BUILDING - SITE INVESTIGATIONS

Site Investigation For New Works ~ the basic objective of this form of site investigation is to collect systematically and record all the necessary data which will be needed or will help in the design and construction processes of the proposed work. The collected data should be presented in the form of fully annotated and dimensioned plans and sections. Anything on adjacent sites which may affect the proposed works or conversely anything appertaining to the proposed works which may affect an adjacent site should also be recorded.

Procedures ~

1 . Desk study
2. Field study or walk-over survey
3. Laboratory analysis (see pages 81†82 and 85†87)

Desk Study ~ collection of known data, to include:

• Ordnance Survey maps † historical and modern, note grid reference.
• Geological maps † subsoil types, radon risk.
• Site history † green-field/brown-field.
• Previous planning applications/approvals.
• Current planning applications in the area.
• Development restrictions † conservation orders.
• Utilities † location of services on and near the site.
• Aerial photographs.
• Ecology factors † protected wildlife.
• Local knowledge † anecdotal information/rights of way.
• Proximity of local land fill sites † methane risk.

Field Study ~ intrusive visual and physical activity to:

• Establish site characteristics from the desk study.
• Assess potential hazards to health and safety.
• Appraise surface conditions:
   * Trees † preservation orders.
   * Topography and geomorphological mapping.
• Appraise ground conditions:
   * Water table.
   * Flood potential † local water courses and springs.
   * Soil types.
   * Contamination † vegetation die-back.
   * Engineering risks † ground subsidence, mining, old fuel tanks.
   * Financial risks † potential for the unforeseen.
• Take subsoil samples and conduct in-situ tests.
• Consider the need for subsoil exploration, trial pits and bore holes.
• Appraise existing structures:
   * Potential for re-use/refurbishment.
   * Archaeological value/preservation orders.
   * Demolition † costs, health issues e.g. asbestos.