Subsurface Utility Engineering A Technology – Driven Process that Results in Increased Safety, Fewer Claims and Lower Costs

摘要

A lack of reliable information on the location of underground utilities can result in costly conflicts, damages,rndelays, service disruptions, redesigns, claims, and even injuries and lost lives during construction activities.rnWhile the location of subsurface utilities might be found on plans and records, experience has often shownrnthat the utility locations are not exactly as recorded or the records do not fully account for the buried utilityrnsystems. This may be especially true of our nation’s aged roadway infrastructure. An engineering processrnknown as Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) has proven to be a welcome solution to providing this muchneededrnutility information. Combining geophysics, surveying, civil engineering, and nondestructivernexcavation technologies, SUE can provide accurate mapping of existing underground utilities in threerndimensions during the construction phase to avoid unnecessary utility related downtime, eliminaternunexpected conflicts with utilities, and enhance safety during construction. The use of SUE services hasrnbecome a routine requirement on highway and bridge design projects, and is strongly advocated by thernFederal Highway Administration and State Departments of Transportation. Studies by these agencies andrnmajor utility companies have confirmed a significant return on investment, ranging from an average of $3 torn$18 for every $1 spent on SUE services. Similar economic benefits, in addition to increased safety to workersrnand the public, are available to those involved with roadway or other construction projects that mayrnencounter subsurface utilities.