Activities:
Designing - the use of surface geophysical techniques to determine the presence and horizontal position of underground utilities.
Quality Levels "B"
Quality Level "B" involves designating, and is the first level where SUE data are used. This two-dimensional mapping information is usually sufficient to accomplish preliminary engineering goals. Decisions can be made on the placement of storm drainage systems, footers, foundations, and other design features to avoid conflicts with existing utilities. Slight adjustments in the design can produce substantial cost savings by eliminating utility relocations.
Quality Level "B" information is obtained through surface geophysical methods. It is highly useful for design basis information for conceptual design, and for proceeding prudently to "Quality Level "A". Level "B" information should not be used for design-basis vertical information or where exacting horizontal tolerances are expected.
Two-Dimensional Horizontal Mapping Process
All available records are gathered, and where practical, reviewed with utility owners. A comprehensive visual inspection of the site is made to identify surface features and utility structures that might indicate the presence of subsurface facilities. The area is often saturated with low-power electromagnetic radiation of varies frequencies. Energy reflections are detected and analyzed. Other geophysical prospecting techniques and energies, such as sonics, terrain conductivity, point-source transmitters, thermal imagery, ground penetrating radar, and magnetic imaging are used, as appropriate, to detect and identify specific underground facilities. Any underground tanks or other non-utility structures that are identified through records research, physical evidence, or from geophysical data, are indicated on the plans.
Mapping is completed in either hard copy or CADD, according to the client's preferences. The data are reviewed, certified, and sealed by a licensed professional engineer or land surveyors. The services are covered by special subsurface utility engineering liability insurance. The horizontal map provides data to prevent unforeseen utility disruptions. Overlaying the "footprint" of the conceptual design of a project on the horizontal map will immediately identify points of potential conflict between existing facilities and the proposed new structure. Many of the conflicts can be quickly and easily eliminated by simply shifting the location of the new structure or by revising the conceptual layout of the new structure. Conflicts that remain can be resolved by moving the existing underground utility or by further revisions of the design of the new facility.
Please Click on Recent Projects for a plan/photograph and brief description of some past representative projects.