Feasibility Reports

PAS128 is a Publicly Available Specification developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) that provides a standardized approach for underground utility detection, verification, and location in the UK. It is commonly used in construction and infrastructure projects to ensure that utility services like water, gas, electricity, and telecoms are properly identified and mapped before excavation or other work begins.

In the context of a feasibility report, PAS128 is particularly relevant when the project involves construction, groundworks, or any activity that could affect or be affected by underground utilities.

Key Features of PAS128:

• Survey Types: PAS128 defines several types of surveys, ranging from basic desktop studies to advanced geophysical methods for detecting underground utilities:
  • Type D: Desktop utility records search. Involves gathering existing utility records to understand what is beneath the surface.
  • Type C: Site reconnaissance. Involves visual surveys and confirmation of the utility locations from the surface.
  • Type B: Detection surveys using non-invasive methods (e.g., ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic locators) to accurately detect and map underground utilities.
  • Type A: Verification surveys. Involves physically locating utilities through excavation or trial pits to confirm their exact position.
• Accuracy Levels: PAS128 defines accuracy levels for the location of utilities, ensuring that the data collected is reliable for planning and excavation. The accuracy level depends on the survey type and method used.
• Risk Reduction: Following PAS128 standards helps to mitigate risks such as damage to utilities, unexpected project delays, and increased costs due to unforeseen obstacles during construction. It provides a clear, methodical approach to ensure that underground utilities are accurately identified and accounted for in the project plan.

Role of PAS128 in a Feasibility Report

• Technical Feasibility:
  • For construction projects, the identification of underground utilities through a PAS128 survey is critical to assessing the technical feasibility of the project. By understanding the location of utilities, engineers and planners can determine if the proposed construction is possible without significant rework, rerouting of utilities, or causing damage.
• Cost Estimation:
  • PAS128 can influence the financial feasibility by providing accurate data on utility locations, which helps avoid costly errors or project delays. If rerouting or protecting underground utilities is required, these costs can be factored into the project’s budget.
• Risk Assessment:
  • A feasibility report that includes PAS128 compliance will highlight risks associated with underground utilities and propose mitigation strategies. It ensures that the project team is aware of the presence of underground services and can avoid accidental strikes that may result in project delays or safety hazards.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Many projects require adherence to industry standards like PAS128 to comply with health and safety regulations. Including PAS128 in a feasibility report demonstrates that the project will follow best practices for utility detection and risk management.