Person with a tablet on a marked construction area in front of an industrial building.

Explosive ordnance surveys for logistics centres

For a logistics centre, we consider building foundations, loading yards, drainage and utilities with their respective areas and depths. FONTANA-EOD checks your construction plans against existing explosive ordnance documents and plans suitable surveys under local survey conditions. Send the site plan, structural grid, drilling points, design depths and construction times so that investigation areas, access, working windows and documentation can be defined before earthworks.

Building construction

Clarify foundations and pile points.

Truck Courts

Define investigation areas for loading yards.

Construction times

Plan investigations before earthworks.

Have your logistics project assessedAgree drilling points and target depth
Project situation

Clarify investigation needs before building construction and site servicing

Before construction of a logistics centre, investigation needs for building foundations, loading yards, drainage, utilities and other ground interventions are clarified. Existing indications of a suspected hazard, the site plan, construction sections and design depths provide the basis. Existing utilities, technical interference and construction times also determine how and when investigation is possible. Results are documented so that designers and site management can identify the volumes of ground addressed and areas still unresolved.

Have your logistics site assessed by specialists
Project references

Selected project examples

Technical terms

Technical terms for coordinating logistics sites

Designers, site management, project developers, civil engineering teams and the operator relate investigations to the same building axes, external areas and construction sections.

Suspected hazard

The suspected hazard describes whether historical documents, aerial photographs, previous uses, fill, circumstances of finds or authority requirements suggest a need to investigate the planned intervention.

Clarify the term in the project context
Survey feasibility

Survey feasibility depends on the surface, reinforcement, steel components, utilities, surfaced areas, ground conditions, access and planned investigation depth.

Clarify the term in the project context
Intervention depth

The depth of intervention describes how far foundations, drilling, utility trenches or basin construction extend into the ground. It is considered together with the investigation objective, ground conditions and sources of interference during method selection.

Clarify the term in the project context
Construction sequencing

Logistics projects often follow tight construction time windows. Survey work, assessment of findings and excavation supervision should be planned before procurement and construction.

Clarify the term in the project context
Interference

Reinforcement, aggregate, slag, steel remnants, old utilities and foundation components can affect survey signals. These influences are considered during planning and evaluation.

Clarify the term in the project context
Documentation objective

The purpose of the documentation defines whether a document is needed for tendering, site management, the operator file, HSE, procurement or a specific construction section.

Clarify the term in the project context
Use and area

Assess logistics sites by construction section, operations and depth

For logistics centres, explosive ordnance assessment must reflect the actual project sections: building, yard, utilities, drainage, access, construction times and subsequent operator requirements.

Site extent

Logistics centres often occupy large contiguous areas used in very different ways in construction planning. Investigations and results are assigned to the building footprint, loading yard, reserved extension area, retention facility and traffic routes. Position, depth, construction phase, access and purpose of the documentation matter for each subarea.

Structural grid

Column axes, foundations, piled foundations, ground investigation boreholes and ground slabs form a dense technical grid. Before execution, the explosive ordnance survey must identify which points are investigated, which depth is used and how the location reference can be incorporated into plan documents. This is particularly important when several trades work simultaneously or drilling points are relocated at short notice.

Loading yard and ramps

Docking areas, ramps, traffic lanes and manoeuvring areas are subject to heavy use and often involve extensive construction work. Drainage, lighting, utilities and traffic management also occupy these areas. Before execution, it is assessed which areas can be investigated in advance and which supplementary methods suit the remaining areas and depths.

Traffic routes

Access roads, fire appliance routes, lorry parking areas and internal roads may require area-wide and linear earthworks. For these areas, route width, excavation depth, construction section, existing utilities and possible interfering objects are more important than an area figure alone. The documentation should show which section was investigated for which purpose and which subsequent decision follows.

Drainage system

Channels, chambers, sewers, infiltration trenches, separators, pumping chambers and retention basins may require different depths and volumes of ground to be affected. These structures need their own depth references. If the investigation is based only on the surface of the external works, the project's deepest and technically relevant interventions often remain too imprecisely described.

Utilities and sprinklers

Fire-fighting water, electricity, data, security systems, lighting and building services create dense utility environments. New utility axes often meet existing installations, old chambers or temporary site supplies. Such structures can obscure survey data, restrict access and influence method selection. Utility plans and planned routes should therefore be available together before the specialist assessment.

