New Civil Engineer
Margo Cole
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Deadline demolition
23-Aug-2011
The big guns were out at Woolwich last month to get to grips with some heavy duty foundation demolition. Margo Cole reports. -
Pushing sustainability
23-Aug-2011
Site services company Speedy believes it can use its position in the middle ground between contractors and manufacturers to influence both sides to improve their sustainability, as Margo Cole discovers. -
Bomag gives its Dash range a full makeover
16 June 2011
Manufacturer goes back to drawing board to produce light roller with ‘intelligent’ controls. -
Back on track
14-Jun-2011
Volvo Construction Equipment is tackling the economic recovery with a major overhaul of its product range. Margo Cole reports from Sweden on the machines that will soon be hitting the UK’s construction sites. -
Show starters
17-May-2011
The Construction Equipment Association is buoyant after a positive response to its plans for a new plant show in 2013. Margo Cole spoke to the organisation’s chief executive and vice president. -
Recovery position
13-Apr-2011
Last month Las Vegas was host to the year’s largest construction equipment show, and NCE was there. Margo Cole reports on the latest products on display at the show and the view of the market from the world’s leading manufacturers. -
Site security conference under starter’s orders
07 April 2011
Vehicle tracking and recovery company Tracker has been named as the headline sponsor for the forthcoming site security event, which is supported by NCE. -
US plant firms lobby for PFI funding for roads
31 March 2011
The largest construction equipment companies in the US are lobbying the federal government to implement a new surface transportation bill before the end of the year to promote investment in road and rail infrastructure. -
On Line and On Budget
17 February 2011
If savings are to be made in the cost of rail track renewals and maintenance, more efficient plant could be one of the solutions. Margo Cole finds out what one of the leading suppliers is offering. -
HSE publishes safety guide for telehandlers
17 February 2011
New guidance on the safe use of telehandlers in construction was launched last week in response to concerns about risks relating to their increased use on site. -
Newark’s Road to recovery
2-Feb-2011
Construction is well underway on a massive project to upgrade a congested stretch of trunk road in Nottinghamshire, reports Margo Cole. -
The maverick
17-Nov-2010
Over the past 10 years Kosran CEO Patrick Sheeran has campaigned for the industry to adopt better standards of security for plant and equipment. Margo Cole meets the Irishman to find out why he’s so willing to challenge accepted practice. -
Victorian revamp
04 November 2010
Regular commuters and visitors to London’s Victoria Station are all too familiar with the crowds of people that can build up at the entrance to the Tube station, especially in the rush hour. -
Plastic fantastic
22-Oct-2010
Heavy steel scaffolding poles could soon be a thing of the past if composite tubes currently in development get the thumbs up from the industry, as Margo Cole reports. -
Business Outcomes: Fresh thinking
29-Sep-2010
Programme management is a well known delivery tool but according to EC Harris it needs a new twist - the introduction of a commercial edge that links projects with business outcomes. Margo Cole reports. -
Borough Viaduct and London Bridge: The keys to opening capacity
9 September 2010
The key to fulfilling the full potential of the Thameslink project involves a massive rebuilding project at London Bridge. -
Completing a critical timetable
9 September 2010
Responsibility for delivering the Thameslink project for Network Rail lies with Jim Crawford, who was appointed in 2009 as programme director. Interview by Margo Cole -
Outward Bound
9 September 2010
Long before the Thameslink programme is complete passengers will start to benefit from longer trains, which requires a major programme of platform extensions at outlying stations. -
Pevensey Bay: the sea change saving UK coastlines
1-Sep-2010
The world’s only PPP/PFI sea defence contract this year celebrates its 10th anniversary of protecting East Sussex from coastal flooding. Margo Cole talks to some of the key players in the arrangement to find out what has made it such a success. -
Compair machine offers fuel savings
19 August 2010
A new range of high pressure compressors that its manufacturer claims can save up to 30% on fuel has hit the UK market. -
To cut a long story short
22 July 2010
One of the world’s largest mobile cranes has been instrumental in delivering an alternative design for a vital bridge on Scotland’s largest construction project, as Margo Cole discovers. -
One Stop Shop
22 July 2010
Appointing an equipment hire company to set up on major project sites can benefit both client and supplier, as Margo Cole finds out from the parties involved in an on-site arrangement in east London. -
