UXO Identification and Controlled Excavation — Bath Street

A CIRIA C681-aligned UXO desk-based risk assessment identified a clear and spatially defined risk linked to historic aerial bombardment at the Bath Street site. S.I UXO’s in-house historical archives and interactive UXO risk mapping platform pinpointed the threat area with precision, providing the technical basis for a targeted intrusive investigation.

S.I UXO managed the entire UXO mitigation process from initial assessment through to final confirmation, delivering every stage of the work using our own specialist team and equipment. A targeted intrusive investigation was designed and undertaken using our CPT rig, ‘Percy’, with testing advanced to depths of up to 9.0 m. In total, 174 CPT pushes were completed across the site.

All CPT data was interpreted directly by S.I UXO specialists, leading to the identification of a single discrete subsurface anomaly at approximately 4.3 m below ground level within cohesive clay strata. A triangulation methodology was applied to refine its position, depth, and dimensions. A carefully planned and controlled excavation followed, undertaken under strict safety procedures.

The excavation confirmed the presence of a World War II SC50 kg Luftwaffe aerial bomb, with heavily corroded suspension lugs and fuze. Following confirmation, appropriate safety measures were implemented and close liaison was maintained with the relevant authorities, ensuring the device was managed and made safe in a controlled and compliant manner.

• Identification and safe management of a confirmed WWII SC50 aerial bomb
• Uncertainty reduced for the project team, enabling informed risk management decisions
• Reactive delays during construction avoided
• Entire scope delivered in-house: assessment, investigation, identification, and managed disposal