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14 Mar 2025
Groundforce Boosts Civils and Utilities Sectors with Enhanced Products

Groundforce Boosts Civils and Utilities Sectors with Enhanced Products

Projects based in County Kildare and County Galway, Ireland, have benefited from two innovative solutions which have recently become part of the Groundforce range of products.

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27 Nov 2024
Groundforce develops unique solution for excavation at Limerick Hospital

Groundforce develops unique solution for excavation at Limerick Hospital

Groundforce equipment has played a crucial role in the construction of a new extension to University Hospital, Limerick, in Ireland.

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18 Jul 2024
Groundforce adds lifesaving equipment to its safety product range

Groundforce adds lifesaving equipment to its safety product range

Specialist construction equipment supplier Groundforce has taken its hire fleet of site safety Specialist construction equipment supplier Groundforce has taken its hire fleet of site safety products to the next level, with the introduction of (AED) iPad SP1 defibrillators.

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12 Mar 2024
Groundforce delivers bespoke solution for major Dublin dig

Groundforce delivers bespoke solution for major Dublin dig

Groundforce has supplied a bespoke support system for a major excavation in Dublin. Modular hydraulic equipment supplied by Groundforce Shorco is supporting the concrete secant-piled retaining wall while Bennett Construction completes the excavation and installs the reinforced concrete basement slab.

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19 Feb 2024
Piletec's Strategic Pile Removal Solution with the ICE 8SG in Restricted Headroom

Piletec's Strategic Pile Removal Solution with the ICE 8SG in Restricted Headroom

Piletec supplied the Diesko ICE 8SG Side Grip Hammer to extract 9m U steel sheet piles which had been installed using a five-tonne crane-suspended vibrator during construction of a new motorway bridge.

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12 Jan 2024
What is the Groundforce Vibration Monitor?

What is the Groundforce Vibration Monitor?

This Vibration Monitor is the most efficient and high-quality vibration monitoring system on the market: it uses advanced Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. Read our list of FAQ's to find out more.

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11 Dec 2023
Groundforce win at Machinery Movers awards in Ireland

Groundforce win at Machinery Movers awards in Ireland

Specialist construction equipment supplier Groundforce are celebrating after winning the category of ‘Best Health, Safety & Training Standards, at the 2023 Machinery Movers magazine industry awards.

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25 Oct 2023
Groundforce's YourSolution Earns Finalist Spot at 2023 CMAs

Groundforce's YourSolution Earns Finalist Spot at 2023 CMAs

Groundforce Shorco is celebrating after being shortlisted at the Construction Marketing Awards (CMAs) 2023 in the “Best use of website” category for its groundbreaking YourSolution online temporary works design tool.

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3 Oct 2023
Introducing: YourSolution+

Introducing: YourSolution+

Groundforce Shorco are pleased to announce the launch of YourSolution+, an industry-first temporary works design tool. Offering engineers, temporary works coordinators and anyone confident to give a soil profile, unprecedented access to create their own trench and manhole box designs.

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31 Aug 2023
Groundforce takes its place as finalists in the CN Specialist Awards

Groundforce takes its place as finalists in the CN Specialist Awards

Groundforce are finalists in the CN Specialist Awards 2023, in the category of ‘Equipment Specialist of the Year’.

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21 Aug 2023
Putting Smartshore to the test

Putting Smartshore to the test

The Smartshore Shoring System from Stopper Specialists is made from inflatable rubber cushions that are used together with adjustable trench struts.

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21 Aug 2023
Putting Smartshore to the test

Putting Smartshore to the test

The Smartshore Shoring System from Stopper Specialists is made from inflatable rubber cushions that are used together with adjustable trench struts.

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27 Apr 2023
Groundforce shortlisted in Ground Engineering awards

Groundforce shortlisted in Ground Engineering awards

Groundforce have been shortlisted as finalists in the category of ‘Specialist Geotechnical Supplier of the Year’ in the Ground Engineering Awards 2023.

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27 Mar 2023
Groundforce Shorco unveils a carbon calculator for temporary works

Groundforce Shorco unveils a carbon calculator for temporary works

Specialist shoring supplier Groundforce Shorco has developed a carbon calculator for temporary works and is making it available not just for customers but the shoring industry as a whole.

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13 Dec 2022
J & S McKee and Groundforce “dig deep” on Nelson Street

J & S McKee and Groundforce “dig deep” on Nelson Street

Building and engineering contractors J & S McKee Ltd, who have undertaken a complete sub structure package of works on a prominent new twelve story student accommodation development in Belfast, appointed Groundforce to provide a ground retention solution during the sub structure phases.

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2 Dec 2022
Groundforce rises to riverside challenge

Groundforce rises to riverside challenge

Groundforce has supplied its KD6 steel sheet piles and modular hydraulic Mega Brace frames to support a deep excavation for housebuilders Ballymore.

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10 Aug 2022
Groundforce Training partners with KTC to offer excavation safety training

Groundforce Training partners with KTC to offer excavation safety training

Groundforce are using KTC Safety, a long established, independent training centre, as a base in Ireland to offer their accredited EUSR training courses.

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2 Aug 2022
Temporary works tool gets a third upgrade from Groundforce

Temporary works tool gets a third upgrade from Groundforce

YourSolution, Groundforce Shorco’s interactive design tool, upgrades to 1.3

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14 Feb 2022
Groundforce digs deep for Belfast tunnelling project

Groundforce digs deep for Belfast tunnelling project

Groundforce has supplied specialist shoring equipment to support three deep excavations on a flood alleviation project in Northern Ireland.

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12 Nov 2021
Groundforce launches side-grip piling hammer in Ireland

Groundforce launches side-grip piling hammer in Ireland

Irish contractors will save time and money using Groundforce’s new side-grip piling hammer.

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11 Nov 2021
Groundforce support Irish industry awards

Groundforce support Irish industry awards

Groundforce are pleased to confirm their support for this year’s Machinery Movers Industry & Operator Awards for which they will be sponsoring the Health & Safety Standard category.

