SUE Services

Subsurface Utility Engineering

With the use of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) technology, WPC will show you how to remove the risk of the “unknowns” associated with underground utilities during construction projects through the collection and mapping of underground utilities prior to the design and construction phases of projects.  SUE locates underground utilities within inches, not feet, thus enhancing the accuracy of project designs, cost estimates, and safety.

WPC works closely with highway engineers, construction managers, and utility owners on projects during excavation activity such as the placement of new utilities, upgrading existing utilities, or other development activity that may impact existing utilities. WPC’s SUE services eliminates “finding out too late” that plotted or so called “as built” utility information was incorrect. Studies have proven that for every $1.00 spent on Subsurface Utility Engineering, $5.00 is realized in savings due to utility related expenses.

During the development of each project, WPC will acquire and manage utility information in accordance with standards set forth by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). ASCE 38-02 defines four distinctive quality levels with respect to utility information. The quality ratings are ranked from the most reliable (QL-A) to the least reliable (QL-D).

QL-A — Provides a three-dimensional analysis for final design decisions, reduces potential redesign costs, and minimizes utility relocations through the installation of test holes at key locations where determining the elevation of the utility is critical.

QL-B —  Provides accurate horizontal locations of existing utilities through the use of geophysical instruments thus identifying potential utility conflicts in preliminary designs.

QL-C — Using QL-D information, surveys and/or site visits are made to verify above ground features such as manholes, valves, posts, etc.; however, this level still does not depict the accurate mapping of the underground utilities.

QL-D — Includes data from available utility records and is limited to project planning and route selection.

The use of Subsurface Utility Engineering not only saves time and money on construction projects, it is now the standard of care for working around utilities. SUE recap:

Safety — (ASCE 38-02) SUE now standard of care for locating utilities/protecting employees.

Accuracy — Positions underground utilities within inches, not feet, or the exact location with testholes using non-destructive vacuum excavation.

Risk Management — Locating utilities with a backhoe is no longer acceptable, neither are the associated cost over-runs.

Cost Savings — Average cost savings in avoided utility damages/claims/delays is $5 for every $1 invested.