Civil Engg Surveyor

CIVIL ENGINEERING SURVEYOR
The Journal of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

Positioning Transport Fiji Alliancing
December-January 2014
Laser Scanning?
SCCS have the answer
Industrys Best Performing Ultra-High Speed Laser Scanner
Ultra-high speed scanners (up to 1 million points/second) are known for their
ultra-fast scan speeds and ofter higher level of detail. To this, the break-through,
compact Leica ScanStation P20 also brings unprecedented data quality at
range (120m, max), plus outstanding environmental capabilities, survey-grade
tilt compensation and an industry rst Check & Adjust capability.
Leica Geosystems
Authorised Distribution & Service Partner
Tel: 01480 404888
www.sccssurvey.co.uk
Amberg Technologies
Sole UK Distributor
SCCS are the UKs leading supplier of surveying equipment with innovative solutions
in monitoring, setting out, mapping, surveying and survey equipment hire.
Revolutionise measuring in the geospatial world
The MS50 is the worlds rst MultiStation from Leica is set to revolutionise the world of
geospatial data capture. The MS50 brings together precise 3D terrestrial laser scanning,
precision 1 total station capability, digital imaging with elements of photogrammetry and
GNSS connectivity. This advanced measuring functionality and huge range of applications
is easy to use and provides a unique solution in the market.
Full Kinematic Scanning
The Amberg GRP 5000 is the rail surveying solution for complete route
documentation and comprehensive infrastructure analysis. It gives complete
clearance prole analysis, inventory and design surveying. Automatic
acquisition of the track environment, high resolution of geometric data,
complete clearance checks based on the measured data and modularity and
functionality due to the GRP FX concept. With full Network Rail acceptance

Leica ScanStation P20
Industr
Ultra-high speed scanners (up to 1 million points/second) ar
ultra-fast scan speeds and ofter higher level of detail. T
compact Leica ScanStation P20 also brings unpr
range (120m, max), plus outstanding envir
tilt compensation and an industry rst Check & Adjust capability

s Best Performing Ultra- ys str ry
Ultra-high speed scanners (up to 1 million points/second) ar
ultra-fast scan speeds and ofter higher level of detail. T
compact Leica ScanStation P20 also brings unpr
range (120m, max), plus outstanding envir
tilt compensation and an industry rst Check & Adjust capability

s Best Performing Ultra-High Speed Laser Scanner
e known for their Ultra-high speed scanners (up to 1 million points/second) ar
eak-thr o this, the br er level of detail. TTo
ecedented data quality at compact Leica ScanStation P20 also brings unpr
onmental capabilities, survey-grade range (120m, max), plus outstanding envir
. tilt compensation and an industry rst Check & Adjust capability

s Best Performing Ultra-High Speed Laser Scanner
e known for their
ough, eak-thr
ecedented data quality at
onmental capabilities, survey-grade

e the UK SCCS ar
in monitoring, setting out, mapping, surveying and survey equipment hir

