Burnaby Hospital Redevelopment Project

Project Snapshot

Project Overview

Introduction

Underhill Geomatics provided comprehensive construction and legal surveying services for the Burnaby Hospital Redevelopment Project, supporting EllisDon throughout Phase 1 of the redevelopment. The project includes the construction of a new patient care pavilion and associated infrastructure, requiring a highly accurate survey framework to support all stages of construction.

From establishing precision control networks to performing layout, as-built surveys, deformation monitoring, and specialized LiDAR scanning, Underhill has played a critical role in helping maintain the accuracy and quality standards required for this complex healthcare facility.

Project Challenges

The construction of a large multi-storey healthcare facility presents unique survey challenges, particularly as the building progresses vertically and becomes enclosed.

One of the primary challenges was maintaining access to the survey control network as sight lines to exterior control points became increasingly restricted. As construction advanced and building elements were completed, preserving survey accuracy throughout the structure required careful planning and ongoing monitoring.

Meeting strict construction tolerances while ensuring reliable control throughout the life of the project demanded a proactive and disciplined approach.

Underhill’s Approach

Underhill established a high-precision control network using conventional total station survey techniques, prioritizing redundancy and strong geometric design to ensure long-term reliability.

Recognizing the challenges associated with diminishing access to exterior control points, our team implemented proactive control strategies early in the construction process. By strengthening and extending the control network before critical building areas were enclosed, survey integrity could be maintained throughout successive construction phases.

In addition to traditional construction layout and as-built surveys, Underhill utilized LiDAR scanning technology to perform floor flatness surveys and provide detailed quality-control information for project stakeholders.

Through close collaboration with EllisDon, our team delivered responsive survey support that aligned with evolving construction requirements and project schedules.

Notable Outcomes

• Established and maintained a high-precision control network for Phase 1 construction activities.
• Supported construction with accurate layout and as-built survey services throughout the project lifecycle.
• Performed deformation monitoring to assist with project quality assurance and risk mitigation.
• Delivered specialized floor flatness assessments and structural analysis products using LiDAR technology.
• Provided legal survey deliverables, including Building Location Certificates and right-of-way surveys.
• Successfully supported EllisDon’s construction requirements through ongoing collaboration and technical expertise.

Technical Highlights

• High-precision construction control network establishment and maintenance.
• Construction layout, as-built surveys, and deformation monitoring.
• LiDAR scanning for floor flatness surveys and structural heat mapping.
• Building Location Certificates and right-of-way surveys.
• Utilized Trimble S-Series Total Stations, Leica P-Series Scanners, Trimble Business Center, Copan, and STAR*NET.

Project Impact

The Burnaby Hospital Redevelopment Project is an important investment in healthcare infrastructure that will serve the growing needs of the community for decades to come.

By providing reliable survey control, construction layout, monitoring, and quality-control services, Underhill has helped support the successful delivery of a highly complex healthcare facility. Our proactive approach to maintaining survey accuracy throughout construction has ensured that critical project tolerances and specifications continue to be met as the redevelopment progresses.