General Capabilities

Grain silos

ACE Survey Department

The Survey Department was formed in 1975. Our team of more than twenty field surveyors provides support to all of the engineering departments at ACE. Based in Cairo, our survey teams undertake projects across Egypt, with teams assigned abroad as necessary. The
Survey Department supports ACE's design engineers in all aspects of the survey. Precision, accuracy and a commitment to delivering high-quality data are all keys to our business. Using data processing packages and digital drafting tools such as AutoCAD we deliver products including coordinate datasets, digital and paper mapping, geo-referenced data for GIS, and 2D and 3D computer models. The survey department provides a wide range of services to both ACE and other clients.

Services

Control networks.

Topographic surveying and contour mapping.

Photogrammetric surveying and mapping.

Monitoring.

Setting out.

Utility surveys.

Buildings surveys.

Control networks - All surveys require either the use of existing control points or new control points to be established. The control network in Egypt was first implemented in 1906 by the Egyptian Survey Association. Many of these control points have become unstable in the intervening 100 years. As one of Egypt's most reputable survey teams, ACE has reinstalled, updated, and improved the accuracy of many of the existing 2D and 3D control points, as part of engineering projects across Cairo and the Nile Delta.

 

Our skilled team of professional surveyors is proficient in using complex survey software packages to establish highly accurate and precise control networks in a variety of demanding environments, from underground tunnels, highway projects stretching many hundreds of kilometers, to monitoring.

 

The surveyors use the coordinate system most appropriate to the project and associated control network. For example, small projects may be delivered using local coordinate systems, whereas national coordinate systems are applied to large infrastructure projects. In some cases, international coordinate systems such as WGS-84 are adopted. This is particularly applicable for projects such as airports where users from around the world need to be able to interpret the data.

 

Topographic survey and contour mapping - A significant proportion of our survey expertise lie in the field of topographic mapping. The key to establishing a sound understanding of any site is to have a clear visual description of the terrain and main features. Our topographic maps include contouring, feature coding, and detailed notes. Working closely with ACE's engineering project teams we are able to ensure that the information we provide meets their every need through feasibility studies, engineering design, and providing information for updating cadastral registers. For example, our detailed 3D topographic survey data for the new site of the Grand Egyptian Museum was used to develop the complex program of earthworks required to prepare the site and lay the foundations.

 

Photogrammetric surveying and mapping - ACE has provided control networks to complement aerial photogrammetry surveys. Our experience in this field covers a variety of project types. We have provided large-scale linear ground control systems to support the design phase of projects such as the Alexandria Metro Line, which extended over 54 km and required 1:4000 mapping. We also delivered the ground control survey works for 20,000 km2 of the EI-Qattara Depression in participation with Lahmeyer International. Similarly, we have provided ground control for large infrastructure projects such as the Naga Hammadi Barrage which required aerial photogrammetry at a 1:10,000 scale.

 

Monitoring - ACE has considerable experience in conducting short and long-term deformation monitoring projects. Using reflectorless Total Stations we are able to provide 3D surveys of buildings and structures. Our services include monitoring existing structures such as dams and bridges for movement or deformation. The findings of these studies are key to determining the scope and scale of any engineering works which may be required to maintain the structure. Monitoring does not exclusively relate to existing developments. Monitoring of construction progress and the effects of construction on the local environment are regularly conducted by the Survey Department. For example, our surveyors play an integral role in supporting tunneling projects, by continually monitoring and adjusting the alignment of
the tunnel, and monitoring the retaining walls throughout the works.

 

Setting out - Using a variety of survey equipment from total stations, digital levels, and G PS our survey teams are skilled in setting out both small and large infrastructure design projects including roads, residential projects, and utility networks. Our specialist knowledge in this field has resulted in our appointment to undertake complex, high precision, setting out surveys of industrial sites. In collaboration with Bechtel, ACE was responsible for the setting out and verification of each of the bolts for the gas turbines at Shoubrah EI-Kheima, Kafr EI-Bateikh, and Sidi Kirir Power Stations.

