Letters
Unexploded bombs and shells which have been buried by their fall do not pose a significant threat.
Bombs and shells which detonate properly produce a hole and shrapnel.
Unexploded unitions (UXBs) are different. These contain a mechanism designed to detonate the high explosive charge after impact. However, after being dropped from 30,000ft, hitting the ground at high velocity and penetrating some 20-30ft into the drift and still not gone off - you can assume that the device was faulty and has not been improved by the impact and 60 years of burial.
As part of a site investigation, all that is normally required is a search at the Public Records Offi ce, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU, tel: (020) 8392 5200 www. pro.gov. uk/ to see if any report of a UXB was made. If there was, then you will have to make further investigations on site.
Normally there is no such record (but remember that no record does not mean there is no UXB on the site).
There has not been one instance of a UXB exploding in England in spite of all the redevelopment that has gone on since the war. It poses an insignificant risk unless you find one. Then call in the Army professionals.
Much can be made of the inherent risk but experience has shown that little exists.
Keep digging.
Simon Harbottle (M), 52 Tintagel Way, Oriental Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 7DG
You might also like...
Europe's biggest archaeological dig begins along HS2 route
Archaeologists working as part of the High Speed 2 (HS2) project have begun the largest archaeological dig in Europe.
Ipswich road bridge to undergo aerodynamic testing
Engineers are conducting tests on a computer model of the 37-year-old Orwell bridge near Ipswich to determine whether the structure can be remain open to cars and motor bikes during high winds.
Eight light rail schemes that could enter DfT competition
Backers of light rail schemes across the country were given a boost last week, when the government called on rail providers to table their proposals under a new Department for Transport (DfT) competition .
Russia-Germany gas pipe condemned by EU
The European Parliament has condemned the Nord Stream gas pipe line extension as a “risk to European energy security”.
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions. Please note comments made online may also be published in the print edition of New Civil Engineer. Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.