Project pathway
The quickest route to the right decision.
Explosive ordnance assessment for conversion sites
Before demolition, site servicing and new construction, we clarify which subareas and depths have already been investigated. FONTANA-EOD checks planned ground interventions against information on previous use and plans suitable investigations under the existing survey conditions. Send the site plan, subareas, demolition and construction phases, depths of intervention and existing documents so that investigations and documentation can be defined before procurement or earthworks.
Clarify historical documents and the suspected hazard.
Check demolition condition and survey access.
Prepare documentation for procurement.
Project situation
Clarify investigation needs before a change of use
When a site changes use, existing explosive ordnance documents are checked against demolition, site servicing and future ground interventions. Former military, industrial or railway-related use is a basis to be assessed, rather than blanket evidence of an explosive ordnance hazard. Explosive ordnance, contamination and ground investigation remain separate specialist tasks whose investigations are coordinated within the construction sequence. For subarea handovers, it must remain clear which areas and depths were addressed and which tasks subsequent planning still needs to clarify.
Technical terms
Technical terms for conversion sites
For conversion sites, project developers, designers, environmental and ground specialists, site management and construction teams must use the same area, depth and documentation references.
The history of use describes previous building, commercial, military or infrastructure uses that may be relevant to a suspected explosive ordnance hazard, fill and survey feasibility.
Clarify the term in the project contextThe suspected hazard is established from historical data, aerial photographs, circumstances of finds, historical plans, authority conditions or structural traces. It is not inferred indiscriminately from the present surface.
Clarify the term in the project contextSurvey feasibility depends on sealed surfaces, vegetation, rubble, scrap metal, utilities, foundation remnants, ground conditions, access and planned investigation depth.
Clarify the term in the project contextThe depth of intervention describes how far boreholes, foundations, retaining structures, utility trenches, excavations or remediation work extend into the ground.
Clarify the term in the project contextMetal or structural objects can affect survey signals, such as reinforcement, rails, foundation remnants, scrap metal, cables, pipes or installed components. Slag and heterogeneous fill can also change survey conditions. These sources of interference are considered during planning and evaluation.
Clarify the term in the project contextThe purpose of the documentation defines whether documents are needed for procurement, the project file, site management, remediation planning, operator communication or a specific subsequent decision.
Clarify the term in the project contextUse and area
Compare previous use and demolition condition with the construction project
The volumes of ground planned to be affected by demolition, site servicing and new construction are investigated. Existing information and the current site condition determine further planning.
Previous use
Conversion sites may contain overlapping phases of use. Former technical installations, transport routes, storage areas, workshops, chambers, tracks or military-related uses are assessed spatially using available documents rather than treated indiscriminately. It is important to distinguish between established information, plausible indications of a suspected hazard and unresolved gaps in documentation.
Gaps in documentation
At older sites, utility routes, demolition conditions, earlier earth movements, historical plans or records are often incomplete. Missing documents are identified. For the planned intervention, it is assessed whether further historical information or technical investigations are needed.
Demolition situation
Demolition, removal of sealed surfaces, foundation removal, backfilled basements, chambers and ground slabs change the technical starting conditions. A demolished site does not automatically allow unobstructed surveys. Reinforcement, metal remnants, foreign material and unclear fill can affect survey data. The demolition condition must therefore be technically described before method selection and procurement.
New use
Residential, commercial, logistics, public infrastructure or mixed-use developments create different interventions. Drilling points, excavations, foundations and site servicing routes are included in the investigation plan with positions, depths and construction phases. Considering previous use alone is insufficient for the new construction task.
Development of subareas
Conversion sites are often marketed, planned and developed in sections. Documentation must show which section, depth and method were involved. Only then can later buyers, developers, designers and contractors trace which conclusion applies to their specific subarea and which questions remain unresolved.
Ground conditions and environment
Ground investigation, contamination and suspected explosive ordnance hazards often concern the same drilling points or excavation areas. Specialist project organisation keeps the investigation questions separate while coordinating documents, borehole locations, excavation windows and documentation. Differing requirements are clarified with the respective commissioned specialists before execution.
Drilling
Ground investigations, groundwater monitoring wells and environmental boreholes often involve early interventions in the ground. They need precise position, depth, method and surroundings information. Only then can it be assessed whether a borehole survey, deep-ground survey or another specialist measure may be appropriate before drilling.
Site development
New roads, utility trenches, chambers and drainage facilities require area-wide, linear or localised volumes of ground to be affected. These routes should be described as separate investigation areas rather than lost within the overall site area. Route width, investigation depth, existing utilities and construction section define the technical framework.
Old utilities
Old utilities, disused chambers, ducts, cable routes or technical remnants can affect survey data. Utility plans, local knowledge and demolition information improve the basis for method selection. Without this information, misinterpretations, unnecessary rework or unclear service boundaries can arise.
Site access
Fences, remaining buildings, vegetation, closed areas, unstable surfaces or ongoing demolition can limit practical investigation. Access and occupational safety must be assessed before deployment so that methods are not planned that cannot reasonably be implemented under actual site conditions.
