News

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Joseph Lenihan has been appointed as the new Manager in Ireland

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Groundforce recently invited the local community to join them and their neighbours Bann Hire, for a family fun day and BBQ at their newest depot in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

Designing a bespoke support system for a major excavation requires experience and ingenuity. But it’s not only the big jobs that test the engineer’s skill.

U Mole, a division of Groundforce will be exhibiting at this years No Dig Live exhibition, which will be held at the Peterborough Arena from 16th – 18th September.

No fewer than 22 of Groundforce’s massive MP250 hydraulic props have been installed as part of one of the UK’s most delicate and challenging redevelopment projects.

Groundforce Shorco (Major Projects) will be once again be Diamond sponsors of this year’s Ground Engineering Basement and Underground Structures conference, which will take place from the 30th September to 1st October.

Groundforce’s technical department has expanded its operations with the opening of a new dedicated office in the south.

There may not have been a hole in one, but competition was still fierce at Groundforce’s recent Diamond Anniversary Golf Day at The Belfry.

Groundforce Technical Director Tony Gould has been appointed a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE) in recognition of his contribution to the profession.

Equipment from two specialist Groundforce divisions has combined to provide a turnkey solution to a challenging task for NAMRC, the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

A difficult ‘pipe eating’ project was undertaken recently for the replacement of a 300 mm diameter sewer with a 600 mm diameter pipe. The work was required because the existing sewer was under capacity for its present requirements and was causing flooding upstream.

Groundforce will be demonstrating how its structural support and bracing systems designs work in a project-wide Building Information Model environment at this year’s BIM Show Live.

Ground engineering hire specialists Groundforce, has opened a new purpose built training facility to help improve health and safety standards, and raise awareness on the dangers of excavation construction.

A range of energy efficient dewatering pumps supplied by Groundforce, Ireland’s leading specialist rental company, helped to save time and costs on the construction of two of Ireland’s largest windfarm projects.

Groundforce Bridge, the temporary bridge division of hire specialist Groundforce, has supplied a 10m x 6m Vehicle Bridge, and 7m Vehicle Bridge to allow contractor Babcock, reach and remove an electricity pylon in North Wales, under critical scheduling and site conditions.

Shorflo, the pump-hire division of equipment hire specialist Groundforce, has supplied Four of its Super-silent diesel pumps to help contractor Dyer & Butler underpin bridge foundations in the River Gade at Watford.

With the construction awards season well underway, Groundforce is hoping they can make it two wins in row at this year’s Ground Engineering awards, after being shortlisted in the prestigious category of Best International Project.

Early design input and a problem-solving attitude has won Groundforce Shorco a contract to provide specialist ground support for a micro-hydroelectric scheme in the heart of Durham.

Leading excavation support rental company Groundforce, has kicked off 2014 with a firm show of intent by expanding its operations and national coverage across the UK, with the opening of two new dedicated hire depots, in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

U Mole is pleased to announce the delivery of a new MTS CitySucker to Brenchley Civil Engineering Ltd of Farlington, near Portsmouth.

To celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of Vp plc, Groundforce launched a competition to all readers of their seasonal e-newsletter.

A.G.Wilson was among the big winners at the recent annual Construction, Quarry & Recycling Awards. It was presented with the prestigious Civil Engineering Company of the Year award, sponsored by Groundforce, during a glittering ceremony, compered by television and radio sports presenter Adrian Logan, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in South Belfast.

Groundforce Ireland will now offer new hydraulic attachments range

An Interview with Piling Operations Manager David O'Brien discussing how safe business practices are adopted to allow for better quality products and fully trained staff.