SCOPE OF WORKS:

• A topographical survey to enable the new CWM to be designed use.

• Remove existing battens, 3 layers of felt back to deck.

• A PAS 128 buried services search to understand where buried services would need to be diverted, and to design new connections

• A CCTV survey of the existing drains to understand whether the drains can be re-used as part of the new project canopy.

• Trial pitting to understand the ground profile for the proposed CWMy.

• In-Situ testing to understand the strength of the ground for the proposed CWM.

• Concrete coring of the existing CWM concrete slab and apron to establish the thickness and composition to allow for removal of the existing slab and apron.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We were employed to undertake a combined ground investigation in the location of a new Carriage Wash Facility. The site was challenging, being adjacent to the live railway, requiring the coordination of a number of subcontractors and upon arrival discovering access constraints. Fortunately, the team on site adapted quickly to the challenges, to allow the work to be completed in two days, without the need for any contingency.

In addition to the physical constraints, the works demanded careful planning to ensure that safety protocols associated with working near an operational rail line were fully observed. This required close liaison with railway representatives, strict adherence to agreed time windows, and coordinated movements of personnel and equipment. Despite these layers of complexity, the team maintained clear communication throughout, which greatly contributed to the smooth execution of the project.

The arrival of several subcontractors, each with different responsibilities, presented another logistical element that needed careful management. Ensuring that each trade could operate efficiently without impeding one another required both flexibility and decisive on-site leadership. By reorganising work sequences and reallocating resources at short notice, the on-site supervisors ensured that productivity remained high and that the programme stayed on track.

The survey established that the drains on the site had been installed as surface water drains and not sewers, and therefore lacked the necessary fall for the volume of silt arising from the current CWM. This finding highlighted that the existing infrastructure was not designed to accommodate the operational demands now placed upon it. As a result, the inadequate gradient had allowed silt to accumulate over time, reducing flow capacity and increasing the likelihood of blockages.

These findings not only clarified the root cause of the drainage issues but also emphasised the importance of implementing a more robust, purpose-designed system. The survey results will now inform recommendations for remedial works, ensuring that any future installations meet both current operational requirements and long-term maintenance expectations.