Construction Activities


The Site

 A Building or Construction Site can be considered as a  temporary  factory employing the necessary resources to successfully fulfill a contract.


Site Survey


Site Analysis - prior to purchasing a building site it is essential to conduct a 

thorough survey to ascertain whether the site characteristics suit the 

development concept.

 

The following guidance forms a basic checklist:

*Refer to Ordnance Survey maps to determine adjacent features,

    location, roads, facilities, footpaths and rights of way.

*Conduct a measurement survey to establish site dimensions and levels.

*Observe surface characteristics, i.e. trees, steep slopes, existing buildings, rock outcrops, wells.

*Inquire of local authority whether preservation orders affect the site and if it forms part of a conservation area.

*Investigate subsoil - Use trial holes and borings to determine soil quality and water table level.

*Consider flood potential, possibilities for drainage of water table, capping of springs, filling of ponds, diversion of streams and rivers.

*Consult local utilities providers for underground and overhead services, proximity to site and whether they cross the site.

*Note suspicious factors such as filled ground, cracks in the ground, subsidence due to mining and any cracks in existing buildings.

*Decide on best location for building (if space permits) with regard to `cut and fill', land slope, exposure to sun and


Site Investigations

 

Site Investigation for new construction


•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

 

1  Desk Study ~ collection of known data, to include:

 

•   Ordnance Survey maps - historical and modern, grid reference.

•   Geological maps - subsoil types.

•   Site history.

•   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 - protected wildlife.

 
                            
                          •   Local knowledge - information/rights of way.
                            
                          •   Proximity of local land-fill sites.

                 2 . 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

*  Topography mapping.

• ground conditions:



* Water table.

* Flood potential - local water courses and springs.

* Soil types.

* Engineering risks - ground subsidence, mining, old fuel tanks.

•   Take subsoil samples and conduct in-situ tests.

•      Consider the need for subsoil exploration, trial pits and boreholes.


•  Appraise existing structures:

 

*  Potential for reuse/refurbishment.

*  Archaeological value/preservation orders.

*  Demolition - costs, health issues (e.g. asbestos).