Procurement
Tenders for demolition, site servicing and building construction need clear service boundaries. Explosive ordnance requirements should be described so that bidders know which documents, depths, areas, accompanying measures and documentation duties are intended. Unclear descriptions often lead to queries during construction.
Project file
Project developers need a continuous file on the suspected hazard, documents, investigation areas, findings and subsequent decisions. This file often accompanies marketing, subarea handovers, later site servicing and infill development as well as the first construction phase. The project file records the plan version investigated and subsequent changes.
Findings status
If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stop work in the affected area immediately. Do not touch, move or further expose the object. Leave the immediate area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, use the local emergency reporting procedure. The competent authorities determine the next steps. Inform site management and the client; internal reporting must not delay the emergency call. The location of the finding, work stoppage, report and further instructions are documented. Do not approach the object to do so; the emergency call takes priority.
Further investigations and documents
The report identifies results, documents still missing and investigations needed before drilling, excavation, site servicing or building construction. This information is assigned to the next construction phase.
Applications
Typical investigation areas on conversion sites
Conversion sites often consist of very different subareas. Explosive ordnance assessment must therefore consider project function, depth of intervention and technical sources of interference separately.
Former areas of use
Barracks, storage, workshop, railway, industrial or operational areas may have different suspected hazards and interfering objects. For present-day planning, their spatial assignment to subareas matters.
Have the land-use history assessed
Demolition and site preparation
Before demolition, removal of sealed surfaces or site preparation, the depth of intervention, interfering objects, old foundations, utilities and possible procedures for findings must be assessed.
Select a suitable investigation before demolition and site preparationNew site servicing and utilities
Roads, utilities, chambers, rainwater drainage, energy and telecommunications create long routes with changing depths and many interfaces.
Select methods for site servicing routes and utility corridors
Boreholes and ground investigation
Geotechnical boreholes, contamination investigation boreholes and foundation points should undergo an explosive ordnance assessment before execution where a suspected hazard or unclear previous use exists.
Request an assessment of borehole locations
Findings and recovery
Survey anomalies assessed by specialists undergo a targeted follow-up investigation or exposure. Recovery of confirmed explosive ordnance is coordinated with the permitted scope of activities, local responsibilities and documentation. If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stopping work, keeping a safe distance and immediate reporting apply.
Coordinate the procedure for findings
Documentation for development
Conversion projects need verifiable documents for procurement, site management, project management, owners, the municipality and subsequent use.
Prepare documentation for developmentDecision situations
Decision situations on conversion sites
On conversion sites, an early assessment determines whether documents, survey work, drilling-point investigation, excavation supervision or handling of findings suit the current project stage.
01
Acquisition or project start
Before acquisition, development or urban reorganisation, an initial document review can clarify whether subareas are relevant to explosive ordnance assessment.
Have project documents assessed02
Demolition before new construction
Building demolition, removal of sealed surfaces and site preparation can expose old foundations, utilities and fill. Explosive ordnance assessment should be planned before ground interventions.
Determine investigation needs before demolition and new construction03
Ground investigation and contamination boreholes
Exploratory boreholes involve targeted ground interventions. Where a suspected hazard exists, drilling points and design depths should be coordinated with specialists beforehand.
Agree drilling points and target depth04
Site servicing and utility installation
New roads, utilities, chambers and drainage routes alter the ground along long sections. Investigation areas should be prepared with a route plan and depth information.
Select a suitable specialist service for site servicing routes05
Tendering and procurement
Specifications need clear information on the investigation area, depth, method, procedures for findings and documentation so that variations and stoppages can be reduced.
Prepare evidence for procurement06
Findings during execution
If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stop work in the affected area immediately. Do not touch, move or further expose the object. Leave the immediate area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, use the local emergency reporting procedure. The competent authorities determine the next steps. Inform site management and the client; internal reporting must not delay the emergency call.
Prepare communication about findings and documentationProject decision
Define investigations for the planned ground interventions
The next technical step follows from indications of a suspected hazard, available documents, access, depth of intervention, interfering objects and documentation needs.
Unclear previous and interim use
Conversion sites may have been altered several times. Old buildings, earth movements, storage areas or technical installations must be considered alongside current planning and the depth of intervention.
Have the history of use assessedFill and demolition remnants
Rubble, slag, foundation remnants, steel components, cables, pipes and foreign material can affect both the suspected hazard and survey quality.
Determine a suitable investigationDrilling and deep interventions
Geotechnical boreholes, piles, retaining structures, chambers or excavations may reach investigation areas that cannot be adequately assessed by near-surface methods.
Agree drilling points and target depthInterface with contamination work and ground investigation
Where contamination investigation, soil replacement or geotechnical investigation is planned, the explosive ordnance implications should be clarified before ground intervention.
Check the ground investigation interfaceExcavation and site preparation
For areas that cannot be adequately investigated in advance, the technical suitability of explosive ordnance detection during construction is assessed. Each working layer is technically surveyed and assessed before controlled removal. Removal in layers and supplementary visual inspection alternate with renewed technical investigation until the agreed excavation base is reached. Excavation layers, stopping points, authority to give instructions, reporting procedures and documentation are defined before work begins.
