NPQS

C1-20 Condition Survey and Monitoring

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C1-20 Condition Survey and Monitoring

CONTENTS

Page

1. GENERAL 1
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Related Sections 1
1.3 Standards and Regulations 1
1.4 Trade Preambles 2
1.5 Definitions 3

2. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 4
2.1 The Survey 4
2.2 Instrumentation and Monitoring 4

National Productivity and Quality Specifications (NPQS) 3.

C1-20 Condition Survey and Monitoring

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
5
3.1 Instrumentation 5
3.2 Camera 5

4. WORKMANSHIP 6
4.1 Working Method 6
4.2 Photographic Record 6
4.3 Installation of Instrumentation 6
4.4 Crack Survey 6
4.5 Level Survey 7
4.6 Reflector Targets 7
4.7 Plumb Survey 7
4.8 Record of Defects 7
4.9 Reading of Crackmeters and Tiltmeters 7
4.10 Readings of Vibration Sensors 7
4.11 Monitoring Records 7
4.12 Reinstatement 7

5. VERIFICATION AND SUBMISSIONS 8

5.1 Submissions 8
5.2 Survey Records 9
5.3 Monitoring Records 9
5.4 Post-completion Survey Records 10

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1. GENERAL
Read with the General Requirements section, and all other contract documents.

1.1 Scope
This specification covers the requirements for the condition survey and monitoring of
buildings, services and other structures within the area of influence of other
construction works. The survey may be carried out prior to and / or after the execution
of the other construction works.
It applies generally to buildings and structures that could be affected by works such
as:
a. Demolition
b. Piling
c. Earthworks
The requirements for instrumentation for monitoring are given in section C2-50
“Instrumentation and Monitoring”.

This document specifies project specific data to be read in conjunction with section
C1-20 of NPQS. All modification and additions noted in this document take
precedence over clauses noted in NPQS. Clause references in this document tie with
those in C1-20 with the same clause title.

1.1.1 Prescribed Scope of Survey and Monitoring

Carry out the condition survey and monitoring for the specific buildings as identified in
the PSD.
Carry out the condition survey and monitoring for the specific buildings as identified in
the following:
a.      
b.      
c.      

1.2 Related Sections

Read this section in conjunction with the relevant requirements of the following work
sections:
C2-50 Instrumentation and Monitoring

1.3 Standards and Regulations

Where the works are done as required by the authorities, comply with all standards
and regulation as directed by the authorities.

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1.4 Trade Preambles

1.4.1 Contractor’s Submissions and Proposals

Propose suitable methods of survey and instrumentation for the purpose of
monitoring, for SO’s acceptance and comply with such.

1.4.2 Access to Adjacent Sites

Obtain appropriate permission for access to adjacent sites prior to commencement of
the works. Arrangements for the access are given in the PSD.
Arrangement for access to adjacent sites are as follows:
Site Arrangement

1.4.3 Quality Control Plan

Submit and work to a quality control plan as agreed with the SO. Refer to the General
Requirements section, clause 1.4.10 for guidance.

1.4.4 Verification of information

Obtain relevant information on existing buildings and structures from the SO. Verify
the information given and, if necessary, carry out additional investigation or request
from the authorities to ensure that adequate information is available to carry out the
works

1.4.5 Notice of Survey

Provide within time specified in the PSD, notice of the intended date and scope of
condition and post-condition surveys to the affected parties.
Provide within       days notice of the intended date and scope of pre-condition and
post-condition surveys to the affected parties.

1.4.6 Instrumentation and Monitoring

Install suitable instrumentation for continuous monitoring of the conditions of the
prescribed buildings in the course of other construction works. Based on the condition
of the buildings surveyed, propose suitable schedule of instrumentation and
frequency of readings for SO’s acceptance.
Take cognisance of and co-ordinate with other contractors on site who may be
carrying out instrumentation and monitoring works to avoid duplication of installation
and readings.
For general requirements of the instrumentation, refer to Section C2-50.

1.4.6.1 Instrumentation Engineer

Engage qualified instrumentation engineer(s) to the SO’s acceptance to install and
record readings for all the instruments.

