Supporting Ground Investigations
At Brimstone UXO, no two days are the same – but some services are more common than others. Supporting ground investigation is one of the most frequent tasks we undertake, accounting for around 50% of our work. It’s a vital part of ensuring that construction, remediation, and archaeological projects are safe from the risks of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
With decades of combined military and commercial experience, our team provides expert UXO support throughout the ground investigation process. From supervising trial pits and boreholes to conducting systematic search and clear operations, we help identify and mitigate potential UXO threats – enabling projects to move forward safely and efficiently.
Why ground investigation matters
Ground investigation is essential for any project that disturbs the soil, whether it’s construction, infrastructure, or historical research. Its primary purpose is to assess the ground conditions before work begins, providing critical insights into the soil and rock profile. This helps identify issues such as:
- Ground contamination (e.g., heavy metals or hydrocarbons)
- Underground obstructions (e.g., buried debris or utilities)
- Groundwater levels and drainage concerns
- And, of course, UXO hazards.
While contamination and obstructions are significant concerns, UXO poses a unique safety risk. From unexploded WWII bombs to discarded munitions from former military training sites, UXO can remain volatile for decades. Failing to detect and safely dispose of ordnance during ground investigation could put site workers at serious risk and cause costly project delays.
Expert UXO support during ground investigation
At Brimstone UXO, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, site-specific UXO support. Our experienced engineers work alongside geotechnical and geo-environmental specialists, providing clearance and supervision for a wide range of ground investigation activities.
We support:
- Trial pits: Shallow excavations used to assess soil conditions and contamination levels.
- Boreholes: Deep narrow holes drilled to extract soil and rock samples, often for geotechnical testing.
- Cable percussive drilling: Sampling method used for deeper investigation.
- Rotary drilling: Ideal for penetrating harder strata and deeper depths.
- Windowless sampling: A technique used for quick soil profiling and contamination assessment.
During these operations, our explosives engineers clear the area, monitor for UXO, and conduct real-time assessments using specialist detection equipment.
How we detect UXO – the science of magnetometry
Every site is different, which is why we use a range of detection techniques to suit the project’s unique conditions. However, the foundation of our UXO detection methods lies in magnetometry – an advanced geophysical technique that detects variations in the earth’s magnetic field.
Magnetometers measure magnetic anomalies caused by ferrous objects buried underground. This allows us to:
- Identify potential UXO contamination.
- Detect ferrous objects such as bombs, shells, or fragments.
- Pinpoint suspicious items for further investigation.
Borehole clearance: a layered approach
Boreholes are a common method of ground investigation, allowing for soil sampling and geotechnical analysis. During borehole clearance, our team will:
- Survey the surface using a magnetometer probe to detect shallow anomalies.
- Probe at regular intervals, typically every 1–2 metres, to check for deeper UXO threats.
- Extend the probe depth with a cable extension, reaching up to 30 metres below the surface.
This meticulous, step-by-step process ensures we detect any potential UXO hazards throughout the borehole’s entire depth. If anomalies are detected, our engineers are on hand to investigate further and implement safety measures.
Watching Brief vs Search and Clear – tailoring the method to your site
Not every site requires the same approach, which is why we offer flexible UXO support tailored to the project’s needs.
Watching Brief – oversight with real-time clearance
During a watching brief, our UXO engineers supervise the excavation process, providing real-time monitoring and immediate UXO identification. This approach is often used for:
- Trial pits: Shallow excavations to assess soil composition and contamination.
- Archaeological digs: Excavations that may encounter wartime remnants.
- Reduced dig operations: Removal of topsoil or shallow layers to expose ground conditions.
While primarily observational, a watching brief allows for immediate intervention if any UXO is discovered – minimising project delays.
Search and Clear – systematic clearance for safer excavation
For sites with a higher UXO risk, we deploy a search and clear methodology. This involves systematically scanning the area using handheld detection equipment. During this process, our team:
- Identifies and marks anomalies as they are detected.
- Logs the location and depth of potential UXO items.
- Excavates and investigates any suspicious objects.
Unlike borehole clearance, this method can detect both ferrous and non-ferrous objects, making it ideal for sites with potential UXO contamination, such as former military land or areas with a history of industrial activity.
Enhancing site safety with early UXO clearance
At Brimstone UXO, we prioritise early-stage UXO clearance during ground investigation. By identifying and mitigating potential threats early on, we help you:
- Keep your project on schedule by avoiding costly delays.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Protect site workers from unexpected UXO hazards.
Our team is fully equipped to support ground investigation on high-risk sites, working alongside machinery operators, geotechnical teams, and construction crews.
Why choose Brimstone UXO?
As the fastest-growing UXO risk management company in the UK, Brimstone UXO offers:
- Experienced specialists with military and commercial expertise.
- Comprehensive ground investigation support tailored to your project.
- Flexible methodologies, including watching briefs and search and clear operations.
- Industry-leading detection technology for accurate UXO identification.
- Prompt, professional service with minimal disruption to your schedule.
If you’re planning a ground investigation project and need expert UXO support, Brimstone UXO is here to help. Our team is ready to deploy to your site, providing thorough, reliable UXO clearance that ensures your project proceeds safely.
Contact us today or use our online service tool to find the right solution for your project.
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