The groundworks industry and how it is evolving for the future

The groundworks sector, often the unsung hero of construction, is undergoing a major change as it responds to a myriad of different challenges and opportunities, from technological advancements to environmental pressures – but the future is looking good with enormous growth forecast over the next 10 years - writes John Ridgeway.

Unfortunately, there are no specific, standalone statistics for the size of the groundworks sector in Europe or the USA. Groundworks is typically incorporated within the broader construction industry, making it difficult to isolate precise figures. However, we can make some educated estimates based on the overall construction industry and the general proportion that groundworks typically represent.

Groundworks accounts for a significant portion of a construction project's cost, often between 10% and 20%. Based on these estimates, we can infer that the groundworks sector in both Europe and the USA – and probably the rest of the world for that matter - is a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Predicting the exact growth rate of the groundworks sector is also challenging due to various economic and geopolitical factors. However, several trends suggest potential growth could be nothing short of enormous in the next 10 years.

Governments in both Europe and the US are investing heavily in infrastructure projects, which will drive demand for groundworks services. The ongoing trend of urbanisation further creates opportunities for new construction projects, including residential, commercial and infrastructure developments.

The shift towards renewable energy sources also requires significant infrastructure, such as wind farms and solar power plants, which will boost demand for groundworks. In addition, aging infrastructure in many countries necessitates repair and refurbishment, creating additional work for the groundworks sector. In short, despite potential challenges such as economic downturns and material shortages, the overall outlook for the groundworks industry is positive.

The integration of technology, in particular, is reshaping the groundworks sector. Advanced surveying equipment, such as drones and laser scanning, are now providing precise data for site analysis and planning. Moreover, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is increasingly being used to identify underground utilities, reducing the risk of damage and accelerating project timelines – more about this later.

Environmental concerns are driving a shift towards sustainable groundworks practices. This includes the adoption of recycled materials, that minimise waste and reduce carbon emissions through the use of electric or hybrid machinery.

In common with the rest of the construction industry, groundworks also face a persistent challenge in attracting and retaining skilled workers. To address this, many companies are now investing in training and apprenticeship programmes to develop a skilled workforce.

Fluctuations in material costs and availability have further impacted the groundworks sector. Diversifying supply chains and exploring alternative materials have turned into essential strategies as a result.

Emerging trends

All this means that the groundworks industry is poised for significant growth and development over the next decade. Governments worldwide are investing heavily in infrastructure projects, from transportation networks to renewable energy facilities. This presents substantial opportunities for the groundworks sector.

The increasing popularity of modular construction will also impact groundworks. As prefabricated components become more common, foundations and ground preparation will need to be adapted accordingly.

Furthermore, automation is gradually being introduced into groundworks operations, with robotic excavators and autonomous site vehicles on the horizon. This will enhance efficiency and safety.

In addition, the collection and analysis of data is becoming increasingly important for optimising groundworks processes. By introducing data-driven insights, companies are improving productivity, reducing costs and enhancing decision-making.

Environmental sustainability is also becoming a key differentiator for groundworks companies. Adopting green practices, such as carbon reduction initiatives and soil conservation, is now becoming essential for business success.

Soil management

Contaminated soil is a significant challenge. Remediation techniques, such as bioremediation (using microorganisms to break down pollutants) and phytoremediation (using plants to extract contaminants), are gaining popularity. Adding organic matter, compost, or biochar can also enhance soil structure, fertility and water retention. This improves plant growth and reduces the need for artificial fertilisers.

Using plants and their root systems to stabilise slopes and prevent erosion is a sustainable approach to soil management – and continues to be widely implemented by groundworkers. Clean excavated soil is also being reused on-site or transported to other construction projects, reducing the demand for virgin materials.

All this is part of the process to reduce the carbon footprint of groundworks operations, which is essential to combat climate change. Using low-carbon materials like recycled aggregates and bio-based products, which reduces the embodied carbon in construction projects is now being more widely used.

Optimising transport routes and load sizes is helping to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. Some groundworks companies are also investing in carbon offset projects to neutralise their carbon footprint.

By prioritizing soil management, recycling, and carbon reduction, the groundworks industry can play a vital role in building a sustainable future. These practices not only benefit the environment but also contribute to cost savings and resource efficiency.

As already mentioned, technology is revolutionising the groundworks sector, enhancing efficiency, safety and precision. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being increasingly adopted to create digital representations of groundworks projects. This enables better collaboration, reduces errors and optimises resources.

The development of autonomous excavators and other machinery is gaining pace. While still in its early stages, this technology has the potential to improve productivity and safety. Furthermore, advancements in geotechnical investigation techniques, such as ground penetrating radar and seismic surveys, provide more accurate data for ground conditions, leading to better-informed design decisions.

All this means is that there can be no doubt that the next decade will be a period of significant transformation for groundworks. As the world becomes increasingly urbanised and environmentally conscious, the demand for skilled groundworkers will only grow. By staying ahead of the curve and adopting innovative practices, the industry will play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future.