1.5 Definitions
a. Trigger Value The value of movement or vibration detected as

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reaching the “Alert” or “Work Suspension” level as

defined below.
b. Alert Level The value of movement or vibration detected at
which the frequency of readings is reviewed and the
instrumentation checked.
c. Work Suspension The value of movements or vibration detected at
Level which the work causing the movement or vibration is
halted pending further review of both the structure
and the methods of working.

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2. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

2.1 The Survey

Provide adequate information to allow agreement as to the condition of the identified
buildings/structures/services prior to the commencement of the construction works
and any change in that condition that has occurred during and upon completion of the
construction works.

2.2 Instrumentation and Monitoring

Provide adequate record to identify changes that occurred and to allow changes to
methods of the construction works such as to avoid or minimise damage to the
surveyed buildings.
When planning for suitable methods and instrumentation for the survey, take account
on the limits on movements and levels of vibration, Section C2-50, Clause 4.2.2, as
well as in the respective work sections relevant to the other construction works. Also
take account of the frequency of monitoring as indicated in the respective sections.

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3. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

3.1 Instrumentation
For general requirements of the instrumentation and monitoring works refer to
Section C2-50.

3.2 Camera
Use camera capable of producing digital records of the survey unless otherwise
agreed with the SO.

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4. WORKMANSHIP

4.1 Working Method

Plan to carry out the Works in a manner that the Works do not cause any damage to
the buildings or properties. Submit a workable and reliable working method to the SO
for acceptance. If damage is inevitable provide a solution to rectify the damage to the
SO for acceptance prior to commencement of any work.

4.2 Photographic Record

Submit colour photographs and their negatives to the SO for record. Comply with size
and other requirements as described in the PSD. Where a digital camera is used,
submit an electronic copy of the photographs in either *.jpg or *.bmp format in place
of the photograph negatives.
Comply with size and other requirements as follows:
a. Required size of the colour print is       mm x       mm.
b. Other requirements are:
i.      
ii.      
The photographs shall show clearly all required details and shall contain a graduated
scale and colour chart for reference. These shall be taken under natural light
condition and the intensity of light shall be uniform to reflect the natural colour of the
intended objects. Use flashlight only as agreed.
Ensure that all labels and markers are clearly identified within the photograph.

4.3 Installation of Instrumentation

Give at least 48 hours notice of the intention to install any instrument unless
otherwise agreed by the SO. Install all instruments and establish initial readings prior
to the construction activity or area of works to which they relate unless otherwise
agreed by the SO.

4.4 Crack Survey

Carry out a visual survey of all structural elements in the adjacent properties for
cracks in excess of 0.1mm. Notify the SO if there are signs of structural damages.
Mark the location of cracks thus identified on plans and elevations as appropriate.
The survey shall include at least the cracks previously identified as described in the
PSD.
The survey shall include at least the cracks previously identified as described below:

CRACK SCHEDULE
Crack No. & Location1 Width2 Comments3

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4.5 Level Survey

Establish the initial (datum) reading of each survey point and submit records to the
SO. Protect the datum during monitoring period.

4.6 Reflector Targets

Install prism reflector targets at the locations shown in the drawings.

4.7 Plumb Survey

Carry out a plumb survey to establish the verticality of the members where necessary.

4.8 Record of Defects

Record any obvious defects on plans/elevations.

4.9 Reading of Crackmeters and Tiltmeters

Typical details of acceptable installations for ground and building settlement points
are shown in the drawings.
Submit for approval details of any alternative installations.
Monitor and record the levels of ground survey and building settlement points
throughout the duration of the Works to the accuracy of 0.5mm.

4.10 Readings of Vibration Sensors

To be carried out by qualified personnel only.

4.11 Monitoring Records

Review the monitoring records on receipt. Notify the SO immediately if the alert or
work suspension levels are reached and agree any action proposed.

