Bund Inspection & Condition Assessment
Routine bund inspections, structural checks, defect identification, and 3D scanning for compliant secondary containment.
Bund Inspection & Condition Assessment
Bunds are critical secondary containment assets — protecting people, the environment, and operations from hazardous liquid releases. Over time, bunds deteriorate through cracking, chemical attack, settlement, and general wear. HSE emphasises that routine bund inspections are essential to maintaining compliant containment performance, preventing pollution incidents, and avoiding enforcement action.
Arthian provides comprehensive bund inspection and condition assessment services for chemical plants, fuel storage facilities, manufacturing sites, utilities, and COMAH establishments. Our engineers combine visual inspection, structural assessment, 3D scanning, and defect identification to give dutyholders a clear, evidence‑based understanding of bund condition and compliance.
Why Bund Inspection Matters
Bunds must remain structurally sound and capable of containing hazardous liquids under normal and emergency conditions. Without routine inspection, defects go unnoticed — increasing the risk of environmental harm, regulatory non‑compliance, and operational downtime.
Our bund inspection service ensures:
- Early identification of cracks, spalling, erosion, and structural defects
- Verification of bund capacity and freeboard
- Assessment of drainage systems, penstocks, and isolation valves
- Confirmation that lining systems remain intact and chemically compatible
- Evidence for COMAH safety reports, environmental audits, and insurer requirements
Our Bund Inspection & Assessment Capabilities
Visual Inspection
Visual inspections form the foundation of bund condition assessment. Arthian’s engineers carry out detailed checks for:
- Cracks, spalling, and surface deterioration
- Chemical attack and staining
- Joint failures and sealant degradation
- Corrosion of steelwork and fixtures
- Damage from plant operations or weathering
All findings are documented with photographs, severity ratings, and recommended actions.
Structural Checks
Structural integrity is essential for bund performance. We assess:
- Wall stability and load paths
- Settlement and movement
- Hydrostatic load resistance
- Concrete strength and durability indicators
- Masonry condition and mortar degradation
Where required, we undertake structural modelling to quantify risk and prioritise repairs.
3D Scanning & Digital Modelling
3D scanning provides a precise digital record of bund geometry and condition. Our scanning and modelling services deliver:
- High‑resolution point cloud data
- Accurate volumetric capacity calculations
- Digital defect mapping
- Deformation and settlement analysis
- Long‑term condition tracking
This is particularly valuable for large bunds, multi‑tank bunds, and COMAH sites.
Defect Identification & Severity Rating
We classify defects using a structured severity rating system, covering:
- Structural defects
- Lining failures
- Drainage issues
- Chemical compatibility risks
- Environmental protection concerns
Each defect is linked to recommended remedial actions and urgency levels.
Drainage & Isolation System Assessment
Bund drainage systems must maintain containment integrity. We inspect:
- Penstock valves
- Isolation points
- Sumps and pump‑out arrangements
- Oil‑water separators
- Firewater containment pathways
We verify that drainage systems operate correctly and comply with pollution prevention guidance.
Lining Condition Assessment
Bund linings degrade over time, especially when exposed to aggressive chemicals. We assess:
- Coating integrity
- Chemical compatibility
- Membrane condition
- Adhesion and blistering
- Areas requiring recoating or replacement
Inspection Outputs & Deliverables
- Photographic evidence
- Defect register
- Severity ratings
- Recommended actions
- Compliance commentary
- Updated capacity calculations
- Freeboard assessment
- Firewater containment review
- Prioritised repair schedule
- Costed recommendations
- Long‑term maintenance strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you assess bund capacity and containment compliance?
Yes—our surveys include bund volume modelling and containment strategy assessments aligned with COMAH containment policy and CIRIA C736.
Can you help with bund compliance and containment strategy?
Absolutely. We assess bund capacity, permeability, and structural integrity, and model containment scenarios aligned with COMAH containment policy.
Do you assess bund integrity and capacity?
Yes—we offer bund permeability testing, capacity modelling, and structural appraisal aligned with CIRIA C736 and COMAH containment policy.
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.