Skip to main content

Southport Pier Revit Model

Published on by JST

Image of Southport Pier

Survey Solutions delivered a detailed 3D Revit model of Southport Pier, enabling accurate restoration of one of Britain’s longest and most historic piers.

Southport Pier Revit model was one of our latest projects, and as one of Britain’s most iconic and historic pleasure piers it was an interesting experience. The pier extends over 3,600 feet across the renowned sands of Southport, making it the second-longest pier in the UK. A remarkable example of 19th-century engineering, it has undergone several refurbishments over its 155-year history. 

Precision in Preservation: Survey Solutions’ Role in Revitalising Southport Pier 

Sefton Council are seeking solutions to allow for the Pier’s re-opening. In order to ensure the accuracy and precision required for this complex restoration, Gardiner & Theobold LLP, the Project and Cost Managers appointed by Sefton Council required a comprehensive 3D Revit model of the entire structure. We were thrilled to be awarded the contract through a competitive tender process. 

The REVIT Model Pier Challenge 

The Survey Solutions team were tasked with creating an accurate, detailed Revit model that would serve as an exact digital replica of the Pier. This model was essential for Gardiner & Theobold’s design team to precisely measure and replicate the components needed for the Pier’s restoration. However, the process of scanning Southport Pier posed unique challenges due to its length and the variety of terrains it spans, including 600 metres of beach, a marine lake, and the sea. 

To overcome these challenges, our surveyors meticulously planned the scanning process around the tide schedules, allowing us to access and scan the underside of the Pier where it extends over land and sand. For the sections of the Pier built over water, we developed an innovative solution: lifting planks and using a terrestrial scanner attached to an inverted tripod, which was winched through gaps in the decking. This approach allowed us to capture precise measurements of the Pier’s underside, ensuring the Revit model’s accuracy. 

The successful delivery of the Revit model is a testament to our team’s expertise, innovation, and dedication to quality. We are proud to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of such an important historical landmark. 

Survey company that is part of British Cartographic Society
Chartered Institution of Civil Engineers
The Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme
Construction Line
Cyber Essentials – Certified Plus
European Ground Penetrating Radar Association
ISO9001: 2015
ISO27001: 2017
ISO45001: 2018
ISO14001: 2015
SMAS Worksafe
The Survey Association
Achilles & Achilles UVDB