JCB declares war on costs
22 July 2010
JCB has launched what it claims to be the “most productive, economical and comfortable” backhoe loader it has ever produced. -
London 2012: Brown to Green
1-Jul-2010
In East London 246ha of derelict land is being reborn as a beautiful park for the next Olympic Games and for the city’s enjoyment for decades to come. Margo Cole and Declan Lynch report on the transformation taking place. -
Hillhead plant show kicks off next week
17 June 2010
Next week sees the three-day Hillhead construction, recycling and quarrying equipment show taking place at Buxton in Derbyshire. -
Follow the money
17 June 2010
The transformation of SGB into Harsco Infrastructure is more than a new name - it marks a strategic change in direction, as Margo Cole reports. -
Tarmac buys new Bomag machine
17 June 2010
Tarmac National Contracting has bought the first Bomag BF300 paver to arrive in the UK. -
Bauma Diary: Show-stopping moments
20 May 2010
Margo Cole recalls the highlights of this year’s Bauma. -
Plant special: Bauma review
20 May 2010
NCE skipped the volcanic ash cloud by driving across Europe to get to the Bauma construction equipment extravaganza in Germany last month. Over the next six pages plant editor Margo Cole takes you through the highlights of the show and brings you interviews with industry movers and shakers who managed to make it to Munich. Here, she talks to Jim McCullough, president of CNH Construction Equipment. He explains why new imperatives are driving construction equipment product design. -
Bauma review: The giant awakens
20 May 2010
Liebherr’s UK operations only deliver £174M revenue out its total turnover of £6.1bn. But the company is planning to grow its market share in Britain, as Margo Cole finds out. -
Plant special: Bauma round-up
20 May 2010
A whole raft of new construction equipment went on show at last month’s Bauma exhibition in Munich. Margo Cole picks out the best of Europe’s largest plant show -
Just the ticket for London: Redeveloping King's Cross St Pancras Underground station
22 April 2010
A massive transformation has taken place at London’s busiest Tube station, resulting in a doubling of capacity and a safer environment for passengers. Margo Cole talks to the key players in the delivery of the King’s Cross St Pancras station. -
Bauma preview: Action stations
15 April 2010
Preparations are at fever pitch as exhibitors deliver their equipment and prepare their stands. Margo Cole reports on the latest news from the build-up to Bauma. -
Scots hirer boosts its fleet with 24 new JCBs
15 April 2010
Scottish plant hirer DuBye is bucking the recession by expanding its operations. -
Plant special: Biting the dust
25 March 2010
Contractors are putting the long-term health of their employees at serious risk by using tools not fitted with adequate dust suppression systems. Margo Cole reports. -
Career special: MWH profile
25 March 2010
Water and environment specialist MWH is ready to exit the downturn as a more responsive and globally focused business. Margo Cole reports. -
Plant preview: Bauma gets tooled up
25 March 2010
Safety and emission reduction are high on the agenda with exhibitions at Bauma this year. Margo Cole previews the show. -
Terex makes comfort number one priority
25 March 2010
Plant giant Terex has unveiled the latest addition to its range of articulated dump-trucks, the 30t TA300. It is designed for civil engineering, road maintenance, quarrying and muckshifting work. -
GPS: Total roll control
18 February 2010
Automating the compaction process using GPS technology could improve productivity and save money, as Margo Cole reports. -
Putting the Campanile tower on stable ground
18 February 2010
Italian ground engineering specialist Trevi has set up a Soilmec SM21 micro-drilling rig in St Mark’s Square, Venice, as part of a project to stabilise the famous 99m high Campanile bell tower. -
Chasing the blue pound
21 January 2010
Balfour Beatty’s plant division is competing for work from its parent by helping the company meet its safety and environmental initiatives. Report by Margo Cole. -
Contractors complete UAE's longest tunnel
21 January 2010
Both bores of the longest tunnel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now complete. -
Balfour Beatty 1909-2009: The first 100 years
10 December 2009
Britain’s biggest contractor Balfour Beatty has been celebrating its 100th anniversary all year and the presents have kept arriving in the shape, for instance, of a win on the M25 DBFO in May and the purchase of Parsons Brinckerhoff in October. But what is in store for the future? Jackie Whitelaw talks to chief operating officer Andrew McNaughton to find out. -
A new way of thinking
10 December 2009
Smart use of plant may be a key tactic for piling companies attempting to weather the economic storm, as Margo Cole reports. -
Balfour gets five new crawler cranes for Blackfriars station