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29 Jun 2021
Groundforce launches new division

Groundforce launches new division

Specialist supplier Groundforce is further expanding its product offering with the launch of a new division, Groundforce Safety.

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10 Mar 2021
Groundforce provides support at one of Sweden’s most prestigious building developments

Groundforce provides support at one of Sweden’s most prestigious building developments

Modular hydraulic propping equipment from Groundforce is proving a highly efficient support solution for a series of major basement excavations in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Karlastaden (Karla City) development, in the Lindholmen district of the city, will comprise a total of nine high-rise buildings and includes the 245m-tall Karlatornet (Karla tower) residential block which was completed in 2020, and is the tallest building in the whole of Scandinavia.

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5 Jan 2021
Groundforce props are the perfect accessory for Dublin's latest retail destination

Groundforce props are the perfect accessory for Dublin's latest retail destination

Groundforce props are the perfect accessory for Dublin’s latest retail destination Groundforce has supplied propping equipment to support a large basement excavation during construction of Dublin’s new shopping destination, Project Kells. The equipment includes the latest heavy duty hydraulic struts to be introduced into the company’s fleet.

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8 Dec 2020
Excavator Attachments: Reducing Environmental Impact

Excavator Attachments: Reducing Environmental Impact

The continued trend in construction to re-imagine manual power tools by connecting them to an excavator’s hydraulic system has opened up a whole new world of possibilities: this has led to an extended range of excavator attachments becoming widely available and Groundforce Attachments are leading players in the UK supply chain.

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7 Dec 2020
Collaborative Solutions for Water Treatment Works Upgrade

Collaborative Solutions for Water Treatment Works Upgrade

Main contractor Murphy International, is currently undertaking a €40m contract, to upgrade the Lee Road Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Cork city, on behalf of Irish Water. The Lee Road WTP provides approximately 70% of Cork City’s total treated water supply and the upgraded plant will provide a more safe and secure water supply for the rapidly growing city.

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4 Nov 2020
Groundforce Shorco launches YourSolution, a standard excavation design tool

Groundforce Shorco launches YourSolution, a standard excavation design tool

Groundforce Shorco launches YourSolution an interactive design tool aimed at saving customers the time and effort involved in obtaining temporary works designs

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9 Sept 2020
Carty Group sees all sides of Groundforce's offer

Carty Group sees all sides of Groundforce's offer

Octagonal cofferdams star in Co Sligo. Octagonal-shaped cofferdams provided by specialist construction supplier Groundforce have helped save space, time and money on Irish Water’s €9.9 million upgrade of two sewage treatment works.

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4 Mar 2020
Groundforce Shortlisted in Machinery Movers Awards

Groundforce Shortlisted in Machinery Movers Awards

Groundforce through to the finals of prestigious construction industry awards in Ireland. Groundforce have been shortlisted as finalists in the category of ‘Best Tech & Innovation’ in the Machinery Movers Industry & Operator Awards 2020.

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24 Feb 2020
Groundforce U.K. & Ireland appoints new MD

Groundforce U.K. & Ireland appoints new MD

Paul Donovan joins Groundforce U.K. & Ireland from sister Vp plc company TPA.   Specialist construction solutions supplier Groundforce has appointed Paul Donovan as its new managing director for the U.K. and Ireland

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6 Jan 2020
Interview with Groundforce Depot Foreman John Collins

Interview with Groundforce Depot Foreman John Collins

Depot Foreman John Collins. John talks more about his role, customer service, the day-to-day challenges he faces and the importance of team work.

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9 Dec 2019
Amberwood House

Amberwood House

Groundfcore Shorco supplied a complex shoring solution to a three-level basement construction as part of the redevelopment of Amberwood House in Knightsbridge, to transform it into one of London’s most unique and palatial private residences.

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3 Dec 2019
Groundforce shortlisted for national awards

Groundforce shortlisted for national awards

Groundforce, part of the Vp plc group, has been shortlisted in the prestigious 2020 Construction News Specialist Awards - the only national awards to recognise the outstanding achievements of specialist contractors in the UK.

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4 Sept 2019
Groundforce offers Excavation Safety Workshops in Association with Construction Safety Week

Groundforce offers Excavation Safety Workshops in Association with Construction Safety Week

Groundforce has teamed up with Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (CSPAC) to take part in their Construction Safety Week initiative

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3 Sept 2019
Groundforce expands pile cropping range

Groundforce expands pile cropping range

As part of further growth and expansion of their range of equipment, Groundforce Ireland has added 4 new pile croppers to its range.

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3 Sept 2019
Groundforce invests in new premises in Co. Laois

Groundforce invests in new premises in Co. Laois

Award winning construction equipment rental specialist Groundforce have relocated to a new, larger premises in Co. Laois to facilitate further growth and expansion of their range of equipment.

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22 Aug 2019
Groundforce provides solution for attenuation system installation in Dublin

Groundforce provides solution for attenuation system installation in Dublin

Modular hydraulic shoring equipment and sheet piles from Groundforce have been used to install a floodwater attenuation system in challenging ground conditions at a recycling yard near Dublin Port.

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24 Jul 2019
Complex propping project in Berlin

Complex propping project in Berlin

A shopping mall in Berlin with a chequered history was the subject of a complex propping project involving the use of Groundforce’s largest propriety MP750 struts incorporating the latest hydraulic nut technology.

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11 Jun 2019
Groundforce win at the 2019 Ground Engineering Awards

Groundforce win at the 2019 Ground Engineering Awards

Groundforce bring home prestigious industry award Groundforce Shorco are celebrating after winning the award for ‘Specialist Geotechnical Supplier of the Year’ at this year’s GE Awards.

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11 Jun 2019
Coffey Northumbrian gets ultra-SMART about pressure testing with Groundforce

Coffey Northumbrian gets ultra-SMART about pressure testing with Groundforce

A next-generation data logging system from specialist construction services supplier Groundforce is helping to get pressure tests and certification for a major water main network refurbishment completed in double-quick time.

