The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Technical Committee met in November 2025, to discuss ongoing guidance, industry practices, and key updates within the sector.
Key Updates and Actions:
CIRIA Chalk Guidance Development – The draft CIRIA Chalk Guidance is progressing. FPS members are encouraged to submit high-quality case studies for the piling chapter to ensure a comprehensive guide. A final review meeting is set for April 2026, with publication expected by the end of 2026.
Tip Testing Data and Interpretation – Tip load testing trials have faced challenges due to limited equipment and logistical barriers, with no new data gathered in the past 18 months. The possibility of sharing tip-testing equipment among members has been proposed and will be explored further.
CPD Training and Survey – A survey will be circulated to gather CPD training preferences from members, with follow-up discussions to plan future CPD events. This initiative is aimed at addressing training needs and identifying relevant industry topics for the FPS membership.
Debonding Foam Guidance Review – The committee reviewed the outdated 2005 and 2008 guidance on debonding foam. A proposal has been made to update this guidance, standardising tolerances and reducing confusion on-site, particularly around reinforcement cages. A revised version is to be incorporated into the FPS Piling Guide.
National Highways Specifications Update – The group discussed updates to National Highways specifications, including CC602, which now aligns with ICE SPERWALL Edition 3. The issue of the 30-minute concreting limit being incorrectly applied to bored pile works has been addressed, strengthening FPS’s position in the industry.
Eurocode 7 B526 Update – The BS EN 1997-1 draft has been finalised, with annexes still under discussion.
Working Group Updates:
Cage, Workability, Safe Lifting – A near-final draft document on cage reinforcement is circulating for review, with technical sections still to be finalised. Members are encouraged to provide feedback, particularly regarding Eurocode references and clarifying the intended audience.
Sustainability by Design – A proposal to move away from standardised pile test settlement limits in favour of project-specific criteria was discussed. Key enhancements to the pile schedule include capturing data on shaft friction and end bearing, supporting future foundation reuse and aligning with upcoming Eurocode revisions.
Digital Mapping Project – The FPS Digital Mapping Project continues, with ongoing efforts to collect project data for a geographical tool showcasing member projects. This tool, which links client inquiries to member contacts, has received positive interest and is expected to improve industry visibility. Participation in the project remains voluntary, though members are encouraged to contribute quarterly data in a structured format.
Micropile Execution Codes – Public review for the micropile execution codes is expected in early 2026, alongside draft standards for bored piles, diaphragm walls, and displacement piles. FPS members interested in participating in these reviews should contact the FPS team.
Working Platforms – Asbestos and Feedback – The FPS Working Platform Certificate was recently updated. Limited feedback has been received so far, but discussions have raised concerns over the presence of asbestos in platform materials. The current guidance requires platforms to be “free of contaminants,” and no changes are planned at this time.