ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

ISBN 978-0-7277-6157-6

ICE Publishing: All rights reserved

http://dx.doi.org/10.1680/icesperw.61576.003

General requirements

A1 Introduction This part of the document is general guidance describing the requirements typically necessary
for successful piling or embedded retaining wall schemes and is not intended to form part of
any contractual specification. Part A should be read by employers, designers, suppliers and
contractors, contract administrators and project managers alike. It is both a guide for the
less-experienced and an aide-memoir for the experienced.

As described in the Introduction, specifiers can make project-specific amendments to the

Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls (SPERWall), with the use of a project
specification, an example of which is presented, for information, in appendix 1.

A1.1 Ground conditions A planned and well-executed site investigation (SI), which addresses both design and construc-
tion phases, is essential to the successful outcome of any geotechnical project. Carrying out an
appropriate SI at an early stage in the project significantly reduces ground-related risks and
enables much greater certainty of costs through the tender process.

The SI comprises a desk study and ground investigation (GI). A comprehensive GI comprising
appropriate geotechnical and geoenvironmental fieldwork and laboratory testing should be
carried out and reported in accordance with BS EN 1997-2, the recommendations of the ICE
Site Investigation Steering Group publications and other appropriate guidance documents such
as those published by the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS)
(see www.ags.org.uk).

A specialist should be appointed by the employer to determine an appropriate scope of the SI

for the foundation works, including the adequacy of all the provided information.

A2 Contractual An appropriate form of contract must be entered into between the parties involved to ensure
considerations that the roles, responsibilities and requirements of the scheme are met.

The evolution from an effective design to a finished scheme requires a contract which reflects the
objectives of the parties and meets the needs of the scheme. There are a number of standard
contractual options available, such as New Engineering Contract (NEC3), the International
Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT), which are
commonly used, as well as bespoke contracts for larger projects or frameworks.

Further information can be found at relevant websites such as

www.neccontract.com
www.jctltd.co.uk
http://fidic.org

The time at which the parties are involved in a scheme has also to be considered. There can be
benefits for the employer in involving the parties early to assist in finding the optimum balance
between the technical solution, cost and programme for a scheme. The benefits include

g early creation of delivery team with a collaborative approach and team ethos based on
long-term relationships
g more scope for innovation to offer better value
g improved risk management
g selection of suppliers on the basis of best value
g buildable design accounting for best practice.

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

This would likely include the employer, designer, specialist contractors and principal contrac-
tors working collaboratively. One form of this is early contractor involvement (ECI). For this
process to be successful it is important to:

g involve the contractors early, but not so early that time is wasted because the project
detail is not sufficiently developed for meaningful analysis
g clarify scope to eliminate gaps and understand the interfaces
g develop a design programme such that, at its completion, a contract can be signed
between the parties in sufficient time for the benefits to be fully realised
g consider any possible conflict of interest between the parties.

A2.1 Specification roles
Within this document reference is made to the roles of the ‘employer’, ‘contract administrator’,
‘designer’ and the ‘contractor’ as this document is to cover various contractual forms. The
‘contract administrator’ is assumed here to have full delegated powers to control the contract
and is acting on behalf of the ‘employer’ (under NEC3 this would be the project manager, under
FIDIC it would be the engineer and under JCT this would be the contract administrator). The
two main parties to the contract are the ‘employer’ and the ‘contractor’.

The ‘designer’ can work for either party. This is because, for the design of piling or embedded
walling works, either the ‘employer’ or the ‘contractor’ will be responsible for the design of all,
or part of, the foundation scheme as well as the choice of method.

There could therefore be contractual links between the ‘employer’ and ‘designer’, or between the
‘contractor’ and the ‘designer’, depending on who has the overall design responsibility for any
given project.

Responsibilities between the contractor and the subcontractors and suppliers should be speci-
fied in the subcontract documentation and, in the absence of any provisions to the contrary, the
‘contractor’ will always be taken to mean the party that is in contract with the employer.

Figure A2.1 shows the typical parties and their links to each other.

Figure A2.1 Sketch diagram showing the typical parties and their links to each other

Specialist
Principal Geotechnical Structural
subcontract
designer designer designer
designer

‘Designer’
Engineer or Contract could be with any of these designers
Employer contract
or administrator
client or
project manager

‘Contract
‘Employer’ administrator’ Contract could be with any of these contractors

‘Contractor’

Principal Specialist
Suppliers
contractor subcontractors

Key
Contractual link
Optional contractual link
Communication link

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Part A: General requirements

Where piling or embedded walling works are executed under a contract which is not governed
by either NEC3, FIDIC or JCT conditions, the project specification should state which entities
are to be nominated for the roles above.

