54 GROUNDWORKS; HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING brought onto site.
By acting as a separation and stabilisation layer, geotextiles prevent aggregate from being lost into soft ground, while geogrids interlock with the stone to distribute loads more effectively, resulting in a far more effi cient use of materials. In practical terms, this can reduce the thickness of stone required by 30-50% – depending on ground conditions – delivering immediate cost savings. For housebuilders, the fi nancial implications are considerable. Less stone means fewer deliveries, reduced haulage costs and lower fuel usage. It also means less excavation, as thinner construction layers require less digging and disposal of spoil. When multiplied across an entire housing development, particularly on sites with poor ground conditions, these savings can quickly run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY ONSITE Beyond direct cost savings, there are also programme benefi ts. mporting large volumes of stone takes time and creates logistical challenges, particularly on constrained or urban sites. By reducing the number of vehicle movements, geosynthetics can help accelerate construction programmes and minimise
usage of materials on developments. Despite these advantages, geosynthetics are not always specifi ed at the outset of a project. In many cases, they are introduced later as a value engineering exercise, once costs begin to escalate. owever, the greatest benefi ts are realised when they are considered early in the design process. Early engagement allows engineers and contractors to optimise the design, rather than simply substituting materials at a later stage. Another key consideration is
IN MANY CASES THEY ARE INTRODUCED AS A VALUE ENGINEERING EXERCISE
disruption to surrounding communities. They also play a critical role in enabling development on more challenging land. As the availability of straightforward brownfi eld and greenfi eld sites declines, developers are increasingly looking at marginal land – areas with weaker ground that would traditionally require extensive ground improvement. Geosynthetics provide a cost-effective way to make these sites viable without resorting to excessive
Kerafl o launch 2026 edition of essential guide
Kerafl o has announced the release of the 2026 Edition of its Essential Guide to Water Tank Management. This updated edition provides an essential resource for facilities managers, building maintenance engineers and health and safety specialists navigating the complexities of cold water storage. The original guide, which set the industry standard for professional good practice, was widely praised for its accessible and comprehensive
advice on everything from temperature control to visual inspections. The 2026 Edition expands on this foundation, addressing critical new challenges such as changing water regulations, heightened scrutiny on water conservation, and the latest advancements in tank management technology.
0118 921 9920
www.kerafl
o.co.uk/downloads Vent-Axia supports high-quality student living
Vent-Axia has delivered high-performance ventilation across Centre Court, Olympian’s landmark purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Alfreton Road, Nottingham. Ashley Beresford, commercial director, C&D Electrical, said: “Today’s
developments demand fl exibility, there is no longer a one-size-fi ts-all approach to ventilation. Regulation is driving this shift, meaning we need a range of adaptable solutions to meet project-specifi c requirements. We specifi ed the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow since it combines all the benefi ts of MVHR with an integrated DX cooling module helping prevent overheating and meet the requirements of Part O.”
0344 856 0590
www.vent-axia.com
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
specifi cation. ot all geosynthetics perform the same function, and selecting the wrong product can lead to underperformance or unnecessary cost. This is where technical expertise becomes critical – understanding ground conditions, load requirements and application specifi cs ensures the right solution is used from the start. Ultimately, geosynthetics are not just a substitute for traditional materials; they are a smarter way of building. For housebuilders and developers looking to control costs, improve effi ciency and unlock more challenging sites, a better understanding of these materials could offer a signifi cant competitive advantage.
Mark Gillies is director of technical solutions at Burdens
PDAS Group – Pumping station specialists
Whether you are involved in designing new pumping systems which form part of new development infrastructure, or you’re maintaining existing pumping station assets, PDAS can assist you every step of the way by providing expert knowledge and experience throughout the design and construction
phase. PDAS provides a service and maintenance solution once the pumping station is commissioned that includes real-time monitoring via a cloud-based telemetry platform. This gives visibility of how the pumping station is performing. So, if you are responsible for new or existing pumping station assets and require expert assistance, PDAS can help.
01483 930520
www.pdasgroup.co.uk New look column radiators from Stelrad
Leading radiator manufacturer, Stelrad Radiators has introduced an Italian-designed new look, improved range of its popular Column radiators – in both its vertical and horizontal column radiator ranges. The most obvious changes are to the design of the radiators that will now feature a new rounded column design. The streamlined model range will feature 54 horizontal radiators and four
vertical options with heights between 300 mm and 2,000 mm and lengths from 348 mm to 1,866 mm. They will feature an increased warranty – signifi cantly extended from the current fi ve years to fi fteen years.
0800 876 6813
www.stelradprofessional.com
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