Halifax PFI
Project Introduction
Scott Wilson Ground Solutions Group (GSG) was commissioned by
Servus Facilities Management (SFM) on behalf of Calderdale
Metropolitan Borough Council to undertake Geoenvironmental
investigations and assessments of five sites in the Borough. The
sites were three operational schools, a disused school and a former
military barracks under a range of uses.
Project Background
The sites had been selected as possible locations for either
renovation, or rebuild as schools under a PFI agreement. SFM were
commissioned to assess the feasibility of the proposals and
commissioned GSG to carry out desk studies, topographic surveys,
hazardous materials surveys and geo-environmental ground
investigations.
Project Scope
A comprehensive desk study was completed for each site including
a review of their historic development and an assessment of site
sensitivity. These were followed up by walk over surveys to confirm
desk based findings and assess the requirements for intrusive works
at the sites. The scoping and phasing of the works had to take into
account the significant Health and Safety requirements of working
within the school during term time, access and egress for staff and
deliveries, and the risks associated with military uses of the
former barracks.
Value Adding Project Achievements
Given the range of operational impediments the intrusive
investigations were designed on a site-by-site basis and included
window sampling, boreholes and dynamic probing. The existing
buildings were also inspected for hazardous materials including
asbestos, mercury (in science blocks) and lead paint.
The results were assessed using the CLEA Model in the risk
assessment in order to determine potential health risks to future
users of the site. Geotechnical aspects of reporting included a
review of ground conditions with respect to the future development,
a detailed ground model, outline foundation options and guidance on
the preliminary design of retaining structures, ground floors,
access roads and temporary works.