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16 May 2019
Temporary Works Support of Excavations

Temporary Works Support of Excavations

A Contemporary review of the use of modular hydraulic propping systems for the temporary support of deep excavations.    

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16 May 2019
Groundforce Mega Brace system used to support deep cofferdam in Dublin

Groundforce Mega Brace system used to support deep cofferdam in Dublin

Groundforce supplied its Super Mega Brace hydraulic frame and 500 tonne capacity MP500 hydraulic props to main contractor BAM Civil to support a deep cofferdam during construction of the cooling water system on the Dublin Waste to Energy project in Poolbeg, Dublin.

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29 Mar 2019
Groundforce Provides Heavy Bracing for Dover’s Dock Redevelopment

Groundforce Provides Heavy Bracing for Dover’s Dock Redevelopment

Groundforce supplied an excavation support solution for a new marina at the port of Dover, part of £250m Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development. Part-financed by the European Union, it will transform Dover’s famous Western Docks into a bustling new waterfront.

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22 Feb 2019
Groundforce provides support at level crossing in Molsheim

Groundforce provides support at level crossing in Molsheim

Groundforce have provided a temporary propping solution to main contractor Eiffage for the construction of a new underpass to allow easier access for traffic to the town of Molsheim in the Bas-Rhin region of France.

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6 Dec 2018
Groundforce named Plant Hire Company of the Year!

Groundforce named Plant Hire Company of the Year!

Groundforce celebrates after winning prestigious industry award in Ireland.  Specialist equipment supplier Groundforce was among the big winners at the recent annual Plant & Civil Engineer Awards in Northern Ireland. 

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4 Dec 2018
Groundforce develops flexible solutions to gas-main conundrum

Groundforce develops flexible solutions to gas-main conundrum

Modular shoring equipment from Groundforce has helped the Murphy GMC joint venture install a new gas main under the Colebrooke River at Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

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4 Dec 2018
Groundforce Shorco launch the largest proprietary strut on the market

Groundforce Shorco launch the largest proprietary strut on the market

Groundforce, the UK’s leading equipment hire specialist, continues to lead the way when it comes to introducing innovations in excavation support equipment, with the launch of the MP750 and hydraulic nut technology.

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19 Nov 2018
Groundforce on song at the Royal College of Music

Groundforce on song at the Royal College of Music

Groundforce has introduced a new wireless remote condition monitoring system that simplifies real-time measurement of static loads and monitors potential movements in sensitive structural support applications. The new wireless system, known as FlatMesh™ from Senceive, uses wireless nodes with the Groundforce load pins, which pass their signal from one to another, meaning that only one of the nodes needs to have clear contact with the 3G gateway module, in order for all readings to be taken.

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2 Aug 2018
What is Excavation Safety?

What is Excavation Safety?

Excavation Safety involves the removal of materials (usually soil) to dig into the ground, creating space for a variety of construction works. This ranges from installing building foundations, to creating trenches that allow pipework and other utilities to be laid. Excavations carry a variety of health and safety risks, ranging from cave-ins to falls, and these dangers must be mitigated accordingly.

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4 Jul 2018
Complex shoring project is a walk in the Parc for Groundforce

Complex shoring project is a walk in the Parc for Groundforce

Modular hydraulic props and braces from Groundforce have helped civil engineering contractor Roadbridge install a number of underground pumping stations on a major leisure development in County Longford.

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25 Jun 2018
CPCS accreditation awarded to Groundforce Training Services

CPCS accreditation awarded to Groundforce Training Services

First CPCS course to be run by the company will be for Appointed Persons on July 30th. Groundforce Training Services has gained CPCS accreditation and the first course it will be offering is the five-day A61 Appointed Persons (lifting operations) course which will take place on July 31st.

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17 May 2018
Groundforce Supplies Propping System to €80 Million Mur-Powerplant Project in Austria

Groundforce Supplies Propping System to €80 Million Mur-Powerplant Project in Austria

Groundforce Germany has supplied a total of 100 MP150 hydraulic props for the construction of a new discharge channel, part of the new Mur-hydroelectric power station on the outskirts of Graz.

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17 May 2018
Groundforce Support Boosts Pilot Apprenticeship Scheme

Groundforce Support Boosts Pilot Apprenticeship Scheme

The training division of Groundforce is helping Solent CEGA with men and materials. Groundforce Training is supporting a pioneering apprenticeship scheme.

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18 Apr 2018
King's Inch, Renfrew

King's Inch, Renfrew

Groundforce Shorco has supplied cost effective, time saving propping solutions to Barrhead-based civil engineering specialist George Leslie for the King’s Inch CSO project.

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12 Apr 2018
Groundforce Wins Health and Safety Award

Groundforce Wins Health and Safety Award

Groundforce celebrates winning Health and Safety Company of the year award Groundforce have won the coveted Health and Safety Company of the Year Award at the Machinery Movers Operators and Construction Awards 2018.

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26 Mar 2018
Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route - Goval Station

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route - Goval Station

The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Scotland. It is being delivered by Transport Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.

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21 Mar 2018
Smart Pressure Testing Equipment from Stopper Specialists

Smart Pressure Testing Equipment from Stopper Specialists

The Smart Pressure Testing Equipment from Stopper Specialists enables you to carry out your pressure testing quickly and easily, with data captured in real time. The app works with your Bluebox-enabled pressure logger to give you an instant pass or fail on-site. Key features also include failure analysis, recommendations, GPS location data and images.

16 Jan 2018
The Quay to Successful Piling!

The Quay to Successful Piling!

The multimillion pound quayside development at Dundee’s Prince Charles Wharf Extension is on track for delivery with a bit of help from the piling arm of leading specialist hirer Groundforce.

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16 Jan 2018
Groundforce Bridge's Fly in to Help with Access

Groundforce Bridge's Fly in to Help with Access

Groundforce Bridge fly in their temporary bridges to provide an eco-friendly access solution for pylon construction in Ireland.

