The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Technical Committee met on 20 May, with Andrew Heathcote chairing the meeting and Zoe Baldwin acting as Vice Chair. Member companies reviewed progress across a wide range of technical, safety and standards-led workstreams, including CFA concrete line clearing research, competence frameworks, reinforcement cage design, sustainability by design, carbon benchmarking, digital data initiatives, working platforms, codes and standards, and future technical priorities.
Key Updates and Actions:
CFA Concrete Line Clearing Research and Industry Guidance – Cheng Feng and James Blackwell presented research findings on CFA concrete line clearing procedures to the executive, with Swansea University modelling supporting the theory that grout pumping helps keep aggregate in suspension and reduces the risk of blockages.
Alternative Approaches and Ongoing Trials – Some members are trialling approaches such as sieving concrete to create a grout-equivalent mix where grout is not readily available. Results to date are mixed and the approach is not yet considered fully effective, so further trials and evidence will be needed before any alternative method can be presented as a reliable industry solution.
Competence Frameworks and Industry Validation – The committee discussed the development of competence frameworks for ground engineering occupations, including the Building Safety Regulator and Construction Leadership Council Super Sectors project. FPS and Ground Forum are helping to coordinate input for ground engineering roles, with discussions covering site-level operatives, geotechnical engineers and organisational competence. Members noted the importance of aligning the FPS Audit with recognised standards so that it can support the demonstration of organisational competence for higher-risk ground engineering activities.
Task-Based Competence and Industry Input – Members considered the balance between task-based competence frameworks and broader company-level assessment. While demonstrable competence is increasingly important, the committee also recognised the need to avoid approaches that could restrict innovation or oversimplify complex specialist work. Further input will be sought after the next Ground Forum meeting, with volunteers and experienced industry contributors encouraged to support the process.
Reinforcement Cage Design and Welding Standards – The near-final reinforcement cage design guidance was presented, which addresses recurring issues such as unnecessary staggered laps, short bar lengths, congestion and misunderstanding of manufacturing constraints. The committee also discussed continuing confusion around temporary and permanent works welding standards, including highways project requirements and SHW 1717.1. The welding wording will now be reviewed and strengthened where needed before the document is circulated for final comments and prepared for publication on the FPS website.
Industry Education on Buildability and Fabrication – The reinforcement cage design work has also highlighted the value of earlier engagement between designers, contractors and fabricators. CPD sessions are already helping designers better understand practical fabrication constraints, with examples showing that improved design awareness can support material savings, better buildability and fewer approval delays.
Sustainability by Design and Carbon Benchmarking – The committee heard that the sustainability by design document is now largely complete, with work continuing on carbon benchmarks for different piling techniques. The aim is to support a more consistent industry approach to measuring, comparing and reducing carbon across foundation solutions, while helping members and clients make more informed technical and commercial decisions.
EFFC Carbon Calculator Development – The EFFC carbon calculator is being developed into a web-based tool connected to a live EPD database. The tool has also been recognised by the EU as the official carbon reporting tool for foundations, increasing its relevance for projects with European stakeholders and strengthening the need for FPS members to remain engaged with its development and application.
Digital Map, Data Integration and Standardisation – The FPS digital map, launched in March 2026, now includes data from ten members, with further work underway to encourage richer site records and wider member participation. The committee also discussed integration with the Dingo pile test database and the potential to rationalise data collection and transfer formats in line with AGS standards, ePublish and the golden thread requirements associated with the Building Safety Act.
Codes, Standards and Technical Guidance – The committee reviewed progress on Eurocode 7 and Eurocode 2 updates, the CIRIA Chalk Guide, micropile execution codes, BS 8004 and working platform guidance. The Eurocode 2 Part 1 National Annex was published in March and includes reduced cover requirements for bored piles, with the wider switchover to new codes expected by March 2028. Comments on the CIRIA Chalk Guide are being gathered, and further volunteers are being sought to support the BS 8004 redrafting process.
Working Platforms and Research Support – The working platforms group has published new documents, with further work continuing to support research on platform verification using lightweight deflectometers. Members have been asked to provide any remaining site data to help finalise the paper for publication, with Ground Engineering identified as the intended route for wider industry dissemination.
Pile Integrity Testing and Acceptance Criteria – The committee reviewed the status of acceptance criteria for pile integrity testing and noted that existing FPS guidance has significantly reduced reliance on crosshole sonic logging. Members agreed to monitor forthcoming DFI and EFFC non-destructive testing guidance before deciding whether any UK-specific addendum is required, and the topic will be removed from the agenda for now.
CPD Topics and Future Technical Priorities – A current list of CPD ideas will be circulated to members and run a poll to identify preferred topics. Andrew Heathcote will also liaise with FPS Chair Stuart Norman to gather input on future focus areas, helping the Technical Committee shape a relevant programme for the rest of 2026 and beyond.