Are all Line & Level Surveys the same?

No. Line and level surveys can be conducted using one or more of a variety of survey methods, including but not limited to the following;

• Lamping Surveys (effectively assumes a straight line between 2 fixed points)
• Electromagnetic Probing (Sonde) Surveys
• Acoustic Based Detection Methods
• Topographic Line & Level Surveys (Full Man Entry ‘Walk Through’ Methods)
• LiDAR Scanning (Full Man Entry ‘Walk Through’ Methods)
• Basic Gyroscopic Alignment (Entry limited to chambers)
• Enhanced Gyroscopic Alignment (Entry limited to chambers)
• Gyroscopic Alignment & Autonomous In-Pipe LiDAR Scanning (Entry limited to chambers)

Does it matter which survey method I use?

Yes. This will directly affect the accuracy and reliability of the Line & Level Survey Data and you should ensure when selecting the most appropriate survey method that this provides sufficient reliability to offset or adequately mitigate your future risk levels from construction, piling etc.

How do I know which survey method I need?

This will depend on key priorities and whether these are more heavily weighted in favour of budget or accuracy. When prioritising these factors, please consider the cost of claims or necessary re-design in the event that survey data proves to be inaccurate.
Whilst lower level methods may be perfectly adequate in certain low risk situations, there will be many instances where these will be ruled out on the basis of their limitations and/or susceptibility to external factors such as depth, presence of other underground infrastructure, asset material, survey distance, access etc.

How can I compare survey methods?

Infotec Surveys have developed a unique calculation tool to enable you to consider all available survey options and to make the right choice when commissioning works or seeking quotations on a ‘like for like’ basis.

Are there any other factors I should consider?

Whilst there are many reputable survey companies out there, you should be aware that they are not all equally capable. It is also highly unlikely that you will find a single contractor with direct access to or experience of all available survey methods. You should therefore ensure that you approach the appropriate specialists and consider the ‘value’ of any competitive proposals and not simply the ‘cost’. Do not make the mistake of simply assuming that all ‘Line & Level’ surveys must be equal……they are not!

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Infotec Surveys were duly appointed to provide detailed mapping, inspection and 3D visualisation of the large diameter Thames Water Sewers bordering the development in Grosvenor Gardens, Beeston Place, Eaton Lane and Buckingham Palace Road.

Understanding the importance and proximity of these Victorian Structures and their impact on the proposed restoration project, the client commissioned a comprehensive package of Pre-construction Surveys in order to satisfy the immediate Build Over Requirements and also to inform future stages of the project. This included Full Line, Level and Condition Surveys incorporating Gyroscopic Alignment and LiDAR Mapping techniques, in addition to Visual CCTV Inspection complemented by Full In-Pipe LiDAR Scanning of the internal structures.

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As part of the Wembley PINK Coach & Car Park Project, Europe’s first multi-storey steel coach and car park, we were appointed to accurately plot the alignment and internal extent of a large diameter, fast flowing trunk sewer running beneath the proposed development site.

This particular sewer has historically been very difficult to survey due to its high flow volumes, which cannot be effectively diverted or throttled to facilitate more conventional survey solutions. 

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Protecting both your own assets and the major assets of others is a key factor when embarking on a proposed Build Over project, especially when piling closely to subterranean structures. Building foundations and excavation machinery can apply dangerous loads onto structures including sewers, pipelines and tunnels and the damage may not be instant or immediately visible, causing future problems for investors, developers and asset managers alike. Infotec Surveys provides 3D mapping solutions that facilitate safe, close proximity works for Build Over developments.

So, what are the key considerations and risk points?

Sewers, Pipelines & Tunnels

The plans of underground structures can date back decades and even centuries. Why would any architect or developer work with such data? For example, manhole positions may have changed so a true centreline provides no guarantee of accuracy even if sewers were to run straight, which they invariably do not.

To help mitigate this risk, Infotec Surveys can provide the following remote mapping and inspection surveys as part of an extensive suite of asset protection services:

• Gyroscopic Alignment & Autonomous In-Pipe LiDAR Scanning
• Remote LiDAR Scanning of Underground Structures
• Long Range, Semi-submersible & High-Risk Solutions
• Movement Monitoring & Piling Protection Packages
• Electromagnetic Probing & CCTV Inspection 
• Basement Surveys

Surveys and inspections can be conducted within a range of environments including but not limited to;

• Drains, Highway Drains & Sewers
• Culverted Watercourses
• Utility Pipelines 
• Service Tunnels
• Chambers and Wells
• Basements and other underground structures

Excavations & Earthworks

Don’t underestimate the impact of what may be considered low risk, routine site works. Impacts can be catastrophic to utilities and transport networks, particularly those of certain construction types (i.e. Wedge Block Tunnels) which rely upon the ground above and around for structural integrity and may be adversely impacted by removal of overburden as well as more obvious damage from downward forces.

Excavations can often be seen as low risk and assumed to have no impact on subterranean infrastructure. Utilities and transport networks such as London Underground and other access tunnels can be impacted by even the most routine site works. Understanding the precise working limits of any project is key to asset protection and should be underpinned by detailed and reliable survey information to mitigate risk.

Asset Strike

Structural penetration can have a catastrophic effect on any project. Advanced mapping solutions such as those provided by Infotec can help avoid asset strikes and again, this is critical for sewers and subterranean transport and facilities networks where plans and maps can often be inaccurate or out of date.

Infotec offers pioneering solutions including gyroscopically tracked in-pipe LIDAR and 3D infrastructure point cloud modelling, which can provide you with unparalleled accuracy to mitigate asset strikes. This is especially important with a build over survey, as you can prove your development did not cause damage, no matter how small.

Are you ready to protect your project and assets with a build over survey?

Infotec provides BIM-compliant surveying services across the UK to ensure you build safe, stay safe and maximise your real estate potential, whilst mitigating risk and ensuring first-time success for your project. 

Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion here https://infotecsurveys.co.uk/contact-us/

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