s leading supplier of surveying equipment with innovative solutions e the UK

s leading supplier of surveying equipment with innovative solutions


e. in monitoring, setting out, mapping, surveying and survey equipment hir

echnologies Amberg T
Sole UK Distributor


Leica Geosystems
Dec-Jan
Contents
05. Presidents column
06. ICES regions
08. News
12. Training dates
13. Social network
15. Legal Q&A
48. Events
53. Profiles
51. Classifieds/Where to buy
52. Subscriptions
53. Recruitment
Features Regulars
16. Transforming Fijis road network
Mike Rudge, MWH Global
19. How surveyors can support the use of
BIM in dispute resolution
Graham Mills FCInstCES and Martin Penney,
Technics Group
23. HS2: The fast track to collaboration?
Chris Hallam FCInstCES, Pinsent Masons
26. A goal for the future or a chimera?
Transport systems integration
Professor Brian S Collins, UCL
31. The future of GNSS navigation?
The QZSS L-band experimental signal
Suelynn Choy and Ken Harima, RMIT, Chris
Rizos, UNSW, and Satoshi Kogure, JAXA
35. Confessions of a contracts manager in
Nigeria: Part 2
Michael Hawkyard,
Michael Hawkyard & Co
39. Arbitration: Best thing since Jackson
Howard Klein FCInstCES
41. Politics and the environment
Dennis Gedge MCInstCES, Consulting
Engineer
43. The story of the Bristol Channel forts: 4
Hamish Mitchell FCInstCES
Civil Engineering Surveyor is printed using PEFC-certified paper as part of the institutions commitment to promote sustainable forest management.
Printed by Buxton Press Limited, Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6AE. 2013 Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. ISSN 0266-139X
Edited, designed and produced by ICES Publishing
Operations Director and Editor in Chief: Darrell Smart BEng
dsmart@cices.org Tweet @darrellsmart
Deputy Editor of Publications: Abigail M Tomkins BA (Hons)
atomkins@cices.org Tweet @amtomkins
Media Sales Manager: Alan Lees
alees@cices.org Tweet @alan_lees
Administrator: Joanne Gray
jgray@cices.org
www.cices.org www.surco.uk.com
ICES Publishing is operated by SURCO Limited, a subsidiary of the
Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
Dominion House, Sibson Road, Sale, Cheshire M33 7PP
United Kingdom
+44 (0)161 972 3110 www.cices.org
President: Alan Barrow FCInstCES MRICS
Honorary Secretary: AH Palmer FCInstCES
Chief Executive Officer: Bill Pryke
Civil Engineering Surveyor is published monthly by the Chartered
Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. Statements made and
opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect
the views of the institution, its Council of Management or other
committees. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part
without the written permission of the publisher. All rights
reserved.
CES February 2014 will feature utilities.
Copy date: 14 January 2014. Please note that this date applies to
news, calendar items and letters. Articles, reviews and other
lengthier contributions inevitably require a longer lead in time.
Cover shot: Precise point positioning
Article pp31-33.
Image someone.
ces.digitalpc.co.uk
linkedin.com >Chartered ICES
twitter.com/CharteredICES
facebook.com/CInstCES
instagram.com/charteredices
chartered.ices
BIM
The developing role of the surveyor
25 February 2014, London
Featuring
David Philp
Head of BIM Implementation, Cabinet Office
Malcolm Taylor
Head of Technical Information, Crossrail
Will Hackney
BIM Manager, London Underground
Simon Rawlinson
Partner, EC Harris LLP
UK Government BIM Task Group
Tickets: 60 ICES/ICE members, 90 non-members
Contact Serena Ronan
+44 (0)161 972 3100
Book online: www.cices.org/membership/payment/
1.30pm-7.30pm
Tuesday 25 February 2014
East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London
The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors is a registered educational charity.
Supported by
Canary Wharf Group plc Sponsored by
Building Information Modelling 2014
5 President's Column 12-01 2014
Reaching out
Reputation
Our reputation is international and our fastest growth area is
undoubtedly now overseas and we are very proud and pleased to
welcome new members in Malaysia and China. With our
agreement with RICS the public was, at last, able to recognise that
although both institutions boasted both geospatial engineers and
commercial managers among their members these surveyors
actually practised at different stages of the timeline that makes up
the life cycle of the asset.
It is the recognition of this complementary expertise that has
allowed us to look together to the future as two pieces of the same
jigsaw that make up the community of surveyors.
It will not have escaped your notice that there is a national
conference, GEOBusiness, in May next year that has been jointly
promoted by ICES, RICS and The Survey Association. This will be
the first of what I hope will be a succession of joint activities that
brings all surveyors together.
W
E are almost at the end of another year and what a busy
year it has been for your institution. Some of you may
be wondering why it is still me who is writing this
column and why our vice president Ian Bush has not taken up the
pen. The reason is simple, both Ian and I have so much going on
at the moment with progressing the institution accreditations and
the introduction of BIM that our Council of Management agreed
that it would be in the best interest of the institution if I was to do
a two year presidential stint. This will allow us both an opportunity
to close out some of the initiatives we are working on.
The year really started in January when we signed a historic
memorandum of understanding with the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors. For the first time ever the memorandum
effectively defined the sectors that each institution serves.
Following on from the agreement with RICS we have signed and
renewed agreements with the Society of Engineers in the UAE, the
Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, the Royal Institute of Surveyors
Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and the Chartered Institute of Building.
Defining the responsibilities of the surveyor in the
BIM world.
BIM
Building information modelling is undoubtedly the cement that will
bind our community together in the future. The BIM that ICES
members forge during the design stage and handover after the
construction and fit out stages will be picked up by our
colleagues in RICS at the operating and downstream stages of the
asset life cycle.
We must and we will make BIM fit for purpose so that the
public will realise and value the part that surveyors play. We have
our own BIM conference on 25 February 2014 following on from
our very successful inaugural event earlier this year. The theme of
this conference is the developing role of the surveyor, and will
showcase the work that this institution is doing by chairing
Survey4BIM and defining the responsibilities of the surveyor in the
BIM world. This is a conference you simply cannot afford to miss if
you want to keep up with this changing world and the surveyors
(your) role in society. I look forward to welcoming you all to a full
house in February.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy Christmas and a
prosperous new year.
Alan Barrow, President
president@cices.org
To book your place at the BIM conference please visit www.cices.org/events
For more information on Survey4BIM visit www.bimtaskgroup.org/survey4bim
6 lCES Regions Civil Engineering Surveyor
ICES Anglia & Central
11 MAR 14: AGM
Location TBC
ICES Hong Kong
On 9 August, region representatives Miranda Lui and Jacob Lam met with the Beijing
Society of Surveying and Mapping to discuss collaboration and joint activities in mainland
China. On 30 August, Miranda Lui, Jacob Lam and TT Cheung presented at a quantity
surveying conference in Macau. The presentation focused on international professional
development. From 7-8 September, the construction management research sector of the
Architectural Society of China held its annual conference at the Harbin Institute of
Technology. ICES fellow LC Yu presented a paper on a Hong Kong highway project.
Andrew Keung and Honby Chan also attended the conference with delegates including
Professors Ding Shizhao of Tongji University, Jiang Jun of Beijing University of Civil
Engineering and Architecture, and Jiang Shaohua of Dalian University of Technology.
ICES Ireland & Northern Ireland
The ICES I&NI committee would like to thank Derek McKinley (Land and Property
Services) and Peter Hallahan (Ordnance Survey Ireland) for delivering well researched and
informative presentations at the national data models event at Ordnance Survey Ireland
last month.
ICES Northern Counties
ICES NC thanks the ICES Network and Newcastle University for organising the Great ICES
Pub Quiz in October. The event saw over 50 attendees, with students travelling from
Northumbria University and local GIS, geomatics and engineering students in attendance,
as well as lecturers, several graduate members and representatives from the region. Special
thanks to Tom Bramald and Lauren Tawn of Newcastle University, and to Alex Maddison
and Carmen Tong of the ICES Network for their efforts.
Head Office
Dominion House, Sibson Road, Sale,
Cheshire M33 7PP, United Kingdom
+44 (0)161 972 3100 www.cices.org
CEO: Bill Pryke bpryke@cices.org
Membership Manager: Paul Brown pbrown@cices.org
Membership Officer: Juliette Mellaza jmellaza@cices.org
Professional Development Officer: Serena Ronan sronan@cices.org
Administrator: Louise Whittaker lwhittaker@cices.org
Administration Assistant: Tom Johnson tjohnson@cices.org
Legal Advice
A legal hotline is available free of charge to ICES members from the
institutions advisory solicitors.
Advisory Solicitors
Jeremy Winter +44 (0)20 7919 1000
Jeremy.Winter@bakermckenzie.com
Jonathan Hosie +44 (0)20 3130 3343
jhosie@mayerbrown.com
Committees
ICES committees and panels are available to receive member queries.
Commercial Management Practices Committee
Chair: Peter Schwanethal cmpc@committees.cices.org
Contracts & Dispute Resolution Panel
Chair: Steve Williams cdrp@committees.cices.org
Education, Professional Development & Membership Committee
Chair: Steve Jackson epdm@committees.cices.org
Finance & General Purposes Committee
Chair: Chris Birchall fgp@committees.cices.org
Geospatial Engineering Practices Committee
Chair: Ian Bush gepc@committees.cices.org
International Affairs Committee
Chair: Mike Sutton iac@committees.cices.org
ICES Network
Chair: Alex Maddison network@cices.org
Regions
ICES Anglia & Central
Chair: John Elven john.elven@btinternet.com
Secretary: Tim Brennan tim.brennan@msurv.co.uk
ICES www.cices.org/anglia_central
ICE www.ice.org.uk/eastofengland
ICES Eastern & Midlands
Chair: James Hulme jhulme@towersurveys.co.uk
Secretary: Lukasz Bonenberg Lukasz.Bonenberg@nottingham.ac.uk
ICES www.cices.org/eastern_midland
ICE www.ice.org.uk/westmidlands www.ice.org.uk/eastmidlands
ICES Hong Kong
Chair: Michael Wong michael.wong@leightonasia.com
Secretary: Ralph Leung ices.ralphlcw@gmail.com
ICES www.cices.org.hk
ICE www.ice.org.uk/hongkong
ICES Ireland & Northern Ireland
Chair: Ken Stewart Ken.Stewart@dfpni.gov.uk
Secretary: Ciaran Bruton ciaran.bruton@osi.ie
ICES www.cices.org/ireland
ICE www.ice.org.uk/ireland www.ice.org.uk/northernireland
ICES Northern Counties
Chair: Steve Aspinall steve@evanspiling.co.uk
Secretary: Ian Cussons ian.cussons@volkerstevin.co.uk
ICES www.cices.org/n_counties
ICE www.ice.org.uk/northeast
ICES North West & North Wales
Chair: Peter Randles peter.randles@pbworld.com
ICES www.cices.org/nwest_nwales
ICE www.ice.org.uk/northwest www.ice.org.uk/wales
ICES Scotland
Chair: Bob MacKellar rmackellar@yahoo.co.uk
ICES www.cices.org/scotland
ICE www.ice.org.uk/scotland
ICES South East
Chair: Eric Zeeven eric.zeeven@cwcontractors.com
Secretary: Nicola Boriel nboriel@icloud.com
ICES www.cices.org/s_east
ICE www.ice.org.uk/london www.ice.org.uk/southeast
ICES South West & South Wales
Chair: Mark Phillips Mark.Phillips@electricityalliance-sw.com
Secretary: Steve Lailey steven.lailey@skanska.co.uk
ICES www.cices.org/swest_swales
ICE www.ice.org.uk/wales www.ice.org.uk/southwest
ICES UAE
Chairman: Dhammika Gamage dhammika@imgaladari.com
ICES www.cices.org/uae
ICE www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Middle-East/United-Arab-Emirates
ICES Yorkshire
Chair: Neil Harvey neil.harvey@metsurveys.com
Secretary: Matthew Lock matthew.lock@korecgroup.com
ICES www.cices.org/yorkshire
ICE www.ice.org.uk/yorkshire
Photos from the Great Pub Quiz organised by ICES Network in conjunction with ICES Northern Counties.
7 lCES Regions 12-01 2014
30 JAN 14: Practical Guidance on the FIDIC Suite
of Contracts
Eversheds, Newcastle upon Tyne, 6pm
Bookings: Serena Ronan +44 (0)161 972 3100
sronan@cices.org www.cices.org/n_counties
David Moss, a partner in Eversheds
construction litigation group, will talk about
standard terms and the FIDIC approach. He
will cover common/recommended
amendments, increased use of FIDIC
contracts in the UK, common problems and
the use of dispute adjudication boards.
Refreshments will be provided.
ICES North West & North Wales
Mark Hudson is to take over the region
chair from Peter Randles in January 2014.
Mr Hudson is a former chair of ICES Ireland
and Northern Ireland.
ICES NWNW would like to thank Greg
Buckley and Emily Walling of Eversheds
Manchester construction team for another
excellent CPD presentation on 26
November. Members were treated to an
excellent case law roundup, followed by a
hot and cold buffet with festive beverages.
14 JAN 14: Committee meeting
ICES HQ, 6pm for 6.30pm
23 JAN 14: Chinese meal
Little Yang Sing Restaurant, Manchester, 7pm
sronan@cices.org
www.cices.org/north-west-north-wales
A regional social evening in Manchesters
China Town. 10 per head for a three-
course meal. Prior booking essential.
18 MAR 14: AGM
ICES HQ, 6pm for 6.30pm
ICES Scotland
04 FEB 14: Offshore oil and gas decommissioning
MMS, Edinburgh, 6pm for 6.30pm
sronan@cices.org www.cices.org/scotland/
An evening seminar looking at the
challenges and opportunities in offshore oil
and gas decommissioning.
19 FEB 14: Top ten things to know about dispute
resolution in construction
MMS, Edinburgh, 6pm for 6.30pm
sronan@cices.org www.cices.org/scotland/
Kirsti Olson and Nicole Hatch will offer
practical advice about dealing with disputes
under construction contracts whether
during the project or after it has finished,
covering adjudication, litigation, arbitration,
mediation and dispute review boards.
ICES South East
10 JAN 14: ICES SE annual dinner
Bordellos Restaurant, London
Bookings: nboriel@icloud.com
Members need to confirm attendance and if they are bringing a guest to the dinner at
Bordellos in Wapping.
23 JAN 14: UK GeoForum lecture
RICS HQ, London, 6pm
Bookings: pgsupport@rics.org
David Overton, MD of SplashMaps and former innovation manager at Ordnance Survey,
will talk about weaving a new genre of mapping. All ICES members and non-members are
welcome.
13 MAR 14: AGM
Location TBC.
For updated regional listings visit www.cices.org/regions
From left to right: Peter Randles hands over the chair of ICES North West & North Wales to Mark Hudson; Andrew Keung, Honby Chan and
LC Yu at the construction management conference; and Miranda Lui with organisers of the Macau quantity surveying conference.
Andrew Winston Morley 1948-2013
Andrew Morley was a longstanding
member of ICES and the institution
benefited from his time and experience
over a period of nearly 40 years.
He was a true quantity surveyor,
specialising in the practices of
measurement, taking off, working up and
preparing bills of quantities. When QS
colleagues around him were moving
towards commercial, risk and project
management, contractual and
procurement choice and dispute
resolution specialisms, Andrew remained
committed to the technical expertise of traditional quantity surveying and his company,
CCM Associates, specialised in this. His overseas ventures, notably in Iraq, Hong Kong and
Nigeria, gave him a great breadth of experience in the application of these practices in
differing circumstances.
He joined ICES in 1975 and was a keen supporter of the International Federation of
Surveyors (FIG). He was instrumental in the formation of commission 10; dedicated to
construction economics. He went on to chair the commission for four years. He was a
member of the ICES International Affairs Committee and over the years of his involvement
with the institution served on regional and publications committees. Stephen Booth, a
former editor of Civil Engineering Surveyor, remembers sharing a car with Andrew and the
late Mike Fort when attending ICES meetings during the 1970s. Andrews conservatism,
tempered by Mikes socialism and Stephens liberalism, made for some lively journeys!
Lifelong friendships were cemented; a common theme in the early days of ICES and a
footing of comradeship on which the institution still stands.
With contributions from John Bacon and Stephen Booth
Andrew Morley is pictured at his investiture as chair of FIG commission 10 with former FIG presidents Stig Enemark and Holger Magel.
8 lnstitution News Civil Engineering Surveyor
Win for Dublin by night
Ben Dundas-Gray, a graphic design student from Cirencester, has won a photography
competition organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Building Research
Establishment. Mr Dundas-Gray won the 16-19 age category with his photo of the Samuel
Beckett Bridge in Dublin. Competition judges described the shot as very striking.
New ADS for ICES
Bernard Geomatics has become the
institutions latest approved development
partner. The scheme is intended for land
and engineering surveyors who are
currently training to become professionally
qualified geospatial engineers.
The scheme is open for both technical
and full member grades and will be
managed by Mitko Delev MCInstCES.
New accreditation for DIT
Dublin Institute of Technology has had its
MSc in applied construction cost
management course accredited by the
institution. John Barr FCInstCES met with
Richard O'Carroll MCInstCES and colleagues
at DIT to accredit the course for a period of
five years. The institute already has its
geomatics honours degree programme
accredited by ICES.
New French president
Geoff French has become the 149th president
of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Mr
French spent his career with Scott Wilson,
having joined as a graduate in 1968 and
worked his way up to the role of chairman
until its takeover by URS in 2010. He is a
former president of FIDIC and past chair of
the Association for Consultancy and
Engineering.
During his inaugural presidential address
on 5 November 2013, Mr French stated he wanted to raise the public profile of civil
engineers, saying: Over the past few years, infrastructure has rightly gone from being one
of the most important things people never thought much about to an issue at the heart
of political and public debate. Engagement with policy makers has played a key role in
this, but this exposure isnt something we can take for granted.
This is civil engineering
A campaign to promote awareness of civil
engineering has been launched at
Manchesters Victoria Station as it undergoes
a 44m modernisation scheme. This is Civil
Engineering will be displayed on banners
and signboards at prominent construction
sites, along with a QR code linked to a
dedicated page on the Institution of Civil
Engineers website that explains what civil
engineering is and what civil engineers do.
The launch at Manchester Victoria was
staged in conjunction with Network Rail, Morgan Sindall and Hyder Consulting.
Representatives from all organisations are pictured displaying one of the banners above.
One Great George Street centenary
As part of the 2013 centenary celebrations of the Institution of Civil Engineers One Great
George Street headquarters in Westminster, three names have been engraved into the
interior walls. Sir William Gordon Harris was inscribed for leading the development of
Britains motorway and trunk road network in the 20th century; Sir Thomas Angus Lyall
Paton for his contribution to the development of Britains international consulting capacity
after the Second World War; and Professor Sir Alec Wesley Skempton for the development
of geotechnical engineering as a new civil engineering discipline in Britain.
CES will be talking to Geoff French in the new year about his term at ICE and furthering
the relationship with ICES.
UEL prize winners
The institutions student prizes at the
University of East London have been
awarded. The surveying and mapping
sciences prize has gone to Carmen Tong;
the civil engineering prize to Christopher
Power; and the part-time student prize to
Thomas Mirrington.
Serena Ronan, ICES professional
development coordinator, said:
Congratulations to Carmen, Christopher
and Thomas for their efforts this year. The
institution has a lot of support from UEL
and we are delighted to recognise the
excellent work of its students.
ICES Yearbook now available
The institutions 2014 Yearbook and
Directory of Members is now available. The
latest edition features its regular roundup of
health and safety, and construction law
developments over the last 12 months,
alongside the annual reports of the
institutions core committees and panels.
Also this year are features on forensic
laser scanning, height measuring using total
stations, collateral warranties and 3D
modelling using data derived from UAVs.
ICES approved development schemes and
accredited courses have been updated.
ICES Publishing operations director
Darrell Smart said: The Yearbook
continues its tradition of reflecting the
institution in a nutshell. Incorporating the
annual report, important membership
information sits alongside articles that
display the diverse arena our members
work in. I can also confirm, by popular
request, the technical and reference data
section has been included again; providing
readers with a handy guide to calculations
and standard measurements.
Members will automatically receive a copy
through the post.
9 lnstitution News 12-01 2014
Changes to members only area
The institutions members only area on the
website has recently undergone some
changes and members will need to set up
new log-in details.
The area can be accessed by clicking the
link on the top-right corner of any page of
www.cices.org, and going to Ive forgotten
my password. Members will need to enter
their currently registered email address to
receive instructions on how to set a new
secure password.
BIM certification
The Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors has developed a BIM manager
certification scheme. The certificate is open
to quantity surveyors and construction
professionals already working with building
information modelling.
Applicants will need to provide a 2,000
word BIM case study detailing their
personal involvement, capability,
knowledge and understanding as well as a
critical reflection of the project. In addition,
they must demonstrate their BIM skills
across three core competencies, including
initiation, processes and collaboration, and
integration as well as in at least one of two
optional competencies covering commercial
and technical abilities. A detailed five year
employment history will also be required.
Grace for CIAT
Karl Grace has become the new president
of the Chartered Institute of Architectural
Technologists. He has been a sole
practitioner based in the West Midlands
since 1989 and has been CIAT honorary
secretary for over a decade.
Mr Grace said: Im excited to lead CIAT
into its 50th year in 2015.
New faces head
diversity at CIC
Bridget Bartlett has
become chair of the
Construction Industry
Councils diversity
panel. Ms Bartlett is
currently chief
operating officer at
the Chartered Institute
of Building.
Speaking of the
appointment, Graham Watts, CIC chief
executive, said: Her extensive experience
in education and her leadership capabilities
will be a great asset in taking forward our
work on diversity and access.
The panel aims to promote diversity
policy and activities within the construction
industry, to benefit society. Andy Ford,
professor of systems engineering in the
built environment at London South Bank
University, has been appointed vice chair.
Congratulations CYT
The Construction Youth Trust is celebrating a win on the Peoples Millions. The national
competition involves a public telephone vote for regional schemes and is promoted
throughout the ITV television network. CYT won 50,000 which will be used to support
young homeless people living at a hostel in Ealing. They will be taught construction skills,
meet with potential employers, gain a qualification and refurbish parts of the hostel in
need of repair.
ICES CEO Bill Pryke said: I was delighted to see the Construction Youth Trust triumph
in its bid for the Peoples Millions. I cannot commend enough the work the trust does.
Work will start on the scheme in spring 2014.
Schools work for Nottingham and Caterpillar
Nottingham University and Caterpillar are working together to promote careers in
engineering. The organisations are holding taster days for secondary school pupils to see
what careers are available and the types of student activities on offer during engineering
degrees. Pupils, aged 13 and 14, from the William Allitt School and St John Houghton
Catholic Academy, both in Derbyshire, have already attended one of the sessions. During
the day pupils took part in a Nao robot programming workshop and took tours of the
universitys laboratories.
Wessex retired surveyors open doors to ICES
A club for retired surveyors has opened its doors to ICES members. The Wessex Retired
Surveyors Club, derived from the former Wessex branch of the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors, meets for lunch three times a year, with a speaker following the
meal. The club is also open to semi-retired surveyors.
Chair Brian Bartholomew said: In the current difficult financial climate many surveyors
are choosing or having to retire later. We are hoping to facilitate an informal networking
forum for those surveyors looking for opportunities to extend their careers. The club
meets off the western end of the M27 motorway.
Brian Bartholomew can be contacted on +44 (0)7711 315103.
Trailblazing changes for apprenticeships
The Engineering Council has welcomed the governments plans for a reform of
apprenticeships. The changes come on the back of the Richard review of apprenticeships
and place professional standards at the centre of training and assessment. Developed
initially as Trailblazers, the scheme will see employers and their apprentices engage
directly with professional engineering institutions. The Engineering Council will take an
active part in steering the new apprenticeships to meet the UK standard for professional
engineering competence (UK-SPEC) requirements for professional registration as
engineering technician or incorporated engineer.
Jon Prichard, CEO of the Engineering Council, said: Trailblazers will drive up standards
by placing professional registration at the heart of apprenticeships. By doing so,
apprentices and employers will benefit from the long established quality assurance and
independent recognition of competence offered by the engineering profession.
Changes at the top for CIWEM
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental
Management has a new president and a new CEO. Mike
Summersgill (pictured) has been inducted as the 27th
