes included within those applications has also risen, by 8% to 25,901, while houses remain the dominant form of house type in planning applications by RSLs.

In 2017, the average detailed planning application contained 57 units compared to 55 units in 2016, but these increases are not translating into an increase in social housing work starting on site.

Glenigan economics director Allan Wilen said: “RSLs are still wrestling with changes to their funding model, which the government began pushing through a number of years ago, and continuing political uncertainty over the extension of the Right to Buy policy to housing association tenants.”

Glenigan expects the value of social housing work starting on site in 2018 to fall by 1% as safety work to estates becomes a priority following the tragedy at Grenfell in London. Mr Wilen adds: “Near term, the progress of planned developments is being disrupted as associations review the implications of the Grenfell fire for refurbishment and new build schemes.”

 

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First Minister buoys Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has committed to pushing forward the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project.

The First Minister has reiterated his commitment to the project, and announced further investment to kick-start the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, as well as his intention to call on the UK Government to give the project the green light.

Following a letter sent by the First Minister to Prime Minister Theresa May, which offered to cover some of the tidal lagoon’s capital costs, he has confirmed further substantial investment to get the project off the ground.

The Hendry report, published on 12 January last year, concluded that “the evidence is clear that tidal lagoons can play a cost effective role in the UK’s energy mix and there is considerable value in a small pathfinder project.” However, one year on, the UK government has failed to make a decision on the project.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “This would be the world’s first tidal lagoon power plant, which would create thousands of high quality jobs, supply a significant proportion of the UK’s energy needs and position Britain as a world leader in a new global industry.

“And, yet, the UK government has been dragging its heels for over a year. This is leading to a growing sense of frustration among the Welsh business community and an increasing risk that the lack of a decision will turn into a decision not to proceed.

“Now is the time for the UK government to stop stalling and get on with agreeing a strike price so we can make this transformative project a reality.”

 

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