19 November 2009
Balfour Beatty has taken delivery of five new crawler cranes to work on its £275M Thameslink station project at Blackfriars in London. -
Cost savings from framework plant deals
19 November 2009
Among Network Rail’s many framework agreements are two for the hire of small plant and equipment - one for railspecific plant, like rail saws and impact wrenches, and one for all non-rail plant like generators and lights. -
Hilti launches new rail tool
19 November 2009
Hilti has launched a new hand tool for use on rail tracks. The TE 1000 low vibration electric breaker has been approved by both Network Rail and London underground for ballast tamping. -
Rail success leads JCB to build new excavator plant
19 November 2009
Success in the rail sector is one reason behind JCB’s recent decision to build a new excavator plant, according to sales operations director Chris Spring. -
Rail truck sent to work in Wales
19 November 2009
Site investigation specialist Lankelma is using its UK12 dedicated cone penetration testing rail truck on Network Rail’s Cardiff area signal renewal works. -
Tailor made for track
19 November 2009
Network Rail wants the plant sector to design a new generation of road-rail vehicles specifically for the rail industry. Steve Yianni, the organisation’s director of mechanical and electrical engineering, tells Margo Cole why. -
Wing: Wing leader
12 November 2009
Construction teams on three separate projects had to work together to drive down costs on Anglian Water’s Wing project. Margo Cole reports. -
Mabey shakes up divisions
15 October 2009
New setup is intended to be more than the sum of its parts, says Mabey chief operating officer. -
M4 junction 11: What a relief
24 September 2009
Relief is in sight for motorists regularly caught up in traffic jams at Junction 11 of the M4, thanks to a major and complex improvement scheme. Margo Cole reports. -
Valerie Todd: Skilled operator
24 September 2009
A seven-year construction timetable gives Crossrail the chance to tackle major employment issues and a lasting legacy of construction skills. -
Plant special: Flexible friends
17 September 2009
Plant manufacturers have been hit hard by the recession, but Volvo Construction Equipment is focusing on customers’ changing needs as a way of escaping the worst of it, as the company’s managing director tells Margo Cole. -
Plant special: Getting a grip
17 September 2009
The industry now has a range of tried and tested solutions to help measure and reduce damage caused by hand arm vibration. Report by Margo Cole. -
Plant special: Slope hugging panels supplied by Mabey
17 September 2009
Millwood Homes has opted for a panel system rather than traditional timber formwork to build a concrete retaining wall on a £4.6M housing development at Kingskerswell, near Torquay. -
Birmingham International Airport: Fuel for growth
10 September 2009
Birmingham International Airport is implementing an ambitious infrastructure investment to accommodate an extra 23M passengers by 2030. Margo Cole reports. -
Birmingham International Airport: Ready for take off
10 September 2009
Birmingham International Airport has developed and grown throughout its history and celebrates its 70th birthday with the opening of a new £45M International Pier. Margo Cole reports. -
Scottish Water’s carbon challenge
28-Feb-2009
High rainfall and low population do not make Scottish Water immune from sustainability concerns. -
Diversion Tactics
27-Jan-2009
A combination of flood walls and new storage capacity is set to protect 900 properties from flooding in Edinburgh -
Anglian’s new millions: Anglian Water & sustainability
20-Oct-2008
The sustainability challenge for Anglian Water is to accommodate massive population growth while adapting to the likely effects of climate change. -
Anglian’s new millions: Anglian Water & sustainability
20-Oct-2008
The sustainability challenge for Anglian Water is to accommodate massive population growth while adapting to the likely effects of climate change. -
Anglian’s new millions: Anglian Water & sustainability
20-Oct-2008
The sustainability challenge for Anglian Water is to accommodate massive population growth while adapting to the likely effects of climate change. -
Scottish Water’s carbon challenge
20-Oct-2008
High rainfall and low population do not make Scottish Water immune from sustainability concerns. -
Scottish Water’s carbon challenge
20-Oct-2008
High rainfall and low population do not make Scottish Water immune from sustainability concerns. -
Ship Shape
3-Jun-2008
A major clean-up is under way on the north shore of the River Tyne to turn an abandoned and polluted dockyard into a large-scale housing development, as Margo Cole discovered. -
Good vibrations?
22-Apr-2008
The fight to improve safety on site never ends, but two big contractors are bringing in new systems to make things better for their operatives, as Margo Cole reports. -
Good vibrations?