Ongoing operations

For extensions during ongoing logistics operations, flows of goods, delivery windows, staff routes, access roads and safety zones determine practical work. Investigation planning considers these conditions and documents resulting limitations. Clear working windows, agreed exclusion areas, defined communication procedures and documentation understandable to the operator and HSE are useful.

Construction phases

Many logistics projects are delivered within short construction periods and tight sequences. Document review, technical investigations, evaluation and reporting are checked against the programme before work begins. Outstanding questions and possible follow-up investigations remain explicitly identified. This particularly concerns boreholes, foundations, utilities and external areas.

Surface condition

Surfaced areas, aggregate, ground slabs, vegetation, parking spaces, storage areas or temporary site roads influence practical execution. The surface is a technical factor for survey quality, vehicle access and evaluation as well as a logistical condition. A method may be suitable in an open area but reach its limits in a densely occupied yard.

Ground conditions and fill

Logistics sites often lie on prepared, compacted or filled commercial land. Foreign material, aggregate, moisture, cohesive soil, metal remnants and changes between layers can influence survey conditions. Ground investigation data and planned depths of intervention help determine whether near-surface investigation, depth-related survey or monitoring during construction is appropriate.

Coordinate the work of the trades

Earthworks, civil engineering, building construction, electrical installation, drainage, external works and traffic safety often proceed simultaneously. The documentation identifies the areas and depths investigated and outstanding work for the trades involved. Otherwise, unclear interfaces lead to queries, delays or unnecessary duplicate investigations.

HSE and site safety

Before work begins, HSE requirements, access control, instruction, exclusion areas, machinery use and procedures for indications of a suspected hazard must fit the project organisation. A specialist assessment is particularly useful when it connects these interfaces with technical investigation steps, bringing site management, the operator and construction teams onto the same information basis.

Communication of findings

If an unexpected suspicious object is found, work stops immediately. Do not touch, move or further expose anything. Leave the immediate area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, the local emergency reporting procedure applies. Informing site management and the operator must not delay the emergency call. Responsibilities, communication procedures and recording of instructions are established before work begins.

Handover to the operator

After construction, operators, owners and facility management need traceable documents. The documentation should show which areas were investigated, which depths applied, which methods were used and what recommendations exist for later extensions. Logistics centres in particular are often altered, extended or technically upgraded.

Have the project surroundings assessed by specialists
Applications

Typical investigation areas in logistics projects

Explosive ordnance assessment must consider the site's functional areas: building, external areas, traffic routes, drainage, technical facilities and scope for later extension.

Person beside a survey instrument on a construction site; a wheeled excavator with drilling equipment stands behind them.

Building foundations and pile axes

Column grids, pile boreholes, ground slabs and deep foundation points need clear location references. For each intervention, it must be assessed whether near-surface methods suffice or a deep-ground investigation becomes necessary.

Agree drilling points and target depth
Person with a tablet on a marked construction area in front of an industrial building.

Loading yards and manoeuvring areas

Truck courts, ramps, docking areas and circulation areas are constructed over large areas and often combined with drainage, inlets, channels and utilities. The investigation should accurately reflect the area grid and construction sections.

Ordnance assessment for industry and commerce
Two people with a tablet beside a marked construction area; plans lie in the foreground.

Sprinkler basins and fire-fighting water

For basins, pump houses and utility connections, the respective excavation and trench depths are taken from the design. The survey must consider depth, excavation, slope, access and subsequent utility routes.

Select a suitable investigation for basins and connections
Two people with a tablet beside a marked construction area; plans lie in the foreground.

Utility axes and drainage

Cables, water, wastewater, rainwater retention, infiltration and operational technical systems create long routes with changing depths. Service plans and design depths are central to the technical assessment.

Select methods for utility axes and drainage
Two people discussing plans at a table beside a vehicle on a construction site.

Handover to the operator

The documentation must traceably show which areas were investigated, what limitations exist and which subsequent decision is reliable for site management, the project file and the operator.

Prepare documentation for operators
Decision situations

What is clarified before acquisition, tendering and earthworks

Before investigation, working areas, documents, responsibilities and the results needed are defined. Outstanding questions are considered during scheduling.

01

Project development before acquisition

Before acquisition, planning or a change of use, an initial document review can clarify whether a suspected explosive ordnance hazard is relevant to individual construction sites, excavation depths or route areas.

