Navigating a Complex Sewer Build Over Asset (BOA) CCTV Inspection in Manly, Brisbane

Case Study: Navigating a Complex Build Over Sewer (BOS) Assessment in Manly, Brisbane

For property developers, builders, and engineers, one of the biggest risks in any project is what lies beneath the ground. A pre-design survey that fails to accurately locate critical assets like sewer mains can lead to costly delays, extensive redesigns, and budget blowouts.

This was the exact situation facing a property developer planning a new project in the Brisbane suburb of Manly. They engaged Pipe View Australia to provide a comprehensive CCTV and location assessment for a critical Build Over Sewer (BOS) approval.

The Challenge: An Inaccessible Sewer Connection

Upon arrival, our team identified several challenges that required more than just standard locating equipment:

  • A Critical Pipe Under the House: The primary House Connection Point (HCP) for the property was identified via our CCTV crawler, but it was located directly beneath the slab of the existing house, making a standard surface locate impossible.

  • Requirement for Survey-Grade Accuracy: The client’s surveyor was on-site and required precise data to integrate into their formal survey plans for the engineers. An estimate was not good enough.

  • Sensitive Site Access: The inspection required access via a neighbouring property, demanding professional communication and care to ensure a smooth process for all stakeholders.

Our Solution: A Blend of Technology and Field Expertise

When standard methods are off the table, true expertise comes to the forefront. The Pipe View team implemented a multi-faceted solution:

  1. Collaborative On-Site Planning: We immediately liaised with the on-site surveyor to understand their exact data requirements.

  2. Precise Chainage Measurement: For the inaccessible HCP, we used our CCTV crawler’s calibrated distance meter to provide a precise chainage measurement (distance from the manhole). This gave the surveyor a fixed data point they could rely on in lieu of a surface marking.

  3. Comprehensive Locating: We proceeded to locate and mark all other accessible connection points and the alignment of the 225mm main, providing depths and offsets from property boundaries.

  4. Detailed Reporting: The client received a comprehensive data package, including a full CCTV report, a multi-page Asset Location Report, and all video footage, clearly documenting the findings and the solution for the inaccessible pipe.

The Outcome: Certainty and Confidence to Proceed

By providing a definitive, verifiable solution for the inaccessible pipe, Pipe View Australia eliminated a major project unknown. The surveyor was able to complete their work accurately, and the developer could proceed with their design phase, confident that they had a clear and complete picture of the subsurface conditions.

This project highlights the difference between simply locating a pipe and truly assessing a site. Our ability to problem-solve in real-time, collaborate with other on-site professionals, and provide meticulous documentation is why developers and engineers trust us with their critical pre-design assessments.

Are you planning a project near critical sewer or stormwater assets? Don’t leave it to chance. Contact Pipe View Australia today for a comprehensive assessment that gives you the certainty you need to build with confidence.

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