22-Apr-2008
The fight to improve safety on site never ends, but two big contractors are bringing in new systems to make things better for their operatives, as Margo Cole reports. -
GOOD MIXER
11-Mar-2008
Five huge concrete tanks, similar in size to the Albert Hall, have been built to store liquified natural gas (LNG) at the South Hook terminal in Pembrokeshire. -
JUMBO PLUNGE
22-Jan-2008
The need for fast paced piling on the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel has led Bachy Soletanche to take the plunge. -
BRIDGE GAMES
15-Jan-2008
Leicester City Council decided that a century-old viaduct was too tricky to repair, so it was demolished. Margo Cole reports. -
Tree huggers
12-Dec-2007
A small housing development on a brownfield site in Berkshire is making the most of a foundation system designedfor difficult ground conditions. NCE gets to the root of how to protect trees on an environmentally sensitive site. -
Water special: fill your glasses
15-Oct-2007
Project Alpha, an innovative PFI, is under way to supply almost half of Northern Ireland's treated water -
Water special: Turbines turn up the heat
15-Oct-2007
Harnessing wasted energy in water mains could be a simple, cost-effective way to cut fuel bills. -
A new internet trading platform is to launch at Civils 2007
6-Oct-2007
Check out any major contractor's CSR report and you'll find a section on how they're tackling waste: sorting, recycling and generally cutting down the number of skips shipped to landfill. -
Top Marks
28-Sep-2007
The Highways Agency’s decision to procure major road projects through early contractor involvement has been put to the test on North Yorkshire’s A1 upgrade. -
Beefing up Belmont
28-Sep-2007
Full closure of a major commuter route is usually to be avoided, but for a vital Stockport bridge strengthening scheme, it was the only option available. -
Cutting CO2 - are you in?
21-Sep-2007
NCE asked the UK’s top consultants and contractors if they know how much CO2 they are responsible for. -
Global vision
17-May-2007
Careers profile - Atkins grew 10% last year and has no plans to stop there, reports Margo Cole. -
The art of innovation
15-Mar-2007
Careers profile - Whitbybird trades on its spirit of adventure, says Margo Cole. -
Glazing over?
7-Dec-2006
Glass cladding - Is the trend for glass-clad landmark buildings set to come to an end? Margo Cole reports on the latest thinking in façade design. -
High-speed cathedral
1-Nov-2006
RAIL ALL THE WAY - St Pancras International station is being transformed from Victorian engineering masterpiece to international transport hub. Margo Cole reports. -
Working with nature
26-Oct-2006
Environment Agency - A career in flood risk management at the Environment Agency could offer anything from planning to save London from inundation to developing cutting edge modelling and warning systems, as Margo Cole reports. -
Cause for celebration
20-Jul-2006
Bridges - Barnstaple bypass -
Screen saver
1-Jul-2006
Access specialist SGB hopes to promote the safer use of its formwork and falsework with animated guides, as Margo Cole reports. -
High and dry
20-Oct-2005
Flood protection in the Thames estuary is being improved with the replacement of a 19th century outfall, as Margo Cole reports. -
Platform for choice
30-Jun-2005
Spotlight - The piling market is as competitive as ever, reports Margo Cole in this round-up of developments in the foundations sector. -
Piling and foundations Diversionary tactics
27-Jan-2005
Spotlight - With some of the UK's largest civil engineering projects coming to an end, is the piling market set to slow down-Margo Cole reports. -
Individuals welcome
28-Oct-2004
Careers profile - Atkins says its size and diversity enables individuals to develop a career based on their strengths. Margo Cole reports. -
Learning curve
27-May-2004
Spotlight - Concrete -
Forcasting the good times
25-Mar-2004
Spotlight - Geotechnics -
Listen and learn
18-Mar-2004
Working lives Training -
Opening university
11-Mar-2004
Courses -
Character action
19-Feb-2004
Concrete Admixtures -
Drought bonanza
12-Feb-2004
Spotlight Underpinning -
Piling on the pounds
22-Jan-2004
Spotlight Piling and foundations -
It's what we do, not how we do it
11-Dec-2003
Spotlight Rope access -
In the picture
20-Nov-2003
Working lives: Surveying -
Working with the land
20-Nov-2003
Environment Sustainability -
In the picture
23-Oct-2003
Spotlight Land surveying -
Best of both worlds
4-Sep-2003
Courses -
Mean business
4-Sep-2003
Courses -
Certain separation
13-Mar-2003
Rail Safety -
Coming out of the woodwork
6-Mar-2003
Careers: Courses -
In the frame
1-Mar-2003
Medium consultant Haswell -
Repeat performance
1-Mar-2003
Medium consultant Ewan Group -
Phase One: Heart of the matter
20-Feb-2003
King's Cross -