Prepare acquisition assessment with specialists
02

Civil engineering tender

Specifications need clear investigation areas, depths of intervention, interfaces and documentation requirements. Unclear explosive ordnance items should not be resolved only during execution.

Clarify documentation for procurement
03

Building and ground slab construction

Ground slabs, foundation grids and pile axes must be considered alongside survey feasibility, drilling-point spacing, interference and the construction sequence.

Have foundation points assessed
04

External works and traffic areas

Manoeuvring areas, access roads, car parks and loading yards can combine extensive earthworks with numerous installed components. The investigation should be planned section by section.

Clarify external areas section by section
06

Findings during the works

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 danger 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. Then inform site management and the operator; internal reporting must not delay the emergency call.

Coordinate the procedure for findings with specialists
Project decision

Define investigations for the building, loading yard and utilities

For each construction section, existing indications of a suspected hazard are checked against area, depth and survey conditions.

Large area, different interventions

The building, yard, rainwater retention, site road and utility route must not be assessed indiscriminately in the same way. Each area needs its own reference to depth, method and purpose of the documentation.

Clarify investigation areas section by section

Suspected hazard from historical documents

Previous uses, aerial photographs, building remnants or information in historical files may concern individual subareas. A historical assessment helps plan the technical investigation effort in a targeted way.

Have the suspected hazard assessed

Interfering objects on commercial sites

Fill, aggregate, steel remnants, reinforcement, old utilities and utility corridors can limit survey results. The methodology must consider these influences before execution.

Determine a suitable service

Documentation for procurement and site management

For tendering, site management and the operator, what matters is a document that traceably brings together location, method, investigation boundary, assessment of findings and subsequent decision.

Prepare evidence for procurement
Technical assessment points

Technical investigation points on logistics sites

Survey quality, occupational safety and the ability to document results depend on the specific construction work, not just the area.

Ground slab and reinforcement

Reinforced ground slabs, demolition boundaries and former buildings can affect geophysical signals. Survey feasibility must be assessed on site and using as-built plans.

Aggregate and fill

Sub-bases, recycled material, slag or scrap metal content can alter detectability. These factors belong in the preliminary technical assessment.

Utilities and chambers

Utilities, drainage, lighting, fire-fighting water, telecommunications and earthing systems are both safety factors and possible sources of interference.

Drilling-point and grid references

For piles, columns and technical areas, the investigation must relate to precise positions, design depths and tolerances rather than only an overall area.

Construction site access

Survey equipment, supervision and procedures for findings need access roads, exclusion areas, site logistics and unambiguous contacts during execution.

Data assessment

Survey data are brought together with documents, the construction objective, sources of interference and planned depth of intervention. Evaluation identifies results, limits of the conclusions and investigations still required.

Documentation

Documentation for the project file, site management and operator

The documentation must describe the logistics site so that later decisions on excavation, drilling, handover and extension remain traceable. Following actual exposure or clearance work, the corresponding findings and clearance records are included in the project file.

Project information

The address, land parcels, construction site boundaries, construction sections, structural grid, external areas, routes and planned depths of intervention are assigned to the investigation area.

Historical source information

Aerial photographs, historical plans, previous uses, demolition information and existing reports are brought together and assessed by specialists.

Methodological justification

The document describes why survey work, deep-ground investigation, excavation supervision or further investigation was used for the specific construction section.

Survey limitations and interference

Reinforcement, utilities, aggregate, steel remnants, fill, sealed surfaces and restricted access 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 excavation, drilling, further survey work, recovery or continuation of construction within the commissioned scope is the appropriate technical next step.

Agree the project's documentation structure
Supporting documentation

Which documents site management and the operator receive

For logistics centres, documentation often needs to remain usable beyond the current construction phase because later extensions, alterations and changes of operator use the same site history.

Area and function reference

Buildings, loading yards, ancillary areas, sprinkler systems, drainage and utility axes are described separately so that investigation boundaries remain clear.

Construction phase reference

The document shows which investigation took place before which construction phase and which areas become accessible or relevant only later in the sequence.

Procurement and execution reference

For civil engineering teams and general contractors, the investigation area, interfaces, waiting periods, procedures for findings and documentation duties are identified traceably.

Operator communication

Facility management and HSE can continue to identify which areas were investigated, which documents formed the basis and what limits apply to the conclusions.

