Engineers benefit during design
survey and GPS ; placed on design and construction plans or master utility maps ; and delivered to the client before construction begins . If the client does not wish to have the information integrated into their construction plans , test hole data sheets are provided that include all pertinent information for the located utility .
“ When we look at as-built plans or talk to a utility owner , they might think it ’ s an 18-inch ductile iron pipe . Then , when we dig a test hole , it might end up being a 12-inch HDPE ( high-density polyethylene ), That ’ s important information to know ,” said Michael Wolf , Ayres ’ SUE leader in Florida . “ With vacuum excavation , we give them the actual size , the type of material , and how deep it is , in case it ’ s different than what ’ s on the plans . We give them the exact horizontal and vertical position of every utility in the scope .”
The data also shows which underground utilities conflict with a proposed design .
“ Original design drawings frequently have inaccuracies ,” Wolf said , “ especially if the building site or roadway is decadesold and has had redevelopment . This can make for a dangerous game of chance when digging at a site without due diligence . Knowing potential conflicts beforehand significantly reduces chances for problems and speeds up potential relocation design , which keeps projects on schedule and within budget .
“ If you ’ re going out there blind , and a contractor is beginning to dig , suddenly he comes to a roadblock and says , ‘ Hey , no one told me this was going to be here ,’” Wolf said . “ I ’ ve seen some road construction projects that were shut down .”
Engineers benefit during design
Having SUE data is also extremely helpful for engineers and designers , Ash said .
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10│TRENDS