Site Investigations

Site Investigations

Introduction

To systematically collect all relevant data about the proposed site that will assist the design and construction. The redevelopment of Brownfield sites often presents a number of concerns to land owners, developers and purchasers. Past uses of these sites can result in the presence of contaminants within the soil and groundwater.

Function of site analysis

Before you start work on any construction site, the client or developer want to know whether it is economically possible to build on the proposed site, as the condition of the ground and soil below site are unknown it poses a big risk to the construction site.

If a site analysis and setup is not carried out or an inadequate investigation is carried out, this could cause problems at a later date, for example structural problems, which at a later date could cause problems for the building owners, users and the insurers.

Many projects are built on brown field sites and it may be necessary to seal, stabilise or remove any contaminated ground, toxic waste or any other dangerous substances before starting the main construction work.

The main purpose of site analysis is to identify and reduce the risks associated with the development by taking down site features and soil characteristics, helping to determine the design and cost of suitable foundations and structure. A through site analysis is an essential first step that will assist development, design and construction decisions, and site analysis help to:

"Barry's introduction to construction of buildings explains that":

Ð'* The client to assess whether the project is viable

Ð'* The client, designer, structural engineer and contractor to locate the best position for building, avoiding identified problems where possible and making the best possible use of physical features and environmental conditions.

Ð'* The engineers to design the most suitable foundation system

Ð'* The mechanical and electrical consultant to design the service provision

Ð'* The designers and contractors to ensure that safe construction methods are used

The environmental consultant to identify the most suitable way of dealing with any contaminants and problem materials

Sequence of activities

Site analysis comprises of three related research activities all inter related, desk top study, site reconnaissance and the ground and soil investigations. The soil investigation may involve laboratory tests on liquids and gases found in soil samples. The order in which these activities are carried out will depend to a large extent on the nature of the development and timescale involved.

The desk-top study

This is a vital element in any site analysis exercise; the study involves the collection of all document and material without having to visit the site.

Legal ownership and legal boundaries

The client should provide information on the exact location of site boundaries; these will be checked against a measured survey and any areas of uncertainty checked by legal representatives. Other issues to be determined are: right of way, right of light, right of support, legal easement, ownership of land, right of tenant,

Ground condition

Collecting information on soil and subsoil conditions, from local authority,