 

Underground utility surveys - Equipped with Magnetic Detection Equipment the surveyors are able to produce detailed underground utility maps. Our expertise covers both complex urban environments where there may be an abundance of utilities in close proximity, and the provision of setting out and underground surveys for long-distance utility projects. Our surveyors have provided critical topographic data for the installation of major infrastructure projects such as long-distance water and
sewage pipelines and high voltage electrical cables. Typically, these projects can extend over many kilometers and require knowledge, understanding, and application of projections over large areas.

 

Buildings surveys - Our survey teams work closely with interior designers and architects to provide elevation and internal building measurements to meet their
requirements. Our teams have worked on a wide variety of buildings including hospitals, hotels, banks, and international embassies.

Survey Equipment

The Survey Department is equipped with a variety of total stations, digital levels, G PS (global positioning system), magnetic detection equipment (for locating underground utilities), and assorted hardware and software for post-processing and data presentation.

Project Experience

Our project portfolio covers large infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and airports, as well as building surveys including power stations, retail outlets, banks, and hospitals. The Survey Department undertakes projects from feasibility studies, design work, and site supervision on behalf of ACE's engineering departments and other clients.

A selection of projects we have worked on is provided as follows:

Airports

The survey team has worked at a number of airports across Africa and the Gulf region. Our surveyors are experienced in working in controlled areas of airports including runways, taxiways, and other airside locations. Typical studies have included topographic surveys, contour mapping, and setting out surveys of terminals. Airports that the team has worked at include Swaziland New Airport, Cairo Airport Terminal 2, Amria, Luxor, and Port Said Airport.

We have developed a good working relationship with several international engineering firms specializing in grain silos. Providing topographic surveys and setting out capabilities, ACE has worked on silos at Alexandria, Safaga, and Shoubra EI-Kheima.

Power Stations

Our survey skills have been used to create new survey control networks, topographic and contour surveys, and set out for a number of power station developments. Our expertise in utility mapping has been used to determine the safest and most economical route for connecting underground cables from power stations to sub-stations. Example sites that we have worked at include Shoubra EI-Kheima, Sidi Krir, and EI-Kurimat Power stations.

Roads

We have extensive experience in providing survey support for large highway projects. Our expertise starts with the provision of topographic mapping, contour plans, and utility plans for the planning and engineering design process. Throughout the design and build phases, we provide control networks, setting out capabilities, and batter rail installation. Our capabilities also include monitoring the local environment and development site during the construction phase, for example, monitoring slopes and buildings. Examples of significant highway projects we have completed include the Greater Cairo Ring Road, Port Said Ring Road, and the Coastal Road of Egypt.

Tunnels

ACE has particular expertise in designing tunnels. The ACE Survey Department works closely with the design engineers to deliver high-quality survey data for tunnel design and monitoring during construction. Our surveyors have developed a detailed knowledge of underground survey work supporting the construction of the Cairo and Alexandria underground systems. Through these projects, we have been able to develop our skills in installing underground control systems and working in confined spaces with restricted lines of sight. Overseeing all survey works for the tunneling of the Greater Cairo Metro Lines two and three, ACE's Survey Department established control points to correct the alignment of the boring machine and provided as-built surveys of the segment rings to identify any deviations for correction during the boring phase.

Monitoring

ACE conducted all monitoring of buildings, structures, and the bed of the Nile River for potential movement during the tunneling of the Greater Cairo Metro Line two (from Shoubrah to Cairo University).

Utilities

During the construction of the Cairo, Underground ACE provided detailed utility mapping to facilitate rerouting of infrastructure as part of the enabling works, and to avoid damage to existing utilities. Providing detailed accurate mapping of the city's utility network was essential to the development of the underground system ensuring that clashes between key infrastructure and the new tunnels did not occur.
ACE has provided setting out surveys for major utilities infrastructure projects including a 25 km water pipeline to the Egyptian Cement Factory, 30 km of underground 220 kV cables in conjunction with Canada Wire, and the 22 km Ataqa Suez Water Pipe Line.