Beta Design Consultants support clients and developers in all aspects of Infrastructure and Utilities Design. Designing the infrastructure and utilities for major and mid-size developments involves several activities to ensure the efficient and effective provision of essential services such as roads infrastructure, pavements, electricity, water supply, gas, telecommunications, and sewage disposal.

Our civil, structural, geotechnical and building services engineers have contributed to the integrated and efficient design of infrastructure and utilities by providing cost-efficient and practical solutions that consider total installed cost and schedule.

Examples of Beta Design Consultants involvement in the Infrastructure and Utilities Design include:

  • Asset refurbishment of civil facilities at BP GF Gas Plant (Roads, Foul Water Drainage, Process Water Drainage, Fire Water Supply, Security).
  • Maintenance Design for Process Water Drainage at Energy From Waste Plant (confidential).
  • Front End Design for the Design of Infrastructure & Utilities at Geothermal Power Plant, Cornwall (Roads, Pavements, Electricity Supply and Ducting, Process Water Drainage Network, Fire Water Supply, Waster Water Treatment and Drainage).
  • Design of Utilities Supply for Sound Stages and Film Production Developments (multiple developments).
  • Design of Civil/Structural Infrastructure needed for Electrical Charging in four bus depots in London (Edgware, Harrow, Fulwell, Hounslow Heath).
Figure 1: Proposed Construction Stages and Design for Installation of Geothermal
Plant Infrastructure & Utilities

Designing infrastructure and utilities in a civil engineering project involves various activities to ensure the efficient provision of essential services such as high voltage and low voltage electricity, telecommunication, water supply, drainage network, and gas supply. It is essential to consider connecting to existing infrastructure to optimize the design and functionality. Some of the design activities commonly associated with infrastructure and utilities design that are delivered by our Consultants include:

  • System Planning and Layout Design:
    • Conducting site surveys (topographical, geotechnical, desktop studies and searches) and assessments to determine the requirements and constraints of the utility infrastructure.
    • Assessing the project requirements and constraints to determine the layout of roads and pavements, routes of utility networks including activities such as the placement of substations, pumping stations, distribution lines, pipelines, cables/ducting and pits/sumps.
    • Analysing the existing utility infrastructure to identify opportunities for integration and optimizing the design.
    • Coordinating with utility providers and stakeholders to understand their requirements and design parameters.
  • Capacity and Demand Analysis:
    • Analysing the projected demand for utility services based on the anticipated needs of the area or development.
    • Assessing the capacity of the utility infrastructure to meet the expected demand, considering factors such as population growth, industrial requirements, and seasonal variations as well as regulatory changes and market trends (e.g. future proofing for potential changes such as need for electrical vehicle charging).
  • Hydraulic Design:
    • Determining the hydraulic requirements of the utility infrastructure, such as flow rates, pressure levels and load capacities.
    • Designing the sizing, routing, and interconnections of pipes and associated equipment to meet the desired performance criteria.
  • Electrical Infrastructure Design:
    • Designing the high voltage HV and low voltage LV electricity distribution networks, including substations, transformers, and distribution lines.
    • Assessing the power demands, load capacities, and voltage requirements to ensure reliable electricity supply.
    • Incorporating provisions for connecting to the existing electrical infrastructure, such as determining suitable tie-in points and assessing load-sharing possibilities.
    • Identifying opportunities to reduce demand such as introducing of LED lighting, use of natural light.
    • Identifying opportunities and designing measures for renewable energy sources such as air heat source pumps, solar energy to name a few that can be integrated in typical developments.
Figure 2: Harrow Bus Depot Electrical Infrastructure and High Containment Cables
  • Telecommunication Infrastructure Design:
    • Designing the telecommunication network infrastructure, including fiber optic cables, communication towers, and equipment rooms.
    • Determining the capacity and routing of communication lines to meet data transfer requirements.
    • Coordinating with telecommunication service providers to ensure compatibility and connectivity with the existing network.
  • Water Supply Infrastructure Design:
    • Designing the water supply network, including water treatment plants, pumping stations, storage tanks, and distribution pipes.
    • Assessing water demand, pressure requirements, and fire protection needs to ensure adequate water supply.
    • Identifying suitable connection points to the existing water supply infrastructure and considering the water source compatibility.
    • Identifying and proposing options to reduce water demand through water harvesting options and recycling.
  • Drainage Network Design:
    • Designing the drainage network, including stormwater drainage systems, culverts, and retention ponds including allowance for global warming and climate change impact on rainfall levels.
    • Analysing rainfall patterns and catchment areas to determine the drainage capacity and sizing of infrastructure.
    • Incorporating connections to existing drainage networks, ensuring proper integration and compatibility.
    • Identifying and recommending Sustainable Drainage Solutions SuDS and designing them at concept and detailed design stages.
  • Gas Supply Infrastructure Design:
    • Designing the gas supply network, including gas pipelines, pressure regulation stations, and metering stations.
    • Assessing gas demand, pressure requirements, and safety considerations.
    • Coordinating with gas utility providers to establish connections to the existing gas supply infrastructure and ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Connection to Existing Infrastructure:
    • Surveying and assessing the existing infrastructure networks to identify suitable connection points.
    • Coordinating with utility providers to understand technical requirements and specifications for connections.
    • Designing the connections to ensure seamless integration, compatibility, and efficient utilization of the existing infrastructure.
  • Materials Selection and Specification:
    • Selecting appropriate materials for utility infrastructure components based on factors such as durability, corrosion resistance, conductivity, and insulation properties.
    • Specifying the standards, codes, and quality requirements for materials to ensure compliance and longevity of the infrastructure.
  • Civil/Structural Design and Assessment:
    • Designing structures and supports for utility infrastructure, such as overhead lines, transmission towers, manholes, and chambers.
    • Ensuring the structural integrity, stability, and safety of the infrastructure under various operating conditions and external forces.
    • Assessing the integrity of existing infrastructure and making recommendation on necessary upgrades if any.
Figure 3: Asset Refurbishment of Existing Utilities and Infrastructure at BP Gas Plant
  • Geotechnical Design:
    • Assessing the soil and geological conditions to determine the foundation requirements for utility infrastructure.
    • Designing foundations, anchorages, and stabilization measures to ensure the stability and performance of utility structures.
  • Safety and Security Design:
    • Incorporating safety measures in the design to protect the utility infrastructure from hazards, such as designing fencing, access control, and security features.
    • Addressing safety considerations for maintenance personnel and the public, including signage, clearances, and emergency response planning.
  • Permitting and Approvals (Coordination and Collaboration)
    • Obtaining necessary permits and approvals from regulatory agencies and local authorities, such as environmental permits or highway authority permissions as well as utility providers.
    • Adhering to regulations and standards related to each utility, such as electrical codes, water quality standards, and gas safety regulations.
    • Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, such as addressing any impact on protected areas or habitats.
  • Documentation and Specifications:
    • Preparing detailed design drawings, specifications, and technical documentation that accurately describe the utility infrastructure design and requirements.
    • Providing comprehensive information to contractors and construction teams for implementation and adherence to design intent.
    • Ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and codes related to utility infrastructure design.

Beta Design Consultants contribute to the development of well-planned and efficient infrastructure and utility design that meets the service demands, safety requirements, and sustainability goals of our clients.