SUE is an engineering technique which identifies the quality of underground utility information.  Using this technique will result in better designs and enhance damage prevention efforts. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) developed standard 38-02, which is a guideline for the collection and depiction of subsurface utility data. By following this guideline, you will gain accurate utility information.

Quality Level D: Utility information is plotted on drawings based solely on records, individual recollections, or the existence of a utility service.

Quality Level C: Utility information is obtained similarly to level D and then plotted with surface utility features that have been field verified, survey located, and accurately reduced onto documents.

Quality Level B: Utility information is derived by establishing the surface horizontal location of utilities using electronic methods such as electromagnetic locating equipment and ground penetrating radar.  This is followed by a field survey and reduced onto 2 dimensional maps.

Quality Level A: The 3-Dimensional position of a utility is obtained.  Although the ASCE does not specifically name vacuum excavation as the standard, this is the method preferred by most engineers.

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This non-destructive method uses electromagnetic radiation waves and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures. GPR is limited on depth, depending on antenna frequency and electrical conductivity of the ground. For example, in clay, the conductivity is high, dissipating the waves and making it hard to penetrate decreasing depth.  Dry or sandy soils are ideal for wave penetration.  The GPR device is a necessary tool in The Underground Detective equipment arsenal, used in locating and searching for both metallic and non-metallic pipes, tanks, trenches, and voids in the soil. GPR is used on the majority of our jobs to ensure the utility knowledge as well as safety.Contact us to find out more information regarding how GPR could be utilized on your job site!