Trades & Services : Civil Engineering News
Akela Ground Engineering achieves NHBC Accepts certification for innovative precast foundation system

Akela Ground Engineering achieves NHBC Accepts certification for innovative precast foundation system

Leading engineering specialist, Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam. Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new

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GRAHAM Innovation Director appointed as Chair of ICE Northern Ireland

GRAHAM Innovation Director appointed as Chair of ICE Northern Ireland

The Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland (ICE NI) has appointed Emer Murnaghan as Chair for 2024-2025. Emer’s appointment was confirmed at the ICE NI Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5th September, at the MAC, Belfast, following her in-person Chair’s address and supper. Speaking about her appointment Emer said: “I

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Salford council hands civils contract to Eric Wright

Salford council hands civils contract to Eric Wright

Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been appointed by Salford City Council for the plans that will transform Chapel Street and New Bailey. The decision was made through the Procurement Board. The £3,896,590 works will transform a section of Chapel Street on the Bee Network including the junction of Chapel Street

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Record number of potholes prompts civils expert warning

Record number of potholes prompts civils expert warning 

A NEW report from the RAC has revealed that pothole related damage is the leading concern for UK drivers, costing them an average of £460 per year in repairs. Six out of ten drivers cite it is their top issue as a regular road user.   However, while funding has been

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Trades : Civil Engineering News

Balfour Beatty grows UK’s largest bespoke overhead line equipment fleet

Balfour Beatty grows UK’s largest bespoke overhead line equipment fleet

Balfour Beatty has invested over £5 million in new overhead line strategic assets to support the substantial growth in its Power Transmission & Distribution business. The company has the UK’s largest overhead line equipment fleet and over the last 18 months, has acquired eight new Puller-Tensioner machines to support the delivery of major projects including the Bramford to Twinstead Electricity Network Reinforcement Scheme and the Isle of Skye Reinforcement Project. The industry-leading machines will support the installation and replacement of overhead lines and are fitted with the latest technology such as radio remote controls and onboard telematics. Four quad and four twin Puller-Tensioners have already been delivered, with another ten machines scheduled for delivery over the next 12 to 24 months. Balfour Beatty’s UK Power Transmission and Distribution Operational Manager, Neil Johnson, said: “Our ongoing investment in power transmission assets further demonstrates our commitment to supporting both the UK electricity network and our clients in achieving greater efficiency and delivering exceptional quality. “We stand ready to meet the demands of the market and play our part in helping the UK reach its ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2050.” Balfour Beatty has also invested in 20 new Massey Ferguson winch tractors, used for various lifting and carrying activities, which are set for delivery at the start of 2025. With the largest fleet of bespoke overhead line equipment in the UK and a commitment to advancing technology and capacity, this strategic investment affirms Balfour Beatty’s position as the industry leader in Power Transmission & Distribution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Akela Ground Engineering achieves NHBC Accepts certification for innovative precast foundation system

Akela Ground Engineering achieves NHBC Accepts certification for innovative precast foundation system

Leading engineering specialist, Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam. Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new and sustainable alternative to ground beam installation. By combining precise off-site fabrication, alignment and interlocking sections with secure fastening, this joint design ensures a robust, reliable and efficient way to connect precast ground beams. Following significant investment, including the creation of a state-of-the-art fabrication facility at Akela’s headquarters near Glasgow, ABeam has been specifically designed to offer housebuilders greater efficiencies in delivery of new homes. NHBC Accepts enables a more efficient assessment of a home for warranty and reduces the risk to the builder of delays in their project.  Jermaine Medina, Accepts Technical Operations Manager at NHBC: “As the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, we’re pleased to welcome Akela Ground Engineering to NHBC Accepts with its ABeam pre-cast ground beam system. Systems with NHBC Accepts certification give developers faith and confidence in the quality of the products they are building with.” Will Payne, Manager Director at Akela Ground Engineering, said: “Our new ABeam precast system offers significant advantages in terms of construction install, performance and overall project quality. Designed and manufactured at our purpose-built facility at Thornliebank, near Glasgow, our expert team has the capability to fabricate the product in a controlled environment to ensure quality and production output. “We are proud to have achieved NHBC Accepts certification and believe this is a testament to the quality and expertise employed to deliver a robust and industry-leading pre-cast product.” For further information on NHBC Accepts or to view our accepted systems, please visit www.nhbc.co.uk/accepts Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vital ground investigation work at Kent’s Road of Remembrance after landslips

