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A UXO Survey is a means of proactive UXO Risk Mitigation undertaken to reduce the risk of encountering unexploded ordnance on a parcel of land, or marine environment, to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
A UXO Risk Assessment should be undertaken first to determine whether a UXO Survey is required (based on the history of the site), and what type of survey is appropriate – based on factors such as the nature of the risk, the proposed scope of works and ground conditions.
The procedure for a UXO Survey involves scanning and probing the terrain to assess if there are unexploded items of ordnance embedded in the ground, this is to make sure any planned ground works can be completed safely and with the minimum amount of risk to those involved.
We provide a Non-intrusive UXO Survey (walkover, vehicle towed or Drone) and an Intrusive UXO Survey – and the type of UXO Survey we recommend will depend on the risk level of your project.
Ideal for Greenfield site projects (which is previously undeveloped land with little extraneous ferrous contamination).
By walking or towing a mobile detection system over the ground surface our equipment can map your entire project site location.
In good ground conditions, a Non-intrusive UXO Survey can detect a 50kg bomb up to 4m below the surface. It is also ideal for locating smaller and more shallow-buried items such as grenades, mortars and projectiles – both on land and over water.
Perfect for Greenfield land (which is previously undeveloped land with little extraneous ferrous contamination).
Using a Drone / Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) which has been installed with the latest magnetometer sensors, collision / obstacle detectors and laser terrain following technology, the drone is flown autonomously and can map a project site location area in a matter of hours.
This technology is particularly useful when trying to detect very small items of UXO or larger items which are buried deeper, it’s fast to deploy and can cover large areas.
This survey is ideal for detecting deep buried bombs even on previously developed ‘brownfield’ land, and providing clearance of intrusive works ahead of piling or boreholes.
A magnetometer probe is pushed into the ground under hydraulic pressure, and we survey a column of soil to detect for deep buried unexploded bombs (UXBs).
Each survey position provides a column of clearance (diameter dependant on ground conditions) with more than one pile location covered by each survey (dependant on pile spacing) – reducing the overall number of surveys required.
We provide our clients with detailed reports following a Non-intrusive or Intrusive UXO Survey.
Advanced software analysis creates a false-colour survey map showing all identified ferrous targets and anomalies which model (in size and shape) as potential UXO. For Intrusive Surveys, real-time data logs are saved and processed by our in-house geophysical team.
These reports highlight the findings of the surveys, and include any recommendations for further investigation of specific targets should anything of interest be detected.
As one of the UK’s leading UXO Survey Companies we have vast experience working in both land and marine environments, for a variety of complex projects – in accordance with CIRIA C681 Guidelines.
Browse the most commonly asked UXO Survey questions or contact us if you have a specific enquiry
Current and former military land (airfields, ranges, training areas, munitions manufacturing and storage facilities etc.) can also often have a risk of UXO contamination.
Some of the most densely bombed cities in the UK are listed below:
Additionally, more and more construction projects are developed on ex-military land, which can also carry a significant risk of UXO contamination. Read more about roles and responsibilities of construction industry professionals when dealing with UXO here.
The type of support recommended will depend on factors such as the level and nature of the UXO risk, ground conditions and the scope of proposed works – contact us to find out more. UXO Support differs from a UXO Survey because it is a two-stage process and uses different methodology (data collection / interpretation followed by a physical target investigation).
We can deploy specialist magnetometer survey equipment to detect for shallow-buried items of UXO on your Greenfield project.
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We use a magnetometer probe to detect for deep-buried UXB’s on your project, highly suitable for intrusive ground works like piling.
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Construction industry guidance about Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) risk – a complete guide to the risk management process.
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We offer a wide range of professional services and technology to assess, survey, mitigate, support and manage the risk of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO).
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Contact us for more information about choosing the correct type of UXO Survey for your project – we’re always happy to help.
Call: +44 (0) 1992 245020 or Email: info@1stlinedefence.co.uk
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