Plan excavation monitoringDocumentation for the project file
The results must show which area was investigated, what limitations exist and which subsequent decision is technically justified.
Prepare evidenceTechnical assessment points
Technical investigation points for conversion sites
Survey quality, occupational safety and the ability to document results depend on the surface, ground, existing installations, depth of intervention and access.
Sealed surfaces and demolition boundaries
Asphalt, concrete, reinforcement, broken-out edges and former ground slabs influence survey feasibility and may require a section-by-section methodology.
Old utilities and chambers
Incomplete utility data, old ducts, cables, earthing systems and chambers are technical sources of interference and safety-relevant conditions.
Fill and foreign material
Slag, construction rubble, scrap metal, sub-bases and heterogeneous fill can alter survey signals and make assessment of findings more difficult.
Drilling points and remediation areas
Exploratory boreholes, ground investigations and soil replacement areas need precise position, depth and access information.
Subareas and construction phases
Conversion sites are often developed in sections. The investigation area, construction phase and documentation status must therefore be clearly distinguished.
Bringing data together
Survey data are brought together with aerial photographs, historical plans, reports, the construction objective and sources of interference before a subsequent decision is reached.
Documentation
Evidence for the project file, procurement and site management
Conversion sites require documentation that makes the suspected hazard, method, investigation boundary and subsequent decision traceable, rather than merely describing an individual survey. Following actual exposure or clearance work, the corresponding findings and clearance records are included in the project file.
Project information
The address, land parcels, site plan, construction site boundaries, construction sections, planned use, routes and depths of intervention are assigned to the investigation area.
Historical data basis
Aerial photographs, historical plans, previous uses, demolition information, existing reports and known conditions are brought together for technical assessment.
Methodological justification
The document describes why explosive ordnance assessment, deep-ground investigation, excavation supervision or further investigation was used for the specific section.
Survey limitations and interference
Sealed surfaces, vegetation, rubble, scrap metal, reinforcement, utilities, foundation remnants and ground conditions are documented as influencing factors.
Findings assessment
Indications of a suspected hazard and findings are described with traceable spatial references so that site management and project management can assess the next step.
Follow-up decision
The documentation supports the decision on whether drilling, excavation, further survey work, recovery or continuation of construction is the appropriate technical next step.
Supporting documentation
Documentation dossier for development and regeneration
On conversion sites, documentation often needs to remain usable for several participants: project developers, designers, environmental specialists, site management, owners, investors and later operators.
Area and construction section reference
Investigation areas are described separately by subarea, planned use, construction phase, depth and access.
Document and source references
Historical data, aerial photographs, historical plans, reports, site plans and utility data are documented so that the technical reasoning remains traceable.
Method and limitation references
The document describes which method was used, which conclusion it supports and which technical limitations must be considered in the assessment.
Procedures for findings and communication
Anomalies, indications of a suspected hazard and finds are linked to location references, contacts, responsibility routes and the construction sequence.
Further investigations and documents
The results provide a basis for further investigation, construction, excavation supervision, recovery or the next project decision.
Project process
From former site to a documented project decision
A reliable sequence prevents explosive ordnance matters from being handled in a disorganised way only when excavation, drilling or procurement is already under way.
Collect project and site data
The site plan, land parcels, construction sections, planned interventions, depths, existing conditions, access and contacts are brought together.
Assess documents and the suspected hazard
Aerial photographs, historical plans, history of use, existing reports, demolition information and possible authority conditions undergo specialist review. Where historical questions remain unresolved, the necessary sources are researched and aerial photographs of the affected areas are assessed. The results are spatially assigned to present-day interventions and considered when defining the investigation.
Define methodology and investigation depth
The appropriate investigation is assessed for boreholes, foundations, utility trenches, excavations, remediation or site preparation.
Carry out surveys or supervision
Survey work, borehole survey, deep-ground survey or excavation supervision are coordinated with the construction sequence, exclusion areas and access. The selected investigation is carried out on the agreed areas or at the defined investigation points. The necessary survey data are recorded with location references. During supervised execution, the actual working area and relevant observations are recorded.
Assess findings by specialists
Anomalies, indications of a suspected hazard and exposed findings are spatially assigned and entered into the agreed communication procedure. The technical assessment relates the recorded data and findings to the investigation objective and identifiable interference. Its result states the limits of the conclusions, questions still unresolved and any further investigations required.
Hand over documentation and the subsequent decision
Reports, plans, photographs and the technical assessment are compiled for the project file, site management and the next construction phase.
Technical details
Plan investigations for demolition and new construction sites
Technical planning links documents, depth of intervention, survey feasibility, construction sequence and purpose of the documentation.
Demolition, site servicing and later construction sites are included in the investigation plan with their respective volumes of ground affected and depths.
For method selection, previous use, demolition condition, fill, existing utilities, access, depth of intervention and the assessment required are recorded. FONTANA-EOD checks available documents, survey feasibility and survey limitations against the construction sequence and purpose of the documentation. The results show which volumes of ground were investigated and which further investigations are needed before drilling, excavation or handling of findings.
