Feasibility Study
We offer a range of flexible service solutions for feasibility studies and assist our clients in determining which level of details will be required to achieve their goal. The work is tailored to each client's needs and our aim is to provide cost and time effective planning at an early stage of the project to support our clients in decision making. We recognise the importance of an in-depth project management throughout the stages of feasibility study for efficient project completion. Our clerk of works option can follow through the project during the construction phase to make sure the client’s expectations are met, such as safety, deadlines and allocated budget. Also, to provide accurate as-built data to avoid problems with the new utility identification in the future.
As part of our Feasibility Study offering, we also provide a comprehensive Cable Route Design Service. Catsurveys has further enhanced our service offering with our NERS (National Electricity Registration Scheme) accredited Cable Design Service, part of our leading range of Feasibility Study services.
What does a Feasibility Study show?
A Feasibility Study is able to determine whether a project will be viable depending on the proposed environment and route. Ensuring that a feasibility study is used will assist in increasing design and construct-ability confidence . Risks can be assessed and more complex issues such as planning permissions and land use regulations can also be addressed during the feasibility study stage.
Route Options Finding (ROF)
To undertake a desktop exercise to identify realistic and possible route options between the point of connection and point of supply. The route options are presented to the client and Local Authority and a preferred route option is chosen between all parties. The drawing is handed over in CAD and PDF formats. Typical route choosing factors include:
Special Engineering Difficulties | Pinch Points | Road Types | Traffic Congestion | Utility Route Length | Proposed Cross Section.
Coordinated Utility Drawing (CUD)
To undertake a Desktop Utility Records Search (DURS) and produce the DURS Report inclusive but not limited to BT, CATV, COMMS, ELECTRICITY, GAS, WATER. To combine and digitize all DURS results into a single controlled drawing (composite) using Ordnance Surveys’ background information. The drawing is handed over in CAD and PDF formats.
Special Engineering Difficulty Investigation (SEDI)
Before the commencement of any feasibility study works we recommend to undertake an investigation on all SED’s along the preferred route. The investigation ranges from obtaining the structure records through non-intrusive GPR and CAT Scan surveys to geotechnical investigation e.g. boreholes and trial holes with the required level of reporting. A route proposal is then produced in plan and long section views and recommendations are clearly highlighted. The aim is to avoid unnecessary future spend. The drawing and the report are handed over in CAD and PDF formats. Typical SED’s are:
Bridge Decks | Culverts | Canals | Railways | Rivers | Motorways | High Risk Utilities
Feasibility Study – Site Reconnaissance & Underground Utility Detection
Based upon the previous studies both the Site Reconnaissance and Underground Utility Detection surveys will be carried out concurrently.
Site Reconnaissance
The Site Reconnaissance is a desktop exercise combined with a site walk-through and is aimed to confirm the route proposal (where Underground Utility Detection may not be necessary). The study is handed over in CAD, PDF, Word and Excel formats and inclusive of the proposal being superimposed on the route photographs (optional). Hard copy is available upon request.
Underground Utility Detection
To undertake non-intrusive GPR and CAT Scan survey works inclusive of the recording of the identified assets in the nominated sections along the preferred cable route. A basic topographical survey also takes place to ensure that all relevant aboveground infrastructure is captured. The Underground Utility Detection raises the confidence level and accuracy of the data within a given section. The route proposal is then updated as per the survey result. The aim is to confirm utility location along sections of the preferred route.
Geotechnical Investigation (GI)
To undertake core sampling, borehole and trial hole excavations as per specific project requirements. In-situ and laboratory testing is available. The required level of Geotechnical Report (i.e. Factual; Highways Specification; Network Rail Specification; etc.) The Geotechnical investigation is the final touch on the feasibility studies. It enables the verification of the previously collated information on buried services, structures or ground profiles confirming the accuracy and feasibility or the route proposed.