Buried Obstruction Surveys
Written by J. Jackson | Published: 3rd September 2024
Buried obstruction surveys are a type of Utility Survey that allows us to see what’s lying underground without the need for digging an area up and potentially causing damage to the scanned surface or the buried objects.
These surveys allow us to identify any buried obstructions early, avoiding any surprises that will cause delays further into the project.
Every SolidPoint buried obstruction survey follows HSG47 regulations for improved health & safety, ensuring that our team are always taking the necessary precautions to keep themselves safe.
How Does It Work?
To conduct buried obstruction surveys, we use a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), a non-destructive, non-intrusive detection and imaging method that identifies subsurface anomalies that are either underground or within surfaces – for example, within concrete.
The GPR sends a radio signal through a surface and reads the ‘bounce’ (the time the signal takes to return back to the GPR). This ‘bounce’ indicates the distance between the underground surface and the GPR.
What Can a GPR Detect?
A GPR can detect both metal and non-metal utilities, such as:
- Electrical conduit
- Steam pipes
- Gas and oil lines
- Water lines
- Sewers and gas mains
- Corpses / graves / bones
- Fuel and vent pipes
- Lighting cables
As well as this, it can also locate multiple utilities, such as:
- Voids
- Rebar
- Conduit
- Post-tension cables
- Big structures
- Basements / crypts
Obstruction surveys play a crucial role in construction projects, urban development, archeology & heritage preservation, and so much more due to the huge variety of benefits they provide.
Some of the benefits to come from these surveys include:
Preventing Costly Delays
Avoid discovering old foundations, pipes or tunnels after breaking ground by locating them early and giving you ample time to plan the necessary precautions to avoid them.
Versatility
GPR surveys can be conducted over various ground conditions, such as concrete, fields and city centres as long as the ground is relatively flat.
Safety
Detecting buried hazards, such as voids, sinkholes or unstable ground ensures that your team and equipment are safe at all times
Efficiency & Accuracy
Finding buried utilities without needing to dig up various areas allows for more accurate and informed decisions to be made prior to starting your project
Take a Look At Our Buried Obstruction Case Studies!
Becket Primary School
Pear Tree Infant School
How Can SolidPoint Help Your Project?
At SolidPoint, we are passionate about providing accurate and efficiently collected data for our clients and have worked on numerous projects across the UK. If you are looking to employ drone surveying in your next project, please don’t hesitate to Get in touch with a member of our friendly team to discuss your requirements.
Alternatively, you can call us on 01332 898350 or email us at projects@solidpoint.co.uk for more information on our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
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