Phase One: Pressure point
20-Feb-2003
King's Cross -
Up to speed
23-Jan-2003
Highways Drogheda bypass -
Sofia's model approach
1-Nov-2002
Water: Privatisation -
A sense of purpose
31-Oct-2002
Careers profile Halcrow -
Micro time warp
17-Oct-2002
Water Technology -
Sofia's model approach
17-Oct-2002
Water Privatisation -
End of the great wait
26-Sep-2002
Highways Cover story -
Back to school
12-Sep-2002
Cover story: Young engineers -
Negotiate your own PFI funding, Ministries told
11-Jul-2002
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS should shop around for the best deal for private finance initiative projects, the UK's most senior civil servant said this week. -
Analysis of a disaster
13-Jun-2002
US engineers are pushing for a full computer simulation of the World Trade Center collapse to understand how it happened. Margo Cole reports. -
Measure of success
14-Mar-2002
NEWS FEATURE: Sustainability Results season is in full swing, but as companies count their profits, they need to think about becoming environmentally, socially and economically sustainable if they want to keep attracting investment cash, reports Margo Col -
Multiple choice
13-Dec-2001
Foundations : SBMAs -
Webcams find a focus
6-Dec-2001
IT SPECIAL: Web cameras on site are shaking off their 'Big Brother' image and being marketed as genuine tools for improving construction safety and efficiency, as Margo Cole reports. -
Not so plain sailing
8-Nov-2001
Structures Spinnaker Tower -
Process of change
18-Oct-2001
ENGINEERING WATER Asset management plans -
Bull's eye view
9-Aug-2001
Contractors fileStructures Birmingham redevelopment -
Defence is the shingle issue
12-Apr-2001
Brighton's shingle beach is a key element in a new coastal defence strategy. Margo Cole reports from the sea front. -
Lure of the open road
12-Apr-2001
Motorcycling is increasing both as a leisure pursuit and as a means of transport, but accident rates are high among those returning to bikes after a long gap. Margo Cole reports on the phenomenon of 'born again' bikers, and talks to leading construction i -
Fit for a king
29-Mar-2001
A new visitor centre and car park on the shore of Loch Ness requires a concrete structure to be built within a new embankment. Margo Cole reports. -
All the gain without the pain
8-Mar-2001
Major maintenance on a busy section of the M25 has just started, but the scheme has been designed to minimise traffic delays, as Margo Cole reports -
Opening up the Exchequer
1-Mar-2001
The UK's historic Treasury building in London is undergoing a ú128M refurbishment under an ambitious PFI scheme. Margo Cole reports -
Queuing for the castle
1-Mar-2001
A new visitor centre and car park on the shore of Loch Ness requires a major embankment construction.Margo Cole reports. -
National treasure
25-Jan-2001
The historic Treasury building in Whitehall is undergoing a £128M refurbishment under an ambitious PFI scheme. Margo Cole reports. -
Let something else do the thinking
28-Sep-2000
Southern Water has started using artificial intelligence to help with its asset management, discovers Margo Cole. -
What do you want in life?
7-Sep-2000
Margo Cole tries out a residential course offering an holistic approach to personal and career development -
Best Value in action: Epsom & Ewell
29-Jun-2000
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is one of four districts in Surrey that acts as an agent for highway maintenance on behalf of the county council. It has an annual maintenance budget of £1.3M. -
Best way is to work together
22-Jun-2000
Highway maintenance looks like being at the back of queue in best value reviews, but as Margo Cole discovers, highways managers are already adopting the philosophy. -
Lights fantastic
24-Feb-2000
Dome Services: Maintaining maximum flexibility for as long as possible drove the building services design, as Margo Cole reports. -
The great outdoors
24-Feb-2000
Around the dome: The organisers of the Millennium Experience want people to enjoy themselves outside the Dome as well. Margo Cole reports. -
Holyhead blockbuster
18-Jun-1999
The final stretch of the A55 through North Wales is now being built, providing a safe modern link to the vital port of Holyhead. Margo Cole reports. -
Off-road rally
20-May-1999
Spending cutbacks in road construction led to big changes in the geotextile market but, with increased awareness of the advantages of geosynthetics, the manufacturers have fought back successfully. -
Frame future Lessons are being learned from the BRE's insitu building project that could change the way we design and build concrete frame structures.
5-Nov-1998
It is less than six months since construction finished on the seven storey insitu concrete frame at the BRE's large building test facility at