Site history
Previous use, alterations, demolition and fill are checked against present-day planning.
Depth reference
Boreholes, foundations, chambers and utility trenches are assessed according to design depth and construction method.
Interference sources
Scrap metal, reinforcement, utilities, foundation remnants and foreign material are considered before method selection.
Construction sequence
Survey work, assessment of findings and documentation are incorporated into project phases, access arrangements and exclusion areas.
Select an investigation
Relate investigations to the change of use and demolition condition
Compare earlier results with new ground interventions
Existing explosive ordnance documents are evaluated by subarea, investigated depth and construction condition at the time. Demolition, new site servicing and future foundations are distinguished from those earlier conditions. A change of use alone establishes neither an explosive ordnance hazard nor the suitability of earlier results for every new intervention.
Check earlier results against new interventionsAssess accessible areas and demolition remnants separately
Sealed surfaces, foundations and technical installations can limit investigation. Suitable methods and investigation timings before or after demolition are coordinated for such areas. Outstanding explosive ordnance tasks are kept separate from soil and contaminant investigations.
Coordinate methods with demolition condition and survey accessProject conditions
Investigation questions before execution, procurement and site management
Before execution, documents, subareas, depths, sources of interference, working times and required documentation are recorded.
Available documents before execution
For investigation of a conversion site, existing documents are checked against the current construction project. The site plan, aerial photographs, historical plans, reports, utility data, demolition information, construction phases and planned depths are cross-checked to define investigable subareas. Missing documents are considered within the project context and are not replaced by blanket assumptions.
Assign documents and subareas traceablySubareas and construction sections
Conversion sites are often developed in sections. Work along a route, a group of drilling points, a demolition area and a later building construction area may have different investigation objectives. Subareas, construction sections, depths and subsequent decisions are therefore described separately so that site management and designers do not have to work with imprecisely defined overall areas.
Define subareas clearlyAccess and surface condition
Vegetation, stockpiles, sealed surfaces, rubble, site fences, containers, existing traffic or ongoing demolition determine whether an area is technically accessible. Access influences the survey grid, equipment use, occupational safety and scheduling. Before execution, it should therefore be clarified which areas are freely accessible and which can be assessed only after demolition or site preparation. Necessary investigations and protective measures already precede the ground interventions involved in demolition or site preparation.
Coordinate accessInterfering objects and signal quality
Steel remnants, reinforcement, utilities, rails, foundation components, slag, scrap metal, recycled material and electromagnetic influences can alter survey data. These sources of interference are considered during method selection and evaluation. This makes it possible to trace which conclusion a method can support and where supplementary investigation becomes necessary.
Assess the methodology in technical termsDeep interventions and borehole positions
Geotechnical boreholes, piles, retaining structures, chambers, sumps, pits and utility trenches require position, diameter, design depth, construction method and deviation tolerance information. A general area assessment is often insufficient for explosive ordnance investigation of these localised and depth-related interventions.
Clarify drilling points and design depthExcavation, demolition and construction programme
If earthworks are already scheduled, survey work, assessment of findings, exposure, documentation and possible waiting periods must realistically fit the construction sequence. Early coordination makes it easier to coordinate civil engineering teams, project management, the specialist company and responsible interfaces. It also helps reduce unclear service boundaries before work begins.
Incorporate specialist handovers into the construction sequenceOccupational safety and site communication
Explosive ordnance matters affect access, machinery operation, exclusion areas, instruction, contacts and reporting procedures. For execution, it matters who makes site decisions, how indications of a suspected hazard are communicated and which documents site management must hold. These tasks are coordinated with site management and construction teams before work begins.
Prepare communication proceduresSubsequent decision after the investigation
At the end of the investigation, the appropriate next technical step for the commissioned area must be clear. This may be further survey work, a depth-related investigation, ordnance specialist supervision of excavation, handling of findings, documentation or coordination with competent authorities. The decisive point is that the decision remains spatially, methodologically and project-specifically traceable.
Document the subsequent decisionCoordination
What participants need before execution
Project developers, designers, procurement, site management and specialist consultants receive the plans, results and investigation limits needed for their tasks. The plan version addressed is documented for subsequent uses.
Project development
During early development, existing indications of a suspected hazard are related to the planned ground interventions. An initial specialist assessment can show which documents are missing, which subareas have priority and which services should be prepared before procurement, acquisition or a building application.
Specialist planning
Designers need reliable information on investigation areas, depths of intervention and method limitations so that boreholes, foundations, routes, excavations and demolition services can be coordinated. Required investigations are planned before the affected ground interventions.
Procurement
Clear descriptions of area, depth, method, sources of interference, documentation and procedures for findings are decisive for tendering and specifications. Unclear wording often leads to queries, delays or gaps in responsibility during execution.
Construction management
During execution, site management needs traceable investigation limits, contacts, communication procedures and document versions. Particularly during excavation, demolition, drilling and route construction, it must be clear which areas have already been assessed and where further coordination is required.
Environment and ground conditions
Contamination, ground investigation and explosive ordnance matters may concern the same area but answer different questions. For drilling, remediation, soil replacement and waste disposal, it is useful to coordinate the explosive ordnance assessment clearly with the other disciplines before ground intervention.