A2.2 Competency Under the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) regulations 2015 it is a requirement
that all parties to the contract must be competent, including the employer.

Competencies are the skills, knowledge and behaviours that lead to successful performance, i.e.
the ability to do something well or efficiently. It is essential that all those involved in the design
and execution of works involving piled and embedded retaining walls are trained and competent
to execute their duties. This will include the appointment of appropriate professionals at all
stages of the procurement, design and execution process.

For piling and embedded walling works it is crucial that the employer appoints lead professionals
with appropriate knowledge, understanding and experience. One source, among others, for such
people is the ICE Register of Ground Engineering Professionals (see www.ukrogep.org.uk).

A2.3 Temporary and This specification shall apply to the design and construction of both the temporary and perma-
permanent works nent works of piling and embedded retaining wall projects. Temporary and permanent works
shall be given equal importance, and it should be recognised that they are often designed by
different contractual parties on a project.

To ensure safe construction, it is essential that all permanent and temporary works are
adequately coordinated at all stages of design and construction.

Design and construction teams should comply with the recommendations of BS 5975 + A1
Code of practice for temporary works procedures (etc.). The recommendation therein to
provide a temporary works coordinator and temporary works supervisors help to ensure coor-
dinated design and appropriate construction, and should be followed.

Embedded retaining walls may present particular requirements in respect of the relationship
between temporary and permanent situations. Many embedded retaining walls become part
of the permanent works but involve complex construction sequencing in the temporary state,
especially when construction involves propping or anchoring. For these reasons it is essential
that the responsibility for design of these walls is with one party and the temporary and per-
manent situations are integrated considering every stage of the construction sequence. The
construction sequence must be unambiguously communicated throughout construction.
The contractor must construct the works in accordance with the designed construction
sequence. In the event that an observational approach, such as described in the Construction
Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) C760 is adopted, a highly coordin-
ated site team is necessary and the monitoring requirements and protocols for decision-making
on site must be clear and agreed in advance of construction.

Other guidance can be found on the Temporary Works Forum (TWF) website (see www.
twforum.org.uk) and guidance given by the Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS).

A3 Health and safety Piling is potentially a dangerous activity and employers, designers and contractors must work to
reduce the risks so far as is reasonably practicable, in compliance with UK law. Equal consider-
ation shall be given to short and long-term health as to safety.

It is considered best practice to follow a formal risk management approach. Key factors that can
contribute to reducing risk are:

g ensuring contractual relationships and responsibilities and lines of communication are

clear and well understood
g the assignment of each risk to the party best able to manage the risk
g ensuring there is adequate time for design, such that the design is coordinated with all
disciplines

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

g ensuring there is adequate time for construction, including the detailed planning of site
operations and a contingency for unplanned events such as adverse weather
g ensuring all construction plant is maintained and operated in a safe manner.

A3.1 Legislation The design and construction of the works shall be carried out in accordance with the current
requirements of UK law. Of particular relevance are the Health and Safety at Work Act and
the CDM regulations, which place specific requirements on employers, designers and contrac-
tors (see section A2.2).

One of the aims of the CDM regulations is to ensure designers consider the health and safety
implications of their designs throughout the lifetime of the works from construction, through
operation and maintenance, to demolition. This aim is as relevant to the design of piles and
embedded retaining walls as any other part of construction.

Additionally, there is a significant body of legislation that is applicable to the health and safety
of persons involved with or affected by the execution of the contract, which is typically more
specific in nature. Examples include:

g Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)

g Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
g Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
g Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations
g The Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations
g Work at Height Regulations.

Inexperienced parties should seek expert advice on this matter.

A3.2 Risk management Risk is the combination of the probability of a hazard event and its consequences (ISO Guide
73).

Risk management is the identification, assessment, economic control and communication of

risks. The process of risk management is cyclical and shall continue throughout the lifetime
of the piling project, from inception through to any post-construction monitoring phases. A
formal risk management process should enable the works to be constructed economically to
acceptable safety and environmental standards. It will enhance and provide a clear audit trail
for decision-making.

Risk management is the responsibility of all parties and each party shall undertake their own
risk assessment of the works.

The risk management strategy shall ensure that every risk is ‘owned’ by a specific party such
that all risks are effectively managed.