CIWEM president. He is a civil engineer currently working
with contaminated land specialists SEnSe Associates.
Dr Simon Festing has been appointed CIWEMs new
chief executive officer. Originally trained in medicine, Dr
Festing has previously worked at Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. For the past two
years, he has been CEO of the Society for General Microbiology. Nigel Hendley will act as
interim chief executive until Dr Festing takes over in March 2014.
ICES endorses SUA surveying guide
ICES has given its endorsement to a client guide on the use of small unmanned aircraft
(SUA) in surveying. The Guide to SUA Surveys highlights the Civil Aviation Authoritys
operational regulations governing commercial users and advises on the advantages and
limitations of current systems. Useful case studies are also included to illustrate the range
of possible deliverables.
The guide has been produced by The Survey Association, and has also been endorsed
by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
The guide can be downloaded, free of charge, from www.tsa-uk.org.uk
10 News Roundup Civil Engineering Surveyor
Barrier modelling
A high-resolution, 3D map of the entire
Barrier Reef has been created to measure
responses to manmade and natural effects,
and the likely impacts of climate change.
German aquatic remote sensing company
EOMAP combined satellite optical imagery
with tide information and existing ocean
floor topography data.
The company is now developing a map
with 2m resolution of the reef using
DigitalGlobes Worldview-2 satellite.
Pictured left: Bathymetry of Wreck Reef in the south Coral Sea
Islands. EOMAP
Honeycomb finish for Shenzhen airport
The new terminal at Shenzhen Baoan
International Airport in Guangdong, China,
has opened. Designed by architects
Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, the
1.5km long terminal uses honeycomb
shaped metal and glass panels to allow
natural light to filter through the facade.
52,000 tonnes of steel were used in
construction, with an additional 260,000
tonnes of reinforcement.
The terminal will increase capacity by
58%, allowing the airport to handle up to
45 million passengers per year. Two further
phases of the airport extension are
scheduled for completion in 2025 and 2035.
Image Studio Fuksas
Costa salvage master named infrastructure hero of the year
Captain Nicholas Sloane, the salvage master of the Costa Concordia parbuckling project
was named infrastructure hero of the year at the Bentley Systems annual awards. Captain
Sloane and engineering consultancy Tecon were responsible for designing the recovery of
the Costa Concordia shipwreck off the coast of Italy. The method, designed by Tecon
president Tullio Balestra, involved rotating the wreck by 65 and the use of steel platforms
and grout bags. It was the only method suggested to the recovery team that kept the
wreckage intact. Bentley CEO Greg Bentley said, It reminds me why all of us in the field
of sustaining infrastructure do what we do. Hearing about the remarkable projects that are
delivered every year in service to enhanced quality of life is an inspiration like no other.
The award for innovation in BIM went to Consolidated Contractors Company for the
new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. CCCs Essam El-Absi said the
use of BIM had reduced the number of quantity surveyors on the project from 60 to six.
Topcon donation for DIT
Topcon has donated half a million dollars
worth of positioning and medical
equipment to Dublin Institute of
Technology. The donation equips two
laboratories for optometry and surveying.
Ray OConnor, president and CEO of
Topcon Positioning Systems, a DIT
graduate himself, said: We have a long-
established programme to assist educational
institutions. This opportunity to assist in
educating Generation Z with the tools and
skills that are critical as geodesy moves into
the 4, 5 and 6D world is a start to bridging
the gap between the global infrastructure
need of the future and the worlds ability to
meet it.
ISO 55000 launches
New international standards for asset management are due to be released in January 2014.
The suite from the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) is based on the
publicly available PAS 55 specifications sponsored by the Institute of Asset Management.
The ISO suite includes ISO 55000, 55001 and 55002 covering an overview, principles
and terminology, requirements and guidelines. Transport for London, Network Rail, the
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Department for Transport and the Institute of
Asset Management have all worked on developing the suite. ISO 55000 will follow the
new terminology and structure of international standards, and has been designed to
particularly benefit utilities and transport providers in the private and public sectors facing
a regulatory pressure to manage assets.
Electric dreams
Balfour Beatty has been awarded a 64m Crossrail electrification contract. The contract
covers the installation of new overhead line electrification equipment on a 12.5 mile
stretch of track along the Great Western Main Line. Balfours new high output wiring train
will be used to install the overhead lines. Chief executive Andrew McNaughton said: Our
investments in specialist high output plant for these works confirm our ongoing
commitment to the national electrification programme.
Meanwhile North Yorkshire, York and Harrogate councils have submitted a business
case to the Department for Transport for the electrification of the Leeds-Harrogate-York
railway. The scheme would require 100m of government funding.
Contracts for French nuclear waste
An Astrium, Tractebel Engineering and
Cardete & Huet partnership is to design
surface nuclear facilities for the French
national radioactive waste management
agency, Andra. The facilities at the Cigo
centre would monitor and repackage high
and mid level radioactive waste ready for
storage underground. The centre has a
lifespan of 100 years and needs the
flexibility to adapt to future technology.
Andra was tasked in 2006 with arranging
radioactive waste storage facilities. The
contract, worth 44m, covers a four year
study as part of the approval request Andra
needs to submit in 2015. If authorised,
Cigo could be operational in 2025.
11 News Roundup 12-01 2014
Art and engineering celebrate new canal link
A new major sculpture marks the gateway to a canal extension linking the Forth and Clyde
Canal to the North Sea. The 30m tall Kelpies were designed by Glasgow artist Andy Scott
and are a tribute to the working canal horses of Scotland. The sculpture is part of the
Helix regeneration programme to transform 350 hectares of land between Falkirk and
Grangemouth. The new canal link is expected to open up the inland waterways to bigger
vessels and lead to an increase in boating traffic throughout central Scotland. 27km of new
pathways and a visitors centre also form part of the programme
Mr Scott said: The heavy horse was at one time the driving force in industry until after
the Industrial Revolution. There is an ancient and almost primal link between man and
horse, and the Kelpies are an outstanding exemplar of art and engineering coming
together. Construction work on the Kelpies began in June and has been undertaken by
SH Structures. Each Kelpie weighs 300 tonnes and contains 3,000 metres of steel tubing
and 17,000 component parts. Image Jim Stewart
Historic maps in virtual world
Historic maps from the British Library have been combined with videogame technology to
create a 3D fly-through of 17th century London. The fly-through was the winning entry in
a student competition run by Nottingham Trent University and game developer Crytek.
The winning team, Pudding Lane Productions from De Montfort University, impressed the
judges with their realism and attention to detail, showing the tightly packed streets and
lanes of the capital city.
Tom Harper, panel judge and curator of cartographic materials at the British Library,
said: I'm really pleased that the Pudding Lane team was able to repurpose some of the
maps from the British Library's amazing map collection a storehouse of virtual worlds
in such a considered way.
In brief: Design and engineering
consultancy Waldeck has set up a BIM
Academy in Lincoln. Students are initially
taught CAD before progressing to BIM.
Topcon has acquired DynaRoad Oy, a
Finnish construction software company.
Applications in CADD has promoted Philip
Langrishe to director. The software
company is set to release new products in
January 2014. AECOM has been awarded a
three-year contract from Transnet SOC, a
South African state-owned company. The
contract covers 15 separate rail and port
infrastructure projects in regions around
Cape Town, Postmasburg and Saldanha,
South Africa. Balfour Beatty has been given
two UK coastal defence contracts totalling
73m for Blackpool and Wyre councils. Over
2.9km of original 1930s seawall will be
replaced as part of a promenade renewal
and beach management project. AMEC
has bought out Automated Engineering
Services Corp, a professional design
engineering nuclear services firm based in
Illinois, US. Gammon Construction has won
two rail contracts in Singapore; an 87m
contract for the design and construction of
the Mayflower Station on the Thomson
Line, and a 61m contract for track system
replacement on the North-South Line.
AVEVA has launched E3D Insight, a
Windows 8.1 app that enables the viewing
of E3D designs on a mobile tablet device.
Under a two-year contract Jacobs will
provide engineering and design services
spanning civil, structural, mechanical,
electrical control and instrumentation,
process, safety, and environmental
disciplines for EDF Energys nuclear power
station portfolio in the UK.
New home for Leica
Leica Geosystems has moved its UK and
EMEA headquarters into a new purpose-
designed building. The company, which is
part of the Hexagon Group, will still be
based in Milton Keynes, but the larger
building will better support sales and
technical support.
Commenting on the move, Mark
Concannon, Hexagons EMEA president,
told CES: This new state of the art building
bringing together all the areas of our
expertise represents a major investment
for our organisation. We are not just
investing in the future of Leica Geosystems
and Hexagon Metrology, much more
important to us, we are investing in the
future of our industry.
New waste recovery in Leeds
Work has begun on a new energy recovery facility in Leeds. Once operational in 2016, the
Veolia Environmental Services facility will process up to 214,000 tonnes of black bin waste
a year. Clugston Construction is contractor on the project.
Courses take place in a modern and spacious training suite in a friendly and professional environment.
The suite has excellent transport links to Manchesters motorway, Metrolink and airport networks and
five minutes walking distance to Sale town centre and hotels.
The ICES Training Suite is now available to hire. Situated on the ground floor of the institutions
headquarters in south Manchester, the suite can accommodate up to 20 delegates boardroom style or
80 delegates theatre style. Rates include publication of courses in Civil Engineering Surveyor and online.
ICES Training
Contact: Alan Lees
+44 (0)161 972 3123
alees@cices.org
www.cices.org
For more details and a list of courses
www.surco.uk.com/training-suite.php
The ICES Training Suite is operated by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors information business, SURCO.
Provider Date+Time Course Cost
23 JAN 2014
9am-4.30pm
Introductory Contract Law (1 Day)
This course provides a foundation in law and the legal system, suitable for all construction
professionals. Delegates will gain an understanding of the essential points of law applying to
construction contracts, appreciate the legal framework in which projects are carried out, evaluate
the positional strengths of parties in dispute, recognise the consequences of negotiations and
understand how contracts are interpreted by adjudicators, arbitrators and the courts.
195
+ VAT
28 JAN 2014
9am-4.30pm
Principles of Construction Contracts (1 Day)
This course provides an introduction to construction contracts, how they are formed and how they
should be managed. Delegates will gain a working understanding of the principles of contracts, how
they are formed correctly to avoid later problems, the necessary components and how to
administer them to avoid common pitfalls. NEC3 will be used to demonstrate the points learned in
the course.
195
+ VAT
TO BOOK: Joanne Gray, ICES Training, +44 (0)161 972 3110, jgray@cices.org
18-19 MAR 2014
9am-5pm
Building Web Apps Using the ArcGIS API for JavaScript (2 Day)
Using the ArcGIS API for JavaScript, it is possible to build high-per forming, engaging web
applications that incorporate GIS mapping, editing, and geoprocessing functionality. This course
teaches how to leverage the ArcGIS API for JavaScript to efficiently develop lightweight applications
that meet the needs of their intended audience. Delegates will learn about the resources available
in the API and how to incorporate basemaps and other ArcGIS Online resources to enhance their
web applications.
810
+ VAT
31 MAR 2014
01 APR 2014
9am-5pm
ArcGIS 1 - Fundamentals of ArcGIS 10.x for Desktop (2 Day)
This two day course is the first of three courses designed to give delegates a solid foundation in
using ArcGIS Desktop. This course introduces the main functions of ArcMap, including the creation
and manipulation of a map document, basic geographic data management, selection and analysis
of data and creation of a map for output. If resources allow, users will also be introduced to ArcGIS
Online and create an online map. The course uses a combination of lectures, demonstrations and
exercises. Delegates will be provided with the data and exercises so that they can work through
them again in their own time.
670
+ VAT
02-03 APR 2014
9am-5pm
ArcGIS 2 - Essential ArcGIS 10.x for Desktop (2 Day)
This course is the second of a three part foundation in ArcGIS Desktop (version 10.x). The ArcGIS 2
course expands on the subjects covered in the ArcGIS 1 and introduces new functions. These
include managing data in a geodatabase, enhanced symbology and labelling options and the use of
analysis tools. The creation of map books and publishing a map to ArcGIS Online are also covered.
Delegates will be provided with the data and exercises so that after the course they can work
through them again in their own time.
* Please note: Esri recommends this course for delegates who have already attended the ArcGIS 1
- Fundamentals of ArcGIS 10.x for Desktop. If you previously attended the ArcGIS 10.x for Desktop
Part 1 course, then Esri would advise that you attend the ArcGIS 10.x for Desktop Part 2 course
instead.
670
+ VAT
TO BOOK: Esri Training, +44 (0)1296 745 504, training@esriuk.com, www.esriuk.com/training
10% discount for ICES members. Quote name and membership number on booking.
13 Social Network/Lately 12-01 2014
The (CES) social network
We have taken another few steps forward to
become chartered @CharteredICES. Any
comments on how to become ICES members are
welcome.
@sasurveys
Do we still use "ditto" in our Bills of Quantities?
Chuyin Ng, RICS
Help needed! - Cost drivers for SCL (Sprayed Concrete Lining) Tunnelling
Ian Brown, ICES
What December means for a UK land surveyor.
One layer of clothing is no longer enough, and
everybody wants delivery by Christmas!
Spatial Dimensions Ltd
Work is absolutely manic so we're working all hours to try and accomodate
everyone so here we are in the office today. Have mince pies though!
RL Surveys
Just had our largest number of enquiries in a
month since 2008 - positive news for us and the
whole survey industry :-)
@loysurveys
Mat Riley, Head of Infra @ECHarrisLLP "the UK
still does not have the right infra policy
environment for funds to be put to good use."
#NIP
@ECHarrisLLP
A large golf course #topo survey this week. We
have got a "fairway" to the completion of this
#survey... ;)
@TerraMeasure
3.85 for a hotel
coffee and no little
biscuit :-(
@stodgeblog
Just spotted someone
on LinkedIn that cant
spell their own job
title. Architecht
@priteshpatel9
Go to Jail. Go directly
to Jail. We're doing a
stretch (survey) at
HMP today
@MSURV
Lately... We met with the UK Forum for Engineering Structural Integrity to discuss publications and social networking platforms. | We
celebrated the birthdays of the Construction Industry Council and ICES business admin apprentice Tom. | We attended the JCT Povey lecture
to hear chief construction adviser Peter Hansford talk about partnering. | We attended the Bentley Year in Infrastructure conference. | We
were at the Tower of London to see the launch of the CyArk 500. | We met Topcon Positioning CEO Ray OConnor and talked about BIM (UK
good) and machine control (UK could do better). | We held a Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting. | We held training courses
for Esri, Benchmarq and ICES Training. | We went to the London Surveyors dinner with SCCS. | We signed a memorandum of agreement with
the Chartered Institute of Building. | We began commissioning for the February and March 2014 editions of CES. | We worked on the design
of the members only section of the website. | We attended the ICES Network pub quiz in Newcastle. | We held a Council of Management
meeting. | We met Autodesk VP Brian Mathews and talked 3D. | We met outgoing HS2 chair and ICES fellow Doug Oakervee. | We tried
the new pizza place that has opened opposite ICES HQ. | We booked our Christmas dinner. | We attended the Lighthouse Club national
annual charity dinner. | We welcomed Geoff French as ICE president and attended his address. | We visited venues for next years ICES
dinner. | We went to Mapping Showcase. | We said hello to former marketing officer Jacquie Hudson (nee Warburton) who popped into
HQ. | We topped 600 likes of our Facebook page. | We went to the opening of Leica Geosystems new HQ and spoke to EMEA president
Mark Concannon about the future of surveying.| We had a SURCO board meeting and AGM. | We read a lesson at the joint carol service of
the Institution of Civil Engineers and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at St Margarets Church, Westminster. | We met laser
scanning specialist Erwin Christofori. | We attended the BK SURCO annual construction conference in Hong Kong. | We asked Mark Bew,
chairman of the government BIM Working Group, how contracts would be affected by BIM (it was a good question and a were not
entirely sure answer). | We had lots of discussions about next years GeoBusiness event. | We had a request for an article from June 1994
from a past author and spent a morning enjoying a look through the archives. | We held an International Affairs Committee meeting. | We
held Skype discussions with the country representatives for South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, USA and Saudi Arabia. | We held
membership surgeries in Cambridge, the West Midlands, London and Sale. | We held discussions with the International Marine Contractors
Association about future collaboration. | And we wished all our members and readers a merry Christmas and a happy 2014!
15 Legal Q&A 12-01 2014
T
HERE is no short answer. A designer may be subject to a duty to warn another
(i.e. the employer or the contractor) of a failing in performance or a method of
work which is likely to cause injury or damage to property. The difficult bit is
when such a duty arises and what such a duty may cover.
Starting point the contract
The starting point, as usual, is the terms of the contract. There may be an express duty to
warn in the contract. Alternatively, there may be a basis for the courts to imply an
obligation to warn into the contract, for example if to do so would reflect the parties
intentions. In addition, there may be a concurrent duty or standalone duty to warn if the
designer owes a duty of care in the tort of negligence.
Duty to warn what does it mean?
Court cases show that there are three
possible circumstances for a duty to warn
to arise upon a designer, as illustrated by
two cases. In the case of Chesham
Properties v Bucknall Austin (1996) the
judge considered whether each of an
architect, project manager, engineer and
quantity surveyor were subject to an
express or implied duty to warn the
employer of either or both (i) deficiencies
in its own performance; and (ii)
deficiencies in the performance of other
members of the professional team. The
judge concluded that he was very reluctant
to find a duty to warn of its own
deficiencies and although such a duty is
arguable in the absence of an express
term it will only be in exceptional cases
that a party will be under a duty to report
itself to the employer. However, he was
more willing to find a duty to advise the
employer of deficiencies in the
performance of others depending on
express contractual duties, such as to
co-ordinate consultants, monitor projects
or works.
The second case is Hart Investments v
Fidler (2007) which concerns whether an
engineer, subject to a combined retainer by
the owner and the contractor in respect of
the permanent works, owed a duty to warn
both the employer and the contractor in
relation to the temporary works. In that
case, the judge said in my judgment if an
engineer employed by an owner in respect
of permanent works observes a state of
temporary works which is dangerous and
causing immediate peril to the permanent
works in respect of which he is employer, he
is obliged to take such steps as are open to
him to obviate that danger.
What about in practice?
In practice, what should a designer do if it
sees works or something on site that is
likely to cause damage to property or
danger? The guiding principle (if it can be
described like that) seems to be to exercise
common sense. The judge in Hart v Fidler
said it would be odd to take such steps as
to ensure design life of a building but not
warn of an immediate danger.
The problem with this approach is that
common sense is not an objective standard.
Perhaps the best practical guidance comes
from a line of solicitors negligence cases.
In those cases, there is an obligation to
warn of plain and obvious danger even if
the solicitor is not engaged to advise on
that danger. If in doubt, the prudent course
will generally be to give a warning rather
than regret later not having done so.
Ruth Wilkinson, Associate,
Dundas & Wilson
ruth.wilkinson@dundas-wilson.com
Legal Q&A: Duty to warn
Ruth Wilkinson, Associate, Dundas and Wilson
Is a designer (such as an
engineer or architect)
subject to a duty to warn?
If so, when does such a
duty arise?
If in doubt, the prudent course
will generally be to give a
warning rather than regret later
not having done so.
16 Roads Civil Engineering Surveyor
A
world-leading project is currently underway in Fiji to bring about a sustained
improvement in the national roading network for the country. In January 2012,
the New Zealand division of MWH Global was awarded a five-year contract by
the Fiji government to assist it in establishing the new Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), and
to build and maintain the countrys 10,000km of roads, its 1000 bridges and 44 jetties.
The role also included the institutional change needed to create the FRA. Since its
formal establishment on 1 January 2013, the FRAs strong management process is
ensuring a financially accountable and robust reporting system, with increased
efficiency and value for money.
For a country that did not have an effective transportation network, virtually no systems
in place to maintain and operate the infrastructure that was in existence, and a network in
a very serious state of disrepair, the turnaround is becoming clear to see. It will still take a
few more years for these changes to become embedded and sustainable. Fijis roads and
their safety have improved, meaning its now possible for more children in remote villages
to get to school. Better roads mean more money is being brought into rural communities
and, in a country where 80% of people get around by bus, daily life is becoming easier.
Knowledge transfer
One of the biggest benefits of the project is the ongoing up skilling of staff. There has
been a huge amount of knowledge transfer to local staff from New Zealand consultants
Transforming Fijis road network
Mike Rudge, Fiji Roading Network Manager, MWH Global
MWHs Mike Rudge on
establishing a new roads
authority and the roads
that go with it
Before (top) and after (bottom):
From left to right: Completion of road and Deepwater Bridge, Tailevu, Fiji.
Construction of a new water channel, resheeting and grading, Nasavu Road, Naqali, Fiji.
Road and bridge completion, Wailau Road, Korovou area, Fiji.
17 Roads 12-01 2014
and contractors working in Fiji. This has an
ongoing benefit for the individual,
communities and economy as it means the
country will become more self-sufficient
and, in time, have less reliance on foreign
workers to deliver an efficient and effective
transport system.
In the next few years, a major reseal
and rehabilitation programme is to be
rolled out across Fijis entire road network,
together with the replacement of unsafe
bridges and improvements to traffic signals
and streetlights.
What is particularly unique about this
project is the speed at which change is
happening. The Fiji government was aware
of the extent and urgency of the problem
and the need to dramatically increase
expenditure. However, it knew it could not
afford to put money into a broken system
riddled with unnecessary bureaucracy,
corruption and low levels of competence.
Outsourced contracts
The turnaround has been impressive. In
one year, the government disbanded the
Department of National Roads with
approximately 1800 staff, developed and
let maintenance contracts, reviewed and
renegotiated some poor performing
contracts, and developed an integrated
approach to the future management of the
network. A key part of the review process
was a move to outsource road
maintenance contracts. After a thorough
tender process that started in May 2012,
three successful contractors, all New
Zealand-based companies, were selected.
In total, proposals from 28 companies from
around the Asia Pacific region and Fiji
were considered.
The contracts have a combined annual
value of $120m (FJD) (40m) and were
awarded to Fulton Hogan, Blacktop
Construction and Higgins Group. The
contracts started on 1 January 2013 and will
be for four years, with a right of extension
for a further one or two years.
Better roads mean more money
is being brought into rural
communities and, in a country
where 80% of people get
around by bus, daily life is
becoming easier.
The Fiji government knew it could not afford to put money into a
broken system riddled with unnecessary bureaucracy, corruption
and low levels of competence.
Game-changing
This will be the first time Fiji has committed to an ongoing programme of maintenance
and the renewal of its roads. One of the critical roles for the contractors will be to pass on
their expertise to local workers and companies. We want these reforms to have a lasting
effect rather than just being a band-aid solution, so this also presents a great opportunity
for local workers to upgrade their skills.
This game-changing project, its systems, processes and objectives, is now being brought
to the attention of other governments in the region, including Papua New Guinea, which