Vital ground investigation work at Kent’s Road of Remembrance after landslips

Kent’s Road of Remembrance in Folkestone is the subject of a ground investigation and remediation project following two landslips since January this year, with the work focusing on the geotechnical status of the area and the action required to safeguard this important historical site. Kent County Council has instructed CAN Geotechnical to act as principal contractor and to carry out the ground investigation project. Kent County Council Strategic Asset Manager Alan Casson said: “The Road of Remembrance is of significant importance to people living in, working in and visiting Folkestone, not only for travelling along but also for its historical significance. “Kent County Council is pleased to be working with CAN again following other successful projects in the county. This is a substantial, technical, and very complex project, and we have made significant progress working with CAN, their specialist teams, and their supply chain partners. The detailed investigations they have been undertaking will inform the final design for stabilising the embankment and preventing future deterioration. “We are grateful to everyone involved in the project, and especially to Folkestone residents and businesses for their continued patience as we work to make sure the embankment is safe for the future.” CAN Geotechnical Project Manager Andy Pope said the initial investigation work would inform the geotechnical design of the remediation works to follow. This initial work was carried out as part of a three-week programme that started on 9 September and was completed on time on 27September. The CAN Geotechnical design team is now collating all site-specific data from the initial ground investigation works, with this underpinning a geotechnical design to remediate the area following the recent landslips. Andy said: “Mapping and surveying work has been carried out to the toe of the failure on the Road of Remembrance, combined with intrusive works (effectively boring to a depth of 25 m and carrying out cone penetrating testing) at the crest, to two locations on The Bayle and two residential properties located within Priory Gardens. We had up to 12 ground investigation specialists on site at any one time, all working together to obtain the required information for the ultimate design for the remediation works. The area under investigation is approximately 80 m in length and 40 m high and comprises sand, clay, sandstone and bedrock.” He said that the team made use of a 13-tonne cone penetrating testing rig and a 5 m cable percussive borehole rig on the roads and brought in smaller 1.5-tonne and 3 m rigs for the work in residential gardens. “By coring boreholes at a depth of 25 m and removing casings at approximately 1 m deep increments, we were able to record ground conditions at various depths. This enabled us to build an accurate impression of ground conditions. Cone penetrating testing enables us to gather detailed information on the soil type and stratification in addition to the strength of the clays and the relative density and friction angles in the sand.” Andy explained that the team was very much aware that the Road of Remembrance is a very significant landmark in Folkestone. The road was renamed the Road of Remembrance after the end of the First World War to commemorate the journey taken by thousands of men on their way to war. Andy added: “The road is lined with plaques and poppies for the annual Remembrance Day parade but because of the landslips, it has been closed for nearly a year. Unfortunately, the parade will not be happening again this year but we are working hard to understand the geotechnical issues that have created the landslips so that the area can be safely and confidently returned to the community. “Owing to the very sensitive and high-profile nature of these works, the entire project team invested in developing strong relationships, working with residents and businesses. We are really proud to have been able to work closely with the community on this project.” He said that the geotechnical design was being carried out by the CAN Geotechnical engineering division in collaboration with a number of RSK Group companies. These include: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Civil engineering costs up by 15% over next five years, forecasts BCIS

Civil engineering costs up by 15% over next five years, forecasts BCIS

Civil engineering costs are forecast to rise by 15% over the next five years to 2Q 2029, while civil engineering tender prices are predicted to increase by 23% over the same period, according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work infrastructure output is expected to decline by 3% in 2024, before recovering from 2025 onwards. Output in this sector is forecast to rise by 19% over the next five years, driven by strong growth in the electricity sub-sector. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “Although infrastructure output has historically remained relatively high, it has declined over the past year. We forecast that output growth will resume in the second half of this year and plateau through 2025, before showing marginal growth later in the forecast period. “Output will be driven by continued work in the energy sector and large-scale projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C, and offshore wind developments within the electricity sub-sector. “The government has made various announcements around its infrastructure plans, proposing a 10-year infrastructure strategy but, as with other sectors, much of the detail will not be clear until at least the Autumn Budget. “Investment is crucial for infrastructure so, while the government is at pains to describe the dire state it has inherited, it also needs to inspire confidence in the sector and encourage investors to come here. Hopefully that will be reflected in spending plans and policy moving forward.” For further information about BCIS please visit: www.bcis.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GRAHAM Innovation Director appointed as Chair of ICE Northern Ireland