Some sectors have prescribed risk assessment methodology. For example, the railway industry
must comply with the Common Safety Method on Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-
REA) for many projects, for which there is specific industry guidance.

A3.2.1 Risk identification Risk assessment defines the hazard and the method by which likelihood and consequence
and assessment are combined. All risks on the project shall therefore be identified in respect of their hazard,
likelihood and consequence.

There are many ways to undertake risk assessment (e.g. BS EN 31010) and each project shall
identify the most appropriate method. As a minimum, a qualitative assessment of risk shall
be undertaken in order to gain an appreciation of the relative importance of the various issues
and to inform the risk management strategy.

A3.2.2 Risk It is important that risk is clearly understood, and the terms defined in ISO Guide 73 are
communication recommended.

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.

A3.3 Health and safety
plan
A3.4 Specific health and
safety considerations
A3.4.1 Site preparation
A3.4.2 Working space
A3.4.3 Utilities
A3.4.4 Working
platforms
Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
Part A: General requirements
The risk management strategy shall ensure that risk is effectively communicated to all parties,
particularly where risks identified by one party (e.g. residual risks identified by the designer) are
to be managed by another (e.g. the contractor). The use of common risk documentation across
the project is recommended to facilitate this. These documents should remain ‘live’ throughout
the project and should be reviewed regularly by all parties.
Some projects may require risk to be communicated to other stakeholders (e.g. third parties,
neighbours and the public) to demonstrate that works that may affect them are being under-
taken responsibly. Experience from many projects indicates that effective communication of
risk is vital in developing good stakeholder relationships.
Immediately prior to mobilisation, the contractor should make any necessary amendments
to the tender health and safety plan (see A6.5.2) which should be agreed with the contract
administrator and designer. After starting work on site the contractor should formally review
the health and safety plan at intervals to ensure it is kept up to date and relevant to the work
in hand.
It is the responsibility of the contractor to bring all the relevant safety clauses to the attention of
all the contractor’s personnel, including any subcontractor or supplier employed on the
contract, as applicable to their work, and to ensure compliance with the contract safety clauses.
In particular, copies of relevant extracts of the Health and Safety Plan, method statements and
risk assessments should be made readily available at the site for display to all personnel.
The following paragraphs highlight some specific considerations relevant to health and safety
on piling and embedded wall works. They should not be considered exhaustive.
It is necessary to clear the site, establish welfare facilities, confirm that the site conditions are as
described in the contract documents and establish that there are no additional hazards present
prior to specialist contractors arriving on site. Safe arrangements for site access and egress, and
for the supply of materials shall be established.
It is vital that sufficient working space is provided to enable plant to be used safely and
efficiently in and around all existing and neighbouring structures. This is often a particular issue
at site boundaries because it is often desirable to construct piles or embedded retaining walls as
close as possible to the site boundary in order to maximise the space available for the proposed
development. However, the designer must take account of the safety requirements during
construction, particularly the size of the equipment to be employed and the necessary safety
guarding that has to be in place. To achieve this requirement the location of all structures at
piling level, above ground and below ground, must be established.
The location of all known utilities, both underground and overhead, shall be established and
clearly marked. A thorough check for unknown buried services shall be undertaken at all
locations where the ground is to be broken or heavily loaded.
Working platforms are essential temporary works requirements for most piling schemes. It is
critical that the plant used to install piles and embedded retaining walls is adequately supported
at all stages.
The design, installation, use, maintenance and removal of working platforms is expected to be
managed, just as any other temporary works, in accordance with the recommendations of
BS 5975, which describes the roles and responsibilities of various parties involved in the delivery
of temporary works. Given the specialist nature of the works, the following specific consider-
ations should be made.
The contractor should provide the platform designer with plant bearing pressures for all loading
cases. The design of the working platform should take account of these plant bearing pressures
and the ground conditions upon which the platform will be constructed. It is essential that there
is adequate ground investigation to ensure the verification of all design assumptions prior to
execution.
 ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

The working platform shall be designed by a competent person with appropriate geotechnical
expertise, taking account of the specific site conditions and piling plant that is to be used. A
Working Platform Certificate (see www.fps.org.uk), or similar, should be used to identify
responsibilities and confirm that the working platform has been properly designed, constructed
in accordance with this design, and will be adequately maintained and repaired to ensure the
integrity of the platform throughout its working life.

