A volumetric survey measures the volume, size, and weight of large quantities of materials, such as stockpiles, excavations, soil, and waste. They’re crucial for resource management and project planning, as they provide accurate measurements and track quantity changes over time. They’re used in many industries, including construction, mining, and land development.
Why are volumetric surveys important?
Volumetric surveys are crucial for effective asset handling. Quarries and excavation sites produce huge amounts of material that would be impossible to accurately measure and track without a standardised surveying method. Precise data can improve site efficiency and determine the financial value of the site’s product.
Ensuring regulatory compliance with volumetric surveys
Accurate measurements are required for regulatory compliance, to ensure all operations are in line with the project brief and thoroughly documented. Without proper records, environmental permits may not be granted, and health and safety measures may be insufficient, putting workers on-site at risk.
Effective tracking of site output can pose challenges, particularly on hazardous work sites, such as landfills and mines. Our team of engineers uses drones to assess stockpile volume from a safe distance.
What industries use volumetric surveys?
A wide range of industries involved in tracking stockpile or excavation value and project development require volumetric surveys. Cut and fill excavations depend on precise measurements to determine the amount of material that must be cut (removed), and therefore filled by material that’s either imported or redistributed on site.
Stockpile management and earthwork volume calculations are also heavily dependent upon volumetric surveys. Maintaining accurate records of the stockpile size is crucial for effective resource management.
Volumetric surveys in construction
Volumetric surveys are essential during construction to assess the quantity of material that needs to be removed from a site. Accurate data enables efficient project planning and effective resource allocation. Maintaining the correct amount of machinery and personnel on site to handle stockpiles prevents unnecessary costs and streamlines workflow, ensuring timelines are met.
When transport systems are built, such as roads and railways, volumetric surveys are a critical component of gaining approval for public use. Alongside measuring the volume of soil to be removed for transport elements, they assess changes in the environment, including landforms and erosion.
Volumetric surveys in mining
Mining and excavations require highly precise measurements of materials to determine the financial potential of the stockpile, plan sufficient transportation of the load, track the project progress, and monitor the environmental impact of the operation. If the quantity of mined material is known, project managers can calculate the amount of resource remaining and the site’s progress rate.
Volumetric surveys in waste management
Waste management and landfill sites must regularly conduct volumetric surveys to determine how close the landfill is to capacity, and adhere to the Environment Agency regulations. Landfills emit a mix of gases, including methane, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to climate change and pose health risks. The amount of material contained at landfill must therefore be heavily monitored and regulated to prevent gases reaching dangerous levels. It also enables project managers to plan ahead and calculate when a landfill will be full, and thus when new sites will be required.
Volumetric surveys in environmental restoration
Volumetric surveys can monitor the natural environment, tracking changes in coastlines, soil erosion, and progress in habitat restoration projects. Accurate surveys documenting the original state of a conservation project are crucial in assessing the effectiveness of protection efforts.
Furthermore, hazardous areas, such as those contaminated with soil or water, can be safely assessed with volumetric surveys, as drones can be deployed from a safe distance.
What tools are used in a volumetric survey?
A variety of tools are available to conduct a volumetric survey. Many projects will use a combination of ground and aerial technologies to comprehensively capture site data.
GNSS receivers and total stations
GNSS receivers are used in volumetric surveys as they can gather large quantities of data over large areas. SEP Engineers only uses the most advanced technology available, from leading brands such as CHCNAV and Trimble. The data gathered is used to create 3D maps and determine stockpile volumes.
Laser scanners and point clouds
Laser scanners are used to create detailed 3D point clouds, which are used for quality assurance and resource management. Laser scanners provide millimetre-level accuracy, crucial for effective resource management.
Drone surveying
Drone surveying is invaluable for mapping data in dangerous or remote locations. SEP Engineers use DJI and CHCNAV surveying drones to conduct LiDAR surveys and photogrammetry to gather highly accurate measurements for detailed 3D models and maps. Data can be gathered even in low-light conditions.
Our volumetric survey process
- We’ll gather information on your project, including the purpose, size, time range, site accessibility, and hazards. We’ll use this to determine the best approach.
- Our team of engineers will conduct the volumetric survey using drones, laser scanners, and GNSS receivers. We’ll gather extensive data on the existing ground surface and proposed design levels.
- Next, we process the data and determine cut and fill volumes. We’ll present the data in a format that suits your project requirements.
- The process is repeated over the duration of your project as many times as required to accurately monitor stockpiles and environmental conditions and provide data for maintaining regulatory compliance.
Find an experienced volumetric surveyor at SEP Engineers
For effective resource management in any industry, volumetric surveying is essential. Our multifaceted approach, tailored to your project, can help you improve efficiency by providing you and your team with exceptionally accurate data.
For a clear and precise picture of your project using a volumetric survey, get in touch with one of our experienced engineers using the contact form below, and we’ll be in touch shortly.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a volumetric survey cost?
The price of a volumetric survey depends on the site size, how many surveys are required, the complexity of your project, and the ease of site access.
My worksite has significantly hazardous conditions – can you conduct a volumetric survey?
Yes – we use drones for difficult-to-reach and dangerous locations, so we can safely conduct surveys without putting the operator at risk or compromising the survey’s accuracy.
How long does a volumetric survey take?
No two projects are the same, and our volumetric surveys reflect this. Some projects require a series of surveys over the project duration, while others may only need one. Get in touch with a member of our team to discuss your project requirements, and we’ll provide you with a quote.
