Author Archives: Andy Goodwin

OPENCAST BACKFILL SETTLEMENT ASSESSMENT

We have recently been commissioned to assess the long term movements that are likely to affect housing to be built over old backfilled opencast workings at a site in Derbyshire. The aim is to identify whether movements are likely to be tolerable for shallow foundations to be adopted rather than using a more costly piled solution. The work is being undertaken as a sub-Consultant in association with the ground investigation contractor and the structural engineer for the site.

The project demonstrates the benefits and added services that a GI contractor can offer with the support of geotechnical specialists. If you think we could assist you in this respect, as we already do for a number of GI contractors, then please contact Dr Andy Goodwin on 01246 807808.

ANOTHER SLOPE STABILITY ASSESSMENT

We have been working in recent months on a sub-consultancy basis to support a housing developer resolve a slope stability issue on a confidential site. The geological conditions at the site indicated periglacial landslips may be present, with consequential slope stability and retaining wall stability issues. Working closely with the developer and structural engineer, we have undertaken investigations of the site and are presently resolving whether the current design needs to be amended at all.

Though a small commission, the project is a good illustration of the benefits of taking a multi-disciplinary approach to solving a problem. If you need any support on your earthworks projects then feel free to call our Dr Andy Goodwin to discuss how we could assist and add value.

COURSES IN OCTOBER 2017

With summer over, and new graduates starting maybe, now is a good time to look at your staff development needs. We have numerous courses coming up in October, including:

Geotechnical Design to Eurocode 7, 3 October 2017 (£295 + VAT)
This course looks at the practical application of EC7 in design using worked examples and discussion sessions. It provides the equivalent of 1.5 days training in a ‘long day’ format.

Essentials of Project Management, 12 October 2017 (£220 + VAT)
Especially useful for those looking to sit their ICE review in 2018 and those new to project management, the course examines what constitutes good practice to deliver a successful project.

Retaining Wall Design – Principles and Practice, 17 October 2017 (£220 + VAT)
The analysis, design and performance of gravity and embedded retaining walls will be explored using worked examples and with reference to current design codes.

ICE Professional Review – Preparing for the Written Exercise, 19 October 2017 (£220 + VAT)
Lead by an experienced ICE reviewer, the course is aimed at those sitting their professional review in 2018. It will explore what makes a good Written Exercise before discussing typical questions.

Each course is running in Chesterfield. Discounts are available for group bookings or delegates attending more than one course. Please call or email us to reserve your place on a course.

Remember too that all courses can be run bespoke for your company if there are sufficient numbers – just call us to see what we could do for you.

WE HAVE MOVED…….

After 5 years at Tapton Park Innovation Centre, we are pleased to announce that we have moved a few miles south to take an office in The Hub in Clay Cross. The new larger office can accommodate visiting tutors and staff, and there are on-site meeting and training rooms too.

Our new address is: The Hub at Gladstone Buildings, Broadleys, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9JN.

We are retaining a presence at Tapton Park to the end of November, which remains our registered address for now. Any post sent there will still reach us rest assured.

COURSES IN APRIL AND MAY 2017

The summer holiday season is almost us but there is still time to invest in yourself or your staff with some high quality training. Surepath Training, our sister company, have numerous courses coming up in July and August that may be of interest, many of which are designed to be especially useful for those preparing to sit their ICE Professional Review in the Autumn session. The courses include:

Ground Investigation Design to EC7 – The Essentials, half day course on 4 July (£125/delegate)
Introduction to Health and Safety Law, day course on 11 July (£220/delegate)
Mentoring for Civil Engineers on Engineering Geology, ‘long day’ course (equivalent to 1.5 days training) on 13 July (£295/delegate)
The ICE Professional Review – Overview & Preparation, 25 July (£220/delegate)
The ICE Professional Review – Preparing for the Interview, 8 August (£295/delegate; strict maximum of 4 delegates)
Managing and Leading Teams, on 17 August (£220/delegate)