Engineers invited to take part in survey to improve understanding of cost estimates for UK brownfield sites

Quantity surveyors and civil engineers have until the end of July to take part in a survey that will help to improve the accuracy of indicative cost estimates for UK brownfield sites.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is inviting as many participants from the industry as possible to take part in an anonymous survey that will inform research designed to improve understanding of indicative cost estimates for a range of foundation types, low-rise residential housing and engineered risk-mitigation measures.

These risks relate to potential property damage from natural and anthropogenic hazards on brownfield land, including:

• shrink–swell clays
• compressible soils
• hazardous gases
• collapse of near-surface cavities

The survey will close on 31 July 2021 and, as a thank you for taking part, BGS will randomly select ten people who complete the survey to receive a free BGS 1:50 000 geological map of their choice.

The research will build on the award-winning digital screening tool, the Brownfield Ground Risk Calculator (BGR_calc). 

BGR_calc was co-created by BGS with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Gateshead Council to de-risk housing delivery on brownfield land.  BGS is now working with Groundsure to enhance BGR_calc functionality and widen coverage across the whole of England. The results of the survey will feed into this work.

‘By taking part, quantity surveyors and civil engineers will help us improve the accuracy of indicative cost estimates for a range of foundation types and engineered risk mitigation measures, which can inform early-stage planning.

‘Even if you can only answer of few of the questions with confidence, we would very much value your feedback. All responses will be treated confidentially and anonymously. If you would like a summary of our findings or would be willing to contribute further to our research, there is an opportunity to leave further details with us.’

Dr Darren Beriro, BGS’s brownfield specialist.