Quality Utility Detection is a Must for Construction

Utility Detection or mapping is the process of locating, identifying, and processing underground and subsurface utilities. It is necessary to accurately determine what exactly is underneath the ground in order to ensure safe and smooth construction. If utility detection is not carried out accurately, it could lead to the rupturing of pipelines and underground cables that are critical for a given region.

In order to precisely gauge the type and nature of utilities, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and other geophysical techniques are used. These cutting edge technologies are capable of validating the presence of underground utilities based on the soil conditions. Utility Detection or subsurface scanning is used by construction firms on the applicable piece of land before a new construction is carried out.

Important Utility Detection steps

• Finalize the nature of the required construction and land area
• Contact firms that have worked on the land in the past for additional details
• Contact local government officials for details about subsurface utilities
• Determine the various types of scans that will be required
• Assess the type of technologies required for excavation

Tips for Utility Detection projects

• Shortlist firms based on their technological prowess
• Shortlist 3-4 firms with the right profile for your needs
• Ask your chosen firm to provide with survey drawings of all utilities
• Determine the type of certifications you need to obtain
• Press for non-invasive methods of utility detection

Top myths about utility detection

• Drill deep to avoid existing utilities. Drilling deeper is almost always a greater expense and it can create problems for future excavation. It could also lead to an underground strike in the event an existing utility is missed.
• GPR is all you need. GPR is one of the best technologies for utility detection, but it is one of many. Relying only on GPR will not allow you to identify all utilities. You will need other forms of scanning as well.

Secrets about utility detection

• Utility strikes happen every day. Ultimately, utility strikes happen to every contractor due to a combination of manual and technological error. This is why it is important to automate as many steps as possible.
• Depths of utilities cannot be assumed. ‘Assumption’ is the enemy as utilities are liable to dip and rise in depth. Utilities need to be exposed to accurately determine the location and depth

Utility Detection or underground scanning is a non-invasive procedure, which means you can save money on labour, as well as avoid any on-site accidents since there is no excavation involved.

UDS Civils is a professional company that employs cutting-edge technology and the most skilled people in the industry. You can depend on us for all your subsurface scanning requirements. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

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