UXO Survey
Specialist UXO Surveys to Identify Potential Buried Ordnance
Where a UXO risk has been identified, a UXO survey can be used to investigate the ground and identify potential buried explosive ordnance before intrusive works take place.
What is UXO Survey
RMS UXO provides a range of non-intrusive and intrusive UXO survey techniques, selected according to the identified risk, site conditions, proposed works and the depth that needs to be investigated.
Our surveys combine specialist geophysical equipment with experienced UXO geophysicists and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) engineers to identify and assess potential UXO targets.
The objective is to provide clients with reliable survey information that can be used to determine where further investigation or mitigation may be required.
Why It Matters
There is no single survey method that is suitable for every site. The most appropriate technique will depend on the identified UXO risk, site size and layout, ground conditions, vegetation and accessibility, existing infrastructure, the expected depth of potential UXO and the proposed works.
RMS UXO can assess these factors and recommend an appropriate survey strategy:
Non-Intrusive UXO Survey
Pedestrian or vehicle-towed geophysical arrays identify anomalies that could represent buried UXO without initially disturbing the ground.
Intrusive UXO Survey
Hydraulic push or drilling techniques insert magnetometer probes to investigate deeper columns of ground than surface methods can reach.
Search & Clear
Systematic manual investigation of the ground by qualified personnel where geophysical survey is not viable or cost-effective.
UXO Drone Survey
Airborne magnetometer technology for large, difficult-to-access or environmentally sensitive areas, including ranges, intertidal zones and shallow water.
Our Approach
Collecting geophysical data is only one part of a UXO survey. At RMS UXO, survey data is processed, interpreted and assessed by experienced UXO geophysicists and EOD engineers to determine which anomalies may require further investigation.
1
Assess
Review the identified risk, site conditions and proposed works.
2
Survey
Deploy the most appropriate non-intrusive, intrusive, manual or drone technique.
3
Analyse
Process and interpret the data to identify and prioritise potential anomalies.
4
Target Strategy
Develop a target investigation strategy focused on the project's actual risk.
5
Recommend
Advise on further investigation or mitigation where required.
What You'll Receive
The survey results can be used to determine which targets, if any, require further investigation. Where appropriate, RMS UXO produces:
- Geo-referenced anomaly maps
- Target lists
- Survey data
- Target locations
- Interpretation of survey data
- Target prioritisation
- Recommendations for further investigation
- A target investigation strategy
RMS UXO Expertise
Why Choose RMS UXO?
RMS UXO combines specialist geophysical survey capability with practical EOD expertise. The value of a UXO survey is not simply in collecting large quantities of geophysical data – the data needs to be properly interpreted in the context of the site's UXO risk.
Our experienced UXO geophysicists and EOD engineers work together to assess survey results and develop appropriate target investigation strategies, focusing on the targets that are relevant to the project rather than simply generating a large volume of survey data.
When is a UXO Survey needed?
The requirement for a survey should be based on the assessed UXO risk and the proposed works. An intrusive survey may be considered where potential UXO may be located deeper within the ground, ground conditions restrict surface techniques, or deep piling, foundations or boreholes are planned.
Our UXO survey services can support a wide range of projects, including:
- Residential developments
- Commercial developments
- Infrastructure projects
- Site investigation
- Ground investigation
- Piling projects
- Excavation and earthworks
- Demolition
- Civil engineering
- Utilities
- Renewable energy developments
- Military and former military sites
- Large development sites
- Intertidal and shallow-water projects
Identify the targets. Understand the risk. Take the right next step.
RMS UXO
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Target Investigation Strategy
Not every geophysical anomaly identified during a UXO survey will necessarily represent UXO. A large survey can potentially produce numerous anomalies, and investigating every anomaly may not always be necessary or proportionate.
RMS UXO can develop a target investigation strategy based on the survey results and the assessed UXO risk, helping determine which targets should be investigated and prioritised, which areas require further investigation, what investigation method is appropriate and whether further UXO mitigation is required.
UXO Survey FAQs
What type of UXO survey do I need?
The appropriate survey method depends on the identified UXO risk, ground conditions, expected depth of potential UXO, site accessibility and proposed works. RMS UXO can recommend an appropriate survey strategy based on these factors.
Can a UXO survey prove that a site is free from UXO?
No survey can provide an absolute guarantee that a site is completely free from UXO. The purpose of a survey is to identify potential targets and reduce uncertainty around the identified UXO risk within the surveyed area and depth.
What happens if a potential UXO target is identified?
A target investigation strategy can be developed to determine which anomalies require further investigation. Where a suspected UXO item is identified, appropriately qualified EOD personnel can assess the situation and recommend the appropriate action.
Can RMS UXO analyse existing survey data?
Yes. RMS UXO can provide data analysis and interpretation of relevant geophysical survey data, including independent review where appropriate.
What is a UXO Survey?
A UXO survey is a physical investigation of the ground or marine environment using appropriate detection or survey techniques to identify potential buried objects or anomalies. The right method depends on the assessed risk, target characteristics, ground conditions and proposed works.
Do I need a UXO Survey?
Not necessarily. A survey should be considered in the context of the project's UXO risk assessment and proposed works. RMS UXO can advise whether a survey is appropriate and, if so, what type is best suited to the site.
What is the difference between a non-intrusive and intrusive UXO survey?
A non-intrusive survey uses detection techniques to identify potential buried anomalies without excavating them. An intrusive approach involves physical investigation of the ground or proposed works area. The appropriate method depends on risk, depth, ground conditions and construction requirements.
What can a UXO survey detect?
Detection capability depends on the survey system, ground conditions and target characteristics. Magnetometer-based systems are commonly used to identify ferrous anomalies, but equipment and methodology should be selected according to the assessed UXO threat.
Can a survey confirm that an anomaly is UXO?
Detection data generally identifies an anomaly rather than proving its identity. Further assessment or physical investigation may be required to establish whether an anomaly is UXO, another buried object or natural/anthropogenic material.
How deep can UXO be buried?
Potential burial depth varies with the type and size of ordnance, impact circumstances and underlying ground conditions. Site-specific geology and historical evidence should therefore be considered when determining survey or mitigation depth.
How much does a UXO Survey cost?
Cost depends on area, terrain, ground conditions, survey method, target depth and the proposed works. RMS UXO can provide a project-specific quotation once the risk assessment and site requirements have been reviewed.
Start Your UXO Risk Assessment
Understanding potential UXO risk early can help you protect your workforce, plan your project and avoid unnecessary mitigation costs. If you are planning construction, site investigation, excavation, piling, drilling or other intrusive works, speak to RMS UXO about your site.