GRAHAM Innovation Director appointed as Chair of ICE Northern Ireland

The Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland (ICE NI) has appointed Emer Murnaghan as Chair for 2024-2025. Emer’s appointment was confirmed at the ICE NI Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5th September, at the MAC, Belfast, following her in-person Chair’s address and supper. Speaking about her appointment Emer said: “I am committed to leading the institution in its mission to advance civil engineering in the region and promote sustainable infrastructure. Together with our members, we will continue to address the challenges facing our built environment and work towards a more sustainable future, Delivering Better Together! Leo Martin, GRAHAM Managing Director Civil Engineering said:  “Emer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having served in various leadership positions within the ICE NI. Her passion for civil engineering and her dedication to the profession will undoubtedly be invaluable in guiding the institution in the coming year.” The ICE NI is a leading professional body dedicated to advancing civil engineering in the region. For over 150 years, ICE NI has been at the forefront of shaping the built environment, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and fostering innovation. Through its network of members, events, and initiatives, ICE NI plays a vital role in addressing the region’s engineering challenges and ensuring a sustainable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Salford council hands civils contract to Eric Wright

Salford council hands civils contract to Eric Wright

Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been appointed by Salford City Council for the plans that will transform Chapel Street and New Bailey. The decision was made through the Procurement Board. The £3,896,590 works will transform a section of Chapel Street on the Bee Network including the junction of Chapel Street and New Bailey Street, which is the final phase of the New Bailey Gateway project. Eric Wright will also carry out improvements to Chapel Street between New Bailey Street and Blackfriars Street as part of the Salford Chapel Street East Phase 1 project. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is fantastic news that this contract has been awarded so works can begin soon. The works are part of a long-term plan for the city centre which is designed to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists with better road crossings and cycling provision. “Public realm improvements will also support the wider regeneration of the area to make it a much more attractive area for people. “The approval also means that the contractor will use local suppliers and subcontractors where possible. Staff will use volunteer hours to be spent at local school and college visits with extra support for getting young people aged 16 to 24 into work. There will be work placements as well as staff volunteering hours on community projects. “The artists impressions of what the scheme will look like when finished are very impressive and I can’t wait to see works finished and open for everybody to use.” The scheme will use a ‘complete streets’ approach to rebalance the space in favour of pedestrians and cyclists while also catering for buses, general traffic and loading. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic First UK Contractor to Use Innovative Technology that Operates Tower Cranes from the Ground

Winvic First UK Contractor to Use Innovative Technology that Operates Tower Cranes from the Ground

Winvic Construction Ltd is again leading the industry with another UK first; the main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects is the first to use Skyline Cockpit – a pioneering technology that operates tower cranes from a ground control system. Winvic’s commitment to health, safety and wellbeing were the drivers for the selection of the new technology, but daily and weekly analytics reports available through the Skyline Cockpit cloud portal also allow for efficiencies to be analysed.  A 12-week trial period of Skyline Cockpit has concluded at Crown Place Birmingham, a city centre a Purpose Build Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme; it’s resounding success now means Winvic will continue to use the remote operation technology for the remainder of the project. Handover of the scheme to client Crown Student Living is scheduled for December 2025. Crown Place Birmingham, containing 814 student beds, is Winvic’s tallest project to date and will tower to nine, 12 and 33 storeys when complete. A 14-tonne capacity Potain MR225 crane is being utilised to facilitate several works packages; constructing the hybrid precast and insitu concrete frame, facilitating the installation of the unitised curtain walled façade, and vertically distributing internal fit out materials, such as prefabricated bathroom pods. Currently the crane reaches to 77 metres, but it will be climbed throughout construction to a maximum height of 102 metres. Progress of the project can be viewed on Winvic Live. Skyline Cockpit negates the need for a crane operator to climb up and down the mast section, to the tower crane cab and instead they control the crane from a specialist ground command centre located in a cabin on a lower floor or ground level. The cabin contains a large panoramic screen measuring 2.1 by 1.2 metres, which shows simultaneous views from the seven cameras placed on the crane. The Skyline Cockpit algorithms combine the output from the cameras to create a panoramic view of the site. They also use augmented reality (AR) to display the load line, expected landing spot, as well as real-time indicators including wind speed, slew, lifting, hoist, jib, and radius data. The benefit of the technology on compact, high-rise projects like Crown Place Birmingham is improved all round visibility; the cameras eliminate blind spots and restricted views created by the building and the close proximity of the lifts to the crane’s mast. They also provide up to 40% zoom resolution, allowing the crane operator to see areas that would typically be out of their line of sight. While safety and efficiency are the most obvious benefits, the physical working conditions for the crane operator are much improved; the cabin comprises kitchenette and welfare facilities. It is predicted that such digital machinery will inspire the next generation to consider tower crane operation as a cutting edge, technological profession. Mark Jones, Winvic’s Managing Director of Multi-room, said: “Winvic is known for embracing innovative technologies, materials and methods of construction and we’re pleased to be the first contractor in the UK to utilise ground control tower crane technology. It is transformational for the safety and wellbeing of crane operators and an important step for the industry. “During our 12-week trial period, in collaboration with Skyline Cockpit and Radius Group, we analysed the data and assessed the benefits and we’re delighted to announce that we will continue to use this game-changing technology at the 33-storey Crown Place Birmingham for the remainder of the project’s construction.” Alan Pulver of Crown Student Living said: “Winvic are doing an amazing job for us at our latest PBSA to be known as Crown Place, Birmingham. Winvic are forward thinking, and it is no surprise that they are using Skyline Cockpit which certainly sounds like a winner. The ground control system for operating tower cranes will be a great advance to the construction industry, and we are proud to be associated both with Winvic and Skyline Cockpit in this groundbreaking venture.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Shropshire Council Launch ‘Riverside Remembered’ Social History Project as Shopping Centre Demolition Gets Underway

