SERVICES

Asset Management

Reasons for having a defined asset management program are:-

 

  • To ensure the safety of people working or visiting the premises.
  • Avoid collapse or plant failures which could shut down process plant.
  • Avoid environmental damage or procecutions.

Asset management normally requires a defined regular inspection programme, classification of defects and recommended repair periods or monitoring programmes. The inspection frequency can be very flexible and should be based on the age and condition of plant, local environment, previous history and consequences of failure. Surveys should give an overall view of condition of all areas of the plant plus a list of defects identified. A database or spreadsheet is usually used to collate the defects identified. This is then used to track repairs or ongoing monitoring. It is not always necessary to repair all defects. Ageing plants can be managed in decline to a planned closure date, this is likely to require monitoring an increasing number of defects rather than keep the plant in “as new” condition.

Project Management

Most civil works at industrial sites are installed to support or services mechanical or electrical plant required for the process. Therefore, the successful completion of civil engineering works invariable requires close liaison between the engineers directly involved with the civil works, engineers of other disciplines and operations staff.

This liaison has resulted in the civil powers engineers gaining all the experience and understanding necessary to provide a complete management service for the procurement and construction of civil related projects on industrial sites. Some of the key functions are:-

 

  • Planning and Co-ordination of activities affecting the successful completion of the works.
  • Liaison with operational staff on access and safety permitry.
  • Arranging the commissioning of plant and equipment in line with the Stations’ requirements.
  • Ensuring a clear understanding of between operations staff and contractors of each other’s priorities and the ingredients of a successful project.

CDM Services

CDM normally refers to the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007. This regulation applies to all construction work in the UK. The definition of Construction is very wide ranging and includes “the alteration of any natural feature”. It includes maintenance and demolition but not routine operation. The regulations place requirements on non-domestic Clients, Designers and Contractors for the safe management and design of all construction work. For all but the smallest works the regulations require the appointment of a CDM Coordinator, a Principal Contractor and notification of the works to the HSE. These regulations are due to be changed in 2015 and a draft document has been issued for consultation.

CPL can provide training and guidance on the regulation and also take on the role of Coordinator or Principal Designer. These roles are to advise the Client in the early (pre-construction) phase of the project so that the management arrangements, pre-construction information and design are suitable for safe construction, operation, maintenance and final demolition of the works are as safe as reasonably practical.

This is not just a bureaucratic process but can be used to actively reduce risks and save time and money. On a recent project in Scotland advance contracts were placed to remove asbestos and other contaminates and demolish buildings whilst the design of a new plant was underway. The new construction was then able to commence as soon as the site was cleared. As the site was expected to be conjested the Client arranged offsite temporary car parking and lay down areas for contractors vehicles. These are all examples of “Management Arrangements”.

 

Forensic Engineering

This is the term normally referring to investigations following a collapse, fire of flooding incident. The purpose may be to identify the cause of an event, identify the extent of damage and/or recommend the repairs needed to return the plant to safe operation. The first priority is to check that the plant is safe to enter or place restrictions on access or immediate steps necessary to ensure safety. An initial visual inspection and assessment is carried out as soon as possible and preferably before any clean up operation. The temperature of fires can be assessed from noting what paint or metals have been damaged or melted.

Structural Assessment

Structural assessments are usually carried out when design loadings are to be increased or there has been a material degradation of a structure such that the original design may not be appropriate. It is not usually possible to identify design errors in existing structures because they will not be at their design maximum loads, however buckled bracing member or excessive displacements would tend to indicate problems.

Existing structures are typically assessed if their condition deteriorates or there is a change of loading. Many old structures do not comply with current standards. To achieve acceptable results it is necessary to understand the original design concepts and have a full understanding of structural actions rather than follow any individual design code.

Ground magnatometer survey of site for Staythope C Power Station.

Site Evaluation

We have developed extensive expertise in the evaluation of both green field and industrial site development.

Full site evaluation requires knowledge of site topology, environmental issues, geology, history, contamination potential, plant layout, grid connections, fuel and cooling water routes, waste product management, noise, and air quality issues. Civil Power has these skills in-house and can offer a totally integrated assessment of the suitability of a particular site for industrial development opportunities.

 

Services include:-

  • initial in house desk study, visual inspection and feasibility report.
  • scoping, specification and management of investigation contracts for geophysical and soil investigation, background noise and potential noise prediction, air quality, existing services etc.

Benefits:

  • Identification and evaluation of development risks.
  • Identify most economic development package.
  • Provide data for pre-construction information and project strategy/management arrangements.

 

Structural Inspections, structural modifications and structural repairs.

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