OUR CHALLENGE
Our extensive experience in undertaking ground investigations enables us to provide appropriate parameters for optimal foundation design.
Our geotechnical and survey teams offer a multi-disciplinary service for overhead line, rail and underground cabling projects.
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
The extent of non-destructive testing recommended will be based upon the desk study work and techniques will include:
- Transient dynamic response, TDR (including TECO) to assess the integrity of the concrete and the foundation depth using sophisticated impedance profiling and simulation software adapted from pile integrity testing.
- BGC Map corrosion system to determine the rate of corrosion of the steel stub using linear polarisation techniques.
- Soil resistivity testing as high resistance will limit electron flow and reduce corrosion potential.
- Soil redox testing (an indicator of oxygen levels) and pH can affect the rate of corrosion of the sub-surface steelwork. High oxygen levels and acidic conditions increase corrosion potential.
- Soil chemical testing – pH, sulphates (water soluble and acid soluble), total sulphur, chloride, magnesium, ammonium, aggressive carbon dioxide and nitrate for concrete design in aggressive ground.
- Concrete testing – in situ carbonation testing to assess the penetration of potential carbonation associated with reinforcement corrosion and shrinkage.
- Concrete testing – Schmitt hammer for compression strength and visual inspection.
OUR SERVICES
We have taken the non-destructive testing of transmission line towers in-house and now offer a full range of foundation analysis:
- Structural loading
- Desk study incorporating quantified risk assessment (QRA)
- Non-destructive testing
- Intrusive inspection
- Interpretive reporting
- Foundation strengthening/upgrading design
