Industrial Site Investigation
Industrial sites, large or small, have a complex of characteristics which requires careful examination, study and analysis in order to properly judge their suitability or potential suitability for use. Industrial site investigations are undertaken by a range of individuals and organisations, both public and private, in order to identify these characteristics, evaluate their suitability and ultimately, ensure the safety of all parties using the site for industrial purposes.
The aim of any industrial site investigation is to identify and assess the physical, chemical and biological factors that might affect the use, development or operation of the site. This can involve evaluating existing planning policies and land characteristics such as soils, construction materials and topography. Infrastructure such as existing services, drainage systems and road networks are also taken into account, as well as the possibility of existing contamination or underground storage tanks. These sites must meet safety, efficiency, air quality and environmental regulations, as well as often having to undergo public consultation and approval.
An industrial site investigation begins with the remapping of all features of the site, such as visual features, soil and rock types, infrastructure, vegetation and land-use patterns, as well as recording the development constraints. Through the use of geophysical techniques such as GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) or seismic refraction a picture of the subsurface conditions can be produced which provides a three-dimensional view of the soil and rock below the surface. This information can then be used to assess potential and existing geological risks, and to determine whether the site is suitable for the planned use and development.
Geotechnical data such as soil strength, soil stability and groundwater conditions will also be assessed in order to design the foundations and other support systems for the planned structure and prepare for the construction process. Soil sampling will also be undertaken to determine the mineral and organic content and classify the soil. This is important for the building of foundations, site grading, and the disposal of any waste materials.
Environmental data is also collected as part of the investigation. This includes air, water, topsoil and subsoil quality through soil, groundwater and surface water testing. The biota, or living organisms, on the site are also taken into account, as well as any buried hazardous materials. If an underground storage tank is present, the geophysical survey will be able to detect its presence and the investigation can proceed to plan for its removal.
By collecting this range of data, an industrial site investigation can provide a detailed analysis of the suitability and potential suitability of the site for its planned industrial use. It is important to undertake such an investigation to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation, and to prevent any unexpected issues which could arise.
