Utility locating and potholing is important early in the design phase to reduce costs and delays. When AirX performs pre-locating, they research utility records, conduct geophysical locating to identify underground utilities, and note any inconsistencies. They provide the most accurate utility information by combining existing data with survey and mapping of located utilities. This allows conflicts to be identified and targeted for potholing. AirX also assists with traffic control and permit processing for potholing work, and uses hydrovac excavation to safely expose utilities with minimal environmental impact. They document located utilities and provide a comprehensive report of findings for incorporation into engineering and construction plans.

1. UTILITY LOCATING & POTHOLING
A thorough investigation of existing underground utilities with geophysical locating procedures early in the
design phase ensures a safer, more efficient process. Utility locating performed before the 30% design phase
milestone can greatly reduce unnecessary potholing, last minute design changes, adjustments during
construction, traffic control, permit processing, fees, and construction delays.
When “pre-locating” a site
• the design firm researches and chooses a viable alignment
• the design firm conducts records and maps search of all indexes and databases for existing
“as-built” information pertaining to utilities
• AirX uses information obtained from research and performs utility locating procedures to
identify and mark-out utilities as they exist in the field
• AirX makes note of changes, inconsistencies or unverified data and pays particular
attention to areas that contain dense, poorly mapped or sensitive utilities
The survey and mapping of the mark-outs determined by AirX combined
with existing data provides the most accurate and complete information on
underground utilities affected by the project. Conflicts can then be identified
and targeted for potholing. There have been occasions when an entire
alignment was changed due to unknown or poorly mapped utilities found by
AirX.
AirX also provides traffic control and permit processing services. Once
conflicts are marked, we can design traffic control and right-of-way
plans for submittal to the appropriate agencies. AirX has an in-
house traffic control crew that can perform flagging, set-up and
breakdown of equipment.
AirX Utility Surveyors
WBE - SLBE - SB (MICRO)
PROJECT APPROACH
www.airxus.com

2. After permits are secured, AirX pre-marks pothole locations and calls USA (Underground Service Alert)
a minimum of 48 hours prior to excavation and in accordance with State laws. We work closely with utility
standby personnel. Agency inspectors are notified of pending work and AirX attends any required
preconstruction meetings.
Our potholing crews excavate soils using hydro excavation. Hydro excavation uses high-pressured
water with a vacuum that safely expose utilities. All soils are vacuumed into a fully-contained
holding tank. A standard potholing team consists of 2 to 3 trained professionals, a vacuum unit
(skid mount or tow behind) and a support truck.
The pothole typically requires an opening of approximately 14” x 14”, which is minimal and
environmentally-friendly compared to traditional methods using a backhoe. Pothole
locations can be up to 100’ away from the vacuum unit for those areas with restricted
access.
Once a utility has been located, it is identified, measured, photographed
and documented. The utility is covered with 8” - 10” of plaster sand with
the balance tamped to 95% compaction. AirX uses backfill, asphalt, or
concrete as required by city/agency specifications.
The utility alignment, depth and other relevant data are marked out
at the pothole site for a survey team to pick up, record and map.
AirX produces a comprehensive report detailing all pertinent
information gathered from the site. This data is now ready
for use and incorporated into maps, engineering and
construction plans.
AirX Utility Surveyors
2534 E El Norte Parkway Ste. C Escondido, CA 92027
760-480-2347
5191 Mayberry Ave. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
909-493-1554
estimating@airxus.com
www.airxus.com