Phase 1 desk studies
A Stage 1 Tier 1 Desk Study is an important part of site investigation, whether or not the site has been developed.
What goes into a desk study
Commonly a requirement of the local planning authority or warranty provider.
We review and summarise commercially available historical maps and database reports, then check the site against the risks that matter for its ground.
- Historical and present contaminative usesFrom historical maps and database reports
- Flood risksCommercially available database reports
- Aquifer designationsAnd groundwater vulnerability
- Chalk dissolution featuresSite-specific ground risk
- Coal miningSite-specific ground risk
- Clay desiccationSite-specific ground risk
- Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)With third-party reports commissioned as required
- Local authority recordsWe contact the authority for information not held in general databases
- Site walk-over surveyAn essential element, to identify visual risks
What the report gives you
Preliminary Risk Assessment
The desk study assimilates the environmental information needed to provide a Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA).
Initial Conceptual Site Model
An initial Conceptual Site Model (CSM), with preliminary information and geotechnical assessment of the site.
Recommendations for exploratory work
Targeted recommendations that shape the Phase 2 investigation. Our database of reports from the last 38 years is an invaluable source of information on ground conditions.
Why commission one first
Desk studies have the potential to save in all aspects of the planning process, in money and in time. Where possible, the client should be encouraged to undertake a desk study before specifying a Phase 2 ground investigation.
- Identify past and present potential contaminative sources on and near the site
- Understand potential variations in ground conditions
- Lead to economical design of foundations and geotechnical structures
- Mitigate risk and reduce the likelihood of unforeseen ground conditions
- Reduce the chances of delays on site
- Forecast budgets accurately