It’s no surprise that there’s a lot under our feet. Whenever a new development plans to go ahead, landowners and developers need to know exactly what is underground before the project can start.
Surveys are an essential part of the planning process. To get a clear picture of the underground infrastructure, engineers need to assess the ground using different technologies to detect what’s under the earth. This includes using GPR (ground-penetrating radar) and Radio-Frequency Location (RFL). At SUMO Services, we offer PAS 128 compliant Utility surveys to ensure full compliance with building regulations. Utility surveys can map out pipes, cables, ducts, sewers, and drainage. This data then ensures that the development can go ahead.
What is an Underground Utility Survey?
Underground utility surveys are similar to a typical land survey except, like the name suggests, underground. This particular survey determines the type of utility infrastructure that exists. Underground utility surveys are needed to pinpoint the exact location of utilities so that contractors can plan accordingly.
Without an underground utility survey, you run the risk of extra planning time, an increased risk of injury, and higher costs further down the line of the project. These types of surveys allow contractors to excavate confidently without fear of what they might run into.
What does an underground utility survey involve?
When contractors arrange a utility survey, they receive a comprehensive report detailing the location and type of underground utilities such as water, gas, electric lines, and telecommunications cables. The report typically includes maps and schematics including details on the depth and positioning of each utility. Advanced surveys may also feature 3D models and Geographic Information System (GIS) data for enhanced visualisation.
The survey process usually takes anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the size and complexity of the site. The timeframe is influenced by factors such as terrain, accessibility, and the density of existing utilities. This thorough documentation ensures safe and efficient planning and execution of construction projects, minimising the risk of damaging critical infrastructure.
Why are underground utility surveys needed?
An underground utility survey is essential for several reasons, offering significant benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the primary reasons why such a survey is important:
Safety
Striking a utility line can cause serious injuries or fatalities. Identifying the location of underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables helps prevent accidents during excavation or construction. Damaged gas or sewage pipes can lead to environmental contamination and health hazards so it’s crucial to be in a position to avoid dangerous mishaps. This also prevents accidental contamination of water supplies and surrounding land.
Cost Savings
Repairing damaged utilities can be extremely costly. By knowing where these utilities are located, project planners can avoid unnecessary damage and the associated repair costs. An underground utility survey helps keep projects on schedule by preventing such incidents. Hitting an unmarked utility line can cause significant project delays, which means using up more time and more resources to fix in order to finish the extra work.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Many regions have laws and regulations that require utility surveys before any digging or construction. To avoid any potential penalties, all construction work will need to have the relevant surveys done before carrying out work to prove that full due diligence is completed.
Efficient Planning and Design
Knowing the precise location of underground utilities allows engineers and planners to design projects that account for existing infrastructure, optimising the use of space and resources. With a clear understanding of underground utilities, project managers can more accurately budget for potential utility relocation or protection costs.
Enhanced Communication
An underground utility survey provides detailed documentation of existing utilities, which can be shared among contractors, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed.
Surveys help facilitate better communication and coordination with utility companies, ensuring that any necessary utility relocations or protections are managed effectively.
Property Value and Management
For property buyers, knowing the location of underground utilities can be a critical factor in the decision-making process. Property owners and managers benefit from knowing the location of utilities for future maintenance, renovations, or landscaping projects.
Get in touch with a surveyor and arrange for a free quote
An underground utility survey is crucial for ensuring the safety of construction workers and the public, minimising costs and delays, complying with legal requirements, enabling efficient project planning, and protecting existing infrastructure. Before starting any major construction work, your first step is to find out any complications waiting under the surface. We can help you to get a clear picture of what you are working with. We offer a number of different surveys to match the specific requirements for every construction job possible.
Whether you need to have accurate utility mapping and data for repair work or wish to provide a contractor with topographical data ahead of planning, our surveyors can provide a bespoke service. We quote on an individual basis as every project is unique.