It is recognised that a preliminary working platform design is often undertaken for cost and
design purposes prior to the appointment of the contractor. In this instance all design assump-
tions must be verified and, if necessary, the design revised prior to the construction of the work-
ing platform with the issue of a new Working Platform Certificate.

Designs should be in line with best practice such as BRE Report BR470, PAS 8812 or the TWF
Design of Granular Working Platform for Construction Plant: a Guide to Good Practice.

Guidance on the use of hydraulically bound material (HBM) for working platforms has also
been produced by BRE. Particular guidance for hydraulically bound platforms is given by the
Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP; see www.wrap.org.uk). There are situations
where the rig loadings or the ground conditions mean that the use of geogrids within the work-
ing platform will result in a more economic design. The design of such platforms lies outside the
advice listed in BR470, PAS 8812 or the TWF Guide to Good Practice, and so the design
should be carried out by experienced specialist designers, with the input of the supplier of the
geogrid to be used.

A3.4.5 Reinforcement The design of reinforcement cages, especially where cages or bars may need to be joined, shall
design consider buildability and minimise the requirement for operatives to place their hands inside
cages.

A3.4.6 Instrumentation Similarly for clause A3.4.5, the design of instrumentation and monitoring within piles or
and monitoring embedded retaining walls shall minimise the requirement for operatives to place their hands
inside cages during installation.

A3.4.7 Pile trimming
The designer should design the structure so that pile trimming is minimised to reduce the
risk of vibration-induced conditions such as hand-arm or whole-body vibration syndrome.
The contractor shall use pile-trimming technologies to ensure that any risk from the
exposure of site workers to vibration is eliminated at source: for example, mechanical split-
ting or crushing techniques (see www.fps.org.uk). The applicability of these methods and
any impact on tolerances should be agreed with the contractor at tender stage. It has been
found that such techniques also provide economic, environmental and sustainable benefits
(see B1.17).

A4 Quality It is essential that an appropriate level of quality is maintained throughout the design and
management construction process. In order to demonstrate that the constructed works meet the design
intent it is important that complete and accurate documentation and record-keeping are
maintained.

A4.1 Overall quality As a means of ensuring a basic level of record-keeping and auditability, the employer should
management framework require both the designer and contractor to work within an appropriate quality management
system. In the UK a quality management system established in accordance with BS EN ISO
9001 is usual. The employer should ensure that details of both the designer’s and the contrac-
tor’s systems are provided prior to commencement of work.

A4.2 Project records Specifiers should be aware of Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes. PAS 1192-2
provides the UK standard for BIM processes. This establishes the concept of project-specific
employers’ information requirements (EIR) and BIM execution plans (BEP), which are critical
documents that will define the BIM requirements for the project.

A key element of BIM is the use of models with embedded attribute data. For piles this may
lead to piling schedule information being incorporated into the model. Attention is drawn to

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Part A: General requirements

the FPS Electronic Bearing Pile Schedule (available on the FPS website), which identifies infor-
mation that should be included on a pile schedule.

Provision of high quality records in an accessible format for the benefit of the future owners and
operators of assets is one of the main objectives of BIM. Increased adoption of BIM should
promote improvement in practice relating to the capture, storage and dissemination of piling
construction records. It is anticipated that common specifications covering this in more detail
will evolve as best practice is discovered.

The FPS has produced a number of guidance notes, available through their website, on the
subject of BIM and its relevance to piling.

Some large organisations have need for asset management policies, strategies and plans. Many
projects have the ability to affect the assets of many stakeholders and it is essential these are
properly managed throughout the whole project lifecycle.

It is likely that the design and construction requirements of piles and embedded retaining walls
will be incorporated into asset management plans to ensure effective agreement to design,
design approval, hand-back, operation and maintenance. Employers need to ensure there is
adequate communication between all parties, so that proposals are agreed with asset managers
prior to construction and the designer/contractor provides satisfactory as-constructed infor-
mation (e.g. inspection records, as-built drawings operation and maintenance schedules) to
allow the future use, maintenance, alteration and ultimately disposal of the asset.

Certain geotechnical solutions and techniques such as anchored retaining walls, under slab
drainage (and its potential for biofouling), smart foundations and so on, are assets which will
need to be managed over the period of their designed life.

A4.3 Workmanship The contractors’ responsibilities for their workmanship in achieving compliance with the
design, drawings and specification provided to them, in addition to other relevant information
accessible to them, should be stated in the contract documents.

