Case Study: Survey Control & Set-Out for a New Community Centre
At Durkin, we thrive on delivering precise, reliable surveying solutions for complex projects. When a leading Sydney construction company engaged us to assist with the development of a new Community Centre in a local park, we were tasked with establishing a survey control network, setting out foundation works, and generating as-built records. However, discrepancies between previous control surveys and the absence of reliable reference points presented unique challenges that needed to be solved before construction could progress.
Project Overview
Our client, a major player in government and commercial construction, was developing a Community Centre in Sydney. Durkin’s role was to:
Establish a survey control network to ensure precise alignment and measurements
Set out foundation works to guide excavation and structural placement
Generate as-built records to document completed works for compliance and future reference
However, inconsistencies between two previous control surveys in the area meant that we first needed to verify and correct the control network before any set-out work could begin.
The Challenge
The key issue was that two separate control surveys had been completed in the area, but they did not align, creating uncertainty about the accuracy of the existing control points. Without resolving these discrepancies, the foundation layout could not proceed with confidence.
Adding to the complexity, State Survey Marks (SSMs) in the area had been destroyed, leaving no reliable reference points to verify the previous survey work. This meant we needed to establish a new, highly accurate control network to ensure all foundation set-out works were positioned correctly.
Our Solution
To overcome these challenges, we implemented a rigorous GNSS-based control survey following G73 specifications, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Our approach included:
Utilising GNSS techniques to re-establish a high-accuracy control network in the area
Checking and adjusting existing control points based on the newly established GNSS control
Extending the corrected control network further into the park to support ongoing construction
Setting out precise grid lines to guide excavation, slab placement, and the installation of structural column rebates
By leveraging GNSS technology, we successfully re-established reliable control in an area where standard reference points were no longer available.
Delivering Results
Durkin’s expertise in survey control and precise set-out ensured a seamless start to construction:
Reliable Control Network Established – The GNSS control points provided sufficient accuracy to verify, adjust, and extend the existing survey control.
Precise Foundation Set-Out – We set out grid lines that enabled the contractor to excavate foundations and install column rebates with exact accuracy.
Project Progressed Without Delays – Our team resolved the control discrepancies efficiently, allowing construction to proceed on time and within budget.
Precision, Problem-Solving & Progress
This project is a prime example of Durkin’s commitment to precision and problem-solving in challenging environments. By combining GNSS expertise, detailed analysis, and meticulous fieldwork, we ensured that our client had a solid foundation—both literally and figuratively—to move forward with their construction plans.