Utility Scanning and the Civil Engineering Sector 

Two decades ago and the most likely place to spot a utility line would be hanging overhead for all to see and avoid. Today, however, on the backdrop of it being cost-efficient and more effective in the long run utility lines have been plunged underground. Everything from gas lines to telephone lines, cable lines, power lines and even sewer lines have found a new home in the depths. For the practicing engineer, project manager or worksite supervisor this development comes with its attendant consequences; utility lines regardless of their class are usually fragile and meant to be handled with care. However, before an engineer can put in measures to avoid damaging underground utility lines, he/she must first know where they’re located – cue Utility Scanning

An eye in the ground so you know where to stand

A utility scan uses sophisticated technologies like ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators to develop a color-coded map of all the utilities present in a proposed worksite. This way the engineer is well aware of where to dig and where to avoid, to prevent unwanted occurrences. In South Africa, the smart engineer is the one who takes the time out to perform a worksite scan to locate and mark up underground utilities before commencing work.

Utility Scans Guarantee the safety of you and your team

Embarking on a civil engineering project without first conducting a utility scan is the proverbial case of leaping without looking. Utility lines, particularly electrical cables, and gas pipelines are potential hazards to anyone who comes in contact with them. By digging or excavating without knowing where these are, you’re inadvertently putting yourself and your staff at risk of electrocution, explosion and possibly death. If you’re intent on being 100% safe from the dangers associated with unknown utility placements, it is essential to perform a utility scan beforehand

Think ahead and employ professional civil engineering services to protect your organization and your community.

They curb unnecessary spending

Because you know where all the underground piping run through, you’re less likely to damage any utilities present in your worksite. This covers you from incurring any liabilities consequent of collateral damages; liabilities that could be sometimes overwhelming since repairing damaged services usually cost huge sums. With a utility scan result in hand, you’re effectively shielded from making this mistake. As a result, you can save funds that would have been otherwise spent undertaking repairs

They are a great way to prevent service interruptions

Depending on the severity of the infraction on a utility line, the damage could potentiate service failures to homes, a group of homes or even entire neighborhoods. Such a scenario is bound to pose several economic and social implications – cutting off the power supply of a house, for instance, means its occupants get to live without a slew of essential amenities: when the cut is to a manufacturing or production plant, the consequences are even more endearing.

Utility detection and scanning present a clear-cut pathway to avoiding these and more. They give you the peace of mind to carry on with your engineering task without any fear of bursting a pipe or cutting a line.

Overall, their importance cannot be overemphasized – for the safety conscious engineer or project manager, a utility detection or scan is an essential procedure that cannot be overlooked.