is increasingly focusing on its infrastructure as its economy continues to grow at some of
the fastest rates in the Asia Pacific.
Through working in this programme, New Zealand engineers have also gained unique
experience and knowledge, enhancing the skills they will bring home.
Mike Rudge, Fiji Roading Network Manager, MWH Global
Mike.Rudge@mwhglobal.com.
Thanks to Neil Cook, CEO, Fiji Roads Authority
Before (top) and after (bottom): Structural bridge repairs at Bacalevu Bridge, Fiji.
We live in a world of ever increasing design complexity. With a portfolio
of industry leading proven technology, Leica Geosystems solutions will
help turn these designs into reality.
Whether you are constructing a bridge, building new roads or installing new
rail infrastructure, engineers need tools that deliver both precision and
efficiency. But it's much more than just the hardware and software;
professional product advice, coupled with best in class training and
technical support, allows you to realise the full potential of your investment.
For your free consultation with one of our technical representatives call
01908 513 451 or email uk.sales@leica-geosystems.com
Why do so many choose
Leica Geosystems?
Leica Geosystems Ltd
Hexagon House
Michigan Drive, Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8HT
Tel: 01908 513 451
uk.sales@leica-geosystems.com
www.leica-geosystems.co.uk
19 BlM 12-01 2014
I
N the September edition of Civil
Engineering Surveyor Alasdair
Snadden wrote an interesting article
looking at how building information
modelling can be used in the dispute
resolution process. This got us thinking
about how surveying and surveyors
specifically could be used to assist in
dispute resolution, particularly in relation to
the creation and maintenance of a building
information model.
Disputes
The context of project disputes, which are
largely disagreements of interpretation of
information, means there is potentially a
huge volume of information and complex
technical data to assimilate and understand.
This usually also entails intricate
programme timelines, sequencing and
calculations, and maintenance schedules
which make it very difficult for the
professional involved, let alone the layman,
to fully understand and comprehend.
Making this data and information more
transparent, trustworthy and
understandable is perhaps the industrys
and the surveyors greatest challenge.
Achieving this in the first instance and as a
norm would be the first important step in
eroding the traditional us-and-them
mentality embedded in construction and
infrastructure, and see a move towards a
more positive, factual and iterative-solution
based philosophy.
Then and now
Historically, surveying has always been
undertaken largely in the early stages of a
project whether that be design and build
or refurbishment. This would typically
involve the creation of 2D and sometimes
3D topographic and measured building
surveys. Surveyors would then set out
construction designs and sometimes
produce as-built external and internal
drawings towards the later stages of
construction. The whole process and the
role of the surveyor being rather stand-
offish from the heart of the design and
build process.
Whilst the science and traditional
techniques havent gone away, and long
may they stay, current technology and
software means that the surveyor operates
in a more sophisticated environment and
closer to the end-users now. Laser scanning
and 3D software and visualisation packages
mean that we can contribute directly and
importantly to one of the main current-day
efficiency thrusts the clumsily named
building information model process, or
BIM. We say process, as that is what it is
envisioned as; or collaborative working
using the vehicle of an attribute laden 3D
model to share information up-front to help
prevent problems later on. This brings the
surveyor closer to the heart of the design
and build process, and allows us to oil the
wheels of BIM with our survey data.
Currency and as-builts
To maintain the up-to-date currency of the
model or project facility, there is a
fundamental need for the surveyor to
conduct regular re-surveys of the ongoing
construction or developed site in order to
create an accurate and geometrically sound
as-built BIM. Thus we could envisage a
state where each project milestone and
sign-off or data drop point will require new
survey data being added in a timely fashion
to the federated model.
In theory, the building can be virtually
pre constructed in the BIM to iterate design
nuances and also check construction
sequencing and clash detection. However,
the traditional reality of construction is that
things are rarely built exactly to design. As-
built surveys undertaken during
construction will normally enable positional
and tolerance checking as the work
progresses. The BIM will also have greater
value in the future if it accurately
represents the physical construction and
state of completion.
There are many ways to capture and
record data that can be included in a BIM.
Laser scanning, as one method of data
collection, readily lends itself to a low site-
impact high-output solution that works well
in busy and fluid construction and
development environments, where speed
of survey on site and in the office as a
deliverable are of significant importance.
This could also be enhanced by the use of
How surveyors can support the
use of BIM in dispute resolution
Graham Mills FCInstCES, Chairman, and Martin Penney, Director, Technics Group
An article in Septembers
CES makes Graham Mills
and Martin Penney think...
20 BlM Civil Engineering Surveyor
up data for replace-and-use purposes) is
part and parcel of the regular project
management stage boundary sign-off, then
this process would become part of the
wider collaborative management routine.
This would confirm compliance with design
in a more timely fashion, which cannot
only be good for the project progression,
but would also help reduce the occurrence
of possible disputes and ultimately assist
construction in moving towards its
collaborative nirvana.
6D BIM
One of the clear objectives and benefits of
BIM is that at the end of a construction
phase the information model, or federation
of models, are passed on to the client for
what is anachronistically termed 6D BIM
or facilities management to you and I.
Hence the governments focus upon this
Achilles heel in the process which they
have called government soft landing (GSL).
Here the focus is about, guess what,
collaboration and the end user getting
what they actually want, not something that
looks good but doesnt serve its intended
purpose. So, crucial here is the handover of
accurate up-to-date data and models
populated with the correct structural
dimensions and features alongside a raft of
other professional data.
The model and its large database of
information can then be used in
conjunction with other software as the basis
for energy and maintenance management
and future building modifications saving
both time and money in the long term. The
aim is that the BIM created for construction
purposes is constantly evolved and updated
and, somewhat perhaps idealistically
currently, used for the entire life cycle of
the building. Reducing the stop-start effect
of passing on crucial project/facility data
through to the next stage in the
development or management can only go
towards a more inclusive process where the
right data is transparent and passed around
all stakeholders in a timely manner.
Disputes
As Alasdair Snadden pointed out in his
article, when disputes occur,
understanding and explaining what
occurred, why it occurred, and the relation
to the agreements made is of paramount
importance and often not simple to
achieve. Therefore the key service that
surveyors can provide is that of delivering
timely accurate data and even information
models. It is this clarity of understanding
that is facilitated by the highly visual 3D
model of the process and allows
on-board photography to assist in feature
recognition for project teams and in
progress meetings. All of this data is
housed within the BIM fabric and assists all
users in more fully understanding the
current project status.
A knock-on bonus of timely as-built data
satisfies Alasdair Snaddens point about the
requirement for contemporaneous historical
data to help understand any dispute in
facts. These mini data-drops provide
exactly this requirement. If the surveys are
undertaken throughout the construction
phase, an accurate record of the
construction will be built up layer by layer,
including both the positional information
and also importantly for dispute
resolution the time frame and
sequencing of events.
If the programming and intensity of the
as-built plan (whether this is simple point
cloud data for clash detection or modelled-
While it is easy to believe that
surveyors are on the fringes of
BIM and infrastructure, we
would suggest that we are far
closer to the heart of things than
we give ourselves credit for.
There is a fundamental need for surveyors to conduct regular re-
surveys in order to create an accurate and geometrically sound
as-built BIM.
21 BlM 12-01 2014
complexity to be readily appreciated and understood. It is this
making of data transparent and understandable that will help to
reduce disputes as long, of course, as it is being shared and, as
importantly, understood.
Similarly a robust policy of data update or as-builts mean that if
survey data is captured regularly during the construction of the
project, the data can be interrogated both in position and in time
for its spatial and geometrical progress and conformity. This could
help demonstrate the sequence of events that led to any problem
that arose and be a very useful tool in resolving potential disputes.
Conclusion
The article also highlighted the importance of rigorous and robust
document and model management where the currency of data is
king and of critical importance to the ongoing effectiveness of the
BIM process. The role, therefore, of BIM manager (or whatever the
particular title) and their empowered responsibility across the
working groups involved in all phases of a buildings life is one of
significant importance. Co-operation has never been more
important to the successful implementation of the holistic BIM
process in order that by its own endeavors the process helps to
reduce the very disputes we are proposing solutions to.
The role therefore of surveyors has never been more important
in helping to shape the successful future of construction and the
reduction of potential disputes. The need for timely accurate and
geometrically sound data that adds value to a project and allows
clarity of understanding amongst stakeholders of information is
high and perhaps even critical for the successful evolution of
information models and project progression. So while it is easy to
believe that surveyors are on the fringes of BIM and infrastructure,
we would suggest that we are far closer to the heart of things than
we give ourselves credit for by providing accurate geospatial data
and models.
On a final note, it is worth remembering
that data is only inanimate. Despite
whatever reliance we may place upon, for
example, automated clash detection
routines, all data requires human
understanding and interpretation. Hence
Snaddens reference to Humes inductive
causation. Where, the information model
may show a particular timeline of
development of a construction, we may not
know the reasoning and cause-and-effect
sequence that led to it, and so we can only
infer the reasoning from the data. The
design model may show pipework fitting
perfectly in a plant room and prove from
one perspective that the design is sound.
Other mechanical and electrical assets may
have been fitted correctly according to the
as-built, but if the construction sequence
with its surroundings doesnt work for one
element, that has to be inferred. The data
cant necessarily show it. Hence the need
for our data to be accurate is even more
critical in dispute resolution. Dispute that.
Graham Mills FCInstCES, Chairman, and
Martin Penney, Director, Technics Group
graham.mills@technicsgroup.com
martin.penney@technicsgroup.com
www.technicsgroup.com
Alasdair Snaddens article appeared on
pp26-27 of the September 2013 issue of Civil
Engineering Surveyor.
New Construction Law Courses
training
Contact: Joanne Gray
ICES Training
+44 (0)161 972 3110
jgray@cices.org
www.surco.uk.com/training-suite.php Courses cost 195 per day +VAT
ICES Training is operated by SURCO, a subsidiary of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
One-day courses aimed to provide a solid foundation in contract law and the legal system for all
construction professionals.
23 JAN 2014: INTRODUCTORY CONTRACT LAW (1 DAY)
This course provides a foundation in law and the legal system, suitable for all construction
professionals. Delegates will gain an understanding of the essential points of law applying
to construction contracts, appreciate the legal framework in which projects are carried out,
evaluate the positional strengths of parties in dispute, recognise the consequences of
negotiations and understand how contracts are interpreted by adjudicators, arbitrators and
the courts.
28 JAN 2014: PRINCIPLES OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS (1 DAY)
This course provides an introduction to construction contracts, how they are formed and
how they should be managed. Delegates will gain a working understanding of the
principles of contracts, how they are formed correctly to avoid later problems, the
necessary components and how to administer them to avoid common pitfalls. NEC3 will
be used to demonstrate the points learned in the course.
Course Leader
Courses will be led by Patrick Waterhouse,
an accomplished contracts professional in
the construction industry with over 25
years experience of projects in the UK and
overseas. Patrick advises clients,
contractors and consultants on all aspects of contracts
including tender documentation, certification, claims
and dispute resolution. He has 10 years experience of
consultancy following the earlier part of his career with
contractors. He is a chartered civil engineer, a Fellow
of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a mediator and
an adjudicator for construction disputes. He is a
member of the Register of Adjudicators of the
Institution of Civil Engineers.
Membership Application and Upgrade Surgeries
Are you thinking of upgrading your membership?
Do you know anyone interested in applying for membership?
Do you want your employees to develop their professional skills?
If you answer yes to any of the above, then these free half-hour surgeries are designed to make applying
to upgrade or applying directly for membership as simple as possible.
Surgeries cover eligibility, application documents and the membership review interviews. They are
equally suitable for applicants wishing to become technical members, members or fellows. Surgeries
are informal and the aim is to ensure that you understand if you are eligible to apply, how to write-up
your documentation and interpret the competencies. Plus, find out how to make the most of your
review interview.
Surgery Calendar 2014
13 January 10am-4pm Sale
15 January 1pm-4pm Derby
21 January 10am-4pm Belfast
10 February 10am-4pm Sale
18 February 10am-4pm London
10 March 10am-4pm Sale
11 March 10am-4pm Bristol
19 March 10am-4pm Glasgow
Bookable 30-minute sessions
with the ICES membership team.
To book visit www.cices.org/events.html
Enquiries: Membership Coordinator
+44 (0)161 972 3100
membership@cices.org
Dates are subject to change and are dependent on
sufficient numbers attending.
*For UAE workshops contact ices.uaeregion@gmail.com
23 Alliancing 12-01 2014
I
T is unlikely to have escaped your attention that the UK is
planning to build a new high speed railway line between
London and Birmingham, with later phases to Manchester
and Leeds. High Speed 2 (or HS2 as it is known) would as the
name suggests be only the UKs second high speed rail line. At
a projected cost running into several tens of billions of pounds, its
not something to be done on a whim. Depending on your view of
life, it will either be a strategic and necessary infrastructure
investment to revolutionise and grow the UKs regional cities, or a
complete waste of taxpayer cash that will irretrievably destroy our
green and pleasant land and bankrupt the nation. Its fair to say
that HS2 is somewhat of a thorny issue.
However, whilst the debate between the believers and the
naysayers reaches epic proportions of hyperbole and vitriol, and
whilst our parliamentarians continue to use HS2 as a political
football, the UKs construction industry is quietly getting on with
the task of working out how to make it happen.
Come together
Over the last month or so, HS2 Limited (the body responsible for
delivering the new railway) and various government ministers and
representatives have been holding supplier days to explain how
they plan to procure the new railways, tunnels, stations and
associated infrastructure and to engage with the industry with
regard to the opportunities for businesses to become involved. At
the heart of HS2 Limiteds proposals for construction of the new
railway is collaboration.
In her presentation to the Birmingham supplier conference on
5 November 2013, HS2s new commercial director, Beth West,
commented that collaboration enables us to create more aligned
and productive relationships between clients, stakeholders,
contractors, consultants and suppliers through which we can
develop better ways of working and thereby deliver continuous
improvements in performance.
Ms West noted that recent successfully delivered programmes
and projects in the UK have all had high degrees of collaborative
working, and that these experiences have demonstrated that early
involvement with the supply chain is critical to successful whole-
life delivery.
The desire for collaboration in the industry is, of course,
nothing new. It has been almost 20 years since Sir Michael Latham
delivered his landmark report Constructing the Team, calling on
the construction industry to change its ways and to embrace
collaborative working. Indeed, we have seen many projects where
a collaborative approach within a fairly typical contract structure
has borne fruit (the 2012 London Olympics, for example) and the
last 15 or so years has seen ever more collaborative forms of
contract enter the market.
However, I just cant help but feel that the sheer scale, nature
and complexity of HS2 presents a real opportunity to take
collaborative working to another level entirely. So, is HS2 being
ambitious enough with its plans for collaboration?
HS2: The fast track to collaboration?
Chris Hallam FCInstCES, Partner, Pinsent Masons
ICES fellow Chris Hallam
looks at the moves to put
collaborative working at
the heart of HS2
24 Alliancing Civil Engineering Surveyor
Anyone for NEC?
Ms West confirmed to the Birmingham
conference that the likely form of contract
for use on the various HS2 packages will
be the New Engineering Contract third
edition. To be frank, thats no great
surprise. The NEC form has long since
been the public sector contract of choice,
especially for major infrastructure projects,
such as Crossrail and the Olympics. It is
also one of the more collaborative standard
forms on the market, in that its
requirements for project management, early
warnings, transparency and the like ought
to encourage the sorts of behaviours that
lend themselves to collaborative working.
But is the NEC truly collaborative? Does it
put collaborative working at the heart of
the project?
I think not. This is not a criticism, as I
do not believe that it is meant to be. Whilst
it is without doubt one of the more
collaborative contract forms around, at the
end of the day, NEC3 is a contract where
the interests of the employer and those of
the contractor are not truly aligned. If the
parties interests are not aligned, it is
difficult to be truly collaborative.
So if not the NEC form of contract, then
what? Unfortunately, thats not such an easy
question to answer. It is in the nature of
contracts of whatever form and nature to
pit the parties against each other when
things dont go so well. For example, if a
contractor is running late, the threat of
liquidated damages for late completion may
incentivise it to put speed ahead of quality.
For the employer, whilst delay will be
inconvenient, much of the delay cost will
be covered by liquidated damages, so it
will be important that quality is not
sacrificed for speed in order to save the
contractor a few quid.
To be truly collaborative, we need
something a bit different to the standard
forms that are already out there. However,
there is an approach that could really drive
the more collaborative behaviours that Ms
Wests team wishes to create for HS2. Its
called alliancing.
Whats it all about?
In very general terms, alliancing is a
relationship between two or more parties
(known as participants) who have aligned
commercial interests and who aim to work
together to deliver a project in a
collaborative and constructive way.
However, the level of collaboration and co-
operation can vary in degree across a
spectrum, with pure alliancing at one end
and framework agreements at the other.
There are many existing standard forms
which, to some extent or other, embody
some of the principles that are inherent in
alliancing. The Association of Consultant
Architects PPC2000, the Joint Contracts
Tribunal Constructing Excellence (aka Be
challenge and debate is a sign of an
effective team. The success of the alliance
will be highlighted by the manner in which
disagreements are addressed and resolved
by the parties. Friendliness does not
guarantee effectiveness.
Best for project decision making
This principle is based on the idea that
participants will make decisions consistent
with collective aims and objectives of the
alliance, rather than in their own self-
interest. There is no concept of
best-for-self decision-making under an
alliance contract. The participants operate
in a peer relationship as part of a joint
management structure. Each participant
should have an equal say in decisions
made for the project.
Good faith and integrity
This underpins each of the key features of
alliancing. It is tied to the general
behaviours and shared cultural values that
the participants aim to achieve in
delivering the project. These usually relate
to co-operation and communication
between the participants, alongside a
requirement to always be fair and honest
and act with integrity.
All in the mind
An alliance contract necessitates a different
mindset to regular contracting. The
traditionally adversarial nature of the
construction industry has meant that parties
to a contract usually have one eye on
disputes and potential legal proceedings.
Clearly, this can have a negative impact on
their behaviour during construction.
Alliancing differs from this because disputes
are resolved within the alliance on a
Collaborative) and NEC3 all contain
provisions which are similar to those that
can be found in a pure alliancing
agreement. However, on the whole, these
tend to be provisions towards the edge of
the main contract terms and conditions
rather than driving principles at its heart.
Were in this together
Despite being coined by politicians who
generally mean the opposite, the phrase
were in this together does rather neatly
describe a pure alliancing arrangement.
The key features of an alliancing
agreement include:
Aligning interests
The key to successful alliancing is to align
the participants interests; to share the same
goals. It is not enough to put on a nice
smiley face when entering into the alliance,
secretly thinking dont worry, well just go
to court if something goes belly up.
Alliancing requires the parties to change
their outlook on the project. Rather than
directing their efforts in the protection of
their own interests, the participants need to
protect the commercial aims of the project
as a whole. Easy to say, not so easy to do.
No blame
The participants accept collective
responsibility for risk and for the outcome
of the project, and agree to have a no-
blame, no dispute culture. The result of
this principle is that the participants agree
not to bring legal actions against each
other (usually with the exception of
deliberate default) in the event that the
project doesnt go to plan. Of course, this
does not mean that the participants should
not have disagreements healthy
The likely form of contract for
use on the various HS2
packages will be NEC3. To be
frank, thats no great surprise.
25 Alliancing 12-01 2014
unanimous basis. There is an emphasis on answers and finding a
quick solution, rather than apportioning blame and incurring costs
or, more likely, on reaching a stalemate where neither side is
prepared to move.
Alliancing is all about embracing risks rather than being
concerned with risk allocation. It requires the participants to work
together in a collaborative environment in order to deliver the
performance of a particular project. The participants accept
collective responsibility for risk and for the outcome of the project.
The participants must fully embrace the concept of alliancing if
they want to achieve their aims and not just dig in their heels if a
problem arises.
Big down under
Whilst alliancing has been in use in the UK over the last 20 or so
years, it has never really made it to the mainstream in quite the
same way that it has in other jurisdictions. For example, in
Australia, alliancing accounts for one third of public spending on
infrastructure and is used on colossal new build projects in the
water, road and rail sectors including several running into the
billions of Aussie dollars. To put it into context, on a pound-for-
pound basis, thats like the UK government using alliancing for
projects to the value of the whole of the 2012 Olympics
infrastructure spend, every year.
However, it seems that alliancing is firmly back on the UK
agenda. The governments infrastructure cost review programme,
which plans to reduce the cost of delivering infrastructure in the
UK by 2-3b a year by 2015, notes that the intention is to achieve
the majority of these savings through closer co-operation and
alliancing between the public and private sectors. The big public
procurers, such as the Highways Agency and Transport for
London, are changing how they work and the contracts they use.
At the forefront of this, Network Rail has publicly come out in
favour of alliancing and has been changing its forms of contracts,
seeking a genuine collaborative and no claims environment.
A fresh start?
So, could HS2 Limited have its mind changed on the use of NEC3
and instead adopt an alliancing approach? Well, for all the talk of
collaboration, the answer is probably not. To be fair, who could
blame them. HS2 is the most politically sensitive infrastructure
project in the UK, and is likely to remain so for years to come (and
this in an era when we are building new nuclear power plants).
Whilst on one view this is the perfect project for an alliancing
approach, equally it is not a project for politicians to be seen to be
taking unnecessary risks, or doing something too revolutionary.
So, whilst we will almost certainly see forms of contract on HS2
that are very heavy on collaboration, co-operation and all that
good stuff, they are also likely to provide the usual mechanisms in
