Engineering hydrometeorological surveys are a set of works aimed at studying the hydrological and meteorological conditions of a future construction site. They make it possible to determine the water and climatic factors that may affect the safety of the facility, as well as to forecast changes in these conditions after the start of construction and operation.
These studies are a mandatory part of design and construction and are performed alongside geodetic, geological, and environmental surveys.
Why Hydrometeorological Surveys Are Needed
Engineering hydrometeorological surveys make it possible to:
- obtain objective data on the water resources and climatic conditions of the site;
- choose the optimal construction location, taking into account flooding and high-water risks;
- develop a master plan of the territory that accounts for water disposal and drainage;
- determine the facility's operating conditions with regard to wind, snow, and temperature loads;
- assess the potential anthropogenic impact of construction on the environment;
- develop measures to protect the territory from high water, flooding, seasonal runoff, and other adverse factors.
Such studies are especially important for construction near bodies of water, rivers, and ravines, and on sites with high groundwater levels or complex terrain.
Scope and Stages of Engineering Hydrometeorological Surveys
1. Analysis of Initial Data
- study of archival hydrological and meteorological data;
- analysis of information on watercourse regimes, precipitation, temperature, and wind loads;
- collection of materials from open sources, government agencies, and previously performed surveys.
2. Field Studies
- inspection of water bodies and watercourses, determination of their regime and seasonal dynamics;
- study of groundwater levels and their fluctuations;
- measurement of water discharge, ice phenomena, and bank conditions;
- assessment of flooding and high-water risks.
3. Desk Processing and Calculations
- calculation of snow, wind, and temperature loads;
- development of hydrological models of the site;
- forecast of changes in hydrometeorological conditions during development;
- assessment of potential pollution and anthropogenic load on natural resources.
4. Development of Recommendations and Preparation of the Report
- water disposal and drainage schemes, and facility protection measures;
- recommendations on site selection, territory planning, and building placement;
- calculation of potential risks of flooding, erosion, and washout;
- preparation of an official report for state expert review.
What Is Included in the Final Report
We provide a complete package of documents, including:
- hydrometeorological characteristics of the site;
- measurement and modeling results;
- maps, diagrams, and graphs of watercourses, runoff, and climatic parameters;
- forecast of changes in conditions after development;
- recommendations on engineering protection of the territory;
- conclusions required for passing expert review and obtaining permits.
Where Hydrometeorological Studies Are Applied
Hydrometeorological surveys are required for:
- residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects;
- linear structures — roads, bridges, pipelines, power transmission lines;
- hydraulic engineering and bank protection structures;
- cottage communities and large development areas;
- reconstruction of existing facilities;
- development of water disposal and drainage schemes.