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8 Dec 2017
SheetMaster - Pitch | Drive | Extract - Typical Installation Methodology

SheetMaster - Pitch | Drive | Extract - Typical Installation Methodology

SheetMaster is a revolutionary composite, non-hydraulic, sheet handling and installation attachment developed to undertake the three dig and push operations of pitching, driving and extraction for the Groundforce Shorco range of trench sheets. Reducing the need for manual intervention and keeping operatives clear of the slewing excavator, means SheetMaster introduces greater safety by assigning much of the control to the excavator driver.

7 Dec 2017
Groundforce Mega Brace system used to support deep cofferdam in Dublin

Groundforce Mega Brace system used to support deep cofferdam in Dublin

Groundforce supplied its Super Mega Brace hydraulic frame and 500 tonne capacity MP500 hydraulic props to main contractor BAM Civil to support a deep cofferdam during construction of the cooling water system on the Dublin Waste to Energy project in Poolbeg, Dublin.

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29 Nov 2017
Groundforce Shorco | Leicestershire Tank Installation

Groundforce Shorco | Leicestershire Tank Installation

Groundforce Shorco supplied a full complement of piling, trench support and safety equipment to specialist contractor Clumber Construction for use on a wastewater improvement project in Beeby, Leicestershire. Watch our time lapse video of the installation here.

9 Nov 2017
MP60 Mechanical Struts: Typical Installation Methodology

MP60 Mechanical Struts: Typical Installation Methodology

Groundforce MP60 is a modular format medium-duty mechanically adjustable strut, combining the compressive strength of steel tube with the convenience of mechanical length adjustment. Watch our typical installation video.

9 Nov 2017
Groundforce Major Projects - Digital Case Study

Groundforce Major Projects - Digital Case Study

Take a journey through our digital case study which highlights how our propping solutions can assist with your deep excavation projects.

25 Aug 2017
Groundforce delivers Swedish solution

Groundforce delivers Swedish solution

Groundforce Shorco hydraulic propping equipment is once again helping to streamline construction of a large basement in Scandinavia. Working for the first time for main contractor Skanska, Groundforce has supplied its MP150 modular hydraulic props in a raking configuration to support the large basement excavation on the Valand Quarter 6 project in Kungsbacka, a few kilometres south of the Swedish city of Gothenburg.

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16 Aug 2017
John Wilson : Buried Alive!

John Wilson : Buried Alive!

Stopper Specialists Director John Wilson takes us through the terrifying event of being buried alive and surviving to tell the tale.

16 Aug 2017
Drag Box - Typical Installation Methodology

Drag Box - Typical Installation Methodology

Groundforce Drag Box is lightweight designed for use with small capacity machines and excavators.

16 Aug 2017
Megabrace: Typical Installation Methodology

Megabrace: Typical Installation Methodology

The Mega Brace is a high load capacity modular hydraulic bracing system designed to support square, rectangular or multi-sided excavations ranging from 3.0m to 20.0m in plan.

16 Aug 2017
Hydraulic Struts: Typical Installation Methodology

Hydraulic Struts: Typical Installation Methodology

Hydraulic struts comprise of a series of extensions with a hydraulic unit at one end.

25 Jul 2017
Key Elements of Successful Sheet Pile Driving

Key Elements of Successful Sheet Pile Driving

There are many design and analytic techniques at the disposal of engineers when it comes to determining the most effective installation methods of sheets and piles.

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20 Jul 2017
Groundforce shortlisted in the Laois Business Awards 2017

Groundforce shortlisted in the Laois Business Awards 2017

Groundforce is finalist in the Laois Environmental Business of the year category

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20 Jul 2017
Groundforce shortlisted at Irish Construction Industry Awards

Groundforce shortlisted at Irish Construction Industry Awards

Groundforce shortlisted in the Construction Product of the Year and Innovation in Construction categories.

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18 Jul 2017
Groundforce are put to the test in Limerick

Groundforce are put to the test in Limerick

Poor ground conditions, shallow rock profile and a confined site called for an imaginative excavation support solution during construction for a new university library extension.

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30 Jun 2017
Groundforce & MEIC Deliver Secure Solution to Sensitive Water Scheme

Groundforce & MEIC Deliver Secure Solution to Sensitive Water Scheme

An intricate cofferdam solution provided by Groundforce, proved to be the backbone for safety and the success of a sensitive water scheme for Irish Water.

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30 Jun 2017
Groundforce Play Supporting Role in Kent Station Upgrade

Groundforce Play Supporting Role in Kent Station Upgrade

Groundforce’s engineers helped Irish Rail and main contractor SIAC Construction lower the risk of water ingress whilst providing a significant time saving for the client through the use hydraulic props instead of ground anchors at Cork City’s Kent Railway Station extension.

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23 May 2017
Groundforce Shorco expertise contributes to a new CIRIA publication

Groundforce Shorco expertise contributes to a new CIRIA publication

Groundforce Shorco have made a small but significant contribution to CIRIA’sGuidance on embedded retaining wall design (C760). The recently issued document replaces the previous C580 guidance, and will provide a comprehensive Eurocode compliant design manual for embedded retaining walls.

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26 Apr 2017
Groundforce & MEIC deliver secure solution to sensitive water scheme

Groundforce & MEIC deliver secure solution to sensitive water scheme

Groundforce has supplied an intricate cofferdam solution to allow the construction of a new pumping station on the River Clodiagh near Holycross, County Tipperary.

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10 Apr 2017
Groundforce provides propping solutions at Bryn Cowlyd treatment works

Groundforce provides propping solutions at Bryn Cowlyd treatment works

Props supplied by Groundforce Shorco have enabled a large excavation to be carried out in very difficult ground conditions at a water treatment works in Wales.

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7 Apr 2017
Groundforce maintains support for Oslo's "Barcode" development

Groundforce maintains support for Oslo's "Barcode" development

Groundforce hydraulic propping equipment is once again helping to streamline construction of a large basement on Olso’s ambitious “Fjord City” project.