the event that the project runs into trouble. In essence, the
contractor will bear the vast majority of the risk. Its at that point
that the interests of the contractor and those of the employer drift
away from each other, and when true collaboration becomes
extremely difficult. That said, HS2 Limiteds approach is laudable
and there is real hope that the process of building HS2 will be
collaborative, albeit not as collaborative as it could be. However,
the process of getting to the stage where we can start building it
will be anything but collaborative. The pro and anti-HS2 lobbies
are so far apart that there remains a number of battles to be fought
before the proverbial spade even gets near the ground.
At the time of writing, the hybrid bill for phase 1 is about to be
introduced to the House of Commons. The government, perhaps
optimistically, has planned for it to receive royal assent before the
2015 election. The likelihood is that it will make a very low-speed
and delayed passage through Parliament, but I guess were used to
low speed and delays in the rail industry.
Chris Hallam FCInstCES, Partner, Pinsent Masons
chris.hallam@pinsentmasons.com Tweet: @ChrisHallamLaw
Friendliness does not guarantee effectiveness.
In the Field
In the Office
From the Field to the Office... and back again!
For more information Call David Loescher 07775 772780,
or visit us online at www.carlsonemea.com
26 Transport Civil Engineering Surveyor
T
HE possibility that the UK should develop an integrated transport strategy has
been discussed for many decades. What does developing such a strategy imply?
Firstly, it would seem that achieving such a strategy would meet some purpose.
Possible purposes could include; economic efficiency in either buying transport
infrastructure or in operating services, minimising environmental impacts by effective use
of natural ecosystems, better experiences for people in planning and carrying out their
journeys or facilitating social and economic progress. Secondly, the successful governance
of such an integrated strategy implies a mechanism to sustain consensus as to levels of
priority and achievement for each or all of the purposes, by all the major stakeholders,
over a considerable period of time decades for most transport modes. Thirdly, the need
to encompass technical and business innovation implies that the strategy needs to be
revisited and revised periodically or as a result of external events. All these implications
are self-evidently interconnected and interdependent, so attempting to optimise a strategy
for any one of them, which is very tempting as a simplification of the issues, runs a
significant risk of running into conflicts from other neglected domains. Examples might
include; financial and land use efficiency having unacceptable environmental
consequences, multimodal journey effectiveness through harmonisation of schedules
having negative consequences on profitability, and asset exploitation for operators.
Recent attempts in the UK to develop an integrated strategy across modes at a national
level have foundered on a neglect of some or most of these implications when addressing
any given need or purpose. This was not always the case. The British Transport
Commission (BTC), under the Transport Act set up by the post war Attlee government in
1947, had the remit and powers at least in principle to develop a national transport
strategy. Its general duty under the Transport Act 1947 was to provide an efficient,
adequate, economical and properly integrated system of public inland transport and port
facilities within Great Britain for passengers and goods, excluding transport by air.
However, it failed to achieve integrated ticketing, an integrated transport plan, efficient
and economic operation of the railways and a reduction in operating costs.
It is clear that the purposes of an integrated transport strategy were not clearly
articulated and that the BTC did not actually have the necessary powers or influence for
long enough (it lasted only 15 years) to achieve much useful and long lasting integration.
In the intervening years to the present, a number of bodies have been created to consider
an integrated transport strategy, in particular the Integrated Transport Commission in 1999.
Whilst they influenced policy thinking and social debate, following privatisation the four
main modes of transport road, rail, air and sea have been and are treated in silos by
government at all scales, by industry, by the markets (finance and investment), by tertiary
education and by regulators.
The barriers to integration for the future are therefore very high and well established.
So why should we in the future expect achieving an integrated transport strategy to be a
goal worthy of investment? What are the indicators that suggest that now is the time to
consider or reconsider such an approach?
The five factors
Firstly, a number of countries and cities facing similar issues to the UK as a nation, and
cities in the UK, are now publishing integrated transport strategies. Secondly, the
exploitation of modern information and communication technologies makes it much easier
technologically, and viable economically, to deliver intelligent transport systems (ITS).
Thirdly, in a densely populated country such as the UK, and in cities everywhere, the use
of the scarce asset of land for transport purposes becomes a critical decision in
particular, evidence for which mode delivers best use of the land asset, a vital output of
analysis, especially when the land might be used for non-transport purposes as well.
Fourthly, the availability of affordable transport to almost every member of the nation has
A goal for the future or a chimera?
Transport systems integration
Professor Brian S Collins CB FREng FRSA,
Head of Science, Engineering, Technology and Public Policy, University College London
Professor Brian Collins on
the multi-faceted
challenge of integrated
transport systems
27 Transport 12-01 2014
caused an explosion in commercial and
private demand, together with a cultural
attitude that a high level of quality of
journeys is to be expected in a developed
society (it is asserted that the UK has
unacceptable congestion on roads,
overcrowding on railways and insufficient
flights from airports that are operating at
capacity). Fifthly, global trade is now
endemic, and global supply chains
optimised across modes to deliver at the
right time logistic services that support
almost all utility, manufacturing and retail
commercial activities. Unless these
integrated services can be maintained and
grown as the demand from 7 billion people
grows to anything between 10 to 16 billion,
depending upon which demographic
forecast you trust, significant economic and
social damage will ensue.
Managing our legacy
These five factors combined should
persuade a government that consideration
should be given to reviewing the need for
an integrated transport strategy. But
transport is just one part of national
infrastructure, the other components being
energy, information and communication
technologies, water and waste with the
first two of these having a major impact
on any given transport strategy, integrated
or not. So, any integrated transport
strategy has to be combined with
strategies for these other two infrastructure
sectors; neither show signs of addressing
these issues, essentially for the same
historic reasons.
The privatisation of the electricity and oil
industries as separate energy utilities in the
1980s made it nearly impossible for a
national strategy on energy, and hence
transport, to be realised. Indeed a seminal
paper now released to the Thatcher archive
(Ridley, 1977) states that the Conservative
Party strategy for privatisation of the
utilities would make a national strategy for
energy and transport virtually impossible.
This was considered, at the time, a price
worth paying for economic and market
efficiency. But a number of other purposes
of an integrated transport strategy, and
indeed energy strategy, were made very
difficult or impossible to realise as a result.
Hence, it becomes clear that purposes
such as those outlined at the beginning of
this article should now be re-examined as
to their relative weight compared with
economic and market factors, to see if
some form of integrated thinking and
doing would provide a better outcome for
all stakeholders. Academic study groups,
policy think-tanks and government
departments could convene around this
issue in an apolitical manner to develop
policy options, investment and financial
models, and governance frameworks that
could generate better methods for
achieving the basket of purposes that
transport services and systems attempt
to meet.
Muddling through
The do nothing option is to continue to
muddle through with transport systems
being treated in modal silos, possibly
resulting in the growth of an economic and
social gap between the UK and other
nations and cities. The sensible (even
commonsense) option is to start governing
Politics is central to the debate and the decisions, but the evidence
for the choices comes from the work of a wide range of academics
and professionals.
The privatisation of the
electricity and oil industries
as separate energy utilities in
the 1980s made it nearly
impossible for a national
strategy on energy, and hence
transport, to be realised.
and designing transport and energy
systems as one large strategic component
of a developed societys infrastructure,
even if the implementation and operation
is carried out as now with a transport or
energy component being dominant in any
given instance.
The first do nothing option will treat an
integrated transport system as a concept
never to be achieved with the benefits not
realised, a chimera. The second option will
treat it as a goal for the future to be moved
towards coherently and systematically,
realising the advantages and learnings as
progress occurs. The critical question in a
democracy is who chooses which approach
to take and then maintains it over many
decades. As for most things, politics is
central to the debate and the decisions, but
the evidence for the choices comes from
the work of a wide range of academics and
professionals. Provision of that evidence is
now an urgent requirement if the UK is to
maintain itself as a developed nation.
Professor Brian S Collins CB FREng FRSA,
Head of Science, Engineering, Technology
and Public Policy, University College
London and Fellow of the Transport
Research Foundation
He is a former chief scientific adviser (CSA)
for the UK Department for Transport,
Department for Business, Enterprise and
Regulatory Reform and Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills.
First published in TRL News 80th Anniversary
Edition, July 2013
Politics provides both the problem and solution to integrated
transport systems.
THE NEW GEOSPATIAL EVENT
LAUNCHED IN LONDON FOR 2014
BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE 2829 MAY 2014
GEO Business, is a brand new geospatial event for everyone involved in the
gathering, storing, processing and delivering of geospatial information.
A hands-on geospatial event that not only incorporates an international trade exhibition
and a cutting edge conference, but also a programme of live workshops and demonstrations
featuring the technology and services used by those working with spatial data.
WORLD CLASS EXHIBITION
The two-day conference at GEO
Business 2014 will see leading
industry professionals and experts
presenting the latest advances in
geospatial technology and solutions.
The conference will ensure delegates
are one step ahead with knowledge
of the latest research and commercial
developments. Listen to case studies
highlighting actual experiences
and lessons learnt. The GEO Business
2014 conference technical committee
comprising representatives from the
leading technology, service and
training companies in this industry
will peer-review abstracts.
A full list of conference topics can
be found on the website:
www.GeoBusinessShow.com
INNOVATIVE CONFERENCE
A unique opportunity for geospatial
technology manufacturers and
service providers to meet
face-to-face with their users and
demonstrate the latest technological
advances in equipment, discuss new
solutions and capabilities, collaborate
on design issues and explore
options for future development.
All exhibiting companies will be
provided with an opportunity to
demo their equipment or promote
their services within the extensively
marketed programme.
WORKSHOP AND
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMME
GEO Business is expected to attract
more than 80 of the worlds leading
suppliers of geospatial technology and
service providers. It is an opportunity
for manufacturers, suppliers and
service providers to showcase their
capabilities and solutions in this fast
moving industry. Already supported
by key industry organisations
exhibition space is selling fast.
BUSINESS
EMPOWERING
GEOSPATIAL
INDUSTRIES
Organised in collaboration with
the Chartered Institution of Civil
Engineering Surveyors (ICES),
the Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors (RICS), The Survey
Association (TSA) and the Association
for Geographic Information (AGI).
This new launch is the result of
an extensive consultation process with
industry, which highlighted the need
for a joint cooperative event involving
all the key players representing the
geospatial community.
Organised by:
Diversied Communications UK
The Pike House, George Street
Nailsworth, Stroud
Gloucestershire GL6 0AG, UK
T: +44 (0)1453 836363
E: info@GeoBusinessShow.com
RECENT PROJECT EXAMPLES
Reporting on the successes and challenges
of geospatial projects undertaken across
a broad spectrum of industries including:
construction, civil engineering,
infrastructure, development, urban
planning, natural resources monitoring
and development, coastal zone
management and mapping, defence,
utilities, oil and gas, offshore renewable
energy, archaeology and heritage,
emergency and disaster management,
forestry, agriculture, criminology and
facilities management.
BIG DATA AND THE ROLE OF
GEOSPATIAL PROFESSIONALS
Spatial processing of Big Data is vital to
government and businesses in unlocking
the potential in geographic data and
location intelligence. The value of open
source data, crowd sourced datasets and
web-based services. The applications and
how to improve public and commercial
access to available spatial data. The
creation and application of Spatial Data
Infrastructures (SDIs) and the use of
Linked Data.
SURVEY OPERATIONS
AND SYSTEMS INTEGRATION
Highlighting the range of data acquisition
and system integration technologies with
particular emphasis on new
developments such as the use of Small
Unmanned Aircraft (also known as
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Detailing the
cost savings, health and safety benets,
capabilities and also the impact that
technology is having on modern
geospatial engineering projects. The
value of digital cartography, automated
data capture and mapping.
DEVELOPMENTS IN GIS
Visualisation and GIS software. How to control
and use Data mashups whilst maintaining
data integrity and standards. Integration
of data capture technologies within GIS.
Emerging 3D datasets and applications.
BIM MEETS GEOSPATIAL
Success stories and lessons learned from
recent BIM projects. Reporting on the use
of innovative technologies for indoor
positioning; the legal, contractual and
cost implications; and the role of the
geospatial specialist in the BIM
environment.
POSITIONING, LOCATION AND
TRACKING WITH GLOBAL NAVIGATION
SATELLITE SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
The status of GPS, GLONASS and Galileo
Modernisation. GNSS compatibility,
inter-operability and interchangeability
and the impact for geospatial engineering
users. Including emerging GNSS
technologies; advanced inertial sensing
and applications; indoor navigation and
timing; portable navigation devices.
HYDROGRAPHIC/COASTAL/
NEAR-SHORE
Developments relating to coastline and
shallow water mapping, including habitat
and riverbed proling, hydraulic
engineering etc. The need for an
integrated geospatial approach to
address the signicant civil engineering
challenges faced by the offshore
renewable energies market.
LAND ADMINISTRATION
Focusing on the way forward with land
administration. Is combining the national
mapping, land registry and valuation
agencies the new model?
DATA PROCESSING, PRESENTATION
AND APPLICATIONS
Feature extraction, enhancement,
analysis, visualisation, viewing and
imaging techniques and software.
Developments that point towards new
applications and markets in
interoperability including: point clouds,
CAD, design, modelling, simulation and
visualisation.
SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS
Focusing on both international and local
developments in terms of specications
including: regulation and accreditation of
SUAS; understanding the PAS 128
(Specication for underground utility
detection, verication and location); RICS
survey specication for measured surveys
of land, buildings and utilities; International
Property Measurement Standard (IPMS).
Best practice advice and guidance from the
professional institutions.
EDUCATING THE FUTURE
GEOSPATIAL EXPERT
What are employers looking for in terms
of employees education and experience?
Are we teaching the right skills? With
advances in technology what is the role
for geospatial specialists in the future?
Is there a need for a structured route to
professional recognition and how do the
professional insti tutions and organisations
play a part in this?
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Focusing on geospatial developments
around the world and their potential
impact for Europe in areas such as:
industry, agriculture, health,
environment, climate change, disaster
management.
CALL FOR PAPERS
CONFERENCE TOPICS
The Conference Technical Committee is seeking papers and work-in-progress
reports on all aspects of geospatial technology and applications with a particular
emphasis on papers that address the key commercial and technical issues facing the industry.
TOPICS OF INTEREST include but are not limited to:
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
29th January 2014
Submit abstracts online:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
GEO Business @geobusinessshow
Accreditation of degrees and diplomas by ICES is a mark of assurance that
the programmes meet the standards set by industry; producing graduates with
enough knowledge and background to become professional surveyors
TRAINING MENTORING COMPETENCIES APPRAISAL FEEDBACK
Contact: Professional Development and Membership Coordinator
+44 (0)161 972 3100
development@cices.org
www.cices.org/courses.html
Accredited Courses
31 GNSS 12-01 2014
T
HE L-band experimental (LEX)
signal is a unique signal transmitted
by the Japanese regional Quasi-
Zenith satellite system (QZSS). The
intentions of the LEX signal are to enhance
the performance of positioning, navigation
and timing (PNT) of current global
navigation satellite systems like the Global
Positioning System (GPS), as well as to
augment next generation satellite
navigation technology to meet the demand
of high accuracy real-time positioning.
Quasi-Zenith satellite system
QZSS is a Japanese regional satellite
navigation system (RNSS). When fully
deployed in 2018, it will consist of three
QZSS satellites in highly inclined elliptical
orbits. The satellites have similar orbital
period as equatorial geostationary satellites
(one or more of which will also be
included in the RNSS). However, they have
a large orbital inclination angle from the
equatorial plane, so that the ground track
moves with respect to the Earths surface.
The orbit configuration of these inclined
QZSS satellites provides continuous
coverage at a high elevation angle, thus
improving the performance of satellite
navigation in areas of Japan that challenge
traditional satellite positioning capabilities,
(such as natural and urban canyons).
While built primarily for users in Japan,
the orbit design of QZSS offers significant
advantages to neighbouring Asian and
Oceania countries centred along the 135 E
meridian line as shown in Figure 1. The
first QZSS satellite, nicknamed Michibiki,
was launched on 11 September 2010. The
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
(JAXA) declared Michibiki user-ready in
June 2011.
In addition to transmitting navigation
signals similar in structure, frequencies and
spreading codes to GPS, i.e. L1C/A, L1C,
L2C, L5, QZSS also transmits two
augmentation signals. The L1-SAIF (sub-
metre augmentation with integrity function)
signal provides wide-area differential
corrections, allowing sub-metre accuracy,
coupled with integrity data for safety-of-life
services. This system is similar to the US
wide area augmentation system (WAAS).
The LEX signal, on the other hand, is
unique to QZSS. It delivers correction
messages, such as precise information of
the satellite position (orbit) and clock errors
that will augment the current performance
of single receiver point positioning.
The LEX signal
The LEX signal is transmitted on
1278.75MHz, which shares the same centre
frequency as the Galileo E6 signal. The
signal has a frequency bandwidth of
39.0MHz (19.5MHz) and a received
minimum power level of -155.7dBW. The
LEX baseband signal is right-hand circularly
polarised and is modulated by bi-phase
shift key (BPSK) with a chipping rate of
5.115Mcps. The signal has a dual-code
structure with a short and long pseudo
random number (PRN) codes interleaved
chip by chip, each having 2.5575Mcps. The
long code is dataless while the short code
is modulated by Reed-Solomon encoded
navigation messages with code-shift keying
(CSK) that realise a high data transmission
rate of 2,000bps.
The future of GNSS navigation?
The QZSS L-band experimental signal
Suelynn Choy and Ken Harima, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University,
Chris Rizos, University of New South Wales, and Satoshi Kogure, JAXA
The QZSS LEX signal and
its capabilities to deliver a
high accuracy real-time
GNSS precise point
positioning service
Figure 1: Ground track of QZS-1 orbit.
32 GNSS Civil Engineering Surveyor
The LEX message signal structure is made up of a total of 2,000
bits; a 49-bit header, a 1695-bit data section, and a 256-bit Reed-
Solomon code. Transmission of each message takes one second.
Figure 2 depicts the LEX message signal structure.
LEX messages
At present the QZSS LEX signal does not only contain correction
messages for precise point positioning (PPP). It also carries
correction messages for other PNT application demonstrations by
several organisations in Japan, including the JAXA, Satellite
Positioning Research and Application Centre, National Institute of
Information and Communications Technology, and Geospatial
Information Authority of Japan.
For PPP applications, LEX message types 10-12 can be used.
Since April 2013, JAXA began transmission on an experimental
basis of MADOCA (multi-GNSS advanced demonstration tool for
orbit and clock analysis) corrections using message type 12 based
on the RTCM-SSR (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime
Services state space representation) message format. Message type
12 contains information on satellite orbits, clock corrections, user
range accuracy (URA) and satellite code biases. These corrections
are globally valid and can be used for precise positioning.
Precise point positioning
PPP is an elegant positioning technique that conforms to the
original intention of GPS usage single receiver positioning. PPP
can potentially provide positioning solutions at centimetre-level
accuracy anywhere, without the need of having one or more
nearby ground reference stations. It only requires a small number
of reference stations distributed globally, which makes this mode
of positioning cost and operational effective.
The distinction between PPP and the well-
known differential positioning technique is
that instead of using ground stations as
reference points, PPP makes use of the
precise information of the satellites
position (orbit) and clock errors to derive
accurate estimates of a users position. The
PPP technique is especially useful for
positioning and navigation in remote
regions where ground-based reference
station infrastructure is sparse or
unavailable.
Additionally, the errors affecting GNSS
such as the satellite orbits and clocks, are
better modelled and represented in PPP
through an approach known as state-space
modelling or state-space representation
(SSR). Instead of lumping all error
components together as one error as is
the case in the conventional differential
technique SSR errors are better modelled
and transmitted individually. This leads to
improved performance as bandwidth can
be optimised based on the spatial and
temporal characteristics of the errors. SSR is
ideal for broadcasting corrections to a large
number of users over a wide area.
Although PPP presents definite
advantages, its applicability is currently
limited by a long warm-up time (also
known as the convergence time) of about
30 minutes or more. Investigations to
shorten convergence time are being
conducted and documented.
Enabling real-time PPP
The caveats of PPP are the availability of
the precise satellite orbits and clock
corrections, and communication channels
used to disseminate these corrections. This
makes real-time PPP far more challenging
than that using the post-processing mode.
In April 2013, the International GNSS
Service (IGS) launched a public real-time
service making GPS and GLONASS satellite
orbit and clock corrections available. This
provides tremendous benefit for many
scientific and commercial applications. The
IGS real-time products can be streamed for
Figure 2: LEX message structure.
Message types Content Notes
0-9 Spare (system use)
10-19
10
Signal health (35 satellites)
Ephemeris & SV clock (3 satellites)
For JAXA experiments; PRN Numbers
for the target satellites are:
1-32: GPS satellites
193-195: QZSS
11
Signal health (35 satellites)
Ephemeris & SV clock (2 satellites)
Ionospheric correction
12
Orbit & clock corrections
URA & SV code biases
MADOCA-LEX
TBD for details
13-19 Spare
20 For experiment For experiments by GSI
21-155 For experiment
For experimental user except JAXA,
GSI and application demonstrations by
the private sector
156-255
For application demonstration in
private sector
For experimental users of application
demonstrations by means of
performance enhancement signal
Table 1: Definition of LEX message type.
33 GNSS 12-01 2014
free via the Internet. There are also a
number of commercial services offered by
private companies such as Trimble and
OmniSTAR, providing similar corrections
either via terrestrial communication links
such as the mobile Internet or/and space-
based means, such as geostationary
satellites. From a practical viewpoint, using
satellites is an ideal communication link for
PPP as SSR corrections are globally valid
and transmissions can be received by a
large number of users.
QZSS is the first active navigation
satellite system to deliver high accuracy
correction data within the navigation
signals themselves. Galileo has plans in the
near future to provide similar augmentation
capabilities through its commercial service.
Transmission of corrections via the
transmitted navigation signal is very useful
and the user does not need dedicated
tracking of additional (terrestrial or satellite)
