Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

Establishing the location of buried utilities within a project area is critical to producing accurate engineering designs and reducing construction project delays and cost overruns. That’s where Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) comes in.

SUE is an engineering practice governed by CI/ASCE 38-02 Standard Guideline for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data. It provides a framework for evaluating the integrity of data based on four Quality Levels (Quality Levels D, C, B & A), dramatically improving information reliability.

multiVIEW Locates has been carrying out Subsurface Utility Engineering investigations for more than three decades and before it was a recognized practice in Ontario.

Benefits of incorporating SUE into your project:

• Reduce delays and costs associated with utility relocation or project redesign
• Minimize stakeholder involvement and post design approvals
• Effectively design infrastructure changes with accurate proximity consideration existing utilities
• Decrease service disruptions, traffic configurations, and project delay
• Alleviate the risk and liability that can result from damaging underground utilities
• Achieve an up-to-date, consolidated record of subsurface utilities within your project area(s)

How Does Subsurface Utility Engineering work?

The process involves collecting existing utility records, surveying utility surface appurtenances, applying geophysical methods to determine the presence of subsurface utilities, and then leveraging techniques such as Vacuum Excavation and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to verify their horizontal and vertical position.

Once captured, information is digitally mapped and delivered alongside a list of utility conflicts identified by comparing field data against records. This makes it easy to evaluate and compare collected utility information with proposed plans.

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is a process that applies four Quality Levels to gather precise information on underground utilities within a project site.  This information reduces surprises at later stages of a project related to utility relocation and coordination.

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is most effective at minimizing project risk when Quality Levels D, C and B are carried out as an integrated program. Quality Level A investigations are required when depth data must be obtained to achieve project goals.

SUE Services Available:

• Record Research & Analysis
• Field Surveying
• Utility Locating Services
• Ground Penetrating Radar
• Electromagnetic Sewer Sonding
• Sewer Pipe Inspections
• Sewer Invert Data Collection
• Sewer Chamber Data Collection
• Confined Space Entry Services
• Traffic Control & Planning
• HydroVac Excavation Services
• GIS & CAD Mapping Services
• Project Management
• Professional Engineers Review (P.Eng.)

Extend your SUE insights with CCTV!

In addition to our SUE services, multiVIEW can inspect and evaluate the internal conditions of sanitary sewers and residential service lines while capturing images in real-time. We’ll zoom in on anomalies, navigate around bends, and inspect lateral services. Whether it’s a crack, root obstruction, cross bore, break, or another issue, we’ll identify the problem quickly.

We are also capable of investigating:

• blockages and accumulation of solids
• structural defects in pipes and maintenance holes including cracks, breaks, sags, internal corrosion, and leak areas
• misplaced line valves
• drainage issues
• changes to the pipes pre or post-construction
• potentially hazardous intersecting utilities

SUE Report & Deliverables:

Deliverables within a SUE Report varies from project to project based on client’s standards and project specifications. The mapping format of the utility-based data may also differ based on Quality Level requirements and client’s desires.

Typical information delivered with a SUE Report:

• Cover Page
• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary
• Project Overview
• CI/ASCE 38-02 Standard Overview
• Survey Procedures & Methodology Used
• Discussions of Findings
• Field Notes & Drawings
• Summary of Findings (e.g. project issues, limitations, and record betterment – meaning data uncovered which was originally unknown)
• Closing (stamped and signed by a licensed Professional Engineer)

Utility mapping formats available upon request:

• Field Composite Drawing (not-to-scale)
• Georeferenced Digital Drawings (AutoCAD / MicroStation)
• QL-C Photo Report (surface utility features and data points)
• QL-A Photo Report (subsurface utility features and data points)
• Sewer Infrastructure Video Report (with the request of a sewer pipe inspection service)
• Utility Conflicts Matrix

Our team of CAD experts will consolidate all collected field data to create high-quality drawings that are CI/ASCE 38-02 compliant and customized to conform to project specifications.