4.12 Reinstatement
Reinstate all affected or damaged areas to the acceptance of the SO.

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5. VERIFICATION AND SUBMISSIONS

5.1 Submissions

5.1.1 Method Statement

Submit to the SO for acceptance a method statement containing the following
information for each building/structure/service to be surveyed and monitored:
a. nature of survey to be undertaken
b. scheduling and timing of survey and monitoring
c. differentiating between initial survey and subsequent monitoring
d. effect of alert and work suspension levels on timing of subsequent monitoring
e. personnel undertaking survey and monitoring
f. special concern and method of survey and monitoring
g. anticipated damage to the surveyed area and proposed method of reinstatement

5.1.2 Proposals for Monitoring

Provide proposals for monitoring in the form of a method statement to the SO prior to
commencement of the work or as soon as practical during the survey if the results
indicate the need for additional monitoring.
The proposals shall include:
a. proposed instrumentation
b. details and drawings of instruments
c. manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations for installation and
maintenance
d. details of sequence of assembly and connections
e. location of instrumentation
f. programme of installation
g. details of monitoring arrangements and verification procedures
h. frequency of readings
i. format of records

5.1.3 Quality Control Plan

Prepare and submit the quality control plan for SO’s acceptance prior to starting work.

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5.2 Survey Records

Submit survey records as listed in the PSD within time specified after completion of
the survey. Provide each neighbouring owner a copy of relevant portion of the survey
as directed by the SO.
Submit survey records as listed below within       days after completion of the
survey:
(Tick where applicable):

Item Description Reference Applicable

Clause(s)
1. Photographic Records 4.2

2. Crack Survey Records 4.4

3. Level Survey Records 4.5
4. Records of Defects 4.8
5. Plumb Survey Records 4.7
6. Others (Insert where applicable)

5.3 Monitoring Records

5.3.1 General
Submit two copies of preliminary records of the installation of each instrument within
24 hours from the time of installation of each instrument.
Submit final records for each instrument incorporating any comments from the SO
within seven days of completion of installation of each instrument.

5.3.2 Record information

The records shall incorporate a graphical illustration of the instrument installation and
shall include the following information:
a. Instrument number and location (in eastern and northern co-ordinates and level).
b. Names of personnel responsible for installation.
c. Time and date for commencement and completion of instrument.
d. Plant and labour used.
e. Ground conditions encountered (if applicable).
f. Details of instrument installation (grout, fixings etc).
g. Instrument readings during installation, calibration and immediately after
installation are completed.
h. Location of instrument terminals, housings and any leads or cabling.
i. Details of any splices, numbers of casings or joins.
j. Details of any breakdowns or delays.

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5.3.3 Factual Reporting

Submit the factual reports of monitoring results at intervals as specified in the PSD.
Submit in an acceptable format including a plan showing the location of the structure
and instrumented lines and comprise of at least the following:
a. Plots of measured parameters vs time, depth and/or location of construction
activity with reference to each instrument etc. as agreed with the SO.
b. A comparison of data with predetermined trigger values (Alert or Work suspension
levels), e.g. Settlement Vs Time, horizontal deflections vs time, load vs depth of
excavation, settlement vs location of construction activity / depth of excavation
etc.
c. Highlight of idle or damage instrument and provide estimated time frame for
corrective measures.
Submit the factual reports of monitoring results at an intervals of       days.

5.3.4 Interpretative Reporting

5.3.4.1 Frequency
Based on the factual information received, submit interpretative reports of monitoring
results at intervals as specified in the PSD.
Based on the factual information received, submit interpretative reports of monitoring
results at intervals of       days.
When established trends indicate potential problems then such areas of concern shall
be re-appraised at intervals consistent with the data collection and reports issued
accordingly as required.

5.3.4.2 Report content

Interpretative Reports shall include a summary plot of all instrumented lines or points
which indicate a trend (including historical data where appropriate) that could result in
a work suspension level being exceeded and any instrumented line or point in which
a work suspension level has been exceeded. Submit recommendations for any
protective measures or actions that are necessary.

5.4 Post-completion Survey Records

Submit the post-completion survey for the SO for record. Follow the same procedures
as for the pre-condition survey unless otherwise required by the SO.

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