Operators and owners
Owners and later operators need documents that remain understandable after construction. Location references, method, investigation depth, limitations, findings and subsequent decisions should be documented so that later alterations or extensions do not have to start from scratch.
Detailed questions
Twelve questions that should be clarified before execution
Investigation planning requires areas, depths, existing information and conditions on the construction site.
01
Which subarea is affected?
Investigation of a conversion site requires the actual working area as well as the address. The relevant construction section, subarea, route section or drilling-point area must be identified. Different areas may have different previous uses, depths, sources of interference and access. Clear area boundaries prevent subsequent documentation from remaining too general.
02
What intervention is planned?
Excavation, drilling, foundations, demolition, utility installation, soil replacement, remediation and site preparation create different requirements. Explosive ordnance assessment considers not just whether ground intervention will occur, but how deep it will be, which equipment will be used, in what sequence and for which construction objective.
03
What depth needs to be assessed?
The planned depth is considered together with the investigation objective, ground conditions and sources of interference during method selection. Near-surface surveys, borehole surveys, deep-ground surveys and excavation supervision address different project situations. Without the design depth, borehole diameter, foundation system, retaining structure information or excavation depth, method selection remains imprecise and may be insufficiently reliable for procurement or site management.
04
Which documents are already available?
A site plan, historical plan, aerial photograph assessment, ground investigation report, contamination report, utility plan, demolition documentation, earlier survey and authority correspondence can provide important starting points. What matters is not that every document is complete, but that existing data are brought together and checked against current planning.
05
What sources of interference are expected?
Metal installations, foundations, reinforcement, rails, scrap metal, utilities, slag, recycled material, container areas, fences and machinery can affect the technical conclusions of a survey. Sources of interference are therefore a planning matter for methodology, time requirements and documentation, as well as an execution issue.
06
What work is taking place simultaneously?
Demolition, surveying, ground investigation boreholes, utility installation, site road construction, explosive ordnance assessment and excavation may overlap in space and time. The sequence should be prepared so that investigation areas remain accessible, contacts are established and communication about findings is not lost between trades.
07
How is a suspected hazard communicated?
If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stop work in the affected area immediately. Do not touch, move or further expose the object. Leave the immediate area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, use the local emergency reporting procedure. The competent authorities determine the next steps. Inform site management and the client; internal reporting must not delay the emergency call. Contacts, the stop signal and recording of instructions are defined before work begins.
08
What documentation is needed?
Procurement, site management, owners, project management, specialist consultants and later operators may need different records. Before execution, it should therefore be clarified whether location references, survey data, photographic records, assessment of findings, method limitations or a summary decision on subsequent steps are the main focus.
09
Which areas become accessible only later?
Vegetation, sealed surfaces, buildings or lack of access can limit investigations. Necessary investigations and protective measures are planned before the ground interventions involved in vegetation clearance, removal of sealed surfaces, demolition or construction of a site road. Areas accessible after site preparation are covered in a further investigation phase. Planning distinguishes between volumes of ground already assessed and areas and depths still unresolved.
10
How is drilling prepared?
Geotechnical, environmental or foundation-related boreholes require coordinates, diameter, design depth, drilling method and construction time windows. If an explosive ordnance hazard is suspected, this information should be checked by specialists before execution so that drilling points are not considered in isolation from the suspected hazard.
11
How is excavation assessed?
For areas with limited preliminary investigation, the technical suitability of explosive ordnance detection during construction is assessed. Each working layer is technically surveyed and assessed before controlled removal in layers with supplementary visual inspection follows. These steps are repeated until the agreed excavation base is reached. Working areas, excavation layers, the stop signal, authority to give instructions, communication and documentation are established before work begins.
12
What decision follows from the result?
The report records results and outstanding tasks for the next project step: further document review, supplementary survey work, ordnance specialist supervision of excavation, handling of findings, continuation of construction within the investigated area or coordination with competent authorities.
Selecting a method
Combine methods for the specific project
Selection depends on the investigation objective, required depth, ground conditions and existing sources of interference. Document review, technical investigation and assessment of findings are coordinated; results and survey limitations are documented for each volume of ground affected.
Historical aerial photograph analysis
Suitable for assessing suspected areas, previous use, wartime impacts, former buildings and spatial priorities.
Surface survey
Useful on accessible areas where the surface, interfering objects and ground conditions allow a reliable survey to be expected.
Magnetometry
Magnetometry detects ferromagnetic anomalies in accessible areas. Rails, steel remnants, reinforcement, utilities and foundation remnants can obscure survey data at the former site. Areas that can be evaluated and survey limitations are documented separately.
TDEM
TDEM detects time-dependent electromagnetic responses from conductive objects. The target object, ground conductivity, required depth and technical installations determine suitability for the particular subarea.
Ground-penetrating radar / GPR
GPR records reflections at material and structural boundaries and can provide supplementary investigation of utilities or installations. Soil, moisture, surface coupling and reinforcement affect data depth. A reflection does not uniquely identify ordnance.
