At Abbeydale Geoscience we like to help our clients from the very beginning! Ideally this would even be before applying for planning permission, so that we can feed into the preliminary design, where possible
The first things that we look at are the history, geology and environmental setting of a site, and build up an initial understanding, and what might need to be considered to further assess the potential risks.
A Phase 1 Desk Study is an initial investigation into the history and environmental setting of a piece of land. It involves reviewing existing records, such as historical maps, geological surveys, and planning documents, to identify potential issues like previous industrial use, contamination, or unstable ground conditions. This study is typically the first step in a land development project and helps determine if further, more intrusive investigations are needed. It's crucial for understanding potential risks and liabilities associated with the site, informing the design and planning process, and ensuring the safety and suitability of the land for its intended use.
Flood risk assessments (FRAs) are reports evaluating the potential for flooding at a specific location, considering various sources like rivers, coasts, and surface water. Often required by local authorities for new developments, especially in flood-prone areas, FRAs help ensure buildings and infrastructure are designed to withstand floods. They identify risk reduction measures, such as raised floor levels or improved drainage, and inform emergency planning by highlighting potential hazards and aiding community preparedness.
A coal mining risk assessment (CMRA) is a crucial evaluation of the potential dangers posed by past or present coal and shallow mining operations on a given piece of land. This assessment meticulously examines historical mining records, geological maps, and borehole data to identify specific hazards. Key concerns addressed in a coal mining risk assessment include the presence of abandoned mine shafts, adits, the potential for ground subsidence, and the release of hazardous gases. Particularly in regions with a history of mining, a thorough coal and shallow mining risk assessment is indispensable for any new development. By accurately identifying these risks, the assessment enables the implementation of effective mitigation strategies, safeguarding the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of future occupants. The outcome of a comprehensive coal or shallow mining risk assessment directly impacts the planning and design phases of any project, making it an essential component of responsible land development in former mining areas.
A soakaway assessment determines if a site's ground conditions are suitable for a soakaway system, which manages surface water drainage. Knowing whether soakaway drainage might be an option for surface water drainage is a fundamental part of most developments, and to meet Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) requirements. It involves tests like percolation tests to measure how quickly water infiltrates the soil. This assessment is crucial for new developments, ensuring effective and sustainable drainage, preventing flooding, and complying with regulations. By assessing soil permeability and groundwater levels, a soakaway assessment helps design appropriately sized soakaways, minimizing the risk of waterlogging and environmental damage.
A ground source heating assessment evaluates the feasibility and efficiency of using a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system at a specific location. It involves analyzing geological data, including soil type, thermal conductivity, and groundwater conditions, to determine the ground's suitability for heat extraction. This assessment is essential for optimizing system design, ensuring efficient heat transfer, and predicting long-term performance. By understanding the ground's thermal properties and potential limitations, a ground source heating assessment helps determine the appropriate size and type of heat pump system, minimising installation costs and maximising energy savings.
There are many types of geotechnical assessments that we can assist with as geotechnical consultants. A geotechnical assessment evaluates the physical properties of soil and rock to determine their suitability for construction. It involves site investigations, including boreholes and soil testing, to analyse factors like soil strength, compressibility, and groundwater conditions. This assessment is vital for ensuring the stability and safety of structures, preventing issues like foundation settlement, slope failures, and ground instability. By providing detailed information on subsurface conditions, a geotechnical assessment informs foundation design, earthwork planning, and construction methods, minimising risks and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