A4.4 Supervision Proper supervision of piling and embedded walling works by experienced site personnel is
essential. In addition to the contractor’s on-site supervision, the employer should facilitate
an appropriate supervisory role by the designer. Supervision and monitoring should be by
competent personnel with appropriate qualifications and experience (refer to section A2.2).

A4.5 Design assumptions It is essential that a process is in place to verify design assumptions before or during construc-
tion of the works.

A5 Environmental The specification of appropriate performance and design requirements is an essential aspect of
considerations an economic and sustainable foundation solution. The aim should be to achieve the required
foundation performance appropriate for the structural needs. Excessively conservative require-
ments can substantially increase foundation costs and lead to the inappropriate use of resources
and energy.

Decisions made early in the design process may have a profound influence on the sustainability
of the foundation solution. It is important that the employer, designer and contractor recognise
that these decisions must reflect not only the structural requirements of the foundation works
but also minimise impact on the local and wider environment.

The environmental impact of piling and embedded retaining wall works should be assessed
and managed using a formal risk-based approach, as outlined in Section A3, for health and
safety.

A5.1 Sustainability Assuming the requirement for a piled or embedded retaining wall solution has already been
identified, the design and construction of these elements of work shall aim to be carried out
as sustainably as possible. The following points should be considered in the specification, design
and construction methodology:

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

g minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions

g opportunities for reuse of existing foundations
g design of foundations to minimise whole-life cost of the structure
g design of foundations for potential future reuse
g bound material type, including the potential to use recycled materials such as ground
granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) or fly ash
g materials use: typically material usage shall be minimised, particularly virgin materials.
However, in some cases it may be more sustainable to use virgin materials, such as where
they can be sourced locally and recycled materials may have to be transported a
significant distance
g minimisation of energy use
g minimisation of waste (including material arisings).

A5.2 Local environment The specification, design and construction of piling and embedded retaining wall works can
have significant negative environmental impacts on the local environment. These should be
minimised wherever possible. Elements to consider are:

g noise and vibration

g visual intrusion
g dust
g transportation of plant, labour and materials and their impact on local road networks
g storage and removal of waste and arisings produced from the construction of piles
g reuse of pile arisings
g potential contamination of the surrounding ground and groundwater during
construction
g creation of potential flow-paths between aquifers and contaminated ground
g emissions from site vehicles.

A5.3 Embodied carbon PAS 2080 gives clear guidance to asset owners and the supply chain on methodologies for
carbon management – that is assessment, removal and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions during the delivery of new, or the management of, existing infrastructure assets.

To enable informed decisions about design and construction options in respect of GHG emis-
sions, various tools have been developed to calculate the embodied carbon of civil engineering
works. It is recommended that such a tool is considered on piling and embedded wall projects
and one that has been developed by the European Federation of Foundation Contractors
(EFFC) and the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) can be downloaded from their website
(see www.geotechnicalcarboncalculator.com).

A5.4 Geothermal In order to improve the sustainability of a project, technologies may be incorporated that
minimise operational emissions of GHGs. The use of geothermal piles as a part of this process
is now an established solution.

The responsibility for the overall strategic design of any geothermal installation should remain
with the employer. This will include possible effects on or interaction with the overall hydrology
of the surrounding ground, and in particular with any geothermal installations under adjacent
properties.

Geothermal system requirements are normally designed by specialists. More detailed infor-
mation on the recommendations for competence and contractual relationships between parties
can be obtained from the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (see www.gshp.org.uk).

A6 Procurement Enquiry documents state the basis upon which the employer would like to receive tenders from
process the contractor. Such documents would normally be prepared by the designer and/or a contract
A6.1 Enquiry documents specialist.

The employer should ensure that the data being supplied are relevant and clearly indexed,
allowing the contractor to be confident that all the necessary information can be accessed
efficiently.

10

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Part A: General requirements

Information provided on an extranet should be designed so that the user receives only targeted
updates to avoid relevant information being missed.

A6.2 Selection of Tenders should be invited from contractors who are suitably experienced with similar foun-
contractors dation works in similar ground conditions. Approaching between three and five contractors
A6.2.1 Selection of should be considered, depending on the anticipated tender value, complexity and specialist
contractors to tender nature of the works.

Alternatively, teaming up with selected members of the supply chain can provide collaborative
working to ensure the buildability of the scheme.

