Explosive ordnance disposal
The first step of modern investments and construction projects is the survey and clearing of the designated area from war-related contamination and materials. An increasing number of investors and contractors now insist on this practice. This wise foresight ensures that unforeseen problems do not arise during construction. Given that the entirety of Hungary was an active zone during World War II, conducting a thorough survey and UXO (unexploded ordnance) clearance at planned construction sites is fully justified.
Our team leaders include professionals with years or even decades of field experience, holding valid EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) certifications ("Master" and "Class I" grades). Our technical equipment and detection instruments are standardized and world-class. We maintain comprehensive professional liability and accident insurance for all our operations. All projects are carried out in compliance with MSZ EN ISO 9001:2009 quality management system requirements, supported by the continuous training and monitoring of our staff.
Within the framework of this service, our company undertakes the instrumental detection and mitigation of underground metallic objects of military origin down to the required depth. Upon request, we can also perform specialized underwater clearance and surveys. The transport and destruction of the explosive devices are arranged within the framework of our established cooperation with the 1st EOD and Warship Regiment of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
For traditional UXO detection, our prices are calculated on a HUF/m² basis, with a one-off call-out fee added for smaller areas. The cost of deep-level (borehole) surveys largely depends on the number and depth of the drilled holes. As for underwater detection, pricing is determined individually based on the specific nature of the project.
Upon customer request, we can have our work verified by an independent expert from the EOD unit of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
During road, bridge, utility, and civil engineering projects, as well as landscaping and foundation works, it is common to uncover World War-era and other explosive devices. These objects obstruct the continuation of construction and endanger the lives and physical safety of the workers.
Tornádó Trade 2000 Ltd. undertakes the instrumental survey of new investments, roads, industrial parks, logistics centers, shopping centers, recreational parks, office buildings, residential houses, gas stations, and any other construction or land areas before or even during construction. Following the survey, the real value of these construction sites increases by a margin far exceeding the costs of the UXO clearance.
For areas where instrumental surveying is not possible, we can provide EOD expert supervision for the duration of the earthworks. This prevents forced delays that can last for days (sometimes 20–30 days), thereby avoiding the resulting production losses or contractual penalties.
In addition to the traditional method—searching with instruments applied on the ground surface—our company also undertakes deep-level UXO detection. However, this survey and clearance method is more costly and time-consuming than traditional instrumental surveying. We typically apply this method in densely built-up urban zones or backfilled areas to detect deeply buried objects. In most cases, these objects cannot be detected via surface inspection, as clearing the surface is either prohibitively expensive or impossible if tracks, pipelines, or underground electrical cables are present. During the search, we utilize the Vallon EW 1504 type metal detector.
The essence of the method is that we create boreholes approximately 9–10 meters deep at intervals of 1–2 meters across the search area. In the case of sandy or loose soil, protection against collapse is necessary; therefore, in such soils, non-magnetic casings must be jetted or slurried into place.
Once the boreholes are created, the instrument can be deployed in each hole. Following the analysis of the drilling points, we can determine how many target signals need to be excavated at various depths. Drilling holes to a depth of 8–10 meters takes significant time, calculating with an average of approximately 4–6 boreholes per working day. The probing, the analysis of the measurement data, and the preparation of the documentation are carried out concurrently with the drilling operations, thus involving no further loss of time.
In cooperation with our partner company, we undertake specialized underwater UXO detection in both standing and flowing waters. Within this framework, we can perform:
the complete survey and UXO clearance of underwater areas to ensure the safe execution of dredging or any other water-based operations;
the search and recovery of lost (or hidden) objects underwater;
wreck hunting, including the location, EOD survey, and—if necessary—UXO clearance of sunken vessels, barges, and aircraft.
During underwater searches, we utilize either the Vallon EW 1504 or the OGF-W type metal detector.
The essence of the method is that we scan the designated area with the instrument from the water surface. If the detector indicates a metallic object, divers from our company and our cooperating partner will inspect the riverbed/seabed and the underwater soil layer at the flagged coordinate.