Scope for extension

When later building axes, access roads or technical areas are prepared, the documentation can provide a basis for further investigation areas.

Project process

From site plan to a documented survey

Project developers, designers, civil engineering teams and the operator coordinate the documents needed, deployment times and handovers before the investigation.

01

Record the project area and construction sections

The site plan, land parcels, building axes, external areas, routes, depths of intervention, time windows and contacts are brought together.

02

Assess the suspected hazard and historical documents

Aerial photographs, previous use, historical plans, demolition information, existing reports and possible authority conditions undergo specialist review. Where historical questions about the site remain unresolved, the necessary sources are researched and aerial photographs assessed. Results are assigned to the planned building, traffic and utility areas and used for further investigation planning.

03

Define methodology and investigation depth

The appropriate investigation is assessed for building construction, piled foundations, utility trenches, retention basins and traffic areas.

04

Sequence survey work and supervision

Survey work, borehole survey or excavation supervision are coordinated with construction times, exclusion areas, access roads and the civil engineering sequence. Specialists carry out the commissioned investigation on accessible areas or at the agreed drilling points. Survey data and location references are recorded; during excavation supervision, the work actually supervised and observations made are documented.

05

Handle findings professionally

Survey anomalies are documented spatially and assessed by specialists. For a suspicious object, stopping work, keeping a safe distance and immediate reporting take priority.

06

Hand over records

Reports, plans, photographic records and the subsequent decision are compiled so that site management and the operator can use them.

Technical details

Plan survey work under logistics site conditions

Technical planning links documents, depth of intervention, survey feasibility, construction sequence and purpose of the documentation.

Buildings, access roads, loading yards and technical installations are included in investigation planning with their respective volumes of ground affected and depths.

Buildings, loading yards, utilities and technical installations are investigated with their respective volumes of ground affected. Structural grids, traffic areas, retention facilities, utility axes and site roads have different depths of intervention, sources of interference and documentation requirements. The investigation scope is defined for the individual areas and depths of intervention. FONTANA-EOD assesses which conclusion is needed for the specific construction section and which method is technically viable under the existing conditions.

Area grid

The survey or investigation concept must suit the structural grid, external works and later construction sections.

Depth reference

The respective planned depths are stated for pile points, basins, chambers, utility trenches and traffic areas.

Interference sources

Recycled material, steel remnants, old utilities and reinforcement are assessed as influencing factors before method selection.

Construction operations

Investigation and supervision are planned so that access roads, sequencing, exclusion areas and contacts are clearly defined.

Select an investigation

Select investigations according to building foundations and external works

Person beside a survey instrument on a construction site; a wheeled excavator with drilling equipment stands behind them.

Relate the building plan to actual foundation depths

Foundation points, ground improvement, ramps and technical pits are recorded by position and depth in the current plan. Investigation needs relate to these volumes of ground. A general area figure for the building does not adequately describe deep individual foundations or excavations.

Determine deep-ground investigation for foundation points and pits
Two people with a tablet beside a marked construction area; plans lie in the foreground.

Consider loading yards, utilities and retention separately

External areas may require different ground interventions from building foundations. State traffic area construction, drainage axes, chambers and basins with their intended depths. Existing installations and access in sections are considered when selecting suitable methods.

Select suitable methods for external works
Project conditions

Investigation questions before execution, procurement and site management

For execution, plan documents, investigation areas and depths, known sources of interference, working times and reporting procedures are recorded.

Available documents before execution

For the survey of a logistics centre, existing documents are checked against current construction planning. 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.

Check existing documents against the construction plan

Subareas and construction sections

Logistics centres 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 clearly

Access 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 access

Interfering 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 terms

Deep interventions and borehole positions

Geotechnical boreholes, piles, retaining structures, chambers, sumps, pits and utility trenches involve targeted ground interventions. A general area assessment is often insufficient for these points. Positions, diameters, design depths, construction methods and deviation tolerances must be known so that the explosive ordnance investigation can be planned appropriately.

Clarify drilling points and design depth

Excavation, 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.

Coordinate results and handovers with construction times

Occupational 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 organisational points form part of sound specialist preparation.

Prepare communication procedures

Subsequent 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 decision
Coordination

What participants need before execution

Project developers, designers, site management and later operators receive the plans, results and investigation limits needed for their tasks.