A6.2.2 Methods of Contractors may be invited to tender under one of the established forms of contract – a
procurement of contracts specialist can advise here.
contractors
The employer may:

g employ a specialist contractor directly in the absence of other contractors on the site.
The specialist contractor will therefore have full responsibility for this site, and will be
nominated as principal contractor under the CDM regulations
g employ a specialist contractor directly with a principal contractor present: the contract
documents for both the main contract and the specialist contract must clearly prescribe
the allocation of responsibilities and liabilities between the parties, any constraints on
each other’s work and an approach to managing the interface between the parties
g employ a principal contractor who subcontracts with a specialist geotechnical contractor:
in this case it is normal for a prime cost item to be included in the main contract bills of
quantities, but an alternative is for the piling and/or embedded walling works to be
measured and included in the bills of quantities for the main contract. The piling
specification and other relevant items from piling subcontract documents must be
included in the main contract enquiry documents so that tenderers for the main contract
are aware of, and can price for, their responsibilities to, and attendance on, the piling
specialist. Equally, the subcontract enquiry documents should include information
regarding the form of the main contract and sufficient detail in order that the
subcontractor is aware of the allocation of responsibilities and liabilities at the time of
preparing their tender.

A6.3 Invitation to tender Although they will not always form part of a contract, instructions to tenderers should be
A6.3.1 Instructions to provided as necessary and should include as a minimum:
tenderers
g any restrictions relating to visits to the site and the name, address and telephone number
of any person from whom permission to visit the site must be obtained, should this be a
requirement
g the procedure for submitting a tender and the latest date for its submission
g the expected date of award of the contract and the likely commencement date of the
works.

Depending on the complexity of the contract, the time required to carry out a meaningful piling
and/or embedded wall tender could be between four and 12 weeks.

A6.3.2 Information to be The following information should be provided to tendering contractors where available:
provided to tenderers
g desk study information
g known (buried and overhead) services information
g site investigation (SI) report
g ground investigation (GI), including AGS electronic data
g relevant information regarding the proposed development
g information on the works proceeding at the same time as the piling works, including
general description and construction sequence
g information on existing buildings or structures and other obstructions
g constraints to working, for example working space, headroom, etc.

11

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

If the employer is providing the design then they shall also provide

g details of the design assumptions and methodology used (refer to clause B1.4)
g performance criteria assumed to be achievable by the design
g designers’ risk assessment.

If the contractor is providing the design, the employer should provide the following information:

g details of relevant codes and standards to be used

g details of any design constraints (e.g. requirements for overall substructure system)
g performance criteria
g any structural loadings to be carried out.

It is important that all information provided should be relevant to the contract works, such that
the contractor can review the information efficiently and with less margin for omission or error.

In circumstances where the tenderers have to obtain quotations from specialist subcontractors
during the tender period, difficulties can arise when all relevant geotechnical information,
design constraints, piling specifications, preambles, etc., are not readily identifiable without
close scrutiny of voluminous contract documents. Such information should, wherever possible,
be collated in a single section within the contract documents, so that the companies tendering
for the main contract can issue the relevant information in a distinct package to specialist
subcontractors.

The geotechnical design report should also be made available to the contractor if relevant;
however, this may not necessarily form part of the contract.

Specialist subcontractors should be provided with the requisite information with sufficient time
to enable assessment of the documents and, when required, design of the piles or wall elements
prior to submission of tender.

A6.4 Measurement/ An outline bill of quantities for piling works is given in appendix 2. This is intended only to
outline bill of quantities illustrate the key items recommended for measurement and is not intended to be comprehensive
or applicable for all piling or embedded walling methods. For more detailed information on the
measurement of piling or embedded walling works see www.fps.org.uk.

A6.4.1 Working levels
Where piling or embedded walling works have to be carried out from a fixed structure or
staging, whether permanent or temporary, or where floating or temporary staging may be used
at the contractor’s discretion, the ‘working platform level’ and ‘commencing surface’ may be
substantially different. A requirement to work from any commencing surface which differs from
the working platform level, and where the contractor may incur significant additional costs,
should be clearly identified and billed separately.

A6.5 Tender documents Tender documents are the documents that form the contractor’s offer, including those
documents referred to within it. These include the enquiry documents unless specifically stated.

A6.5.1 Information to be The enquiry documents should give the tenderers the opportunity to provide all information
supplied by the tenderer required for the proper evaluation of the tenders, including items such as:

g validity of tender
g method statements
g tender assumptions.

