Crossrail to use new underground surveying tool

Subtechnics, a utility surveyor based in Surrey, has developed a form of technology known as a Geographical Information Survey (GIS). The process is similar to airport radar but looks underground and then recreates the sub-surface environment on a computer.

Craig Simmonds, a director of Subtechnics, said other companies had used underground radar in the past but his firm had taken the process further with the innovation to recreate the underground environment on a PC.

The survey looks for voids beneath the surface and any underground structures such as pipes that would be an obstacle to the development of the proposed Crossrail project. The results of the survey will then be attached to a 3D Digital Terrain Model supplied by Subtechnics’ sister company, Sitechnics.

Subtechnics has been awarded a three-year framework contract by Crossrail with the option to extend for a further two years.

Crossrail will develop new tunnels on an east-west alignment under central London and upgrade the National Rail lines to the east and west of central London. The project will extend from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west through to Shenfield in the north east and Abbey Wood in the south east. The project is due to be finished in 2015.

After completion of the work on Paddington, Crossrail will begin tunnelling work on the central and western sections of the development.