Project development

During development of a logistics centre, the relevance of existing indications of a suspected hazard to the planned areas and depths is assessed. 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.

Coordinate project interfaces
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?

For the survey of a logistics centre, the specific working area is needed 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. Documentation is assigned to these investigation areas.

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 danger 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. Then inform site management and the operator; internal reporting must not delay the emergency call.

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, excavation supervision, handling of findings, continuation of construction within the investigated area or coordination with competent authorities.

Selecting a method

Combine methods appropriately for logistics sites

Methods are selected using the investigation objective, required depth, ground conditions and existing sources of interference. Areas that cannot be adequately investigated remain explicitly documented.

Historical aerial photograph analysis

Suitable for assessing suspected areas, previous use, wartime impacts, building remnants and possible risk zones before technical investigation.

Surface survey

Useful on accessible areas where the surface, ground conditions and interfering objects allow a reliable survey to be expected.

Magnetometry

Magnetometry detects ferromagnetic anomalies in accessible areas. Reinforcement, steel remnants, utilities, earthing systems and vehicles can obscure survey data on logistics sites. 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 infrastructure determine suitability for the respective building, yard or route section.

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

A relevant component for piles, chambers, basins, deep foundations and excavations with a defined design depth.

Excavation supervision

Where explosive ordnance detection during construction is technically suitable, each working layer is surveyed and evaluated using technical methods. Controlled removal in layers and supplementary visual inspection then follow; these steps are repeated down to the agreed excavation base. Excavation layers, hold points, authority to issue instructions, reporting procedures and documentation are established before work starts.

Ordnance recovery

Survey anomalies receive specialist further investigation or exposure. Recovery of confirmed explosive ordnance is coordinated with the permitted scope of activities and local responsibilities. If an unexpected suspicious object is encountered, work stoppage, distance and immediate notification apply.

Documentation

Reports, plans and photographic records ensure traceability for the project file, procurement, site management and operator communication.

Project decisions

Further services for your logistics project

The appropriate starting point differs according to project stage. The decisive question is whether planning, tendering or construction is already under way or a response is needed during ongoing work.

Assess the project area before acquisition

Have the suspected hazard, historical documents and planned use assessed by specialists before purchase, development or a change of use.

Have project documents assessed

Plan excavation monitoring

Establish the suitability and sequence of construction-phase ordnance surveying for remaining excavation areas.

Schedule excavation supervision

Assess the suspected hazard using historical documents

Assess aerial photographs, historical plans and previous use for subareas and construction sections.

Have historical documents assessed

Prepare evidence for procurement

Structure investigation areas, the purpose of the documentation and interfaces for tendering and site management.

Prepare procurement documents

Identify the project region

Prepare regional responsibility routes, deployment planning and the project location for the enquiry.

Check the project region
Working approach

Approach to logistics and commercial projects

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. For logistics centres, the assessment is prepared so that project developers, designers, civil engineering teams, the operator and HSE can work with the same area and depth references.

Have your project information reviewed

Clear area definitions

Investigation areas are considered separately by building, external area, basin, route and construction section.

Method limitations

Survey limitations caused by reinforcement, utilities, aggregate or fill are incorporated into planning rather than concealed.

Construction sequence

Survey work, assessment of findings and excavation supervision are coordinated with the programme, access roads and exclusion areas.

Coordination

Site management, project management, the operator, HSE and competent authorities receive traceable communication procedures.

Documentation

Reports and plans are structured so that they are usable for procurement, site management and the operator file.

Usability for subsequent work

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 in the logistics project

The client, designers, site management and specialist company coordinate their tasks and handovers before the investigation begins.

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 project developer

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 the results into construction design, the construction sequence, specifications and site communication.

Execution

Civil engineering contractors

Contractors need clear investigation areas, stopping procedures, contacts and documentation requirements before earthworks begin.

Operations

Operators and HSE

For subsequent use, occupational safety and internal communication, area references, investigation limits and procedures for findings must be documented traceably.

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 building areas, loading yards and utility sections.

The specialist project assessment supports preparation of construction and procurement decisions. Reporting and decision procedures depend on the project location, circumstances and competent authority.

Clarify project interfaces
Insights

Review documents and record investigations

For planning, historical documents, technical investigations and documentation of the results are checked against each other.

Two monitors displaying aerial photographs and maps; further aerial photograph printouts lie on the desk.

