The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce its involvement in the forthcoming CIRIA guidance for engineering in chalk. This initiative is set to redefine best practices in pile design for chalk conditions, incorporating advanced methodologies in design, risk management and ensuring compliance with Eurocode standards.
The Chalk Guide project aims to provide a robust framework for designing piles in chalk – a material known for its unique and often challenging geotechnical properties. FPS’s involvement underscores its commitment to driving innovation and setting high standards within the piling and geotechnical industry.
Enhancing Pile Design through Collaboration
Key updates proposed in the new Chalk Guide include:
- Risk Management: The introduction of refined strategies to address geotechnical risks specific to chalk formations, ensuring safer and more reliable design outcomes.
- Eurocode Compliance: Detailed guidance on aligning pile design practices with Eurocode framework, promoting consistency and harmonisation across the industry.
This builds upon the FPS’s extensive body of work, including its position paper on the “Design of Bored Piles in Chalk,” which highlights the complexities of working with chalk and advocates for comprehensive pile testing as an essential design component.
Driving Innovation and Excellence
FPS Chair, Malcolm O’Sullivan commented: “The FPS is proud to support initiatives that advance the science and practice of geotechnical engineering. The Chalk Guide project represents an exciting opportunity to refine our understanding of chalk and develop enhanced design methodologies that align with contemporary standards, such as Eurocode. We look forward to contributing to this important body of work and helping to set new benchmarks for the industry.”
The FPS has a long-standing history of championing technical excellence. In recent years, it has released guidance documents, including the “Tremie Concrete Guide” and “Support Fluids Guide”, in collaboration with partners like the European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) and the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI).
Committed to a Sustainable Future
The development of the Chalk Guide is part of the FPS’s broader commitment to sustainability, safety, and innovation within the piling industry. By focusing on risk management and compliance, the FPS aims to provide engineers with the tools and knowledge necessary to deliver more sustainable and effective piling solutions.
For more information on the FPS’s involvement in the Chalk Guide Development project, contact the FPS via email: [email protected].