Shropshire Council Launch ‘Riverside Remembered’ Social History Project as Shopping Centre Demolition Gets Underway

Demolition of the former Riverside shopping centre and medical practice is underway, kickstarting the transformation of the Smithfield Riverside area in Shrewsbury town centre. To mark this significant milestone, Shropshire Council is asking for the public’s help in compiling a history of the area over the last 50 years. Named ‘Riverside Remembered,’ the social history initiative will see Shropshire Council and the Shropshire Archives work together to curate a collection of memories from the area between the years of 1974 and 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to submit their photos online at smithfieldriverside.com for inclusion in the project. For those with physical photographs, videotapes or even mementos, a drop-in event will be held at Shropshire Local in the Darwin Centre on 5th September from 9am – 3pm. On 1st October, an event will be held at Shropshire Archives on Castle Gates, Shrewsbury, which will include a display of images submitted, and screening of a film about the historical development of Raven Meadows. The demolition marks the first visible sign of change as part of the wider Smithfield Riverside regeneration scheme – an ambitious plan led by the Council and its development manager, RivingtonHark, to revitalise the area between the River Severn, The Darwin centre, Roushill and Raven Meadows in Shrewsbury town centre. Funded by £19 million from the UK Government, the demolition – carried out by specialist demolition contractor Cawarden – is expected to take around three months. Once the site has been cleared, work can begin on the first phase of the Smithfield Riverside project – the creation of a landmark park adjacent to Roushill. This attractive green space has been designed to help breathe new life and vibrancy into the area, as well as improve biodiversity and flood resilience in the town centre. It will feature play equipment, accessible facilities for visitors of all ages, and a dedicated events and performance area. Mark Barrow, Shropshire Council’s Executive Director of Place, said: “This is a significant moment for Shrewsbury. The start of demolition at the Riverside site is the first step in an exciting period of change for this area of our town centre – one that will ultimately help us attract new visitors, residents, businesses and jobs. We’ve been working hard with the project team towards this moment for many months, so it’s truly fantastic to see the project now officially moving forward. “The Riverside area has a rich history going back centuries, and for many people in Shrewsbury and across Shropshire the old nightclubs and shops in this area held a wealth of happy memories. Riverside Remembered is the perfect way to celebrate those memories and mark the beginning of a new chapter for this part of the town centre” Spencer Winter, Project Director at RivingtonHark, added: “Seeing work start on site is naturally an exciting moment for ourselves, having been involved in the project since 2022, but it is truly a testament to the hard work of Shropshire Council and the entire project team over the last 12 months. “This is the beginning of a transformational journey for Shrewsbury town centre. Phase One of the project is taking full advantage of the Levelling Up funding by delivering a high-quality public space that reflects the town’s character, but also creating the right conditions and environment to drive forward further regeneration as part of the Smithfield Riverside masterplan.”  The next planning application for Smithfield Riverside will be submitted later this year, introducing ‘outline’ plans to the develop three plots located between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the new park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Record number of potholes prompts civils expert warning