Aerial photographs and historical documents

Historical documents help define suspected areas and previous use of the project site.

Assess historical site documents
Person with a tablet at the edge of a cordoned-off excavation, with an excavator behind.

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 within the logistics project
Three people beside a fenced excavation containing an exposed elongated object.

Handling 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 measures
Four people in orange high-visibility vests in front of two excavators on a construction site.
Person with a yellow survey cart on a footpath in front of a hedge.
Identify the project location

Assign building areas and logistics areas spatially

Illustrated map of Germany with location markers on a construction site.

Identify the site and applicable requirements

The project location, property and building or construction section identifiers relate the documents to the specific project. The site plan, foundation schedule and external works design should show the same version. Existing requirements and contacts are assigned to the respective building, loading yard and utility areas.

Open regional project information
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.

Mark the affected working area on the plan

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.

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State planned depths of intervention

The 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.

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Identify the upcoming construction section

Explosive 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.

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Record utilities and installations

Existing 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.

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Define the documentation needed

Before 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.

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Coordinate contacts and trades

Project 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.

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Clarify reporting procedures before work begins

Before 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.

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Keep results for later construction phases

For 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.

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Technical 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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Industry and commerce: brochure – page 1

German · 8 pages

Project questions

Frequently asked questions about explosive ordnance surveys for logistics centres

When should a logistics centre undergo an explosive ordnance assessment?

Before building construction, piled foundations, loading yards and utility works, existing indications of a suspected hazard and local requirements are used to clarify which explosive ordnance investigations are needed. The suspected hazard, depth of intervention, construction phase, interfering objects and intended purpose of the documentation are decisive.

Which documents does FONTANA-EOD need for an initial assessment?

Useful documents include a site plan, land parcels, construction site boundaries, structural grid, planned depths, drilling points, routes, construction times, utility plans, existing reports, aerial photograph assessments, historical documents and known conditions. Incomplete documents can also be assessed by specialists if the project location, area and planned intervention are identifiable. Authority information and conditions should be supplied with their dates, complete attachments and geographical scope.

Which methods may be considered for logistics 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, ground conditions, investigation depth, existing utilities and access.

How can large building footprints and external areas be divided appropriately?

Large logistics sites should be divided by construction section, functional area and depth of intervention. Building axes, loading yards, traffic areas, basins, chambers and utility routes have different technical requirements and should not be assessed indiscriminately in the same way.

What matters for piled foundations and deep drilling points?

For deep foundations, position, diameter, design depth, construction method, drilling-point spacing and survey feasibility are essential. Where near-surface methods do not adequately cover the required depth, a suitable supplementary method is defined using the investigation objective, ground conditions and existing sources of interference.

How can explosive ordnance assessment be integrated into a tight construction programme?

Before tendering or construction starts, the assessment should be coordinated with construction sections, exclusion areas, access roads, the civil engineering sequence and contacts. Survey work, assessment of findings and documentation can thus be included in the programme rather than addressed only during earthworks.

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 danger 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. Then inform site management and the operator; 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 explosive ordnance surveys?

The determining factors are area, access, surfacing, interfering objects, ground conditions, intervention depth, construction phase, available documents, required methods and documentation scope. A reliable estimate can only be made after reviewing the project data.

Quick check

Four pieces of information that help before the first specialist discussion

A few precise pieces of project information are often enough to prepare the next technical step in an orderly way. A brief description of the decision needed, the areas affected and whether dates have already been set for drilling, demolition, excavation or procurement is particularly useful. 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, structural grid, depths, construction phases and existing documents.

Site and area

Address, land parcels, site plan, construction site boundaries, building areas, external areas and construction sections.

Ground disturbance and depth

Foundations, piles, basins, chambers, utility trenches, excavation depth, construction methods and design depths.

Available documents

Aerial photograph assessment, historical plans, utility plans, ground investigation data, existing reports and known conditions.

Construction sequence and purpose of the documentation

Tendering, time windows, site management, operator 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 intervention, depth, construction phase and intended next step are decisive. FONTANA-EOD assesses which investigations are needed, which methods are suitable and what information is still missing.

Telephone

+49 (0) 6843 - 999 499 7

Email

info@fontana-eod.de

Project documents

Site plan, depth, construction phase, suspicion indicators

Contacts

Site management, designers, HSE or project management

Have project documents assessed
Project enquiry

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.

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