RIFAS Ground Investigations

As part of the scheme’s initial works, the project’s design consultants, JBA Consulting, are to carry out site surveys along the scheme frontage from 29 June 2020.

The Project Team have developed Frequently Asked Questions for the ground investigation works. If you have any questions that are not covered on this page please contact us at rifas@southampton.gov.uk.

What are you doing?

To help with development of feasible flood risk management solutions we need to undertake GI in order to understand the ground conditions on site. The surveys will be carried out using Ground Penetrating Radar and utilities detection surveys (Phase 1) as well as main Ground Investigation intrusive works (Phase 2).

What are Ground Penetrating Radar and utilities detection surveys?

A utilities detection survey is used to identify services underground. One way to do this is through a Ground Penetrating Radar survey which uses radar signals to detects anomalies underground. It is non-intrusive and is our best opportunity at avoiding service disruption.

What are Ground Investigation intrusive works?

The method of collecting data will be Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs). These involve pushing a cone into the ground and measuring resistance to the cone, providing information on the soil and material below ground. A drilling rig will be on standby to deal with any obstructions in the ground.

Where will the surveys be taking place?

All GI surveys will be undertaken on private land along the scheme frontage. The works will be on the quayside and no works will be undertaken within the watercourse. Contact has been made with all landowners and leaseholders that will be affected by the GI surveys.

Who will carry out the surveys?

The works will be managed by VolkerStevin, supervising a subcontractor.

When will the surveys be taking place?

The investigations will be taking place from Mid-January. Further investigations may be required as the scheme develops.

How will this impact me?

All the surveys are being carried out on private land and during the surveys there will be no disruption to Public Right of Way. While the surveys are being carried out, it is anticipated that the areas will be cordoned off, preventing access to anyone other than the Ground Investigation team.

If you believe that you may be affected by the surveys but have yet to receive correspondence from the Project Team, please contact us at rifas@southampton.gov.uk