CASE STUDY

FUGRO
MAPPING CHIMNEY FLUES
A non-destructive investigation of 33 Belgrave Square to determine
the location and mapping of chimney flues to their respective chimney
pots prior to major refurbishment of the building.

Fugro were requested by construction The team faced a number of challenges

consultants Gardiner and Theobald to
locate flues within a party wall using non-
destructive methods and to report on the
location of flues and other features that may
be of engineering significance.
Method
The survey was undertaken by a two man
team using a GSSI SIR3000 digital GPR
system coupled to an antenna operating at
a centre frequency of 2.0 GHz. Each area
was surveyed with a series of horizontal
profiles at a nominal 250mm spacing; the
profiles were referenced to fixed features for
re-location estimated to be within +/-
100mm.
during the work: some areas were
inaccessible, while in other areas voids
between the decorative panelling and the
main walls prevented useable data being
collected in these areas. In historic buildings there may be many flues, which
may be disused or belong to the adjoining property.
Some 30 flues were identified; a figure
greater than expected at the time of the
survey and far in excess of the number of
chimney pots. Flues were generally traced
back to the existing fireplaces or to
positions where a fireplace may have
existed. Of the 23 flues successfully traced
to the respective chimney pots, 10 were
clearly identified as being associated with
the neighbouring property. Using a lightweight, hand-held GPR antenna enabled
staff to reach most areas.

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 CASE STUDY

Conclusions
For the majority of these types of buildings
the flues are contained within the party
walls which are shared with the
neighbouring properties. When undertaking
any intrusive work it is important to
understand the make-up of the wall and
where any flues are to avoid causing FOURTH
FLOOR BEDROOM 7 / STUDIO
4.04

damage or inconvenience to the

25.680
Existing FL

PLANT
4.09
SERVICES
neighbouring properties during planned THIRD
FLOOR BATH 04
MAIN STAIR
3.07
LIFT
3.08
VOID
4.10
3.02

works. 22.776
Existing FL

CHILD BEDROOM 5 BATH 5

2.07 3.09 3.10
LIFT
These types of surveys are generally
SECOND
FLOOR BED 2/ STUDY MAIN STAIR 2.10
2.03 2.09

undertaken prior to or during refurbishment 18.845

Existing FL

CORRIDOR CHILD BEDROOM 3

projects for a number of reasons: 2.11 2.13

MAIN STAIR
■■ Where there is a desire to open up and FIRST
FLOOR
DRAWING ROOM
1.03 LIFT
1.04
1.01

reinstate original fireplaces as features BALCONY

FAMILY ROOM
1.08

in certain rooms; it is important to

13.956
Existing FL

identify the correct connecting flue, its

MAIN STAIR
ENTRANCE
state of repair and whether it is G.04
GROUND
FLOOR PORCH KITCHEN
G.01 G.11b
LIFT
blocked/capped at any point. 9.359
Existing FL
LOBBY G.07

■■ To use the existing flues to conceal

mechanical and electrical (M&E) plant LOWER
GROUND
FLOOR
PLANT
LG.03
LG.08
BEDSIT
LG.07 STORE LIFT
LG.36 STAIR
LG.35
LG.19
such as pipework, cabling, 5.730
Existing FL
5.720
Existing FL
LG.11

air-conditioning / extraction ducting.

STAIR
The path of the flue, it’s size and B.05

possible obstructions such as sudden

changes in direction need to be
identified. Over 30 flues were identified, 10 belonged to the adjoining property. Flues in historic buildings are rarely
■■ To create openings through walls straight, identifying the path of a flue is critical in refurbishment projects.
without damaging flues that derive
from neighbouring properties or flues
that will be used as above.
■■ Where there are planned structural
works with a requirement for a solid
anchor point.

Decorative wall panellings can create voids, reducing

the accuracy of the data being collected.
© FUGRO 08 2016/FGSL-CAM/CSBLSQ

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