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.

1. The Benefits of Subsurface
Utility Engineering

2. 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.
SUBSURFACE UTILITY ENGINEERING

3. 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.

4. 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.

6. Utility Quality Levels are our professional opinion of the quality and
reliability of the utility information. Each of the four quality levels are
established by different methods of data collection and interpretation.
QUALITY LEVELS

7. A precise horizontal and vertical location of utilities obtained by the
actual exposure of known or unknown utilities by air excavation and
obtaining depth and size measurements from a known point. Non-
intrusive excavation equipment (Air/Vacuum) is typically used to
minimize the potential for utility damage. A precise horizontal and
vertical location, as well as other utility attributes, will be shown on
plan documents. Accuracy is typically set to +/- 0.02′ vertical and
horizontal differences will be set by the Client.
Quality Level A

8. Information is gathered by the use of electro-matic and
geophysical instruments on a horizontal level only. Quality level B
information should be able to be reproduced at any point of their
depiction. This information is surveyed to applicable tolerances as
defined by the project and reduced onto a plan documents
overlay.
Quality Level B

9. Information acquired by surveying and plotting visible above-
ground utility features and by using professional judgment in
correlating this information to Quality Level D information.
Quality Level C

10. Information obtained from existing records or verbal
communication.
Quality Level D

11. There are numerous benefits obtained when using SUE on
construction projects. By using SUE, significant benefits are derived
for the DOT, utility companies, SUE consultants, contractors, and the
general public. Some of the benefits that have been obtained are as
follows:
Benefits

12. 1. Reduction in unforeseen utility conflicts and relocations
2. Decrease in project delays due to utility relocates
3. Decline in claims and change orders
4. Fall in delays due to utility cuts
5. Reduction in project contingency fees
6. Lower project bids
7. Reduction in Right-of-Way acquisition costs

13. 8. Reduction in costs caused by conflict redesign
9. Reduction in the cost of project design
10. Reduction in travel delays during construction to the
motoring public
11. Development in contractor productivity and quality
12. Reduction in utility companies' cost to repair damaged
facilities
13. Minimization of utility customers' loss of service
14. Introduction of the concept of a comprehensive SUE process

14. 15. Minimization of damage to existing pavements
16. Minimization of traffic disruption, increasing DOT public
credibility
17. Improvement in working relationships between DOT and
utilities
18. Increased efficiency of surveying activities by elimination of
duplicate surveys
19. Facilitation of electronic mapping accuracy
20. Minimization of the chance of environmental damage
21. Inducement of savings in risk management and insurance

15. Advanced Infrastructure Mapping, LLC 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 – Employees of Advanced Infrastructure Mapping, LLC are
well-trained, experienced, highly motivated, and capable.
Timeliness – The Resources utilized by Advanced Infrastructure Mapping,
LLC provide us with the ability to perform our services in a timely and in
professional manner.
AIM’s Expertise and Competence

16. Equipment – A wide range of equipment is necessary to detect the variety
of subsurface utilities that may be present. Equipment utilized by
Advanced Infrastructure Mapping, LLC includes state of the art
designating equipment; vacuum excavation or comparable non-
destructive locating equipment; and software systems compatible with
those of the contracting agency.
Insurance – Advanced Infrastructure Mapping, LLC has adequate
insurance covering all aspects of SUE work. Minimum amounts should be
in accordance with the contracting agency’s requirements.

17. Contact Us
Call us at: 757-785-5177
Mail us at: info@aimlocatingva.com
Visit us at: http://www.aimlocatingva.com/