A6.5.2 Tender health and The contractor shall submit a health and safety plan with the tender, which should include the
safety plan following:

g the contractor’s health and safety policy statement

g a general indication of the number and types of employees intended to undertake the
contract

12

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Part A: General requirements

g brief details of the experience and relevant technical qualifications of the contractor’s
manager/supervisor responsible for undertaking the contract
g a method statement detailing how the work will be carried out safely. This shall take
account of any hazard information supplied by the employer
g an assessment of any safety systems and general induction training that would be
required before work can start on site and how this will be provided
g accident reporting arrangements
g a summary of details of any major injuries and lost time accidents that have occurred to
the contractor’s personnel within the past two years
g additional requirements specifically mentioned in the invitation to tender.

A6.6 Tender evaluation Tenders for most works cannot be compared equitably by giving sole consideration to the
tender sum. Different contractors may have varying assumptions as well as practical, technical
and unique expertise relevant to the project and the most suitable contractor may not necess-
arily be reflected by the lowest tendered price.

The cheapest tender may not necessarily represent best value for money in terms of the final
account after re-measurement. When examining tenders for piling or embedded walling works,
the contract administrator should consider potential variations in the measured quantities
relative to each pile type and any impact on costs.

If the type of pile and/or method of construction or installation is not specified in the enquiry
documents, and is not fully described in the tender submission, then this information should be
obtained following receipt of tenders and be agreed prior to contract award.

A6.7 Contract documents Contract documents are the documents that form the contract between the employer and the
contractor.

A6.7.1 Documents Documents which should form part of a contract and subcontract for piling or embedded
forming part of a walling works include:
contract
g conditions of contract, and of subcontract where applicable
g enquiry documents
g general and project specifications
g drawings scheduled as contract drawings in the tender document
g SI, GI and topographic data
g bill of quantities based on a tender piling schedule, preferably in FPS electronic pile
schedule format (see www.fps.org.uk)
g form of acceptance.

A6.7.2 Model clauses
suitable for inclusion in
contract documents
Where piling or embedded retaining walls are executed under a subcontract, additional pro-
visions must be incorporated in the documents to define the responsibilities of the contractor
and sub-contractor. A typical list of attendances and facilities which the subcontractor may
require to be provided can be downloaded from the FPS website (see www.fps.org.uk). Some
of these clauses may need to be omitted, in whole or in part, to suit the particular needs of the
contract works and the subcontract.

13

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

Appendix 1
Example project specification

B1 SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PILING AND EMBEDDED RETAINING WALLS

B1.2 Project specification

(a) Role of the contract administrator

As stated in the contract documents.

(b) Location and description of the site

The site is located in ‘any town’ (National Grid Reference: XX).
The site is bounded to the east by a road, to the west by a hill, and to the north and south by existing industrial buildings. The
site is presently occupied by a two-storey building, which is to be demolished before the works commence.

(c) Nature of the works

The works comprise the construction of 101 piled foundations, but not the pile caps, for a new four-storey building.

(d) Working area

As stated in the contract documents.

(e) Sequence of the works and other works proceeding at the same time
Sequence as stated in the contract documents. Pile probing is to be carried out by others before the works commence. No
other activities on site when the works are being carried out.

(f) Contract drawings

The piling drawing is drawing No. XX999 pile details.

(g) Construction tolerances

As stated in the Table B1.4 from section B1.8 for bored piles – ‘minimum tolerance’.

(h) Submission of information (in addition to Table B1.1)

The information which shall be submitted at the stated stages of the works contract is listed in Table B1.1 of the piling
specification. In addition, the tenderer shall submit the following details with the tender: XXX.

(i) Responsibility for design, including any division of this responsibility

Option 2 – Contractor design of piles is specified, see clause B1.4 of the piling specification.

Design responsibility Employer Contractor

1. Design of foundation scheme (including Frep and pile location) 7

2. Choice of piling or walling method 7

3. Design of piles or wall elements to carry specified loadings 7

(j) Design standards and criteria for the piles or walls including design life
Pile design to be in accordance with BS EN 1997-1 and pile design life to be xx years.

(k) Constraints on design, including the need to verify design assumptions

None.

(l) Working platform and commencing surface level

Working platform and commencing surface level will be at +20.00 mOD.

(m) A schedule of representative actions (or specified working loads)

Frep is to be 750 kn.

14

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Part A: General requirements

(n) Pile or wall element dimensions

All pile sizes acceptable.

(o) Preliminary piles and trial bores/drives/panels

To be determined by the contractor.

(p) Performance criteria for the structure to be supported on the piles or by the wall
The serviceability limit state will be reached when the settlement of any part of the structure is 20 mm or when the differential
settlement between adjacent columns is 10 mm.