Downhole and deep-ground survey
Relevant to deep boreholes, piles, excavations, retaining structures and interventions extending beyond the depth range covered by near-surface conclusions.
Excavation supervision
For areas with limited preliminary investigation, the technical suitability of explosive ordnance detection during construction is assessed. Each working layer is technically surveyed and assessed before controlled removal in layers with supplementary visual inspection follows. These steps are repeated until the agreed excavation base is reached. Working areas, excavation layers, the stop signal, authority to give instructions, communication and documentation are established before work begins.
Ordnance recovery
Survey anomalies assessed by specialists undergo a targeted follow-up investigation or exposure. Recovery of confirmed explosive ordnance is coordinated with the permitted scope of activities, local responsibilities and documentation. If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stopping work, keeping a safe distance and immediate reporting apply.
Project decisions
Further services for demolition and new construction sites
The appropriate starting point differs according to project stage. The decisive question is whether documents should first be reviewed, drilling points prepared, excavation supervised or documentation structured.
Assess the conversion site before development
Have the suspected hazard, historical documents and planned use assessed by specialists before acquisition, planning or procurement.
Have your conversion site assessedAssess historical evidence
Bring together aerial photographs, historical plans, previous use and existing reports for subareas.
Have historical documents assessedClarify drilling points and design depth
Assess geotechnical boreholes, pile axes, retaining structures and deep interventions before execution.
Coordinate drilling points with specialistsPlan excavation monitoring
Establish the suitability and sequence of construction-phase ordnance surveying for remaining excavation areas.
Schedule excavation supervisionPrepare evidence for procurement
Structure investigation areas, the purpose of the documentation and interfaces for tendering and site management.
Prepare procurement documentsIdentify the project region
Prepare regional responsibility routes, deployment planning and the project location for the enquiry.
Check the project regionWorking approach
Approach to conversion sites
FONTANA-EOD reviews construction documents, justifies method selection and documents results and investigation limits.
Check areas and depths against the construction plans
FONTANA-EOD plans the investigation using the intended interventions, existing indications of a suspected hazard, survey conditions and documentation needed. On conversion sites, the assessment is prepared so that project developers, specialist designers, site management, environmental and ground investigation interfaces and later operators can work with the same area and depth references.
Have your project information reviewedClear area definitions
Investigation areas are considered separately by subarea, construction section, route, drilling point and planned use.
Method limitations
Survey limitations caused by vegetation, rubble, reinforcement, utilities, steel remnants or fill are incorporated into planning.
Construction sequence
Survey work, assessment of findings and excavation supervision are coordinated with the programme, access roads, exclusion areas and contacts.
Coordination
Site management, project management, environmental specialists, operators and competent authorities receive traceable communication procedures.
Documentation
Reports and plans are structured so that they are usable for procurement, the project file and subsequent decisions.
Further investigations and documents
The results lead to a technically justified next step for drilling, excavation, further investigation or handling of findings.
Roles and coordination
Coordinate tasks and handovers on the conversion site
Conversion sites often involve many participants. Technical assessment, project decisions, execution, administrative procedures and documentation should therefore be clearly assigned.
Specialist service
Private specialist company
FONTANA-EOD carries out project-specific assessment, survey work, supervision, assessment of findings and documentation within the agreed scope of services.
Project responsibility
Developer and owner
Clients provide documents, define the construction objective, depths of intervention and documentation needs, and coordinate procurement and project decisions.
Construction organisation
Planning and construction management
Designers and site management incorporate results into construction design, the construction sequence, specifications and site communication.
Specialist interface
Environmental and ground specialists
Contamination, ground investigation and explosive ordnance matters must be kept technically separate and coordinated during drilling, excavation, remediation and documentation.
Execution
Civil engineering contractors
Contractors need clear investigation areas, stopping procedures, contacts and documentation requirements before earthworks begin.
Coordination
Competent authorities
In Germany, the ordnance disposal services of the federal states and the locally competent authorities carry out hazard-response and find-management duties. Their involvement is established for the project location; outside Germany, local responsibilities apply.
The local public order authority and, where applicable, building control are involved according to their project-specific responsibilities. Conditions, contacts and reporting procedures are assigned to the affected subareas and construction sections.
Regulatory framework
Regulatory framework for development and construction
Explosive ordnance assessment of conversion sites involves technical, organisational and occupational safety requirements. The specific assessment depends on the project location, suspected hazard, intervention and responsible interfaces.
In Germany, § 7 SprengG concerns the business permit for activities requiring authorisation; § 20 SprengG concerns the certificate of competence for responsible persons. Under § 1b SprengG, handling found munitions also includes searching for them. On conversion sites, the required qualifications depend on the specific investigation or clearance commissioned, the planned construction condition and the allocation of responsibilities.
DGUV Information 201-027 concerns protective measures during ordnance clearance work. DGUV Rule 113-003 concerns the dismantling or destruction of explosives or corresponding objects and also includes the disposal of found munitions. It applies according to this field of activity; it does not replace a risk assessment specific to the planned ground intervention.
