Cover systems for land regeneration - thickness of cover systems for contaminated land (BR465)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
On 22 March 2004, BRE published; Cover systems for land regeneration - thickness of cover systems for contaminated land (BR465), written by P Tedd, P Witherington, D Earle, S Hollingsworth, B Furlong, L Bradley, H Mallett and D Laidler. It was prepared by RSK ENSR Ltd on behalf of the Association of Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Specialists (AGS) in partnership with BRE.
Cover systems can reduce the risk to human health posed by contaminated land and provide a medium for plant growth. However, poor design can result in unnecessarily thick, or inadequate cover.
BR465 can be used to help assess the need for cover systems and to determine their thickness. It is intended for simple cover systems on brownfield sites where exposure to contamination needs to be reduced. It is not appropriate for sites where exposure to contamination must be completely prevented.
The booklet comes with a CD ROM which includes:
- A powerpoint presentation setting the scene and introducing the study that led to the development of the methodology.
- A report detailing; the findings of an in-depth study of design approaches, a literature review and on-site research; proposing a simple method for designing cover thickness, a more rigorous spreadsheet-based method and a worked example.
- A spreadsheet enabling the design of combinations of cover thickness and ground contamination for a wide range of contaminants.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved Document C.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Brownfield land.
- Building on fill.
- Building Research Establishment BRE
- Contaminated land.
- Environmental engineering.
- Ground conditions.
- Ground investigation.
- Hydraulically treated soils in residential construction (BR 513).
- Landfill tax.
- Methane and other gasses from the ground.
- Pollution.
- Pre construction information.
- Radon.
- Radon: Guidance on protective measures for new buildings BR 211.
- Settlement.
- Site appraisal.
- Soil survey.
- Solid and liquid contaminants risk assessments.
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.