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Re-inforced Concrete Mapping
and Characterisation
Most structural concrete used in modern construction is re-inforced with a
mesh of bars. When remedial work is to be carried out on these structures it
is important to know where the rebars are located within the concrete slab....
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Multiple-Technique Approach
to Buried Mineshaft Location
The approximate location of many mine shafts are recorded on historic
mapping and other records held by organisations such as The Coal
Authority. These shafts are unlikely to have been adequately filled or capped
and so need exposing to allow checking before development work goes
ahead. However, as the recorded positions are normally only approximate it
is cost-effective to carry out a non-invasive geophysical survey first to target
where the excavation should be made....
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Location of Buried Fuel Tanks
It is important to know the location of buried fuel tanks for health, safety and
environmental reasons. This knowledge will also inform the development of
sites where tanks may have been buried but are now disused. Typical sites
where such tanks may be buried are petrol filling stations (PFS), council
depots, fire and ambulance stations, military bases and industrial sites.... |
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Underground Utility Mapping
The mapping of existing underground utilities has many benefits in the
design, construction and operation of networks, office, factory and
warehouse facilities, transport systems and new projects. The benefits which
can stem from good quality mapping include the safety of the workforce and
public, minimising utility damage, minimising project delays, saving delay and
damage costs, designing and planning knowing the constraints and saving
costs with as built records.... |
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The Use of Ground Probing
Radar in the Maintenance of
Canal Locks and Waterfronts
Many of the canals in the UK are over 200 years old. Repeated use during
that time has resulted in areas of voiding where water under pressure has
forced its way through the masonry and brick lining of the lock chambers.
The adjacent photo shows water leaking around the top gates and through
weak masonry joints into the chamber.... |
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Location of Air Voids and Cavities
Burial vaults, crypts and heating ducts are some examples of why voiding
can be expected beneath floors. If these are dilapidated they can
be a potential danger. As part of the re-ordering of a church in Oxford a
radar survey was carried out to assess for voids. As a control for the radar a
known void was surveyed.... |
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Location of Air Raid Shelters
Throughout the UK thousands of air raid shelters were constructed during
World War II. These varied from large public shelters built with bricks and
re-inforced concrete through to small private shelters using corrugated
steel panels. Many of these were removed after the war, however, others
remain buried and are often encountered during construction works. This is
particularly true on urban sites....
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Archaeological Investigations
A requirement of planning approval in the UK is that archaeological
investigations are carried out in advance of construction works. These will
include both buried remains and also above ground structures. If necessary
the planning officer may require the developer to alter layout plans to take
into account the preservation of features identified.... |
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The Extent of Badger Setts
In the UK badgers are a protected species under the Protection of
Badgers Act 1992. This makes it an offence to kill, injure, take or be cruel
to a badger, and also prohibits interference with a sett. It is important that
prior to works taking place the potential impact on badgers is considered.
This is especially true for green field sites where there is a higher likelihood
of encountering badgers.... |
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Characterisation of Land Forms
Prior to construction and infrastructure projects it may be necessary to characterise landscape features to assess their suitability for design purposes. These may include depth of drift cover to bedrock, body of
water profiling and sediment thickness, or the extent of sink hole formation.... |
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High Frequency Structural Radar
Renovation work on existing buildings will very often involve taking action
on the brick work and standing walls. Features can be expected within
the fabric of the wall that require locating to inform on the design of the
remediation works. This can include flues and chimneys, embedded
historic structures
such as timbers,
and voiding caused
by crumbling masonry.... |
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