Explosive ordnance surveying for platforms and stations

Technical assessment should take place as soon as demolition boundaries, new platform edges, access routes, lifts, utilities and foundation points are sufficiently defined. Early design can begin with assessment of the historical evidence of ordnance. Before tendering and construction, the actual areas, depths and construction stages must be addressed through suitable technical investigation or a planned follow-up measure.

Platform structures, edge foundations, lift shafts, stairs, ramps, subways, roof supports, lighting masts, cable routes, drainage, chambers and temporary excavations disturb the ground in different ways. Each area is assessed by position, depth, working volume and construction method. A general area assessment for the whole station does not replace this assignment to individual structures.

This depends on the surface, platform structure, utilities, installations, reinforcement, technical equipment and access. Some subareas may be surveyable in advance; others become accessible only after surfacing, equipment or structural elements are removed. For zones accessible later or affected by strong technical interference, suitable additional investigation and its timing are assessed during design.

Lift shafts, stairs and ramps involve deep excavations, foundations and excavation support. Their investigation geometry must cover the entire future working volume, including temporary slopes, support alignments and borehole positions. Near-surface surveys can provide initial information but do not automatically replace depth investigation of the actual foundation or excavation.

Cable protection ducts, cable channels, drainage pipes, chambers, lighting, shelters, displays and other equipment are included in the investigation drawing with their position, depth and construction sequence. Known installations help interpret survey data but may also limit individual methods. Unclear or revised utility routes are reassessed before the respective ground disturbance.

Clear drawing and station references, investigated areas and depths, methods used, survey or field conditions, findings, technical limitations, inaccessible areas and the respective follow-up decision are required. For redevelopment by section, drawing revisions and handovers are updated so that later construction stages do not rely on a broader assessment than was actually documented.

Official information and requirements are included with complete appendices, dates and spatial scope. In Germany, the relevant ordnance disposal service, local public order authority and, where applicable, building control are identified for the project location; operational work authorisations remain separate processes. Outside Germany, coordination is with the authorities responsible locally.

Explosive ordnance surveying during construction is considered where technically suitable for the planned ground disturbance. This may concern areas accessible only during demolition or not adequately investigated in advance because of utilities, reinforcement or foundations. Each working layer is surveyed and assessed by a specialist. Controlled excavation in layers and an additional visual inspection follow; these steps are repeated to the agreed base of excavation. Excavation layers, equipment use, stop points, responsibilities and reporting procedures are defined before work begins. The conclusions remain limited to the working volume actually investigated.

If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stop work. Do not touch, move or uncover it further. Leave the immediate area and warn others without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police on 110; outside Germany, use the local emergency reporting procedure. The competent authorities determine what happens next; a project enquiry does not replace reporting the find.

Key factors are the number and length of platforms, demolition and new-construction sections, access, possessions, surface structure, existing utilities, number of deep foundations, methods required, construction stages and documentation scope. A reliable estimate therefore needs current drawings, clear depths of ground disturbance and an identifiable sequence of construction stages.