All four survey disciplines under a single contract and a unified set of reports for expert review.
A brief introduction to building surveys and a guide to the right service.
Describe your site and objective — we will advise which documents you need.
All four survey disciplines under a single contract and a unified set of reports for expert review.
A brief introduction to building surveys and a guide to the right service.
Describe your site and objective — we will advise which documents you need.
We assess how the excavation pit, foundation works and dewatering will affect neighbouring buildings, structures and utilities. The building survey provides the baseline data, while the analysis delivers predictions of additional deformations and conclusions for the designer.
From the condition of neighbouring buildings to predicting construction impact
A construction impact assessment predicts how proposed works will alter the condition of the ground and foundations of surrounding buildings. Designers need it to verify their design solutions and determine whether neighbouring structures require protection.
A building survey of the surrounding development is part of this task: it records the condition of buildings before works begin. Simply logging cracks and installing tell-tales does not replace the calculation of additional deformations. Geotechnical monitoring checks actual changes during construction and is carried out under a separate programme.
Interesting factBuilding surveys
Ground-penetrating radar sends electromagnetic pulses into concrete and records reflections. These can reveal reinforcement positions and help estimate concrete cover. Results depend on the structure and measurement conditions.
Source: FHWA
A thermal camera measures surface temperature. A concealed pipe or moisture can change the temperature of a wall and appear in the image. The camera cannot directly see through the wall.
Source: FLIR
Reinforcement corrosion products occupy more volume than the original metal. They create internal pressure that can crack and spall concrete. Visible damage may begin with a process hidden inside the structure for a long time.
Source: FHWA
A building survey needs to establish whether a crack is still opening or movement has stopped. Repeated measurements and monitoring provide that evidence. A single photograph cannot show the structure’s movement history.
Source: Historic England
We determine the scope and schedule based on the design, geotechnical conditions and the state of the surrounding buildings.
We review the geotechnical surveys, the design for the excavation pit, foundations and underground structure, the construction sequence, and dewatering. We outline the potential zone of influence and list the neighbouring buildings, structures and utilities to be assessed.
Stage outcome: work programme and schedule of surrounding structures.
We compile data on the structural systems and foundations of neighbouring buildings. We inspect accessible structural elements, record defects and assign a technical condition category. The scope of instrumental testing, trial pits and tell-tale installation is defined by the survey programme.
Stage outcome: baseline technical condition of buildings for the impact analysis.
We evaluate additional settlements and differential deformations of surrounding buildings caused by the proposed works. We account for soil conditions, structural systems, the technical condition of neighbouring structures and construction stages. We compare calculated deformations against permissible limits and refine the zone of influence.
Stage outcome: geotechnical prediction and conclusions on the impact of the adopted design solutions.
| Section | Contents |
|---|---|
| Impacts | excavation pit, foundations, dewatering |
| Development | buildings, structures, utilities |
| Deformations | additional settlements and differential movement |
| Verification | comparison against permissible limits |
We demonstrate whether the calculated impact on neighbouring structures is within acceptable limits. Where protective measures or adjustments to construction methods are required, we state this clearly. We also provide recommendations for geotechnical monitoring; the detailed design of protective measures and on-site monitoring are agreed separately.
Stage outcome: construction impact assessment report complete with calculations and recommendations.
| Section | Contents |
|---|---|
| Zone of influence | list of affected structures |
| Deformations | prediction and permissible limits |
| Conclusions | impact of design solutions |
| Recommendations | protection and monitoring |
In the report, we link the baseline condition of surrounding buildings to the calculated impact of the proposed works:
Deliverables: digital report containing calculations and recommendations.
Monitoring complements the impact assessment: the calculation predicts changes, whereas observations record actual settlements, tilts and crack widths. The scope of observations, frequency and threshold values are defined in the geotechnical monitoring programme.
Examples of building surveys—one of the stages of an impact assessment. The figures shown are the costs of the building surveys for these projects, not the price of a full construction impact assessment.
Noginsk, 5 Soedinitelnaya Street
boiler house building, chimney, pipe rack, zone of influence: 11 trial pits, concrete testing, structural calculations
More about the project →
Nadym, 50A Zvereva Street
72.5 × 36 m building: 3 trial pits, non-destructive testing, structural calculations, 3D laser scanning
More about the project →These are just some of our projects — we carry out work on 40–50 sites every year.
We calculate the cost after reviewing the design and baseline data. The building survey, impact analysis and any additional works are itemised separately.
To get a quote, please send:
A building survey determines the actual structural condition of neighbouring buildings. The impact assessment uses these data alongside numerical analysis to predict additional construction-induced deformations and compare them against permissible limits.
SP 22.13330 "Foundations of Buildings and Structures" is used for impact assessment, GOST 31937-2024 for building surveys, and SP 305.1325800 for geotechnical monitoring. Additional requirements are selected depending on the facility type and proposed works.
At the design preparation stage, prior to commencing any works that could affect surrounding buildings. An assessment is also required during reconstruction if the works may induce additional deformations in neighbouring structures.
A preliminary zone is defined based on baseline data and applicable regulations. It is then refined by calculation, taking into account the soils, excavation pit, foundations, construction methods and neighbouring structures. There is no single universal distance that applies to every site.
Monitoring recommendations are included in the assessment conclusions. Preparing the monitoring programme and carrying out observations during construction are separate services; their scope and cost are itemised in our quotation.
We record any access restrictions and inspect the accessible structural elements. We then evaluate whether the collected data are sufficient for the analysis. If not, we agree on obtaining additional information or access; we never pass off a restricted inspection as a full building survey.
If you do not have a technical brief, describe the project: site location, planned construction, and whether a design exists. We will reply with a scope of work and cost.
