The results of site surveys, tests and investigations must be submitted to the council before any design work is issued.
Site surveys may include:
- Appropriate pavement investigation as agreed
- ditches;
- existing drainage systems and outfalls;
- services and existing foundations;
- a survey of existing trees and other soft landscape features including;
- the condition of each tree, its size and form, details of tree preservation orders
- Existing buildings (including valuation, measured surveys, structural surveys, structural investigations, condition surveys, and demolition surveys)
- details of how surface water run-off will be dispersed;
- consultation with the Environment Agency;
- the depth of the water table and perched water tables;
- the impact on adjacent developments and land;
- a risk assessment of chemical contamination;
- Geological and geotechnical;
- Topographical surveys, perhaps including laser scanning, Lidar or photogrammetry;
- Contamination;
- Speed surveys;
- Ground Penetrating Radar;
- CCTV Drainage;
- Statutory Undertakers;
- Ecological survey;
- Archaeological;
- Traffic and transport;
- the stability and acceptability of earthworks;
- an assessment of subgrade strength;
- the frost susceptibility of subgrade;
- the suitability of subgrade soils for lime or cement stabilisation (if required);
- the possible recycling of on-site materials;
- Flood risk;
- Air quality;
- Historic use;
- Boundary surveys;
- Structural surveys (including retained structures, underground structures and obstructions);
- Unexploded bomb survey;
- Asbestos and other hazardous materials surveys and registers;
- Soil survey;
British Standards for surveys and investigations
The British Standard that refers to site surveys, tests, and investigations for highway works is BS 5930:2015+A1:2020 .
This standard provides guidance on the sequence of a ground investigation from initial considerations through the phased design and implementation of an investigation programme and its reporting, to the continuing investigation during and after construction. It also helps assess the suitability of sites for construction operations and civil engineering works, as well as gives best practice recommendations to gather the right information on features of a site that might affect the design and construction of these works, as well as the safety of neighbouring land and property.
Site investigations should include:
- Susceptibility to groundwater levels and flow.
- Underlying geology, and ground and hydro-geological properties.
- Identification of physical hazards.
- Identification of methane and other gases.
- Determining an appropriate design.
- Providing soil parameters for design and construction.
Other relevant standards include but are not limited to:
- British Standard (BS 5837:2012): Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction
- Standards and guidance produced by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
- CIEEM’s Guidance on Ecological Survey and Assessment
- British Standard BS 8596:2015 – Surveying for Bats in Trees and Woodland
- Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – a technique for environmental audit
- Ciria’s Environmental Good Practice on Site Guide
- Construction Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites
When the results of tests are required
Results of tests should be submitted during technical approval to the council’s Engineer before construction begins. The council’s planning ecologists and planning archaeologists should also be contacted for guidance on survey expectations.