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7 Dec 2016
Trenchless Technology Offers Minimal Disruption in the Urban Environment

Trenchless Technology Offers Minimal Disruption in the Urban Environment

Groundforce offer pipe bursting solution for cast iron replacement scheme at Station Road, Portmarnock

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6 Dec 2016
New SheetMaster Development

New SheetMaster Development

Groundforce are pleased to report a successful September launch of the SheetMaster: an exciting new product which continues to generate a great deal of interest from temporary works contractors, health and safety personnel and the construction industry press.

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2 Dec 2016
A look back at Major Projects

A look back at Major Projects

As 2017 approaches we take a look back to some of the great jobs that the Major Projects team have carried out over the last couple of years. No two projects are the same and each one comes with its own set of obstacles to overcome. Luckily the team at Groundforce Major Projects never shy away from a challenge which is demonstrated in the plethora of complex schemes completed in the UK and Europe.

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24 Nov 2016
Groundforce is ‘High Achiever of the Year’

Groundforce is ‘High Achiever of the Year’

Groundforce has been recognised for its many achievements within the construction industry at the 2016 Plant & Civil Engineer’s ‘Plant, Construction & Quarry’ Awards. Company representatives were presented with the much coveted ‘High Achiever’ award, sponsored by Terex and Sleator Plant, at a glittering ceremony at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast.

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22 Nov 2016
Excavator Mounted Vibrators

Excavator Mounted Vibrators

A summary of Excavator Mounted Vibrators (EMVs) and ancillary equipment from Piletec. EMVs are a quick and cost-effective way to install and extract sheet piles.

18 Nov 2016
LadderSafe: Typical Installation Methodology

LadderSafe: Typical Installation Methodology

This sequence explains the various equipment available to provide safe access to an excavation. The products include: Maxi LadderSafe, Mini LadderSafe, Mega LadderSafe, Premier LadderSafe and StepSafe.

3 Nov 2016
Groundforce plays supporting role in Kent Station upgrade

Groundforce plays supporting role in Kent Station upgrade

Every deep excavation in Cork City presents a challenge. The area is underlain by a series of alluvial deposits with highly permeable sands and gravels. This coupled with a tidal water table gives rise to significant dewatering and excavation support challenges.

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2 Nov 2016
Groundforce expertise at work at Festival Park

Groundforce expertise at work at Festival Park

Groundforce design expertise has contributed to a successful solution on a major water quality improvement scheme in Glasgow. The ground support specialist used its extensive experience to help re-design a cofferdam being built on the south side of the river Clyde in Glasgow.

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22 Sept 2016
Groundforce Launches Revolutionary Product

Groundforce Launches Revolutionary Product

Groundforce unveils SheetMaster, another first in construction site safety Handling and installing trench sheets is now quicker, more controllable and safer thanks to SheetMaster, the new three-in-one revolutionary trench sheet handling tool from Groundforce Shorco.

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9 Sept 2016
SheetMaster - Pitch · Drive · Extract

SheetMaster - Pitch · Drive · Extract

SheetMaster is a revolutionary composite, non-hydraulic, sheet handling and installation attachment developed to undertake the three dig and push operations of pitching, driving and extraction for the Groundforce Shorco range of trench sheets. Reducing the need for manual intervention and keeping operatives clear of the slewing excavator, means SheetMaster introduces greater safety by assigning much of the control to the excavator driver.

7 Sept 2016
A pioneering Groundforce training course augurs well for learners

A pioneering Groundforce training course augurs well for learners

Groundforce Training has become the first to offer accredited training on EMVs and Pre Augers. A safety-critical course, believed to be the first of its kind, on the dangers of EMVs (Excavator Mounted Vibrators) and Pre Augers has been launched by Groundforce Training. As an EEIAS approved product successful delegates will receive an industry recognised photo id card registered under the popular Energy & Utility Skills (EUSR) scheme.

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8 Jul 2016
Innovate or Die.

Innovate or Die.

Firstly, apologies for plagiarising and modifying the post WW2 “export or die” slogan which was generally associated with the motor industry, in the days that we had we actually had one, and the need for foreign money to keep Britain afloat. However, in this fast paced digital age, I can’t help feeling that the principal of the adage applies as strongly now as back then.

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4 Jul 2016
Hydraulic Waler System

Hydraulic Waler System

This sequence explains the method for installing a Hydraulic Waler System, complete with optional End Bearers within a trench. Waler frames provide 2-way support to trenches and are used in conjunction with trench sheeting.

1 Jul 2016
Inside a Hydraulic Cylinder

Inside a Hydraulic Cylinder

Hello and welcome back to the drawing board with me, Steven Lloyd. A few months ago I talked to you about the design of hydraulic struts and I mentioned that at the end of the strut there’s always this hydraulic unit now the reason it's there is so you can pump some fluid in and adjust the length of the props so they will always meet the size requirements. Today we are going to take a look inside the hydraulic cylinder and see how that works. I’m going to start simple talking about single acting cylinder. This basically means that you can pump it out but you can’t pump it back in, strictly speaking.

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28 Jun 2016
Good vibrations on Dublin house-building project

Good vibrations on Dublin house-building project

Dublin-based Howard Building Contractors found itself facing a delicate problem when employed to build a new house on a vacant plot in Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

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1 Jun 2016
Excavation Surcharges

Excavation Surcharges

Once again welcome back to the drawing board. In the last couple of videos we talked about the design of equipment and the resistances of that equipment. We looked at the props and we looked at the wailers. Now we will have a look a bit at the other side, where the forces come from. 

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4 May 2016
Groundforce Training Scales New Heights

Groundforce Training Scales New Heights

Groundforce has taken its training capability to a whole new level with course additions and accreditations, one of which makes the company the only provider to offer such. Less than two years after opening the purpose-built training centre in Worksop, the company has won EUSR (Energy and Utility Skills Register) accreditation for its one-day course “Appreciation of Excavation Safety”. This is the course that only Groundforce can offer.