(q) Performance criteria for piles under test or wall elements during service (see Tables B1.2, B1.3)
The contractor will determine if pile tests will be carried out on this site to comply with his design. Table B1.2 states the
performance criteria expected of the piles.

Pile Permitted Specified Pile Min Minimum partial Design Permitted Permitted Minimum Minimum or
ref. type(s) – representative designation model resistance factors verification settlement settlement at pile length maximum
performance action factor load DVL at DVL DVL + 50% from cut- pile
specification Representative off level diameter or
Section No. Action to toe dimensions
of cross-
section
Frep kN gRd gb gs gt gst kN mm mm m mm
P1 to All types 750 To be 1.4 2.0 1.6 2.0 2.0 850 10 20 None None
P101 permitted confirmed

DVL = design verification load

(r) Sampling and testing of materials (other than concrete)

Concrete strength and consistence shall be measured as chapter B.21 of the piling specification.

(s) Permissible damage criteria for existing critical structures or services

No damage is to be caused to neighbouring structures or services. If the contractor is of the opinion that by any means arising
from the works neighbouring property may be damaged this shall be stated in the tender and the extent and nature of the
necessary protective or other temporary works described therein.

(t) Additional temporary works plant and duration of loading for which the working platform should be designed
The working platform shall be designed for loadings from piling plant as supplied by the contractor, for the duration of the
works. The working platform is also to be designed for all handling cranes, mobile cranes and other ancillary plant for
loadings supplied by the contractor.

(u) Site datum and site grid

As stated in the contract documents.

(v) Restrictions on permissible working hours

As stated in the contract documents.

(w) Restrictions on noise and vibration levels

As stated in the contract documents.

(x) Site investigation including geotechnical and geoenvironmental information, and the need for further GI
The following ground investigation report is included:
Bloggs SI (2016) ‘My-site’ Factual Ground Investigation Report.
No further SI is planned.

(y) Disposal of excavated material and trimmed excess pile and wall material
Spoil generated from the site will require disposal in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Landfill
(England and Wales) Regulations 2012, the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007 and any other relevant statutory
instrument and guidance.

(z) Other particular technical requirements

As stated in the contract documents. The contractor is required to work to a quality management system established in
accordance with BS EN ISO 9001. Details shall be provided prior to commencement of work on site.

15

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls, Third edition

Appendix 2
Example bill of quantities

Reference Item description Unit Quantity Rate Amount

£ p

A Transport piling plant and equipment to site, set-up, dismantle and

remove upon completion. Per visit sum

B Move between area * and area * sum

The following work to be carried out from a working platform level of

*MOD with a commencing surface level of *MOD

C Movement of plant and equipment to each pile position, including

setting-up rig
*mm specified diameter nr
*mm specified diameter nr

D Bore pile shafts to depths not exceeding *m

*mm specified diameter m
*mm specified diameter m

E Concrete quality *in pile shafts

*mm specified diameter m
*mm specified diameter m

F Enlarged bases including forming and concrete quality *therein Shaft dia.
Base dia.
*mm *mm nr
*mm *mm nr

G Grade 500 straight bars in reinforcing cage

*mm diameter t
*mm diameter t

H Grade 500 helical binding *mm diameter at *mm pitch t

I Backfill open shafts with * m3

J Remove excavated material from the area around the pile position during
boring operations, including loading and depositing * m3

K Cut down concrete pile shaft to the specified cut-off level, prepare
exposed head and reinforcement to receive capping: load and dispose of
debris
*mm specified diameter nr
*mm specified diameter nr

L Make concrete cube and test nr

M Transport equipment to site for pile load tests not exceeding

*kN and remove upon completion of tests sum

N Pile load test on a *mm diameter working pile to *kN, including reaction
piles nr

16

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Part A: General requirements

Reference Item description Unit Quantity Rate Amount

£ p

O Cut down *mm pile cap and tops of reaction piles to a depth of *m,
dispose of debris, backfill, and make good disturbed site surface nr

P Carry out approved integrity tests (minimum 20 per visit) and provide
report by approved specialist nr

Q Remove obstruction in bore, utilising standard equipment on site. Each

plant and gang h

R Charge for plant and labour delayed by causes beyond the piling
contractor’s control or when instructed. Each plant and gang h

S Design fee sum

T Design, construct, maintain and repair working platform sum

17

Downloaded by [ University College London] on [15/01/17]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.