Our engineers can provide clear and accurate data on the condition and construction of civil engineering structures, from their overall geometry to the smallest bolt. We use a range of techniques, including full dimensional surveys, deformation monitoring, laser scanning and traditional surveying.We can remotely or directly measure structures to sub-millimetre accuracy and create two-dimensional drawings or three-dimensional models that demonstrate our findings.

Where certain elements of a structure are inaccessible, such as beam ends or half joints to bridges, we can use methods such as breakouts, ground excavation and temporary structural supports to expose and inspect these for hidden defects. The elements are then reinstated after the investigation is complete.

Our engineers can also carry out internal corrosion surveys of metallic structures by drilling pilot holes for borescope investigations, or by using non‐intrusive techniques.

We plan and carry out a full range of non-destructive testing and laboratory analysis services to provide detailed and accurate reports on a structure’s condition. As well as standard testing suites, we carry out bridge cable corrosion investigations using radiographic and magnetic flux reflectography techniques, and can assess the structural and geotechnical capacity of ground-bearing slabs using coring, reinforcement mapping and geotechnical investigation methods.

An integral part of our pipe bridge investigations for water companies is strategic, in situ pipeline testing and residual life assessment.

Our standard non-destructive testing methods include:
• Half cell mapping
• Cover meter surveys
• Ferroscan
• Determination of chloride ion content
• Resistivity testing
• Ground Penetrating Radar
• Ultrasonic Pulse Echo thickness measurement
• Acoustic emissions testing
• Paint inspection to ICORR standards
• MPI ultrasonic and ACFM testing of steel structures
• Petrographic analysis
• Radiographic analysis
• HAC concrete testing
• Sulphates and alkali analysis
• Tensile strength surveys
• Cement content and mix details
• Compressive strength
• Pull-off testing
• BRE screed testing
• Rebound Schmidt hammer tests
• Delamination surveys

Our team is highly experienced in planning and carrying out intrusive post-tensioned and pre-stressed special inspections, working to Design Manual for Roads and Bridges standards or other standards determined by the client. We also undertake inspections of external post‐tensioning and suspension systems. We use a wealth of non-destructive testing methods to provide a range of inspection services, from mapping the profile and position of deflected post-tensioned cables to assessing voiding, corrosion potential and the condition of wires, strands and anchorages.

Techniques include:
• Ground Penetrating Radar
• Ultrasonic Pulse Echo thickness measurement
• Ferroscan and borescope surveys
• Grout sampling and analysis
• Concrete coring and breakouts
• Duct locators
• Radiographics

Using wet coring methods, we can extract material samples through concrete, stone, masonry and highway pavement. By drilling or cutting, we can also obtain steel samples. We then test these samples to determine properties such as strength, material composition, contamination and weldability, as well as determining the thickness of the material and how it’s constructed. Projects we’ve worked on include:
• Deep diamond coring to 2400mm to establish the profile and construction of abutments, slabs and retaining walls for capacity assessment
• Deep drilling into piled foundations
• Extracting cores for petrographic analysis
• Extracting pavement cores
• Shallow coring to enable concrete strength and density analysis
• Small diameter coring through half joints and post-tensioned beams to establish accurate chloride profiles from the surface and into the concrete element
• Swarf sampling and testing for weldability and material composition
• Steel sampling for tensile strength testing

We use the Hilti Ferroscan reinforcement detection system and pulse echo ultrasonic testing, combined with targeted breakouts and hammer visual surveys, to map the position, cover, size, lap length and spacing of concrete reinforcement.Whether you need localised information for steel reinforcement avoidance, or fully detailed structure-wide reinforcement mapping to enable strength capacity assessment, we can produce accurate data on site, or prepare detailed drawings and CAD models at our office.

Our engineers can also provide a full dimensional and condition survey of a structure, highlighting potential corrosion hot spots, voiding and defect locations, so you can plan and prepare for refurbishment. Techniques include ground penetrating radar, diamond coring, half cell potential, carbonation, resistivity and chloride content analysis.

We carry out fully-managed inspection and condition surveys for clients throughout the UK and overseas. Our end-to-end service includes organising and implementing road space, waterway and rail possessions and permits, arranging traffic management and enabling specialist access. As well as our extensive experience in bridge inspection, we inspect and undertake condition surveys of a diverse range of civil engineering structures. These include underground reservoirs, culverts, stormwater attenuation structures, tunnels, foundries, car parks, buildings, pipelines and retaining structures.

We regularly carry out confined space surveys and can manage all aspects of specialist access in-house, including dewatering, desilting, river flow management and mining communications.