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3 May 2016
Combined Effects and Waling Beam Design

Combined Effects and Waling Beam Design

Welcome back to the drawing board and today are we talking about the design of walers as well as the combined effects that act upon them.  When I say combined effects I’m talking about axial force, bending moment and shear forces all acting on the waler at the same time. I won’t be talking about torsion because you don't usually see torsional effects on the kind of walers that we do. 

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15 Apr 2016
Groundforce Lends Support at Leicester Square

Groundforce Lends Support at Leicester Square

Groundforce has used 3D modelling to assist in the design and installation of props supporting a large basement excavation in the heart of London’s West End. The two storey basement is being constructed as part of the redevelopment of London’s famous Leicester Square by main contractor Brookfield Multiplex.

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14 Apr 2016
Groundforce Launches ‘Back to the Drawing Board’ Engineering Videos

Groundforce Launches ‘Back to the Drawing Board’ Engineering Videos

Renowned for leading the way when it comes to new and innovative ideas within the ground engineering sector, Groundforce has introduced another ’first’ with the launch of a series of innovative engineering discussion videos aimed at showcasing its commitment to knowledge sharing throughout the industry.

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13 Apr 2016
Hydraulic Prop Design to Eurocodes

Hydraulic Prop Design to Eurocodes

Welcome to the very first “Back to the Drawing Board” with Steve Lloyd at Groundforce Shorco technical offices in Leeds. Today Steve will be explaining how we design our hydraulic props and the kind of actions and effects that act upon it.

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2 Mar 2016
Groundforce is boxing clever on Scottish Sewer Upgrade

Groundforce is boxing clever on Scottish Sewer Upgrade

The latest trench support product from Groundforce - a new Drag box extension has helped contractor Morrison Construction complete a sewer improvement project safely and quickly as part of Scottish Water’s investment programme.

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1 Mar 2016
Groundforce’s Technical Director is New Chairman of a BSI Euro Committee

Groundforce’s Technical Director is New Chairman of a BSI Euro Committee

Tony Gould, who celebrates 30 years with Groundforce this year, has been appointed chairman of BSI committee B/514/29, the UK representation on WG9 - the CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) working group for standardisation of trench lining and hydraulic shoring systems.

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25 Feb 2016
Groundforce Sponsor Exhibition for Leaders in Underground Engineering

Groundforce Sponsor Exhibition for Leaders in Underground Engineering

Groundforce has announced it will be exhibiting and presenting at this year’s ICE Engineering Underground Space Conference, which takes place on the 15th March in London. The objective of the one-day conference is to raise the profile of the specialist skills sets required within underground engineering, and to share best practice across the industry.

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23 Feb 2016
SiteSafe Solutions: Typical Installation Methodology

SiteSafe Solutions: Typical Installation Methodology

Groundforce Shorco are always striving to develop ancillary equipment to enhance their product offerings. Demonstrated in this video are the associated products that can be used in conjunction with boxes and braces to improve safety and access in and around excavations.

8 Feb 2016
Eccentric Thermal Effects

Eccentric Thermal Effects

It’s been a while since we’ve had a real nuts and bolts engineering entry in the blog and thanks to Mr. Garford-Tull for providing some comments to previous blog entries. I’ve been inspired to write a technical entry about a few of the more complex issues surrounding thermal effects.

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11 Jan 2016
New Products to Kick Start 2016

New Products to Kick Start 2016

Heading into 2016, Groundforce has added 4 new products to their already extensive product offering. With an increasing requirement for enhanced box capability and capacity, larger boxes have been introduced into the Groundforce fleet to cater for large pipe and chamber installations. Utilising telescopic, pinned struts for quick width adjustment, their introduction augments the existing wide range of boxes and allows greater choice to facilitate most trench applications.

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15 Dec 2015
Groundforce Ireland sponsors Cherry Orchard FC

Groundforce Ireland sponsors Cherry Orchard FC

Groundforce Ireland has sponsored the senior first team, who play in the Senior Division 1 of Leinster Senior Football League.

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15 Dec 2015
Groundforce Appoints New Manager In Ireland

Groundforce Appoints New Manager In Ireland

Joseph Lenihan has been appointed as the new Manager in Ireland

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8 Dec 2015
Trench Boxes Methodology

Trench Boxes Methodology

Groundforce Box Systems comprise a simple, robust, two-sided mechanical excavation support system. Each box is designed as a temporary earth retaining structure allowing the sides of the excavation to be cut vertical or near vertical. This quick and easy method ensures ground stability within a trench and helps minimise the excavation area to avoid damage to neighboring structures and utilities in the ground.

16 Nov 2015
Totteridge Timelapse

Totteridge Timelapse

MP125 hydraulic props installed by LMC Contracts Ltd on a basement in Totteridge. The props were connected to a steel upstand post fixed into the capping beam to allow the ground floor slab to be cast prior to prop removal.

3 Nov 2015
The Aftermath

The Aftermath

Well summer has been and gone and judging from the persistent fog hanging around for the last couple of days, we must be well in to Autumn. Two of my colleagues are over in Sydney this week providing technical training for our Australian partner Coates Rental; I am hoping that they have not thrown away the return portion of their ticket!

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28 Oct 2015
Groundforce Bridge completes first installation in Ireland with Mega Bridge

Groundforce Bridge completes first installation in Ireland with Mega Bridge

Groundforce Bridge has successfully completed its first installation in Ireland. A 12.6m x 3.5m Mega Vehicle Bridge was installed in just two hours and has provided an eco-friendly solution for site traffic accessing works on a £17 Million major road improvement scheme in Co Derry.

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15 Sept 2015
Depot Open Day Success In Ireland

Depot Open Day Success In Ireland

Groundforce recently hosted not one but two Depot Open Days in July at the Portlaoise & Lisburn depots. Products on display included shoring, piling, utility and confined space equipment provided ESS Safeforce.

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15 Sept 2015
Groundforce provides excavation support for Galway road improvement

Groundforce provides excavation support for Galway road improvement

Groundforce has designed and supplied an excavation support solution for a major road improvement scheme in Galway.