broadcast frequencies, therefore simplifying
receiver design and lowering receiver
power consumption. Although the QZSS
LEX signal is still in the experimental
phase, researchers have shown that
centimetre-level positioning accuracy is
achievable in real time using transmitted
correction messages.
In 2013, an agreement between the
Australian Cooperative Research Centre for
Spatial Information (CRC-SI) and JAXA has
made the LEX signal and correction
messages available for experimentation in
Australia. Research is currently ongoing
with the aim to assess the capacity of the
signal to deliver a high accuracy real-time
positioning service anywhere in Australia in
support of an Australian national
positioning infrastructure. The research
team has, as a proof-of-concept,
demonstrated the performance of the QZSS
LEX signal. Figure 3 shows an example of a
real-time kinematic PPP solution using LEX
after 1.5 hours of convergence compared to
the network real-time kinematic (NRTK)
solution. The data was collected on a
moving vehicle in an open sky
environment in Sydney, Australia on
23 October 2013.
Looking forward
The broadcast navigation message containing GNSS observation
corrections has always been an essential element of real-time GNSS
PNT. Since selective availability for GPS was terminated in 2000,
the accuracy of standalone positioning has been stretched to its
limit of a few metres. The barrier for higher accuracy is at the
architecture of the current system, which is not designed to
transmit continuous correction data.
We are now seeing a shift in technology and infrastructure
design so as to broadcast augmentation data as part of the
navigation signals. The Japanese QZSS navigation system is
leading the way for PPP to potentially become the future of
satellite navigation.
This evolution is significant in terms of enhancing the
performance of traditional single receiver positioning, which will
benefit a wide range of users and applications. Of course, there
are still technical and political challenges to be addressed, which
may take a few more years before built-in PPP GNSS receiver
capability becomes a reality. It is hoped that when more system
operators and service providers begin to offer similar capabilities,
and data and algorithm standards are agreed to, PPP will become
much more popular, not only within the existing high accuracy
market but may also make a considerable impact on mass-market
GNSS PNT.
Suelynn Choy and Ken Harima, Royal Melbourne Institute of
Technology University, Chris Rizos, University of New South Wales
and Satoshi Kogure, JAXA
suelynn.choy@rmit.edu.au
ken.harima@rmit.edu.au
c.rizos@unsw.edu.au
kogure.satoshi@jaxa.jp
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the Australian Cooperative Research Centre
for Spatial Information (CRC-SI) for funding the research. The project High Accuracy
Real-Time Positioning Utilising the Japanese Quasi Zenith Satellite System
Augmentation System is a collaborative project between the CRCSI and JAXA. The
research consortium is made up of six Australian organisations; RMIT University,
University of New South Wales, the Victorian State Government Department of
Environment and Primary Industry, the New South Wales Government Land and
Property Information, Geoscience Australia, Spatial Information Systems Research Ltd,
and JAXA.
Figure 3: Real-time kinematic PPP solutions using QZSS LEX after a convergence time of 1.5 hours.
The PPP solutions were compared to NRTK solutions which were used as reference. The position
estimates derived from the NRTK solution have a horizontal and vertical accuracy 2cm and 5cm,
respectively. The data was collected on a vehicle with a travel speed of 10km/s.
Additional resources
Bisnath S, Collins P (2012) Recent Developments in Precise Point Positioning. GEOMATICA 66 (2):375-385
Collins P, Lahaye F, Bisnath S (2012) External Ionospheric Constraints for Improved PPP-AR Initialisation and a
Generalised Local Augmentation Concept. In: ION GNSS 2012, Nashville, Tennessee, 17-21 September
Laurichesse D, Mercier F, Bertias JP, Broca P, Cerri L (2009) Integer Ambiguity Resolution on Undifferenced GPS
Phase Measurements and its Applications to PPP and Satellite Precise Orbit Determination. Navigation, Journal of the
Institute of Navigation 56 (2)
Li X, Ge M, Zhang H, Wickert J (2013) A Method for Improving Uncalibrated Phase Delay Estimation and Ambiguity-
Fixing in Real-Time Precise Point Positioning. Journal of Geodesy 87 (5):405-416
Choy S, Harima K, Li Y, Wakabayashi Y, Tateshita H, Kogure S, Rizos C (2013) Real-Time Precise Point Positioning
Utilising the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) LEX Corrections. In: International GNSS Symposium Gold
Coast, Australia, 16-18 July
JAXA (2013) Interface Specifications for QZSS
Kanzaki M, Noguchi N (2011) Experimental Results of LEX Corrections Using Farming Machine. Paper presented at
the Sixth Meeting of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), Tokyo, Japan, 5-9
September
Saito M, Sato Y, Miya M, Shima M, Omura Y, Takiguchi J, Asari K (2011) Centimeter-class Augmentation System
Utilizing Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. Paper presented at the the 24th International Technical Meeting of The
Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation, Portland, Oregon, USA, 20-23 September
Takasu T (2010) Real-Time PPP Experiment via QZSS LEX and its Extension. In: International Symposium on
GPS/GNSS, Taipei, Taiwan, 26-28 October
Accelerated Membership for
RICS Fellows and Members
Is the focus of your work in the civil engineering or geospatial industries?
Join the chartered professional body that specialises in these sectors
and only these sectors
Industry respect and recognition, specialised CPD events and networking
Members and fellows of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors who can demonstrate significant
experience in the civil engineering and geospatial sectors may apply directly to ICES on the basis of a
straightforward desk assessment.
Belong here
Contact: Membership Coordinator
+44 (0)161 972 3100
membership@cices.org
www.cices.org
35 Working Overseas 12-01 2014
H
AVING been
veritably swamped
with an email
from an adoring fan after
my first article in the June
issue of CES, desperately
begging for a sequel, I had
to bow to the pressure for
same. I succumb
herewith and hereby.
Daily journey
The road from my
accommodation on the
east side of Port
Harcourt to the site offices, after
leaving the Abba Expressway, ran
due east through the bush towards
Ogoniland and, eventually, Calabari.
Even before turning south on a dirt road
for the last few kilometres the road was
severely potholed, necessitating slowing to
walking pace to negotiate the holes. After
dusk this rendered vehicles prey to armed
robbers, hence the standing advice being to
clear the bush road at the end of the
working day before dark.
Along the eastbound bush road, several
kilometres to the north, a fire fuelled by
hydrocarbons burned out of control. At that
time I understood this fire had been
burning for of the order of 20 years.
The last few kilometres of my daily
journey to the site offices was close to the
Eleme refinery, with pipelines criss-crossing
the region. Even from the track I travelled
on one could see leaking Viking Johnson
couplings and pools of black oil beneath
them. Preventive maintenance generally
appeared to be at a premium with all
structures, engineering and building, not
just oil industry-related.
There are still, I believe, periodic huge
conflagrations, with substantial numbers of
associated deaths, when villagers have
been filling jerry cans with refined fuel
from leaking pipelines. Unless one uses
certain Internet sites such incidents seem
never considered newsworthy in the UK,
nor the general pollution caused by the oil
business in that region. Life is cheap in
much of sub-Saharan Africa.
Quite
recently
I was
heartened
to learn that
meaningful
after earlier
quite derisory
packages compensation
is, due to pressure from the
Nigerian government, at very
long last being paid to the villagers in
this region by a leading oil company on
account of extensive pollution of their
fisheries, agricultural land and drinking
water.
Swamped
Most of the pipeline route for my project,
linking the tank farm storage vessels with
the sea island structure at the mouth of the
Bonny River, was through mangrove
swamp. The mangrove had to be cleared
before excavation or dredging, as
appropriate, could be undertaken. The
subcontractor that carried out this clearing
was a Nigerian company called Uncle Dave
(Nigeria) Limited. (Mentioned in my
previous article.) I never found out how
that name came about but its principle
shareholder was one Prince Emma O
Akumagba. The express terms of that
subcontract had been very poorly drafted
by others, and so I managed to persuade
Prince Akumagba that it would be in his (as
well as my employers) interest to re-draft
and agree new terms, for clarity. Lack of
clarity, i.e. shortcomings of communication,
I have long realised is arguably the biggest
single cause of disputes, in both
commercial and personal relationships.
The mangrove clearance was
undertaken by a workforce of local
villagers with machetes, in bare feet with
no protection whatsoever from the many
Confessions of a contracts
manager in Nigeria
Part 2
Michael Hawkyard FRICS FCIOB FCIArb, Michael Hawkyard & Co
Michael Hawkyard
continues with his tales of
adventure about living and
working in Nigeria.
36 Working Overseas Civil Engineering Surveyor
nasty small creatures inhabiting the swamp
apart from bigger creatures, such as the
saltwater crocodile. Not my idea of a fun
day at the office.
Sea island
The piles and jackets of the 300m long sea
island (a docking facility for oil tankers)
were fabricated in Sicily and the topsides in
Malaysia. The Sicilian element was a month
late leaving the Mediterranean by semi-
submersible barge, satellite-tracked around
West Africa to the Bonny River. A large
floating crane (in very short supply) had
come from Malacca, Malaysia, to offload
the piles and jackets and was sat awaiting
the arrival of the barge for a month, at a
demurrage of US$1,000,000 per day. The
principle worry was that the crane may
have to leave for a contract elsewhere if the
barge had taken just a few days longer to
arrive as there were no others available at
that time anywhere in the world with
sufficient lifting capacity.
The claim against the Sicilian fabricator
was one of the simplest contractual claims I
have ever had to quantify; with essentially
just the demurrage costs constituting its
value. The pipelines connecting to the sea
island were unaffected being still several
kilometres away.
The sea island was to be planted less
than a kilometre off the west shore of the
estuary. The Bonny is very wide at this
point. Perhaps 30km across. Nevertheless, a
Nigerian tugboat collided with the piles and
jackets less than a week after being
positioned, in daylight. Damage was
estimated at US$500,000.
The steel pipes linking the tank farm
adjacent to the Eleme refinery to the sea
island were manufactured in Germany,
then shipped to Louisiana to be coated
with concrete to give them negative
buoyancy. After delivery to Nigeria, they
were stacked on a quayside until they
needed to be loaded onto a pipelaying
barge. The largest concentration of large
diameter pipe I have ever seen in one
place; approximately 150km. With bush all
around the quay where the pipe was
stacked, and it being there in some cases
for many months, inevitably it became
home to many creatures, particularly
snakes. The most common snakes in this
area were green mamba and cobra. I did
not see it myself but I was told it was quite
a sight when pipes were being slung and
transported to the barge, seeing a rapid exit
of snakes out of the pipes.
Guard dogs
I mentioned in my first article that my
initial few months in Rivers State was spent
at the companys admin offices on the east
side of Port Harcourt. Next door to the
office compound was a house occupied (or
at least owned) by the Nigerian Minister of
Petroleum. This large house had a double
wall around it with a space of circa 3m
between the two walls. I was assured by
local staff that two lionesses were kept
within this space as guard dogs.
The Guard Dogs Act 1977 does not
preclude the use of lions should anyone in
England wish to take a leaf out of the
honourable ministers initiative. I have
poor quality of a great many roads was
often on account of macadam being laid
directly on the sub-grade, i.e. no sub-base
material. Consequentially, the first HGV that
travelled along a new surface would break
up the macadam, and it was downhill
from then on. After heavy rain of course it
was impossible to tell how deep the thus-
created potholes were.
The site offices near Eleme inexplicably
had the usual site office timber floors. I say
inexplicably as termites were constantly
eating away the floors and piecemeal
renewal was an ongoing operation.
Fortunately, when personnel occasionally
had a foot go through the floor it was only
perhaps 300mm typically above the ground
level. The termite mounds, sometimes
nearly 2m tall, were like rock as I
discovered on kicking one in my ignorance.
heard of rather aggressive geese being used
by a scrap metal merchant to circumvent
that legislation but big cats would move it
to a new dimension.
Road signs
Referring again to road transport, on one
occasion due to the airport at Port Harcourt
having run out of aviation fuel (despite the
region having a plethora of refineries) I had
to travel by road to Lagos on the southwest
corner of the country. I did not see a single
road sign on the whole journey. Seemingly,
because they are made of aluminium or
similar metal, as soon as new signs were
erected villagers would remove them to
make pots and pans.
Although a substantial proportion of the
latter journey was dual carriageway I would
not have liked to make this journey after
dark. Traffic would be inclined to use the
carriageway that had a better quality
surface irrespective of which side of the
dual carriageway that happened to be. The
A Nigerian tugboat collided with the piles and jackets
less than a week after being positioned, in daylight.
Damage was estimated at US$500,000.
I was assured by local staff that two lionesses were kept
within this space as guard dogs.
Land clearance: Nigerian style.
37 Working Overseas 12-01 2014
Sanitation day
In Rivers State, and I understood
throughout the country, the first Saturday of
each month was sanitation day when there
was a curfew on road travel between
7.00am and 11.00am, except if you had a
day-specific pass. During this period
property occupants were expected to clean
the sidewalk bounding their property. (You
dont believe me do you?) As our staff
worked from 7.30am, normally on
sanitation day it was necessary to leave to
travel to the offices earlier than usual to
avoid the curfew. However, for some
reason the Port Harcourt region (perhaps
the whole state) had a second sanitation
day on another Saturday each month. This
second day appeared arbitrarily fixed each
month finding out only the day before
from locals.
One Saturday I came down for breakfast
at 6.30am to find no-one else in the dining
room. I dashed outside to ask my driver if
it was sanitation day. He said: No problem
sir, I have a pass. Relieved, I had breakfast
and continued as normal. A few kilometres
down the road to my office we came across
a police road block. My driver had what
became an increasingly agitated
conversation in Igbo with the police while I
sat patiently in the back of the car. After
about 5 minutes, during which time the
engine remained running, my driver had
seemingly had enough of the conversation,
put the car into gear and put his foot down
through a gap in the police. I became
almost apoplectic, telling him: Stop, they
have guns! He said: Its not a problem sir,
they have no bullets.
Sat in the back seat I am, by this stage,
trying to get on the floor of the car
expecting the worst. The worst did not
happen I am happy to say. My drivers
logic was based on the fact the police have
to buy their own ammunition, and as they
often would not get their wages paid
buying ammunition was low on their
priorities. We arrived at our destination safe
and sound, albeit with a high pulse rate.
The pass my driver said he had? Oh, that
was for the previous month.
Communication
I mentioned previously that
communication throughout the c. 30km
length of the site was by 2-way radio,
there being no mobile telephone network
in that region at that time, nor any other
form of communication over bush areas.
Any radio conversation could be heard by
everyone that had a handset. I rarely used
the radio but there was an occasion when
I needed to procure some data from the
project manager for the sea island, in
connection with a claim I was working on.
Apart from seeing him in the pub he
frequented every evening (he was from a
cattle ranch in the Northern Territory of
Australia), this was the only means open
to me to make contact. Mindful of the
need to not speak in legalese, which for
persons in my specialism is perhaps the
norm, I thought I made great efforts to use
everyday parlance, and perhaps not to
nitpick too much.
It transpired that I was significantly
unsuccessful. I took endless stick
afterwards through the entirely humourous
newsletter two engineers produced
fortnightly where everyone was fair game.
My (perceived?) nitpicking became a
particular target.
Old friends
The senior executive vice-president of my
employer, from the Deep South of the
USA, was an interesting character. Ex-
Vietnam war marine officer. Incredible
energy even at 63 years old. A
quintessential oil industry man, he visited
the project quite frequently, on account of
its high profile. I discovered after some
time that the project director had tried to
avoid my path crossing with his as it was
thought we just would not get on. In actual
fact we got on famously, and I was
honoured on one occasion when, at
length, he opened up his life to me. He
had certainly seen life and suffered.
Quite recently I came across him on
Linkedin, still working, as MD of a
construction company in Hong Kong.
Michael Hawkyard FRICS FCIOB FCIArb
Michael Hawkyard & Co
mhawkyardandco@btinternet.com
Saltwater crocodile: A colleague pops over for lunch!
Approved Development Schemes
Recruit, motivate and retain high calibre employees
Add value to employment packages
Ensure employees develop their roles quickly and efficiently
Preferred route to get employees professionally qualified
Employees assured to receive training and development
Employers become ICES Approved Development Partners
TRAINING MENTORING COMPETENCIES APPRAISAL FEEDBACK
Contact: Professional Development and Membership Manager
+44 (0)161 972 3100
education@cices.org
www.cices.org/ads
39 Arbitration 12-01 2014
T
HERE has always been debate as
to whether in full and final
resolution of disputes it was better
to have an arbitration clause in
subcontracts or not. Under the Arbitration
Act 1950, it was easy for a responding
party, or defendant, to delay the arbitral
process and stories of arbitrations taking
three years and occasionally longer were
prevalent in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
This caused lawyers to advise their clients
not to have arbitration clauses in their
contracts as litigation, which at that time
was only marginally better when it came to
the speed of obtaining resolution of the
dispute, was preferable.
Then, in 1996, two acts of Parliament
totally changed the landscape for resolving
disputes in a full and final manner. In
addition, a third act of Parliament was
passed for disputes on construction
contracts to be temporarily resolved, but
binding until they were finally resolved.
The first two acts were the Arbitration Act
1996 and the Civil Justice Reform Act 1996,
and the Housing Grants, Construction and
Regeneration Act 1996 introduced statutory
adjudication for the temporary, yet binding,
resolution of disputes.
Because of the improvements in the
procedures that have been adopted in both
arbitration and litigation under the two acts,
there was little to choose from between
arbitration and litigation and, to a large
extent, this meant that there is ambivalence
as to whether there was an arbitration
clause, or not, in contracts.
However, the Jackson reforms to the
Civil Procedural Rules for litigation in
courts have been introduced and are
effective on all litigation commenced after
1 April 2013 in England and Wales. The
introduction to the Jackson reforms states
that they have been introduced to improve
access to justice. Having considered them
and having had dealings with them as an
expert witness, they have absolutely
nothing to do with improving access to
justice, but everything to do with reducing
the recoverable costs that are payable to
the successful party.
Whilst recoverable costs have always
been defined as reasonable costs,
reasonably spent, meaning that lawyers
for years, and possibly decades, have
advised clients that this will mean that if
successful they will probably recover
approximately two-thirds to three-quarters
of their costs, under the Jackson Reforms
you will be fortunate if you recover two
thirds of your costs more likely only
half of them. This is because the court is
going to issue directions as to the sum of
recoverable costs that the successful party
will be allowed to have. Furthermore,
even if the overall budget is maintained, if
your solicitor incurs additional costs on an
element of the litigation process, you will
not be able to recover that overspend,
even if the overall budget is adhered to.
Also, if through skill and efficiency your
solicitor does not expend the directed
budget on an element of the litigation
process, neither will you recover the
amount of underspend. Therefore, having
had the budget reduced by the court in
the first place, any elements of overspend
are irrecoverable, as are the elements
where there are savings from the court
directed budget.
This is important for a claimant
contractor or subcontractor, because
claimants have the onus to prove their case
and, therefore, claimants costs will
probably be higher than defendants costs,
because defendants do not have to fulfil
this obligation.
I have already experienced the effects of
the courts interest in reducing costs
because an instructing solicitor requested
that I submit a budget, based upon a
minimal amount of documentation, for
compiling an expert report on a civil
engineering dispute for him to include in
his overall budget. Also, I added in 1,000
for time spent answering questions of
clarification that may be raised by either
party concerning my report. On presenting
my estimate of costs to the court to finalise
the budget for dealing with the litigation,
the court halved my budget to compile the
report and totally crossed out the 1,000
that I requested to be made for my time to
answer questions of clarification. Therefore,
my instructing party had to accept from an
early stage in the litigation that, if it is
Arbitration: The best thing since Jackson
Howard Klein on the
success or not of
the Jackson reforms
40 Arbitration Civil Engineering Surveyor
successful, less than half my costs would be
recoverable, or find an expert who was
prepared to compile the report and provide
evidence for the sum determined by the
court, before the majority of evidence had
been disclosed.
Initially, my prospective instructing
solicitor proposed to instruct an expert that
was prepared to compile the report for the
directed budget. However, subsequent
telephone conversations with that solicitor
have already indicated a question mark
regarding that experts knowledge and
experience concerning the subject matter.
His client is considering instructing me after
all and accepting that, if successful, less
than half my costs will not be recovered.
Having to appoint an expert that will
provide evidence where the court has
arbitrarily decided upon the cost of that
evidence is not an improvement of access
to justice, particularly if the cut-price expert
lacks the necessary experience and
knowledge required in assisting the court
on the matters he/she has been instructed
upon, such as recently occurred in the
Liverpool Museum litigation. Furthermore,
there are other reforms that Lord Jackson
has implemented. These are limitation on
the extent of disclosure of documents,
limitation on the length of witness
statements and limitation on the issues for
which expert witnesses can be appointed.
Whilst it is accepted that in recent years
the cost of disclosure has increased
significantly, caused by the extent of
emailing that now exists on an average
contract (not only do these emails have to
be produced, but there is a cost in ensuring
that the same email isnt copied ten times
because it happens to be on four or five
strings of emails), if there is a limitation of
disclosure then, for example, a party may
have opportunity not to disclose the
smoking gun documents.
I have been involved in two arbitrations
in which settlement was reached before a
hearing was heard because of smoking gun
documents. One concerned meeting
minutes that referred to a document
compiled by a director who was not a
witness in the arbitration and the document
had not been disclosed. It directed that
plant parked up in the yard was to be
moved to the subject contract to improve
the size of the claim and obtain some
payment for it, which otherwise would be a
complete cost to the company. On the
other one an email was disclosed from a
managing director of a main contractor to
his senior site quantity surveyor instructing
him not to make any payments to the
subcontractor. It was in financial difficulties
and there could be a significant saving in
cost to the company if the subcontractor
was to enter insolvency. Therefore,
comprehensive disclosure of documents
can save money in the long run, and not
cause additional cost.
Remembering that claimant contractors and
subcontractors have the onus to prove their
case, it will not assist and may even hinder
them if they specialise in an area of work
or field of expertise and the court decides
to limit the length of witness statements.
This is especially the case if the claimants
manager is a specialist expert in the area or
field of work, because requiring all
statements of opinion to be deleted from
the factual witness statement could
seriously hinder that claimants case. Whilst
witness statements should only deal with
factual issues, specialist contractors and
subcontractors usually have managers who
are also experts in their field and, therefore,
have a right to include expert evidence
within the witness statement based upon
their extensive experience and knowledge.
Refusing this evidence to be presented is
not access to justice, but access to injustice.
Not only will claimant specialist contractors
and subcontractors have to consider the
sums that the courts are prepared to allow
as recoverable cost for the experts they
choose to use, but the courts will also limit
the issues upon which expert witnesses
can report. It may mean that a specialist
contractor or subcontractor who does not
job cost all of its costs and, therefore,
allows elements of dedicated site
generated costs to be an overhead, may
require a forensic accountant to provide
evidence of costs incurred in having an
owned resource based upon a site for an
