Large scale current mapping is the crucial basis for any infrastructure project. It is vital that the mapping, being the base point for planning, is both current, accurate and holds the most relevant data. Many of us are familiar with Google Earth, Bing Maps and other similar web based mapping programs. At SEP we can build on this mapping, by supplying current data, at a level of detail to suit your needs.

Our Aerial Mapping equipment is capable of producing mapping images down to a resolution of 3cm and has the ability to derive digital elevation models (DEM) from the data collected. All this can be carried out very quickly; we can cover around 10km2 per day, and have usable data ready for delivery the following day!

Whether you are looking for a full 3D model of a larger area or a more intricate detailed photographic record of current site conditions taken from the skies, rest assured our aerial solution can be tailored to your needs.

A dilapidation survey is an important part of many site works and SEP’s dilapidation surveys provide an in-depth record of any damage to the site prior to the commencement of works.

The condition of street furniture, kerb and channel, roadways, pavements and utilities are usually included in the survey record. Surveys can also incorporate the internal condition of a building or even a daily site aerial photographic record taken by our remote control drone.

SEP can deliver a snapshot of time with aerial and photographic records, a full-colour 3D laser scan, a videoed site walk over or drawings showing photographic positions, along with any damage.

As contractors are often held responsible for damage to third party properties, a dilapidation survey from SEP can provide the proof required to defend any claims/cost disputes regarding damage caused by construction works.

It is also vital for protecting a contractor’s reputation, financial position and insurance claims history, and could even be dovetailed into an insurance policy.

So, whether the site is a private dwelling or a large multi-million-pound infrastructure project, can you afford not to carry out a dilapidation survey?

SEP is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the UK’s natural habitats, wildlife, and landscape, balancing these environmental goals with clients’ commercial needs and business development opportunities. We recognise that potential environmental issues can jeopardise planning applications, and that changes to environmental and ecological legislation can further complicate matters.

When protected species are involved, it is crucial for all parties to demonstrate their commitment to:

• Mitigating any loss of biodiversity
• Improving the area’s ecology to the satisfaction of Natural England and relevant Local Authorities

To achieve these goals, we conduct:

• On-site ecological surveys
• Desktop studies

By working closely with our clients and local authorities, we aim to improve the environment surrounding a project while ensuring that client objectives are met.

Additionally, SEP offers a full range of environmental monitoring solutions, tailored to the specific needs of each project. We provide monitoring for:

• Noise
• Dust
• Vibration

Our solutions are designed to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and planning conditions. With a project-specific, cost-effective approach, we help clients meet regulatory requirements while keeping their projects on track.

We specialise in Flood Risk Assessments (FRA), carried out by MICE and MCIWEM qualified experts. Our FRAs assess the risk of flooding from various sources, including:

• Groundwater (saturated groundwater)
• Vadose water (water flowing through the ground in an unsaturated state)
• Surface water
• Artificial water (e.g., burst water mains, canals, or reservoirs)
• Rivers, streams, or watercourses
• Sewers and drains
• Flooding of low-lying coastal regions due to sea level rise

Our team identifies flood mitigation measures, provides advice on actions to be taken before and during a flood, and offers expert guidance on the following services:

• Drainage assessments
• Assessments of future flood risks, based on the Environmental Agency and global projections, which are continually reviewed
• Establishing models to provide precise knowledge of anticipated flood levels

Our flood protection systems cater to a wide range of scenarios, helping to safeguard properties and reduce potential planning fee losses. With competitive fees and expert advice, we aim to save you money while ensuring effective flood risk management.

This service is for builders, contractors, developers, surveyors, architects and engineers that need to obtain planning consent and a cost-effective foundation option for their project.

Our extensive track record in undertaking such works for both public and private sector clients includes major infrastructure projects, PFI initiatives and proposals ranging from single residential housing plots to major commercial developments.

Working within the timescales and budget for any proposed development, we will deliver all the technical input you need with a first rate, professional service, analysing samples for contamination levels using our close links with a number of UKAS laboratories.

Our ground investigation service can be linked to other SEP services to provide a complete package, involving volume reports, planning applications and topographical surveys to establish an accurate understanding of the nature of a site.

Whether it’s for compliance testing, earthworks validation or the stability of platforms for piling rigs and cranes, our experienced team of field technicians will provide a professional independent assessment of the underlying materials

We can also offer a sampling of soils and aggregates, including:

• Plate Bearing Tests
• California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
• In-Situ Density Testing
• Sampling

Plate Bearing Tests

A service for those planning to erect a structure or heavy plant on land that may not have enough bearing capacity – for example on imported fill – this test will provide peace of mind and certification to prove that the land is suitable, or give you the information you need to take further action.

Typical examples include ensuring that buildings won’t suffer excessive settlement once constructed, or that large equipment, such as cranes and piling rigs, can be supported by the ground.

In order to perform this test, it is important to have sufficient kentledge to jack against to test bearing capacity. This could be equipment you have on the site such as a 360⁰ excavator, a mobile crane or a wagon loaded with material. The choice of plate size depends upon required bearing pressure and kentledge availability.

Working with our strategic partners, SEP can offer a fully-independent, UKAS-accredited geotechnical and materials testing facility, with a team of almost 40 laboratory and field staff.

Excellent access to the UK motorway network ensures that we can meet any requirements for samples or in-situ testing at your convenience, regardless of site location.

Our flexibility and client-focused approach have seen us work on some of the nation’s most prestigious projects such as the Olympic Park and Village and numerous road and rail schemes.

Our senior management team has 70 years of combined experience, ensuring that you can always rely on expert advice from SEP.

Since first gaining UKAS certification in 2006, we have added to our scope of accredited methods year on year, ensuring that we can now offer a full range of in-situ testing techniques, along with testing for the subsidence claims industry.

We are equipped to carry out a wide range of testing as specified in BS 1377, SHW, ISRM, BRE and various BSEN methods and, in addition to routine testing, we also specialise in soil testing for ground improvement techniques, such as lime and cement stabilisation and swelling/heave and soil suction testing for the subsidence claims industry.

All our reports are supplied by email and can include AGS data if required.

Concrete scanning is the process of scanning concrete using one or more forms of non-destructive technology. At SEP Technical we can scan all manner of concrete structures from concrete floors, ceilings, beams, walls to assess construction, integrity and suitability.

Using the latest equipment such as Hilti PS1000 and the ProceLinkq GPR Live we are able to detect both ferrous and non-ferrous matter and provide reports in both 2D and 3D formats.

Our laboratories are equipped to provide a range of concrete testing and related materials testing services including compressive strength of concrete cubes and cores.

With an on-site service of sampling and making of concrete test cubes and a collection service we can ensure all cubes are appropriately cured in readiness for testing at our laboratory.