A F Howland Associates services

Acoustic surveys also have a variety of applications but are typically used to ensure that specified maximum decibel levels of newly installed machinery are not exceed upon completion of installation. These are usually required so that health and safety regulations are complied with.

While fixed-volume purging with bailers or submersible high-flow pumps can remove overlying stagnant water from a well and provide a sample of the groundwater near the borehole, researchers have determined that these traditional purging practices pose significant scientific and practical concerns.

A F Howland Associates undertake ground gas investigations in accordance with CIRIA C665 and NHBC recommendations. We utilise fully calibrated MiniRAE 2000 photo-ionisation detector (PID) for VOC monitoring and Geotechnical Instruments GA2000 for ground gas monitoring.  The GA2000 records oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and methane in addition to flow via a separate flow pod attachment.  The PID is best applied for screening of soils and waters on-site via head space testing of samples or detection of leaking underground fuel storage tanks through monitoring gas standpipe installations.

The purpose of inclinometer monitoring is to observe lateral movements within structures or strata and assess whether remedial works are required to subdue any such movements. AFHA undertake inclinometer monitoring using a technique designed to be used within standpipe casings inserted in boreholes.  An inclinometer probe is used to take measurements of lateral earth movements such as might occur in instable slopes, dam and roadway embankments or deep excavations.

A F Howland Associates has experience in investigation of sites contaminated with hydrocarbon products, specifically NAPLs (Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids) primarily of heating oil composition. Where contamination is suspected, exploratory holes are carried out to confirm of disprove its presence and standpipes are installed to allow in-situ sampling and monitoring of groundwater. An oil/water interface probe is used to determine thicknesses of NAPL residing in the standpipe. This equipment utilises a specially designed float to accurately measure the surface of the NAPL and a conductive probe to identify the surface of the groundwater.

A.F. Howland Associates are now please to offer vibration monitoring as one of our core services. Vibration monitoring is a useful tool in mitigating the risk of damage to structures due to activities that are known to produce ground borne vibrations.