A planning authority required civil engineering advice and opinion regarding the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) on a development that had been recently constructed.

The purpose of this advice was to shed light on the alleged poor performance of the drainage system and surfacing to the rear section of the development. A site visit was undertaken by a lead civil engineer with post graduate qualifications in forensic investigation. Observations were made of the site both in a dry and flooded state which required attendance at different times to ensure the defects could be observed, as well as evidence of the symptom and flooding so it can also be viewed.

Records and information were reviewed on a desktop basis and a resident provided photographs taken during construction. From this, a 75-page factual report was produced discussing the design, construction and observations made on site.

A report was produced to detail the findings of the investigation and this report was used to discuss potential further action with the developer.

Challenges
The resident was affected by the potential deficiencies that may have been found by the investigator. The investigator ensured that no information was disclosed and that the resident was fully briefed on the nature of the visit and the need for independence and impartiality.

Knowledge Sharing
The report was produced and discussed with the client. A free hour’s meeting was offered to discuss the report but the client decided this was not needed after the report had been submitted.

Value:
£2,600

Services:
Forensic Civil Engineering