In the construction industry, precision and thorough documentation are fundamental to the success and longevity of any project. These surveys provide a comprehensive record of a structure exactly as it was constructed, serving as an indispensable tool for maintaining safety, compliance and operational efficiency.
From verifying the accuracy of construction to aiding future maintenance, as-built surveys play a vital role in ensuring that every construction project stands the test of time.
In this article, we’ll dive into what as-built surveys are, why they are essential, and how they benefit stakeholders, designers, and future building managers.
What is an as-built survey?
An as-built survey, sometimes referred to simply as an as-built, is a detailed record of a building or structure post-construction. This could include anything from a skyscraper to a motorway to water pipelines.
As-built surveys are essential in construction for a number of reasons, including ensuring regulations have been met and providing clients with detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the building. Without these surveys, making future modifications or assessing project accountability would be near impossible.
The purpose and importance of as-built surveys
Let’s explore why as-built surveys are an integral part of any construction project, specifically for designers, stakeholders and future building owners and managers.
Verifications of construction
The information in an as-built survey is used to ensure construction was completed according to safety plans, design specifications and regulatory requirements. The exact locations of structural elements, such as walls, utilities and columns, must be recorded in the as-built document so that they can be compared with the design intent.
This verification is important as it ensures structural integrity and safety, enhances quality assurance and protects against liability and claims, amongst many other factors.
Identifying discrepancies
An as-built allows for any discrepancies, no matter how small, to be recorded. Even the tiniest positioning error will be included in the survey. These are so that every change or issue can be understood and managed to avoid confusion that could result in damage or loss. If a column is off from its placement in the design plan, it could result in the failure of a structure – recording this allows for the necessary handling of the issue and, therefore, the assurance of safety.
Recording discrepancies from the original design is also essential as it provides end users with detailed proof of exactly what is built. For example, if the construction project was a new pipeline, the specifications of a valve in the wrong place will be included for the user, which is crucial knowledge for operation and potential future replacement.
Documentation for future maintenance and changes
As-built survey documents stand as a record that can be used long after construction is over to assist with maintenance, such as repairs, replacements and modifications. It is especially helpful for hidden infrastructure elements, like underground utilities. It’s important to know the whereabouts of everything within a construction project, from the placement of valves to the layout of buildings, to ensure simple maintenance processes in future.
Compliance requirements
To comply with various legal requirements, as-built surveys are an essential part of final documentation. These records help ensure that the project has adhered to requirements such as zoning laws and safety standards. This is especially important when it comes to any discrepancies between construction and design.
An example of one of these legal requirements is the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which requires sustainable water management in construction. An as-built survey will document draining installations to meet these construction laws, as well as ensure compliance with any local flood management strategies.
Handover documentation
At project completion, there must be handover documentation, of which the as-built is a large part. It includes much of the above, including documentation of original plan deviations and discrepancies, site adjustments, and design modifications. This element of the final deliverable to clients, stakeholders and management will help with all current and future processes, including repairs, safety guidelines, and specifications.
What is included in an as-built survey?
In as-built documentation, you’ll find detailed drawings, positioning data, utility mapping and elevation and level specifications. All of these together create an invaluable record of the construction and the structure itself.
As-built surveying from EASE
Here at East Anglian Site Engineering, our team conducts clear and thorough as-built surveys, expertly documenting all completed elements of the work. These surveys create precise records that are essential for future maintenance, alterations and regulatory compliance, ensuring the project’s lasting integrity and functionality.
If you’d like to take advantage of our on-site services and our experienced, hard-working team for your next construction project, don’t hesitate to get in touch. From setting out to drone surveying to environmental monitoring, we are here to deliver exceptional site engineering services to all of our clients. Call us on 01603 211808, or use our simple online enquiry form.