Explosives-law framework
For work involving explosive ordnance, the requirements of explosives legislation concerning permits, competence certification and responsibility must be observed.
Occupational safety and the construction site
Risk assessment, access, exclusion areas, instruction, machinery use and communication procedures must suit site organisation.
Specialist guidance
DGUV Information 201-027 supports risk assessment and protective measures for explosive ordnance clearance work. The Baufachlichen Richtlinien Kampfmittelräumung contain requirements for historical and technical investigation, clearance concepts, procurement and documentation within their defined scope of federal responsibilities. Their application to the specific conversion project is clarified separately.
Interfaces with authorities
Authority conditions and coordination procedures depend on the project location and circumstances. If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stopping work, leaving the immediate area and immediate reporting take priority; in Germany, notify the police on 110, and outside Germany use the local emergency reporting procedure. The competent authorities determine the next steps.
Requirements under explosives legislation, 1. SprengV, occupational safety, DGUV references, BFR KMR and responsible interfaces are assessed for the project insofar as they are relevant to investigation, execution, communication about findings and documentation.
Prepare regulatory and documentation questionsInsights
Review documents and record investigations
Historical documents, technical investigations and documentation of the results are coordinated with demolition, site servicing and later construction sites.
Aerial photographs and historical documents
Historical documents help define suspected areas and previous use of the project site.
Assess historical use and the basis for suspicionDeep-ground investigation
Drilling points, pile axes and excavations need clear depth and location references.
Investigate foundations and excavations with reference to depth
Excavation within the construction sequence
For remaining areas, it is assessed whether explosive ordnance detection during construction is suitable. Excavation layers are technically investigated before removal.
Supervise excavation during a change of useHandling of findings
Planned work on findings is coordinated with the responsible participants. For a suspicious object, stopping work, keeping a safe distance and immediate reporting apply.
Assign findings and further measuresDocumentation
Reports, plans and photographic records support site management, procurement and the project file. Following actual exposure or clearance work, the corresponding findings and clearance records are included.
Document subarea handovers traceably
Project enquiry
The site plan, depths and construction phases enable the investigations and further documents required to be clarified.
Send conversion site documents for review
Further specialist areas
Specialist services for demolition and new construction sites
Depending on the project stage, the next step leads to document review, deep-ground survey, ordnance specialist supervision of excavation, documentation or a direct project enquiry. Further construction tasks can be found in the Sector overview.
Industry and commercial sites
Plan investigations for other commercial construction projects and existing sites.
Have your industrial project assessed by specialistsHistorical aerial photograph analysis
Prepare the assessment of the suspected hazard using aerial photographs, historical plans and the history of use.
Have the suspected hazard assessedDeep-ground survey
Coordinate drilling points, piled foundations and deep interventions with specialists.
Clarify intervention depthExcavation supervision
Clarify suitability and the sequence for explosive ordnance detection during construction.
Plan excavation supervisionProcess and documentation
Structure documentation for procurement, site management and the project file.
Prepare evidenceProject enquiry
Send the location, site plan, depth, construction phase and documents.
Send project documentsIdentify the project location
Locate subareas and development sections unambiguously
Identify the site and applicable requirements
State the project location, land parcels, former areas of use and planned development sections. Demolition and new construction plans must show their versions. Existing requirements and reports are assigned to the affected subareas so that their relevance remains traceable when ownership or users change.
Investigation information
This information is needed for investigation planning
Investigation planning requires the working areas, depths of intervention, construction phases, sources of interference and documentation needed.
A reliable enquiry describes the affected area as specifically as possible. A land parcel, construction site boundary, route axis, drilling-point list or construction section is more useful than a broad search radius. The assessment can thus be related to the actual intervention.
Have the project information reviewedThe same area may require near-surface, depth-related or construction-stage investigation. The distinction arises from the foundation, borehole, chamber, utility, demolition or excavation. The planned depth should therefore always be stated.
Have the project information reviewedExplosive ordnance assessment is easier to plan when it is clear whether the project is at acquisition, planning, tendering, demolition, drilling or excavation stage. Each phase needs different documents, decisions and time windows.
Have the project information reviewedExisting utilities, reinforcement, concrete, rubble, steel, slag, railway remnants or stockpiles should be identified early. They influence both execution and the ability of the methods used to provide meaningful conclusions.
Have the project information reviewedBefore work begins, the purpose for which the result is needed should be clarified. Documentation for procurement, site management, an operator file, a drilling-point decision, excavation planning or a subsequent decision may require a different level of detail and structure.
Have the project information reviewedProject developers, designers, environmental specialists, ground investigation consultants, civil engineering teams, operators and competent authorities need coordinated information. A clear interface structure facilitates subsequent site communication.
Have the project information reviewedBefore execution, the procedure for indications of a suspected hazard or suspicious objects should already be clear. Contacts, work stoppage, documentation and communication of responsibilities should be known within the construction sequence.
Have the project information reviewedFor later construction phases, the project documents record which area was investigated, which method was applied, what limitations exist and which next step is technically justified.
Have the project information reviewedTechnical information
Industry and commerce: brochure
Work on industrial and commercial sites combines existing installations, operational processes and new ground interventions. The brochure explains how ordnance assessment is coordinated with these conditions.
