Published: 15 Mar 2023
With HS2 currently back in the headlines, it seems a good opportunity to take a look at large infrastructure projects and the part land surveying plays in their development. While budgets for these projects often run into the millions or even billions of pounds, it is important to remember that the over ground activity is just one part of the project.
Look below the surface
Potentially with an even bigger impact, is the work that needs to take place below ground. Before even the first spade is in the ground, it is vital that developers understand what is hidden underground. The site of the project will be a big factor in determining this. For a project like a new road or train line, this will be a huge undertaking, as the utilities and services which need to be identified and mapped, will stretch over many miles, and potentially involve numerous different companies. Underground utilities detection includes cabling and pipework, and are associated with locating the supply of electricity, gas and water, as well as sewage and drainage pipes. They also include all the cabling and fibre optic wires for telecommunications.
Even some projects, that are contained within a smaller area, can still cause headaches for contractors, with challenges like sites where old buildings have been demolished but the utilities haven’t been removed, through to more complex things like old mine shafts, burial grounds, sites of archaeological interest, and even bomb sites being some of the more extreme issues that need to be tackled before work can progress.
First strike
With the myriad of pipes and cables running underground across the country, it is vital that a PUMA (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation) accredited survey company undertakes this work as the impact of a strike – in terms of time, money and health and safety – can have a huge impact on a project.
Underground utilities surveys are a crucial part of the pre-planning for any construction project. By mapping where existing services lie, it’s then possible to design accordingly, taking the existing layouts into account.
TSA is championing standards within the land surveying profession and understands the importance of ensuring projects have the best possible chance of success. By getting the underground utilities surveys right, developers have the best chance of meeting cost, budget and timescales. For more information, visit www.tsa-uk.org.uk