extended period of time. If a court
prevents this evidence from being
produced, then the specialist contractor or
subcontractor may fail to recover a
significant item of cost caused by the
prolongation of the contract for which the
employer or main contractor is culpable.
Deciding whether to pursue a claim
through arbitration or litigation has always
meant that risks will be encountered
throughout the procedures, irrespective of
which procedure is chosen. However,
previously if successful, there was a
knowledge that two-thirds to three-quarters
of your costs will be recovered. Under the
Jackson reforms, the claimant contractor
and subcontractor doesnt only encounter
the risk that was there before, but may be
prevented in presenting its case needed to
satisfy the onus of proving its entitlement
because of limitations directed by the court.
Thus, even if successful, it may fail to
recover a substantial proportion of its costs
incurred to ensure that it was successful.
Now it is unequivocal. There is a clear
benefit that if there is a requirement to get
full and final resolution of a dispute, it is
better to do this in arbitration, rather than
litigation, because a knowledgeable
arbitrator is going to be prepared to allow a
claimant party to be able to present its best
case. Whereas now a Technology and
Construction Court judges main aim is to
restrict the sum of recoverable costs if the
claimant is successful and this takes
precedence over the claimant being
allowed to present its best case to ensure
that it is successful.
Therefore, all contractors and
subcontractors should ensure that there is
an arbitration clause in their contracts. They
should not allow themselves to be at the
risk of not being able to present their best
case because of restrictions made following
the request of opposing defendants to the
courts. Even when successful, they should
not risk being prevented from recovering
reasonable costs, reasonably spent, in
presenting their best case.
Howard Klein sits on the institutions
Contracts & Dispute Resolution Panel
howard@kleinconsult.co.uk
Post script: The seriousness of the failure to submit
budgets in time can be seen when you consider that on
27 November 2013 the Court of Appeal struck out
500,000 of Andrew Mitchells costs in the Plebgate libel
action against The Sun solely because his solicitor
submitted the budget late.
Having to appoint an expert that
will provide evidence where the
court has arbitrarily decided
upon the cost of that evidence
is not an improvement of access
to justice.
41 Politics 12-01 2014
O
NE of the fascinating things about
civil engineering is, what exactly
is it? The traditional Treadgold
definition has now fallen into disuse.
Formerly, a civil engineer was described as
one who directed the great sources of
power in nature to the use and
convenience of man. Today, there is a new
definition, and although on first sight the
tone appears to be a little more modest, it
certainly seems to be more politically
correct. A civil engineer is now expected to
be at the heart of society and to deliver
sustainable development through
knowledge, skills and professional
expertise. This seems to imply in some way
that the civil engineering profession is duty
bound to take part in politics and the
regulation of the Earths resources, and
even society itself. In recent decades,
environmental bodies have influenced
political parties and many new laws have
been brought in relating to such things as
energy consumption and pollution. In some
ways, though, this may be seen just as
good maintenance of the Earth in its
entirety, yet routine maintenance of
individual civil engineering projects does
not seem to be so important.
Any profession or business has as its first
duty to operate in a way which complies
with the law of the land. A profession may
have stricter restraints upon it, over and
above the basic laws, by way of its
professional rules. This is very different to
saying a profession has a duty to change
the laws of the land in any particular
direction. Reactionary views are sometimes
heard along the lines I thought I had
signed up to Greenpeace by mistake when
I joined the civil engineering profession, I
just wanted to join a body of engineers in
building useful things! Intertwined with
these changes is the force of politics itself.
Civil engineering is in rather a muddle
about quite where it stands on this question
at the moment.
Is managing the Earths resources (as
opposed to allocating them) the province
of politics anyway? Civil engineers are
keen to be seen as one of the leading
professions responsible for environmental
issues. This is quite different to the older
view which was unwritten, and it went
without saying that civil engineering just
had to do good. One of the old names for
civil engineering was public works. That
does have a worthy ring about it, and it
brings us back to conventional politics. In
earlier times it was definitely the
politicians, for example the waterworks
committees, bridge boards, city councils or
other such bodies who (to revert to
traditional descriptions) promoted or
formulated what was wanted by way of
schemes like drainage, water supply, roads
and bridges on behalf of the public.
Engineers then just had simply to bring
them into reality. It was a lot clearer. They
did not have to justify why these things
were needed in the first place.
Perhaps in the past, civil engineers were
seen as those who managed to tame
nature. Lighthouses were built in dangerous
places, risks in building them were taken
by those on site in order to try to reduce
risks to others. Bridges were built to avoid
people having to ford across treacherous
rivers. Tunnels and other earthworks
removed the dangers of steep mountain
tracks. Today, though, there is an
expectation, and there are also legal duties
for civil engineers to work with nature in a
different way. The practicalities of projects
are very much governed by the effects of
these things on the habitats of wildlife, and
reducing pollution and unnecessary
expenditure of energy.
Although this aspect of the change in
the role of the civil engineer is seen as a
political influence, it really has more to do
with professional efficiency. Thinking
engineers of earlier times were probably
already aware of ergonomics. For example,
steam locomotives where the controls came
Whats it all about?
Politics and the environment
Dennis Gedge MCInstCES CEng MICE, Consulting Engineer
Can politics and the
environment ever be
the best of friends?
I thought I had signed up to
Greenpeace by mistake when I
joined the civil engineering
profession.
42 Politics Civil Engineering Surveyor
easily to hand, and which were relatively
less laborious to manually load with fuel,
intuitively took into account ergonomic
factors before they had been formally
recognised and codified, and before it had
become a subject in its own right.
No doubt some of the thinking civil
engineers of the past may well have
avoided ecological damage by working in
what amounts to a more efficient way. Just
as professional soldiers who are trained to
kill, do in fact avoid it as much as possible,
many civil engineers may have always been
as aware of the detrimental effects on
nature (or the environment, as we would
say today) of their projects and they may
have tried to limit some of them.
Traditional civil engineering did not set
out to conquer nature. These seemingly
new requirements of civil engineers have
probably been in the minds of thinking
engineers for generations, whether there
was a law about it or not.
National transport
The case of the railways here in the UK is
perhaps even a little more blurred as far as
politics is concerned. A national transport
network was not conceived so that the
nation, as a whole, could travel from Lands
End to John O Groats. The original
railways were just plain individual
commercial speculations, aimed at
improving trade or the efficiency of mines
and quarries. Acts of Parliament were
required in order to allow them to be built,
but those political negotiations had more to
do with land acquisitions of the day, than
they did with far-sighted visions of
providing mass transit systems for the
whole population. The world wars of the
last century proved that these piecemeal
engineering projects had become, without
being planned as such, national railway
transport links. They had just evolved like
Topsy in a higgledy piggledy way, and they
had become an entity which was essential
and of great national value. Today
engineers as well as politicians publicly
argue the pros and cons of the proposed
new high speed railways.
The question of whether or not these
giant projects should even take place is
high politics. If politicians have engineering
qualifications then they are well placed to
debate and decide such things. This is not
the same as saying it is an engineering job
to decide if they should be built in the first
place. Fundamental questions of this type
must depend upon economics, the rights of
local communities and occupiers of land,
and public finance, which are not the stock
in trade of civil engineers. Just as the
internal combustion engine, when
invented, was only seen as a convenient
way for the man with a horseless carriage
to get to market faster than one who didnt
have one, it was never seen as something
which would have had such far reaching
implications as it did. So should a similar
question have formed itself in the minds of
those motor vehicle inventors as the
questions which arose in the minds of the
scientists working on the Manhattan Project
in 1945?
Should they have asked themselves,
should this thing be let loose, because if
everyone gets a car, then we will end up
with gridlock, despoliation of the
countryside and towns, and enormous costs
in making way for them? Is it perhaps an
engineers job to have such foresight and
enter into this sort of politics?
The internal combustion engine won the
commercial battle over early steam
powered and electric motor vehicles, so
engineers, at the behest of politicians, then
had to devise a solution to the
overcrowded highways and towns, a
situation which had, like the railways, just
grown up as a result of an earlier
seemingly insignificant engineering
invention.
Engineers or architects
Great arguments currently rage between
engineers, architects and politicians about
iconic projects, and the design
competitions which are sometimes held for
the most suitable bridge or building to be
constructed yield interesting results at
times. The difference between architects
and engineers is difficult to pin down.
There has been much academic speculation
about it.
In some ways it is possible to say
architects design and build what they
jointly advocate with their clients.
Engineers, on the other hand, have to make
things work or stand up, which other
people envisage. If a project is deemed
acceptable in the opinion of those
authorised to allow or pay for it, it may be
seen as an architectural success. Civil
engineering, on the other hand, is not
subject to opinion to decide whether or not
it is successful. There are no shades of grey
with the laws of nature, only
consequences. Recent engineering
successes with no margin for error are the
rescue of the Chilean miners by the
Phoenix, and the righting of the Concordia.
They are right if they work, or wrong if
they dont.
An architect may have many reasons why it
is a good idea to build a structure on land
that floods rarely, say on a 1% probability
basis (which is the current UK government
planning guidance for inland
developments). The engineering is much
more hard and fast. If, in engineering
judgment, the proposal would have a
higher probability to flood than the
guidance given by a legal government, then
an engineer has no option other to advise
against it.
If one considers the current
sustainability criteria for the design of new
surface water drainage works, civil
engineers have to use ingenious ways to
comply with political requirements.
Formerly, a drainage scheme for a
development project of housing or industry
was good if the downstream pipe was large
enough to convey the design flood flow to
the sea or some sort of watercourse. In that
case, the political requirement was that the
owners of upstream properties should not
be caused the inconvenience of flooding by
an inadequate network. Currently, political
criteria in many parts of the world are that
surface water run-off discharge rates and
volumes shall be limited. Again, it is the
civil engineers job to seek to design within
these constraints. It is, however, the
politicians job to decide if such measures
are called for within available budgets.
What we may consider wasteful and wrong
may, in certain circumstances, be adequate
for others with fewer resources.
Whats in a name?
For decades professional engineers have
felt hard done by, and worried about how
the public sees the engineering profession.
In a similar way, nations sometimes try to
bolster currency exchange rates, and
companies their share prices, but when it
comes down to it there is not much anyone
can do about the changing tides of public
opinion and perception. It is better to
worry about the things that doing the job of
a professional engineer brings with it, and
to let the public worry about things like
pecking order.
As for who should be entitled to
describe themselves as an engineer, that
too is something uncontrollable. The
meanings of language just evolve. As long
as what we say can be understood, that is
all that really matters. So perhaps when
someone comes and solves a technical
problem which is beyond us, like replacing
an awkward part on a washing machine,
they are indeed the engineer.
Dennis Gedge MCInstCES CEng MICE,
Consulting Engineer
dennisgedge@btinternet.com
Dennis Gedge is a member of the International Society
of Philosophy and Technology.
There are no shades of grey with
the laws of nature, only
consequences.
43 Military History 12-01 2014
L
ET us continue our examination of
the forts by looking at the fort on
the island of Steep Holm which, as
we are aware, forms part of the chain of
forts across the Bristol Channel. As with the
forts in the last article, examination will be
in two stages from 1862 until 1900, and
from 1900 until 1950, so that we can see
the changes which took place over these
periods, including the two world wars
which will form the basis of a future article.
Steep Holm
The island lies some five miles from
Weston-Super-Mare putting it halfway
between Weston and Cardiff. Up until it
was bought in 1974, in memory of the
broadcaster by the Kenneth Allsop
Memorial Trust, it was owned by Lord
Warton. It is approached only from the sea,
weather permitting, as my son and I
experienced. We visited the island on an
open boat when a heavy swell was running
resulting in our fellow passengers
having to spend most of the journey
hanging over the side being ill!
The island has been home to the
Romans, the Vikings, the Christians and the
British Army during its lifetime, but today it
supports a large colony of Herring Gulls
as my son found out to his detriment when
they attacked him as he stumbled
accidentally across their nesting site during
our visit.
It is 256ft (78m) above sea level at its
highest point, half a mile long and
approximately a quarter of a mile wide.
The island, known as the Holm, has
Viking connections (as mentioned in
part 1 of this series CES September 2013).
It is elliptical in plan and rises on vertical
cliffs with natural scree slopes. The island
is covered by a 6'' layer of soil on top of
limestone bedrock.
18661900
The tender was submitted by John Perry of
Weston-Super-Mare, the replacement
contractor who encountered problems with
the contract for Brean Down fort (see
part 3 CES November 2013), and who was
appointed contractor for the forts on the
Holms (Steep and Flat). Work commenced
on 19 February 1866. The construction of
the fort was no easy task, involving a great
deal of physical excavation into the
bedrock, which had to be aided by
blasting. Evidence exists on the south face
of quarrying, which would have provided
most of the stone required for the general
building work. Four barrack buildings were
constructed on the south side as it provided
shelter.
Although they were not obvious on
the sky line, they were clearly seen from
Brean Down. Construction of the barracks
was around 1867, which is supported
from the carved stone above the
doorway. The barracks is in two parts;
the largest is 109ft (33.23m) long by 20ft
(6.09m) wide built of dressed limestone
with granite keystones above the
windows. The ceiling in this building was
removed in 1970 to show the typical
loftiness so much associated with this
form of Victorian building. This larger
building was designed to accommodate
28 men in the barrack room, with a
lavatory and a bathroom attached. At one
end were the master gunners
accommodation and the married quarters.
At the west end of the barracks was a
small detached machine shed, while at
the east end was a small store.
The smaller building contained the
kitchen complete with water pump, a
general store room, and a latrine with six
toilets. Behind this building lay the
freshwater tank hewn from the rock. It is
55ft (16.76m) long, can hold 49,000
gallons and is still in use today. The water
entered the tank through a filter, known
as the receiver, which contained charcoal
and pebbles.
Steep Holm supported a total of seven
batteries. The first of these is reached by
climbing a zigzag path from the landing
beach until you arrive at the Garden
Battery some 213ft (65m) above sea level
and is built on top of what is thought to be
part of the medieval priory garden. The
battery commanded an elevated position
and it has a double enclosure (barbette)
with an open back. A barbette is a type of
Guns across the Channel
The story of the Bristol Channel forts: Part 4
Hamish Mitchell FCInstCES FRICS MInstRE
Hamish Mitchell continues
his series on Britains
military history
44 Military History Civil Engineering Surveyor
gun mounting used with fixed fortress
artillery. The gun mounting is concealed in
an emplacement pit and only the gun
muzzle and upper shield can be seen
above the front parapet by the enemy. The
term comes from the French word barbe
(beard), and is said to derive from the
emplacement parapets resemblance to a
beard beneath the gun barrel. The
mountings are C type in shallow pits on
both Steep Holm and on Brean Down with
open backs. This was so that the gunners
would not be exposed on the skyline when
handling the guns and ammunition. The
battery was equipped with two 7 rifled
muzzle-loading (RML) guns and it
commended an excellent view of Brean
Down fort.
After leaving the Garden Battery and
continuing for 220m the fort is reached and
some 181m on you arrive at Split Rock
Battery, the site of which has been elevated
to be some 164ft (50m) above sea level.
The battery was equipped with two RML
guns set in a double enclosure with each
enclosure still retaining their circular racer
and cannon pivots.
At the rear of Split Rock Battery there
are two underground ammunition stores
reached by 15 and 8 steps respectively. The
size of the ammunition store was 16ft
(4.88m) long and 8ft (2.44m) wide. The
stores were illuminated by bulls-eye
lanterns placed in a vented alcove. The
stores are typical with the other batteries on
Brean Down and Steep Holm.
Leaving Split Rock and following the
path for a further 182m, you arrive at the
end of the island and Rudder Rock Battery.
This battery is named after the rock below
and is armed with one RML gun. The
height of the site is some 167ft (51m)
above sea level. Much of the parapet
remains, along with the C racer. Two
underground stores nearby are still in good
condition although they are hidden
behind Elder bushes.
Proceed another 100m on the north side
and you arrive at Summit Battery which, as
its name implies, is the highest battery of
Steep Holm at 236ft (72m) above sea level.
It was equipped with two 7 RML guns in a
double enclosure. At the rear was found a
George III cannon C pivot which had been
pulled out of the ground and since
relocated outside of the barracks. Also
found nearby in a gully was the remains of
a racer which has been repositioned on a
plinth near to the battery.
If we continue on the perimeter path
for 494m we will reach Laboratory Battery
which sits some 226ft (69m) above sea
level. Armed with RML guns with both
the racers and pivots intact and in good
condition, the upper works are also in a
good state of preservation. The battery
was called Laboratory because nearby
was a safe working building which
provided a spark free environment. Most
of the forts had such buildings and were
identified at Brean Down and Lavernock
(but not on Flat Holm). On the right of
the perimeter path are the remains of the
laboratory building.
Travel 80m further along the path and
you come to our last site; Tombstone
Battery. Here armament was a single RML
and much of the equipment, including the
C pivot and racer, remains. The
ammunition stores are complete and can
From top: (i) Steep Holm from the sea: Heading towards the
landing beach shown white on the left.
(ii) Steep Holm Barracks. The smaller building can be seen
on the left.
(iii) Inside Steep Holm Barracks today.
(iv) A typical RML gun battery on Steep Holm.
(v) Going home from the landing beach at Steep Holm.
The island has been home to the
Romans, the Vikings, the
Christians and the British Army
during its lifetime, but today it
supports a large colony of
Herring Gulls.
HMS Arrogant carried out six
runs at full speed. The result was
that damaged occurred to part of
the shield causing the gun to be
exposed... a live gun crew would
not have survived.
45 Military History 12-01 2014
be located under the Elder bushes on the right hand side of the
path. Tombstone Battery was named because the engineers
preparing the site found a coffin lid associated with the nearby
ruined Priory of St Michael; perhaps Marks & Spencer had a
branch on the island?
Trials by HMS Arrogant
In 1898 the War Office decided to carry out an important trial that
would have a bearing on the policy of coastal defence. A trials
team was set in place. The task of this team was to test the
possibility of placing a 29 tonne 9.2 breech loading (BL), gun in
the Rudder Rock Battery without the protection afforded by a built
up stone emplacement (barbette). This would, if successful,
produce a considerable saving in cost.
Therefore, a dummy gun was erected on a carriage with a
tortoise shell shield for protection of the breech. The idea was
that dummies substituted for the real gun and due to the shape of
the tortoise-shell shield, greater protection would be afforded.
Reports say that it would have been some 30ft (9m) in length and
when viewed from the front would present an oval appearance.
The trial took place on 19 August 1898, when HMS Arrogant
carried out six runs at full speed, firing from a distance of between
1,800 and 200 yards. The result was that damaged occurred to part
of the shield causing the gun to be exposed, and examination of
the area proved that a live gun crew would not have survived.
Some 200 shells were fired from the ship. The trial
demonstrated that the battery at Rudder Rock was vulnerable to
attack from the sea.
Conclusion
By 1902 there was a complete run down of all the batteries. The
army left the island after dismantling the RML guns which were
sold as scrap. A Cardiff firm cut them up, but success eluded them.
It is recorded that one of the Garden Battery guns was cut in half
and was considered transportable, but the other was damaged. An
unsuccessful attempt was made to cut up the Georgian cannon
from the Summit Battery. As you look around the site you will see
on examining the guns evidence of what appears to be failed
attempts at the cutting up process.
So, we say goodbye to Steep Holm for the present. As with
Brean Down we will return in a later article to see what changes
occurred in the two world wars.
Next time, we will take a look at the forts on Flat Holm and
Lavernock Point.
Hamish Mitchell FCInstCES FRICS MInstRE
All images Hamish Mitchell
Sketch plan of Steep Holm fort.
Whittles
Bookshop Offer
Visit the online bookshop www.whittlespublishing.com
*telephone and email orders.
Looking for books on laser scanning?
Researching civil engineering?
Interested in military history?
ICES members are now entitled to a 15% discount on
book from Whittles Publishing*.
Continuing Professional Development
Contact: Professional Development Coordinator
+44 (0)161 972 3103
development@cices.org
www.cices.org
47 FlG 12-01 2014
T
HE Fdration Internationale des
Gomtres Young Surveyors
Network (FIG YSN) is a
membership body that fosters engagement
and networking amongst young surveying
professionals and students across Europe.
It seeks to promote the profession as an
attractive career option, to represent the
interests of young surveyors, facilitate their
professional development and involvement
on the committees of regional and national
surveying and geospatial bodies. It also
strives to improve the recognition of
surveying in local communities by
championing an international voluntary
Young Surveyors Without Borders code.
Exchange platform
FIG YSN serves as an exchange platform
promoting international opportunities
(jobs, traineeships, courses, PhDs,
conferences, and so on) for young
surveyors with the aim of improving the
global image of surveying. FIG YSN began
life in 2006 as a joint working group within
commission 2 and has since been
represented at a variety of FIG events,
including the 2006 congress in Munich,
and 2010 congress in Sydney as well as
FIG led working weeks in Eilat, Marrakesh,
Rome and Abuja. In October 2013, the first
FIG Young Surveyors European meeting
was held in Lisbon, Portugal.
Meeting report
There was much expectation ahead of the
inaugural YSN meeting as first events
always set the standards and references that
will govern and guide the organisation in
future. For the organisers of the meeting
(Ordem dos Engenheiros Portugal and FIG
YSN) and its supporters (FIG Foundation
and the Council of European Geodetic
Surveyors) the primary aim was to support
young surveyors to develop activities that
will further enhance their careers across
Europe and the world.
For Ordem dos Engenheiros this was an
excellent opportunity to welcome FIG to
Portugal, to showcase the quality of its
professionals and to promote the country.
The meeting also combined an
international training course in topography
for young surveyors (in partnership with
the Consiglio Nazionale Geometri).
Goals
Although this was a European meeting, the
main goal was to gather young surveyors
from around the world; enhance and
promote the network, share knowledge
and experiences, and contribute new
projects and ideas for the global network.
Above all, the meeting sought to inspire
young surveyors to start their own business
and national networks. The programme
was developed to give all participants an
opportunity to get involved in the meeting
activities, work and plenary sessions and to
seize the opportunity to brainstorm new
YSN projects.
It was particularly important to the
organisers that the meeting programme
encouraged participants to consider their
role and create awareness of the surveyors
role in the world (whether in the political,
economic or social context).
FIG YSNs European meeting