Record number of potholes prompts civils expert warning 

A NEW report from the RAC has revealed that pothole related damage is the leading concern for UK drivers, costing them an average of £460 per year in repairs. Six out of ten drivers cite it is their top issue as a regular road user.   However, while funding has been allocated to address our road issues, civil engineering expert, Dave Sanders, from leading specialist supplier Wrekin Products has warned that there is no quick fix solution.  Earlier this year it was reported that 2023 saw 630,000 potholes being reported across England, Scotland, and Wales between January and November, with estimates suggesting it is costing UK drivers as much as £500 million in repairs – a five year high.  Dave said: “Unless there is a real push for long term pothole repair solutions instead of quick fixes, we will not be able to solve the pothole crisis – regardless of the budget allocated. We are seeing a growing number of local authorities unhappy with the approach of patch repairing already subpar pothole repair works, but this is happening far too often.  “More guidance on how potholes are formed and the innovative solutions available to combat this issue will allow more local authorities to address the root causes effectively.   “Other underlying causes of potholes include road ironwork failures, which also needs to be addressed. Potholes form when weaknesses exist in the road surface, potentially due to surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials. Installing a piece of ironwork in a road can create a potential weakness, as well as the cuts in the road needed to remove ironwork, therefore, replacement or repair of ironwork also poses an increased risk.   “Selecting alternative robust systems with the correct, appropriate materials can reduce the potential for surface weakness. Durable ironwork that is sympathetic to its bedding materials and surrounding environment is key to preventing potholes.”    To find out more about Wrekin’s pothole insights and read its recent industry report on the nationwide issue, visit: www.wrek.in/potholes Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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STRABAG UK completes exploratory tunnel for a pumped hydro storage project at Coire Glas in Loch Lochy

STRABAG UK completes exploratory tunnel for a pumped hydro storage project at Coire Glas in Loch Lochy

STRABAG UK have completed the 1.2km long exploratory tunnel for SSE Renewables on the banks of Loch Lochy using the drill and blast technique. The multi-disciplinary team of over 100 members of staff set up a fully operational tunnel construction site in a remote location 20 miles from Fort William, Scotland in December 2022.  The exploratory works are at the site of the proposed large-scale pumped storage scheme for SSE Renewables. With a potential capacity of up to 1500MW and energy storage of around 30GWh, the Coire Glas hydro scheme would double the United Kingdom’s existing electricity storage capacity, providing homegrown renewable energy when the demand is high or if other variable generation decreases. These exploratory works awarded to STRABAG UK involved the creation of a tunnel approximately 4.5 metres wide, cutting into the hillside towards the proposed location of the underground powerhouse complex, and subsequent ground investigation. The purpose of the tunnel is to acquire information on the geological conditions of the proposed location to inform the detailed design of the main works. Now that tunnelling is complete, the remaining investigation can take place over the coming months. STRABAG UK’s experts have utilised the drill and blast technique, rarely used in the UK, to adapt to the variations in rock type and the geological conditions on site. Holes are first meticulously drilled into the rock using advanced machinery tailored to the rock’s hardness and composition, followed by blasting, where the holes are filled with explosives and detonated in a controlled manner. The blast fractures the rock, facilitating its removal and allowing for the tunnel to progress. With works carried out in compounds surrounded by a nearby forest in the West Highlands, the steep hillside, and the shoreline of Loch Lochy, environmental protection was of paramount importance. Working collaboratively with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) meticulous monitoring and surveillance of both tunnel effluent and noise emissions was carried out to minimise the impact on the natural environment.  The team, combining international expertise with local knowledge, work in shifts across 24 hours, seven days per week. STRABAG UK’s preference for working with local construction partners and suppliers has also created many further jobs in the region. In addition, as well as providing local schools the opportunity to visit the site, apprentices, graduates and young engineers from across the country also spent time on the site to learn about hard rock tunnelling. Managing Director of STRABAG UK, Simon Wild said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have completed the exploratory tunnel at the Coire Glas project. To set up a fully operational tunnel construction site from scratch with all the necessary infrastructure in such a remote location has been a huge achievement for our team. Our use of the drill and blast technique in particular demonstrates our industry leading expertise.” Mike Seaton, Director of Development at Coire Glas for SSE Renewables, added: “Completing the tunnelling is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and a positive step forward in de-risking the project. The works progressed to plan, and samples of the materials excavated from within the hillside are currently being analysed. The findings of the tunnelling works will be used to inform the final design, including the detailed design of underground structures, and will be a key consideration in any final decisions related to the project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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