Project overview
Project Value: £17.3 Million
This project involved the construction of a large two-storey steel frame building founded on piled foundations and incorporating reinforced concrete structural elements. The works were carried out in a challenging coastal environment, requiring a high level of positional accuracy, quality assurance, and strict adherence to health and safety procedures.
DLP Civils provided engineering verification, quality assurance, and surveying support throughout the construction phase. The role focused primarily on independent verification of works completed by specialist subcontractors, while also providing setting out assistance where required to maintain programme progress.
Scope of Engineering Services
Subcontractors were responsible for setting out and surveying their own works, including:
- Piling works: APS Surveying Ltd
- Holding down bolts and steelwork elements: AJS Engineering
- Kerbing and drainage infrastructure: AJS Engineering
- Structural steel frame installation: Prism
DLP Civils primarily carried out independent positional verification and QA checks of these works. Setting out services were also provided where subcontractors required additional support to maintain programme.
Key responsibilities included:
- Positional and level verification of approximately 250 driven piles, ensuring compliance with design tolerances
- Continuous quality assurance checks during installation and post-installation verification
- Line and level verification for two floors of structural steel framing
- Dimensional verification of reinforced concrete wall geometry to support accurate formwork installation
- Pre-pour checks for levels, dimensions, and structural alignment
- As-built surveys and documentation of completed works
Additional engineering and surveying services included:
- Drone surveys for site monitoring and progress tracking
- Steel quantity verification and material counting
- Roof surveys using total station equipment
- Volume calculations and stockpile surveys
- Site engineering management support
Technical Challenges
The project was located in a coastal environment adjacent to the sea, which introduced additional operational challenges including:
- Enhanced health and safety requirements
- Environmental protection considerations
- Exposure to wind and coastal weather conditions
- Increased coordination between multiple subcontractors
Maintaining accurate survey control and verification across multiple trades required clear communication, disciplined QA processes, and meticulous planning to ensure all works remained within design tolerances.
Outcome
The project was successfully delivered with all structural elements constructed within specified tolerances. Independent verification, consistent quality assurance checks, and accurate surveying played a key role in maintaining build quality across the piled foundations, reinforced concrete works, and structural steel frame.
DLP Civils’ engineering support contributed to maintaining confidence in construction accuracy and ensuring the successful delivery of this £17.3 million coastal development.
