Virtual Inspections

With the current coronavirus situation affecting site attendance, 40 Leadenhall has had to adapt to carry out essential tasks such as inspections which require sign off.

We have undertaken live virtual pile inspections on MS Teams with our Structural Engineers and the City of London Building Inspectors who are unable be to there in person. The Construction Managers have been utilising iPhones and iPads with 4G connections and later site wide Wi-Fi.

These meetings are also recorded for both those who couldn’t attend, but also as “proof of sign off” or alternatively, to capture any comments made.

Challenges we have faced include:

• Cost of initial hardware
• Providing the same level of interaction as a site-based activity
• Maintaining safety on site
• Providing good picture quality with live and instant feedback for Q&A

Despite the initial camera outlay being expensive, there are many benefits that outweigh this and quickly offset this cost:

Virtual tours have beneficially:

• Impressed client’s and subcontractors with Mace’s adaptability (Connection with MS Teams)
• Improved safety (Both in coronavirus socially distancing terms, and hands free)
• Saved money, time and carbon emissions in the long run by reducing business travel for consultants and inspectors.