Subsurface Utility Locating
Excavating test holes to determine the precise horizontal and vertical location of existing utilities is performed in the final design and early construction phases of a project.
Excavating test holes to determine the precise horizontal and vertical location of existing utilities is performed in the final design and early construction phases of a project.
Highest level of accuracy
Nondestructive exposure of underground objects at pre-determined target points
Preferred final step for high congestion underground utility network
Visual inspection provides valuable information about objects below ground
What is subsurface utility locating?
We typically work with:
The client identifies precise points at the project site that may conflict with a proposed design. Vacuum excavated test holes are dug at each point through the use of specialized equipment to reveal the exact location of any below ground objects. With the object exposed, its characteristics are inspected and documented through photographs and data collection, including depth, type, size and condition.
Once the inspection is complete, the hole is restored to its original condition by backfilling and compacting the original soil and replacing turf or patching paved surfaces.
- Civil Engineers
- Surveyors
- Local Municipalities/State &Â Federal Agencies
- Private Utility Companies
- Contractors
- Land Developers
Accumark’s subsurface utility locating process
- Obtain required permits for digging test holes
- Field stake specific points of proposed design features that are in possible conflict with existing utilities
- Locate existing buried utilities structures that may conflict with proposed design
- Excavate 12″ x 12″ test holes using non-destructive, vacuum excavation to expose the utility
- Maximum depth capacity is 20 feet
- Restore test hole to its original conditon and mark with APWA Uniform Color Codes
- Produce client deliverables:
- Test hole inventory report documenting all data findings with digital images
- Total station survey of test hole locations for AutoCAD mapping of project site
Quality Level Designations According to Cl/ ASCE 38-02
Quality Level D: Contacting Utility Owners/ Records & Oral Recollection Research/ Data Collection
Quality Level C: Visual Site Survey to Confirm All Above-Ground Features/ Findings Added to QLD Records
Quality Level B: Line Designating via Electromagnetic Devices/ Marking with Color-Coded Paint Markings
Quality Level A: Identifying Precise Horizontal/ Vertical Locations at Specific Points by Digging Test Holes