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Project questions
Frequently asked questions about explosive ordnance assessment of conversion sites
When should a conversion site undergo an explosive ordnance assessment?
An assessment is useful as soon as demolition, removal of sealed surfaces, boreholes, utility trenches, foundations, excavations, site servicing or remediation are planned on a site with an unclear history of use. The history of use, suspected hazard, depth of intervention, interfering objects, construction phase and purpose of the documentation are decisive.
Which documents are useful for the initial assessment?
Useful documents include a site plan, land parcels, subareas, planned use, demolition and construction phases, drilling points, depths of intervention, utility plans, historical plans, aerial photograph assessments, ground investigation and contamination documents, existing reports and known conditions. Authority information and conditions should be supplied with their dates, complete attachments and geographical scope.
What role does previous use play?
Former military, industrial, railway-related or commercial use can influence the suspected hazard, interfering objects, fill and survey feasibility. It is assessed by specialists without drawing a reliable conclusion from the present surface alone.
How are contamination, ground investigation and explosive ordnance assessment distinguished?
Contamination, ground investigation and explosive ordnance concern different specialist questions, but often overlap in the project sequence. Boreholes, soil replacement and remediation areas should therefore be coordinated with the explosive ordnance assessment.
Which methods may be considered for conversion sites?
Depending on the project, historical aerial photograph assessment, surface survey, magnetometry, TDEM, ground-penetrating radar, deep-ground survey, borehole survey, ordnance specialist supervision of excavation, area clearance or explosive ordnance recovery may be relevant. Selection depends on the surface, interfering objects, investigation depth, access and construction objective.
What documentation is needed for subarea handovers?
For each subarea, the plan version investigated, area, depth, methods, results and survey limitations are stated. The documents identify volumes of ground still unresolved for demolition, site servicing and new construction. Buyers, designers and site management can thus compare existing results with their specific interventions.
What role do competent authorities play if a suspected hazard or object is found?
If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stop work in the affected area immediately. Do not touch, move or further expose the object. Leave the immediate area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, use the local emergency reporting procedure. The competent authorities determine the next steps. Inform site management and the client; internal reporting must not delay the emergency call. As a private specialist company, FONTANA-EOD supports project-specific assessment, survey work, documentation and communication within the commissioned service.
What determines the effort and cost of an ordnance assessment?
Decisive factors include site size, access, sealed surfaces, interfering objects, ground conditions, depth of intervention, available documents, construction phase, required methods and extent of documentation. A reliable estimate can be made only after review of the project data.
Quick check
Four pieces of information that help before the first specialist discussion
State which subareas are affected, what intervention is planned and what decision is needed. Provide dates for drilling, demolition, excavation or procurement. FONTANA-EOD reviews the information and identifies missing documents and outstanding coordination.
Project location and responsibility
The project location is important for deployment planning, responsible interfaces and regional assessment. The street, municipality, land parcel or coordinates should be supplied together with contacts and site access information.
Current project stage
Whether a site is at initial development, already tendered, under demolition, undergoing ground investigation or shortly before earthworks changes the technical priority and form of response required.
Proposed ground disturbance
Excavation depth, drilling depth, utility trench base, excavation dimensions, retaining structures, pile grid and construction method determine which investigation is appropriate for the specific intervention.
Desired result
The enquiry should state whether an assessment is needed for planning, procurement, site management, drilling points, excavation supervision, the operator file or further coordination.
Preparing an enquiry
Prepare project information for the enquiry
The initial assessment requires a site plan, subareas, new use, depths, demolition and construction phases and existing documents.
Site and area
Address, land parcels, site plan, construction site boundaries, subareas, existing use and planned new use.
Ground disturbance and depth
Boreholes, foundations, utility trenches, excavations, demolition, soil replacement, construction method and design depths.
Available documents
Aerial photograph assessment, historical plans, utility plans, ground investigation data, contamination documents, existing reports and known conditions.
Construction sequence and purpose of the documentation
Tendering, time windows, site management, project file, HSE, procurement or a specific subsequent decision.
Submit project details together
Send the available documents together as far as possible. The project location, area, planned use, intervention, depth, construction phase and intended next step are decisive. FONTANA-EOD assesses investigation needs, suitable methods and information still missing.
+49 (0) 6843 - 999 499 7
info@fontana-eod.de
Site plan, depth, construction phase, suspicion indicators
Site management, designers, HSE or project management
Have your project assessed
Whether historical aerial photograph analysis, explosive ordnance surveying, surface surveying using GPR, magnetometry or TDEM, deep-ground surveys, downhole surveys, excavation supervision, area clearance or ordnance recovery is needed depends on the location, ground disturbance, depth, ground and existing documents. An early ordnance assessment provides clarity for tendering, programming, occupational safety and construction.
FONTANA-EOD combines its Section 7 SprengG licence, specialists holding Section 20 SprengG certificates of competence, suitable survey and clearance methods, and traceable documentation. Send the site plan, depth of ground disturbance, construction phase and existing documents for an initial technical assessment.
