Utility survey can be described in many ways that, including mapping surveys, detection and location surveys, buried services surveys to Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys. The survey is carried out of buried infrastructure, using GPR and Electromagnetic Locators recording the line, place and depth of known, unknown, live, abandoned, metallic and non-metallic utilities and showing the outcomes in a clear and rational form back to the clients based on their specification requirement. It is not a DIY job and you will need to hire professional companies that engage in this industry.
Here are some key elements that go for a good survey company for your project. These elements are now widely acknowledged as the best process for successful surveys:
Here are some key elements that go for a good survey company for your project. These elements are now widely acknowledged as the best process for successful surveys:
1] Ensure you hire an agency with enough experience to carry out the survey and experts with the necessary capabilities to skillfully perform the task competently.
2] You must clearly provide your specifications in writing for the agency to understand what you want and how you want it.
3] The construction survey professionals will accurately identify the utilities and their depth. Otherwise, there is a possibility for the labour working underground, such as:-
- Gas lines exploding
- Shocks and electrocutions due to contact with power lines.
- Breakage of pipes and water gush, causing drains to collapse.
4] The experts will do an initial site check. They will link the surface features that include covers, overhead lines, records available, scars in the road and producing up the survey in your head before even using any detection equipment.
5] The utility survey experts use the latest tools and equipment in different circumstances. Once they finish the utility location, they decide on which equipment to use to excavate the ground without any risk.
a] As mentioned, they use Electromagnetic Interference Technology (EMI) to develop, send and receive electromagnetic radio frequencies via the ground.
b] They use the GPR to detect metallic and non-metallic services. Then, there is a falling weight deflectometer (FWD) to estimate the physical effects of the pavement. Similar to the GPR, FWD is also a safe, non-destructive and non-intrusive instrument. It is a trailer-mounted device that has many other properties that are beneficial for surveys on highways, local roads, airport pavements, etc.
6] They will collect complete data accurately, efficiently and methodically, using video and photo proof as a backup whilst processing data.
The underground survey and mapping company you employ also provides traffic control services. It is a fact when there is work going on in public places; it will cause traffic congestion. So, to avoid any chaos and ensure a smooth traffic flow, these agencies will plan, arrange and divert the traffic to an alternative route and optimize the work efficacy and safety. The traffic control inspector will supervise and oversee the client’s project and discuss it with the surveyor and others when scheduling their tasks.
Conclusion: Excavation and underground digging require careful planning for the safety of everyone- workers underground, pedestrians, traffic and the client.