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15 Sept 2015
Groundforce completes complex ground support task at Semple Stadium

Groundforce completes complex ground support task at Semple Stadium

Groundforce has played an important supporting role in the installation of a new display screen for a Hawk-Eye ball-tracking system at Semple Stadium, Thurles, Co Tipperary.

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4 Aug 2015
Groundforce, sponsors of the Basement & Underground conference 2015

Groundforce, sponsors of the Basement & Underground conference 2015

Groundforce will once again be supporting this year’s Ground Engineering Basement & Underground conference, which take place at London’s Olympia on the 6th & 7th October, as sponsors of the Temporary Works Seminar.

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22 Jul 2015
An in Depth Look at Manhole Shutters

An in Depth Look at Manhole Shutters

 Following on from an earlier entry about the humble road plate, I thought I’d make a showcase of the often abused, manhole shutter. It may seem like a simple, primitive piece of equipment but even these simple tools have a raft of technical data and calculations to back them. Considering that the shutter is, for the most part, just a 2mm thick sheet of steel, they are deceptively strong. This is primarily down to the way in which they carry the load from the fresh concrete within. 

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16 Jul 2015
ESS supply confined space expertise at Aghada Power Station

ESS supply confined space expertise at Aghada Power Station

Safety and survey equipment specialists, ESS Safeforce Ireland, have supplied confined space rescue teams and equipment for refurbishment work at the Aghada Power Station at Cork in Ireland.

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19 Jun 2015
Click Stick vs Podger Bar

Click Stick vs Podger Bar

The Click Stick is a mechanical alternative to manual hammers and Podger Bars, designed to break or crack redundant metal pipes safely and with controlled flexibility around other utilities. This video shows how easy it is to use the Click Stick in comparison to the Podger Bar.

4 Jun 2015
Groundforce Introduces the Grundomat 'N' Generation

Groundforce Introduces the Grundomat 'N' Generation

Market leaders in the hire and sale of trenchless technology equipment Groundforce, has added a new ground breaking product to its portfolio - The Grundomat 'N' Generation Mole.

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2 Jun 2015
Strut Testing

Strut Testing

For what now seems like an age, we have been operating a load monitoring service with pre-calibrated electronic swivel pins to measure the force acting within a hydraulic prop. An important part of this system is the test rig that we use to calibrate the load cells.

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12 May 2015
Groundforce Expands In Scotland

Groundforce Expands In Scotland

Since opening a depot in Dyce last year, the company has experienced considerable growth in the region, and to accommodate further expansion has moved to significantly larger premises at Mugiemoss.

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30 Apr 2015
Groundforce to exhibit at Solscope in France

Groundforce to exhibit at Solscope in France

Groundforce will be exhibiting at France’s leading bi-annual geo-technical exhibition Solscope, which takes place at the Eurexpo Exhibition Centre in Lyon on the 24th and 25th of June.

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29 Apr 2015
Groundforce stops the earth moving on St. Stephen’s Green

Groundforce stops the earth moving on St. Stephen’s Green

Nine of Groundforce’s 250 tonne capacity MP250 hydraulic props have been used to support the basement excavation for Canada House, a new office development with MB McNamara Construction as main contractor, on the corner of Earlsfort Terrace and St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin.

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15 Apr 2015
Groundforce Launches Next Level Website

Groundforce Launches Next Level Website

Groundforce has launched its most technically integrated and user-friendly website. Groundforce’s newly redesigned website will provide visitors to their site quick and easy access to all essential product information, and for the first time will include fully integrated technical literature.

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13 Apr 2015
Groundforce Training Services achieves Gold Standard

Groundforce Training Services achieves Gold Standard

Groundforce training services has been awarded the status of Gold Provider by The Energy and Efficiency Independent Assessment Service (EEIAS) having met a threshold level of good quality as a provider of training, offering the necessary reassurances to employers that this brings.

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10 Apr 2015
Spotlight on the Humble Trench Crossing Plate

Spotlight on the Humble Trench Crossing Plate

Returning this month to a more technical theme I have unashamedly plagiarised one of my colleague’s recent technical notes concerning the long serving (and suffering) trench crossing plate. These are one of the less glamorous pieces of kit in our hire fleet generally cut out of old ¾” thick boiler plate in 8’ x 4’ (apologies for the imperial units) size. To comply with current safety regulations they are generally coated with some sort of non-slip or anti-skid coating with a lifting hole burnt into each corner; and that is just about as sophisticated as they get.

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17 Mar 2015
Groundforce nominated for Technical Excellence

Groundforce nominated for Technical Excellence

Groundforce has achieved industry recognition for their innovative design and technical expertise in excavation support, having been shortlisted in the 2015 Ground Engineering Awards, category for Technical Excellence.

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13 Mar 2015
3 Awards and a Exciting New Release

3 Awards and a Exciting New Release

Once again I have managed to embarrass myself in that this is the first time I have posted in 2015. January and February have vanished already and here we are getting on for a quarter of the way through the year already. Anyway let me bring you up to speed with what has been going on in the technical department over the last couple of months.

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11 Mar 2015
Groundforce Shorco Launches Their First 3D Animation

Groundforce Shorco Launches Their First 3D Animation

The first 3D Animation for Groundforce Shorco has been created by the Groundforce Technical department.

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10 Mar 2015
Pre-Driven Shoring Methodology

Pre-Driven Shoring Methodology

This 3D Animation shows pre-driven shoring methodology using Groundforce Shorco shoring equipment.

3 Mar 2015
Groundforce Rolls Out Super Mega Brace For Its First Major Project

Groundforce Rolls Out Super Mega Brace For Its First Major Project

Groundforce Shorco has used its new Super Mega Brace support system with integral hydraulic rams for the first time on a major project for the renewable energy sector.

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25 Feb 2015
Groundforce Sets Its Sights On The Middle East

Groundforce Sets Its Sights On The Middle East

Having successfully established itself in mainland Europe, Groundforce is now looking at new markets and further expanding its reach in the Middle East.

