SUBSURFACE UTILITY ENGINEERING
Your Subsurface Utility Engineering Experts
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is a branch of Civil Engineering that involves managing certain risks associated with utility mapping at appropriate quality levels. The SUE process begins with a work plan that outlines the scope of work, project schedule, levels of service vs. risk allocation and desired delivery method. Surface geophysical methods (Designating) are then utilized to determine the presence of subsurface utilities and to mark their horizontal position on the ground surface. Air/Vacuum excavation techniques are employed to expose and record the precise horizontal and vertical position of the found utility. This information is then typically presented in CAD format or a GIS-compatible map. The concept of SUE is greatly increasing in popularity worldwide as a framework to justify costs associated with project redesign and construction delays and to avoid risk and liability that can result from damaged underground utilities.
Expertise and Competence
Advanced Infrastructure Mapping is able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of major SUE activities and is able to provide these services to the extent desired by the contracting agency.
Experience
With more than 30+ years of industry experience, our staff are well-trained, highly motivated, and capable.
State Of The Art Equipment
A wide range of equipment is necessary to detect the variety of subsurface utilities that may be present. Our state of the art designating equipment includes; vacuum excavation or comparable nondestructive locating equipment; and software systems compatible with those of the contracting agency.
Insurance
We carry adequate insurance to cover all aspects of SUE work. Minimum amounts should be in accordance with the contracting agency’s requirements.
Hydro Excavation for SUE Level A Work
Physical exposure of underground utilities for SUE Level A verification requires non-destructive excavation. AIM Locating partners with our hydro excavation division, Beach HydroVac, for all vacuum excavation required during SUE investigations across Virginia. Our potholing and daylighting services meet ASCE 38-22 requirements for Level A quality designation on VDOT-funded projects.