The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has launched an interactive nationwide digital map of completed piling projects, not simply to improve foundation design, but to also promote circularity in the discipline.
The FPS Geotechnical Data Map visualises historical piling project data using ArcGIS, allowing users to explore completed works across different locations and ground conditions. By bringing together datasets submitted by FPS members, the platform provides a valuable new resource for clients, consultants and contractors involved in foundation design, the FPS said.
The tool has been developed to support design optimisation at an early stage, enabling project teams to identify comparable schemes, better understand ground conditions, and reduce uncertainty. In doing so, it has the potential to improve efficiency, reduce risk and avoid unnecessary overdesign, according to the FPS.
A key feature of the platform is its ability to highlight opportunities for potential pile and foundation reuse. By making historical data more accessible and visible, the FPS aims to support more sustainable construction practices and contribute to reducing embodied carbon across the built environment.
The FPS Geotechnical Data Map is available to members through the FPS website.
FPS chair Malcolm O’Sullivan said: “The FPS Geotechnical Data Map has the potential to change how we think about foundation design. This is a practical step towards a more circular economy in ground engineering.”
The FPS intends to continue expanding the data map’s scope: future development may include the integration of additional datasets and collaboration with external data providers.
