Design

In order to obtain a good standard of completed facility, firstly there must be a design process. This should take into account all existing site conditions, covering levels of existing ground, type(s) of ground to be encountered during excavation, proximity of trees and roots, existing services, ground bearing capability (CBR), existing drainage, watercourses, outfalls and availability of power to run floodlights etc.

There is no such thing as a standard design, each site has its own peculiarities and therefore warrants individual attention. However there are standard procedures that need to be carried out to enable a competent design that can be guaranteed to work in all respects. These are as follows:

a) Full site survey
b) Trial pit excavation with detailed logging, sampling and testing
c) CBR tests
d) Soakage tests to determine what, if any, percolation may be obtained through the existing strata
e) Locate existing storm water drains, outlets and any watercourses etc.
f) Survey of incoming electricity supply to identify if there is adequate power into site for new floodlights etc.
g) Location of existing services, and plans of services from utility suppliers

From the above information we are able to:

• Design and value engineer the project
• Design to relevant sports industry specifications
• Design for difficult sites/ground conditions
• Design and prove retaining structures
• Design drainage calculations to Environmental Agency approval standards
• Use ground stabilisation techniques where required