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5 Feb 2015
Chris Bennion Of Kier Wins iPad In GFTech Competition

Chris Bennion Of Kier Wins iPad In GFTech Competition

To celebrate reaching 2,000 users of the Groundforce Technical Library (www.gftech.co.uk) a competition was launched for all users to be in with a chance of winning an iPad Mini.

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25 Jan 2015
Contractor Goes Back To School For Trenchless Training

Contractor Goes Back To School For Trenchless Training

U Mole provided specialist expertise and portable rope bursting equipment, which saved time and cost on a tricky sewer replacement job in Trowbridge.

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19 Jan 2015
Groundforce introduces a new range of revolutionary pipe handling equipment

Groundforce introduces a new range of revolutionary pipe handling equipment

Groundforce announce partnership with UIS (Utility Innovations Solutions Ltd) in the UK and Ireland. Groundforce will offer for both hire and sale a range of exciting new innovations from UIS, which will enable their customers to save time and reduce costs and significantly remove risk to their workforce.

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15 Jan 2015
Groundforce hoping to add another award to their growing collection

Groundforce hoping to add another award to their growing collection

Groundforce are hoping they can increase their collection of industry awards after again being shortlisted in the Construction News Specialist Awards.

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22 Dec 2014
Christmas Blog 2014

Christmas Blog 2014

It’s difficult to believe that the end of another year is fast approaching. I thought that this was an ageist thing but talking with the guys in the office, everyone seems to feels the same. As usual the festive season gives us chance to reflect on the year departing and look forward at the same time. 2014 has been another good if challenging year for both Groundforce and the technical team, highlights include, in no particular order.

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2 Dec 2014
Stopper Specialists launch new Tool Box videos

Stopper Specialists launch new Tool Box videos

Stopper Specialists, a division of Groundforce, has introduced Tool Box Videos - a new online training resource to further support its growing customer base.

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18 Nov 2014
The 2014 Technical File Is Here!

The 2014 Technical File Is Here!

The technical file houses the most up to date, technical specifications of all our excavation support products and accessories.

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17 Nov 2014
Groundforce Completes Second Phase Of Molesey Weir Replacement

Groundforce Completes Second Phase Of Molesey Weir Replacement

Groundforce has completed its second contract for joint venture contractor Team Van Oord (TVO) on the Molesey Weir replacement project on the River Thames at Hampton Court.

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12 Nov 2014
User Guide - Multitest Stopper

User Guide - Multitest Stopper

A step by step user guide for using the Multitest Stopper from Stopper Specialists. This product assists in overcoming ovality and irregular sized pipelines.

11 Nov 2014
Tony's Autumn Tech Digest

Tony's Autumn Tech Digest

Firstly, rather sheepish apologies for not posting a blog since September. Today’s 11/11 date seems an appropriate day for me to commit pen to paper again so to speak, as apart from the more obvious and poignant anniversary remembered on this day, it is also the date I started out in the shoring industry, way back in 1985. 

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8 Nov 2014
User Guide - Cone Pipe Stopper

User Guide - Cone Pipe Stopper

Increase site safety and boost productivity while using the Cone Pipe Stopper from Stopper Specialists. Step by step guide and best practice when using this product in a range of pipe shape profiles.

7 Nov 2014
User Guide - Cylindrical Inflatable Stopper

User Guide - Cylindrical Inflatable Stopper

The Cylindrical Stopper is ideal for air testing, water testing and flow stopping. This videos provides a step by step user guide when inserting, using and removing this product.

7 Nov 2014
Stopper Specialists Open New Northern Drive-In Trade Centre

Stopper Specialists Open New Northern Drive-In Trade Centre

Stopper Specialists, a division of Groundforce has opened a new drive-in trade centre in the Northwest, offering customers immediate access to an extensive range of flow control stoppers and pipe testing equipment.

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5 Nov 2014
User Guide - Milltest Stopper

User Guide - Milltest Stopper

Designed for use when air testing drainage pipes to a standard air test of 100mm of water over air. Milltest Air test stoppers are very light and easily transported, making them ideal for testing awkward to reach locations. This video is a user guide for installing, testing and removing the Milltest Stopper.

24 Oct 2014
Ireland Wind Farm

Ireland Wind Farm

Two of Ireland’s largest windfarm projects have been constructed on behalf Bord na Mona, Ireland’s leading producer of peat based products and now renewable energy and recycling, at its Bruckana peat bog site in Tipperary and Mount Lucas site in County Offaly.

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9 Oct 2014
Groundforce Bridge helps runners compete in the Macmillan Brownlee Triathlon

Groundforce Bridge helps runners compete in the Macmillan Brownlee Triathlon

One of Groundforce Bridge’s temporary modular bridges has helped competitors complete the running course at the Macmillan Brownlee Tri North event, hosted at Harewood House, one of Yorkshires most impressive stately homes and estates.

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25 Sept 2014
New Trench Crossing Units from Groundforce Bridge Keeps Golfers on Track

New Trench Crossing Units from Groundforce Bridge Keeps Golfers on Track

New Trench Crossing Units from Groundforce Bridge have had their inaugural installation at one of the UK’s most prestigious golf tournaments – The Men’s Open Golf Championship, at Royal Liverpool Golf Course, in Hoylake.

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19 Sept 2014
Product Spotlight - Rolling Strut Box

Product Spotlight - Rolling Strut Box

After a bit of a summer break its time to put pen to paper again on the technical aspects of shoring equipment. The last two blogs have focused on trench box design, so to complete the picture; I will go through the basic design principals of the increasingly popular rolling strut box and slide rail products that we supply.

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18 Sept 2014
Groundforce shortlisted in International Tunnelling & Underground Space Awards

Groundforce shortlisted in International Tunnelling & Underground Space Awards

Groundforce are celebrating following the announcement they have been shortlisted for their joint submission with main contractor Costain Skanska JV (CSJV), for Technical Innovation of the Year, in the International Tunnelling & Underground Space Awards 2014.

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