Gustavo Palma, Senior Geomatics Engineer, Met Consultancy Group
There was much expectation as
first events always set the
standards that will govern and
guide the organisation in future.
Delegate map
illustrating the places
from where the
participants travelled.
48 FlG Civil Engineering Surveyor
The conference
160 delegates from more than 30 countries
gathered to hear the keynote presentation
on energy, sustainability and climate
change delivered by Jorge Alves and Pedro
Soares (both from Lisbon University).
Throughout the two-day conference
delegates had a chance to listen to some
excellent presentations and papers from all
international aspects of the industry. A
standout award winning paper came from
student Sandro Baptista (Portugal)
showcasing his projects and partnership
with Google.
A particular highlight for me was the
address by FIG president CheeHai Teo who
passed on some valuable advice to us all
with his presentation on meeting our future
network. It was during a technical session
where young surveyors had the
opportunity to inspire their peers to
contribute to the surveying community that
I presented a paper on how to set up a
young surveyor network in your own
country, using Portugal as an example.
Downtime
The conference wasnt all about hard work.
Social events were organised that included
a photo contest, a night run and a few
parties details of which I mustnt divulge!
Afterwards, delegates were welcomed at
Cordoaria Nacional for the Ports for wine
tasting hosted by the mayor of Lisbon.
These social events were extremely
important helping to establish bonds and to
build friendships with fellow young
surveyors.
Outcomes
The main outcomes of this event were to
demonstrate the quality of Portuguese and
European young professionals as well as
the promotion and development of the
Young Surveyors Network.
Gustavo Palma, Senior Geomatics
Engineer, Met Consultancy Group
Gustavo.Palma@metgeo.com
Knowledge transfer. Delegates absorbing one
of the presentations at the conference.
The social events helped to
establish bonds and to build
friendships with fellow young
surveyors.
With Least Squares Adjustment for
Offshore Survey
13-15 January 2014: Newcastle, UK
www.ncl.ac.uk/cegs.cpd/cpd/
HSE Construction Dust Event - Does your face fit?
22 January 2014: Chester, UK
http://wwt.uk.com
UKGEOForum Annual Lecture: Weaving a New
Mapping Genre
23 January 2014: London, UK
pgsupport@rics.org
RICS BIM Conference
12 February 2014: London, UK
www.rics.org
The International LiDAR Mapping Forum
17-19 February 2014: Colorado, USA
www.lidarmap.org/international
ICES BIM Conference
www.cices.org/events
ICE Nuclear 2014: Developing the UK's Industry
www.ice-nuclear.com
UK Concrete Show
27-28 February 2014: Birmingham, UK
www.concreteshow.co.uk
ICE Tall Buildings 2014
18 March 2014: London, UK
www.ice.org.uk
Moving to a New World of Building Systems
Performance
3-4 April 2014: Dublin, Ireland
www.cibse.org/symposium2014
Water & Environment 2014
8-9 April 2014: London, UK
www.ciwem.org
ICE Americas 2014 Convention: Panama
10-12 April 2014: Panama City, Panama
www.ice.org.uk
SPAR International 2014
14-17 April 2014: Colorado Springs, USA
www.sparpointgroup.com/international
Intergeo-Eurasia
28-29 April 2014: Istanbul, Turkey
www.intergeo-eurasia.com
Civil Infrastructure & Technology Exhibition 2014
20-22 May 2014: London, UK
www.cite-uk.com
European Federation for Precast Concrete BIBM
Congress
21-23 May 2014: Istanbul, Turkey
www.bibmcongress.eu
GEO Business
28-29 May 2014: London, UK
www.geobusinessshow.com
Sea Work International 2014
10-12 June 2014: Southampton, UK
www.seawork.com
FIG Congress 2014
16-21 June 2014: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.fig.net
International Cost Engineering Council World
Congress
21-23 October 2014: Milan, Italy
www.icec2014.it
CASLE Conference and General Assembly 2015
10-12 March 2015: Takoradi, Ghana
www.casle.org
49 TSA Focus 12-01 2014
O
N a beautiful sunny October
morning, members of The Survey
Association met at the Imperial
War Museum, Duxford, for our annual
discussion group meeting. In total over 60
attendees assembled for a fascinating day
of presentations, awards and great
networking. The museum itself is a
wonderful place to visit and the only regret
for me is that we were so busy there was
little time to make the most of the exhibits.
A private visit is on the agenda for 2014.
The day started with a short presentation
about the museum itself. The standout
comment was the fact that the makers of
the film Battle of Britain (filmed at
Duxford) did more damage to the airfield
than the Luftwaffe did. Further morning
presentations were given on the national
aerial photographic archive held by English
Heritage, LiDAR mapping and some
practical applications using small
unmanned aircraft (SUA). A very pleasant
lunch, taken by most of the attendees on
the veranda overlooking the airfield, was
followed by time spent in the museum. For
me, probably the only time I will get to
look inside Concorde.
The afternoon session started with one
of the annual highlights for TSA; the award
of the annual bursary prize to two students
from Newcastle University. This is the third
year of the monetary prize which is
awarded to second year students who are
asked to submit a paper on a survey related
topic; this year the topic being SUA. The
prizes this year were presented by Graham
Mills, TSA president, to Emmanuel Lawal
and Adam Miller.
The afternoon session began with a look
at geomatics in the international arena. It is
possible that someone up in the sky did
not agree with a couple of points as the
paper was curtailed with a fire alarm and
evacuation of the premises. This turned out
to be a blessing in disguise as it offered yet
more networking opportunities outside in
the sun whilst watching aircraft take off and
land. Once back inside, the session
continued with a paper on mobile
mapping, a fascinating and highly amusing
presentation from Barry Mudie of the
Metropolitan Police on stolen survey
equipment and a final paper on running a
survey company. Once again, a superb day
at a quite wonderful venue and it was great
to be able to welcome the retired and ex-
TSA council member Mike Gladwell to the
meeting. Last year we used the National
Space Centre and we are now looking at a
venue for next year to match both of these.
QISS me quick
Many people will be aware that TSA uses
online polling on a regular basis to
ascertain the opinions of members on a
number of topics. Each quarter we ask
members a series of questions about
business progress or otherwise and have
done so over the last fourteen years. We
now have an amazing bank of comparable
data as the questions have never been
changed. Oliver Viney, a member of our PR
committee, has analysed some of the most
recent data.
The outlook is good. The weather across
the UK is beginning to clear and the
forecast for the foreseeable future is good.
This is the outlook from our quarterly
industry snapshot survey, QISS for short.
The QISS results show a consistently
upwards trend, since January 2010, in
terms of orders received, turnover and
workforce. This trend doesnt look like
slowing with nearly 70% of companies
expecting to see increases to continue in to
the future. Considering the tough few years
in the industry, it is really great to see that
nearly 90% of companies are working at
full capacity. When asked the question two
years ago this was only 50% and if we look
back another two years this was down
near 30%.
Still flying high
Rory Stanbridge FCInstCES, Secretary General, The Survey Association
Rory Stanbridge on a
successful day of
discussions and a bright
outlook for tomorrow
The British survey industry has a
strong reputation and whilst
things are picking up at home
there could be even more
opportunity overseas.
50 TSA Focus Civil Engineering Surveyor
One area which survey companies have not exploited is overseas
markets. Only 10% of companies reported an increase in overseas
sales. The British survey industry has a strong reputation across the
world and whilst things are picking up at home there could be
even more opportunity overseas. With this upturn in work comes
an upturn in job opportunities. Over 50% of member companies
expect their workforce to increase over the coming months to meet
demand. When asked the same question three years ago 25% were
looking to decrease their workforce.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young graduates to take up an
exciting career in the geomatics industry. With opportunities to
work in some magnificent places and on some truly iconic projects
there is no better time than now. The challenge will be for
companies to be brave enough and patient enough to take on
untrained staff to help their companies grow.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers of
CES and members of TSA a very happy Christmas and a successful
and prosperous new year. However, do take a minute or two out
of your day to think about the suffering of the people in the
Philippines and perhaps donate to a suitable charity.
Rory Stanbridge FCInstCES,
Secretary General, The Survey Association
rms@tsa-uk.org.uk
www.tsa-uk.org.uk
Top: IWM, Duxford
Bottom: TSA president Graham Mills (centre) with the winners of the annual bursary Emmanuel Lawal
and Adam Miller.
G
EOTECHNICAL and civil engineering specialists Maccaferri has re-launched its website:
www.maccaferri.co.uk The updated site provides users with a comprehensive overview of the
products and solutions that Maccaferri offers the civil and environmental engineering sector, whilst
being easier to navigate.
New features have been added including an interactive map to view case studies by location, a
searchable document section for viewing and downloading of brochures and technical documents plus the
facility to register for CPD and request design software. Users can also link through to Maccaferris
YouTube and Twitter feeds.
Maccaferri is a world leader in innovative environmental engineering solutions with expertise in erosion
control and river training, retaining walls and soil reinforcement, roads and pavements, rock-fall protection,
mining solutions, coastal protection, tunnelling, industrial flooring and precast concrete.
Maccaferri Ltd is the Oxford based, UK subsidiary of the worldwide Maccaferri Industrial Group which
has its headquarters in Bologna, Italy and manufacturing facilities worldwide.
The company is the inventor of the ubiquitous gabion basket used in retaining wall and other applications
and has held the original patent for over 120 years. Maccaferri is also the worlds biggest producer.
The company is committed to excellence and has a highly skilled team of industry specialists dedicated
to the mantra:
Maccaferri: Engineering a better solution
www.maccaferri.co.uk
Pictured: Maccaferri, inventor of the stone filled Gabion Basket used in retaining wall construction, has a new website,
www.maccaferri.co.uk
New website for Maccaferri
51 Classifieds/Where to Buy 12-01 2014
Open technology and standards-based
solutions for sharing spatial data
www.cadcorp.com
Monitoring
Mapping, Software & Data Surveys
Suppliers
Surveys
/a|ge and sma||-sca|e tooog|ao||c s0|veys
/nsta||at|on of s0|vey and eng|nee||ng cont|o|
S|te s0|veys Bo0nda|y dema|cat|on
Maoo|ng vo|0met||c ana|ys|s and
ea|t|wo||s des|gn CAD se|v|ces R|ve|
c|anne| and f|ood o|a|n s0|veys
GPS s0|veys G/S data caot0|e
Mon|to||ng Sett|ng o0t
P|ov|s|on of s|te eng|nee||ng
s0|vey staff D|g|ta| des|gn
www.harrysk|nner.com
24 Church Meadow,
Surbiton Surrey KT6 5EW
T. 0208 398 8991
E. hsk/nner@g/oba/neI.co.uk
UAVs georeferenced aerial photography
photogrammetry and aerial 3D
visualisation digital ground modelling
machine control model data preparation/
calibration land/topographic surveys
measured building surveys engineering
surveys GPS/GNSS surveys site setting
out rapid bulk earthmoving/quarry
surveys and volumes cut and fill volume
calculations and analysis CAD services
MCKENZIE GEOSPATIAL SURVEYS LTD
www.mackasurveys.co.uk
info@mackasurveys.co.uk
01932 268365 07979 636223
Abbey House, Brooklands Business Park,
Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TT, UK
Recruitment
Online and in print
Alan Lees ICES Publishing
+44 (0)161 972 3110 alees@cices.org
Discounts for ICES members
Classifieds
Alan Lees
ICES Publishing
+44 (0)161 972 3110
alees@cices.org
Hilti (Gt Britain) 1 Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1BY, UK
+44 (0)800 886 100 +44 (0)161 886 1000 Gb-measuring@hilti.com
www.hilti.co.uk
Leica Geosystems Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes MK5 8LB, UK
+44 (0)1908 256500 www.leica-geosystems.co.uk
Scotland: Gary Kelly
+44 (0)7500 700 487 gary.kelly@leica-geosystems.com
Northern England: Mike Workman
+44 (0)7887 517 528 mike.workman@leica-geosystems.com
Central England: Martin Edwards & Shane ORegan
+44 (0)7771 517 411 martin.edwards@leica-geosystems.com
+44 (0)7775 712 326 shane.oregan@leica-geosystems.com
South East: Graham Sharp
+44 (0)7789 816 628 graham.sharp@leica-geosystems.com
South West: Mark Francis
+44 (0)7500 112 071 mark.francis@leica-geosystems.com
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland: John Kerrigan
+44 (0)7917 543 923 +353 (0) 85 1707 129
john.kerrigan@leica-geosystems.com
A1 Survey
Sparks House, Western Industrial Estate, Lon-llyn, Caerphilly CF83 1BQ,
UK +44 (0)845 5005858 sales@a1survey.net www.a1survey.net
M & P Survey Equipment
Meridian House, Stanney Mill Rd, Little Stanney, Chester CH2 4HX, UK
+44 (0)151 3571856 sales@mpsurvey.co.uk www.mpsurvey.co.uk
SCCS
hq1 Building, Phoenix Park, Eaton Socon PE19 8EP, UK
+44 (0)1480 404888 www.sccssurvey.co.uk
Unit 4, Riverside One, Medway City Estate, Sir Thomas Longley Road,
Kent ME2 4DP, UK +44 (0)1634 296809 www.sccssurvey.co.uk
Speedy Services
Chase House, 16 The Parks, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 0JQ,
UK + 44 (0)845 600 9960 customerservices@speedyservices.com
www.speedyservices.com
52 Where to Buy/Subscriptions Civil Engineering Surveyor
Suppliers
survey accessories
NavCom Technology 20780 Madrona Avenue Torrance, CA 90503 USA
+1 (310) 381-2000 www.navcomtech.com
Nikon-Trimble Co 16-2, Minamikamata 2-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0035,
Japan +1 3 5710 2592 www.nikon-trimble.com
A1 Survey Sparks House, Western Industrial Estate, Lon-llyn, Caerphilly
CF83 1BQ, UK +44 (0)845 500 5858 sales@a1survey.net
www.a1survey.net
Korec Head Office, Blundellsands House, 34-44 Mersey View, Waterloo,
Merseyside L22 6QB, UK +44 (0)845 6031214 www.korecgroup.com
Speedy Services
Chase House, 16 The Parks, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 0JQ,
UK + 44 (0)845 600 9960 customerservices@speedyservices.com
www.speedyservices.com
Ordnance Survey Adanac Drive, Southampton SO16 0ASU, UK
+44 (0)8456 05 05 05 www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
SOKKIA BV Essebaan 11, 2908 LJ, PO Box 145, 2900 AC, Capelle a/d
IJssel, The Netherlands +31 10 751 9300
+31 10 751 9300 info@sokkia.eu www.sokkia.net
Spectra Precision 10368 Westmoor Drive, Westminster, CO 80021 USA
+1 720 587 4700 www.spectraprecision.com
ZAC de la Fleuriaye, BP 60433, 44474 Carquefou Cedex, France
+33 2 28 09 38 00
Topcon (GB) Topcon House, Bone Lane, Kennet Side, Newbury
RG14 5PX, UK +44 (0)1635 551120 info@topcon.co.uk
www.topcon.co.uk
Phoenix Surveying Equipment Head Office, Unit 4, Armstrong Court,
Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NG, UK +44 (0)1454 312560
sales@phoenixse.com www.phoenixse.com
1 Howard Street, Constitution Hill, Birmingham B19 3HW, UK
+44 (0) 1212 126 040
Unit 38 Azura Close, Woolsbridge Industrial Estate, Three Legged Cross
Wimbourne, Dorset BH21 6SZ, UK +44 (0) 1202 814030
Unit 17, Swift Business Centre, East Moors Industrial Estate, Keen
Road, Cardiff CF24 5JR, UK +44 (0)2920 470776
4 Leigham Business Units, Silverton Road, Matford Park, Exeter
EX2 8HY, UK +44 (0) 1392 824163
Unit 9, Metropolitan Park, Greenford UB6 8UP, UK
+44 (0) 208 578 3377
665 Eccles New Road, Salford M50 1AY, UK +44 (0) 161 786 2975
Unit 3, Youngs Industrial Estate, Paices Hill, Aldermaston, Reading
RG7 4PW, UK +44 (0)1189 707280
www.a1survey.net
York Survey Supply Centre Prospect House, George Cayley Drive,
Clifton Moor, York YO30 4XE, UK +44 (0)1904 692723
sales@YorkSurvey.co.uk www.YorkSurvey.co.uk
Trimble Trimble House, Meridian Office Park, Osborn Way, Hook,
Hampshire RG27 9HX, UK +44 (0)1256 760150 www.trimble.com
www.a1survey.net
Korec, Blundellsands House, 34-44 Mersey View, Waterloo, Merseyside
L22 6QB, UK +44 (0)845 603 1214 www.korecgroup.com
Survey Solutions Scotland The Pyramid Building, 14 Dryden Road,
Bilston Glen, Loanhead, Edinburgh EH20 9LZ, UK +44 (0)131 4404688
info@survey-solutions-scotland.co.uk
www.survey-solutions-scotland.co.uk
Subscriptions
Joanne Gray
ICES Publishing
+44 (0)161 972 3123
jgray@cices.org
10 issues: Civil Engineering Surveyor
Plus supplements: Geospatial Engineering, Construction Law Review, Yearbook & Directory of Members
43 (UK) 48 (Europe) 53 (Rest of the World)
53 Profiles/Recruitment 12-01 2014
Winn & Coales International
celebrated its 130th anniversary with
a visit on 16 October by HRH The
Duke of York. Also in attendance
were Deputy Lord Lieutenant Major
David Hewer OBE and the Mayor of
Lambeth, Councillor Mark Bennett.
During the visit, His Royal Highness
unveiled a commemorative plaque specially commissioned for the
occasion and congratulated the company on its success over 130
years of trading due to a combination of innovation, commercial
nous and sound manufacturing practices, all resulting in
continuous growth both in the UK and worldwide. Denso
corrosion prevention and sealing products are well known and
used all over the world for the protection of steel and concrete.
www.denso.net
SEEABLE is being launched by
Severn Partnership to allow non
technical access to complex 3D data
on desktops, smartphones and
tablets. By liberating 3D data BIM
from design teams and allowing
access to site workers or board
directors who cannot operate
complex CAD or BIM software,
SEEABLE will make important building information visible to a
greater number of people. SEEABLE hosts 3D data in a serious
games environment, creating apps which are then sent to mobile,
tablet, PC, Mac or the web. The apps allow users to explore or
examine the 3D environment and use the principles of experiential
learning to communicate risks and visualise complex 3D
environments. www.seeable.co.uk
Pro-Teq Surfacing (UK) has
developed a world first for
spraying a liquid based
product in combination with
either soft or hard media as
an alternative to street
lighting. This innovative
pathway re-surfacing
methodology called STARPATH is currently being trialled in Christs
Pieces park by Cambridge City Council. STARPATH is cost effective
to install and maintain while its seamless surface may be applied to
any existing surface, be it concrete, tarmac, timber or any hard
stand substrate (solid base). The aggregate material absorbs and
stores energy from ambient light (UV rays) during the day, then
releases this energy at night allowing the particles to glow.
www.pro-teqsurfacing.com
Trimble has released the next
generation of its GeoExplorer
data collection system. The new
Geo 7X includes an integrated
laser rangefinder module,
extended GNSS capabilities and
hardware performance. Together
with robust field and office
software, the Geo 7X handheld
can enhance productivity in
difficult physical conditions and challenging GNSS environments.
The Geo 7X is compatible with existing and planned GNSS,
including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and BeiDou. Featuring a
new 1GHz processor and 4GB of memory running Microsoft
Windows 6.5 Professional operating system, the Geo 7X offers
enhanced computing performance. www.trimble.com/mappingGIS
Senior Measured Building Surveyor
The SUMO Group is one of the largest and
fastest growing independent survey groups
in the UK, with a truly naonwide network and a substanal
high quality client base. With specialist departments already
focusing on the core areas of archaeological, geophysical,
measured building, topographic and ulity surveying, the group
is now looking for a Senior Measured Building Surveyor to head
up a new Laser Scanning Department.
Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years relevant
experience in the use of high denion laser scanners in the
producon of measured oor plans, secons and elevaons,
with experience in the use of MBS, Autocad and laser scanning
soware such as Scene or Autodesk RECap. Dealing with sta
and customers, the posion will involve assessing the clients
needs, recommending an appropriate survey strategy,
idenfying the resources needed to complete the work to the
clients mescales, pricing the job and working with our
Contracts Department to ensure that a comprehensive quote is
prepared. Good communicaon and presentaon skills are
therefore a must, together with a condent telephone manner
and the ability to relate to people at all levels.
Based in Havant, the posion oers an aracve remuneraon
package, including a performance bonus. Please write in the
rst instance to survey.recruitment@sumoservices.com
enclosing your CV.
New Year - Fresh start
Climb the Ladder of Success at KINGS
Two excellent job opportunities working at
Kingsland Surveyors as a result of increased work
commitments and company expansion
Senior Land and Measured Building Surveyor (Full Time)
Experienced/Qualified Surveyor able to demonstrate a proven track record
in producing accurate topographical and building measurement surveys
and setting out/engineering works. Leadership skills and ability to mentor
our junior surveyors.
Senior CAD Technician (Full Time)
A highly skilled Senior CAD Technician able to produce accurate drawings
with a keen eye for presentation. The ability to work on your own initiative
as well as part of a team. Some background surveying experience would
be helpful although not essential.
The successful applicants will be offered a competitive salary with
excellent career prospects working as part of a friendly team.
For further information please contact Anne King on 01372 362059 or
forward your CV to mail@kingslandsurveyors.co.uk FAO Anne King
54 Recruitment Civil Engineering Surveyor
Based in Newport and predominantly servicing the local market,
Azimuth Land Surveys is a well established company producing
quality topographical, engineering and measured building surveys to a
wide range of clients from both the private and public sectors. We
currently have the following permanent vacancies.
3D Laser Scanning Surveyor
The successful candidate will be experienced in a variety of 3D laser
scanning projects and will be responsible for data acquisition through to
final deliverables. In addition, the role offers opportunity to be an
integral part of the development of the companys scanning section. The
position is based in south Wales and will include international projects.
Measured Building (BIM) Surveyor
The successful candidate will have a proven track record in producing
accurate building surveys, including 3D BIM in Revit. Knowledge of 3D
laser scanning would be an advantage. The position is based in south
Wales and will occasionally include UK travel.
Surveyor
The successful candidate will have general experience of topo,
engineering and building surveys, preferably including data processing
and CAD. The position is based in south Wales and will occasionally
include UK travel.
To apply, please submit your CV with covering letter to:
karenj@azimuthgroup.co.uk stating the job title and ref ESDec
Land Surveyor
Based near Reading in Berkshire, Tripoint
Land Surveys Ltd has seen an increased
demand for its surveying services throughout
the South East. Founded in 2006 our core
services are land, measured building and
engineering surveys, scanning and visualisation.
We currently have a vacancy for a Land Surveyor in our Reading office.
The successful candidate will:
Have a minimum of 3 years experience in topographic and
measured building surveying.
Have a sound knowledge and use of AutoCAD within the industry.
Demonstrate an understanding of precision, accuracy and QA
procedures.
Be able to prioritise, manage and plan projects from inception to
completion.
Have an understanding of health and safety and risk assessment.
Have a full UK driving licence.
Previous experience in the use of Trimble Total Stations, GNSS and
related software would be an advantage.
A friendly, dynamic and forward thinking company we continuously look
to develop individuals, providing training and CPD with a view to gain
professional accreditation. The role would suit an individual looking to
advance their existing surveying skills with the opportunity to develop
laser scanning experience.
A company vehicle will be provided as part of an attractive salary and
package. Please send CV, covering letter with salary expectations to:
daniel.moon@tripointsurveys.com
www.tripointsurveys.com
Topographical Land Surveyor
Zetica is looking for an experienced topographic land surveyor to join its
team at its Long Hanborough offices in Oxfordshire.
You will be responsible for undertaking topographic, measured building,
laser scanning, utility services and other 3D land surveying surveys on a
wide range of sites in the UK and occasionally abroad, including railway,
industrial, construction and infrastructure sites.
The role also has ample scope for development with our expanding and
technology driven surveying capability. You will also be working closely
with our geophysics team, which provides for the opportunity to
development a far wider set of skills.
You will need to have chartered status or be in the process of achieving
it and have excellent AutoCAD skills. Experience in BIM, Microstation,
Starnet, railway surveying is desirable.
Salary range 24,000 35,000 depending on experience and training.
You will also be eligible for other benefits such as our health care scheme
and health cash plan.
If you think this is a role for you, then send your CV with a covering
email/letter to recruitment@zetica.com
For further information about Zetica, see our website
www.zetica.com
T. 01993 886682 | E. recruitment@zetica.com | W. www.zetica.com | T. @ZeticaLtd
CIVIL ENGINEERING SURVEYOR
The Journal of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
30% discount on recruitment advertising i n CES
+44 (0)161 972 3110 sal es@cices.org
THE OFFICIAL TRAINING COMPANY OF
THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
A New Era:
Introduction to BIM
Training to guide you
through the BIM cycle
Developed collaboratively with BRE
Expert delivery that aligns with current
government strategy for industry
Uses real-life domestic and overseas case studies
which highlight the successes and benefits of BIM
Brings clarity to a complex topic, meeting
the training and learning objectives of the
Construction Industry Council
Certification approved by both TTT and BRE
on completion
225
Course code M0201
Book today:
0800 183 0133
training@thomastelford.com
www.tttrain.co.uk

225
Course code M0201

Course code M0201

Book today:

Book today:

0800 183 0133
.tttrain.co.uk www

0800 183 0133
.tttrain.co.uk


Civil Engg Surveyor

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Civil Engg Surveyor

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CIVIL ENGINEERING SURVEYOR

The Journal of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

You might also like