Underground utility infrastructure includes electric cables, water, gas, and oil pipelines. They are usually installed beneath the ground surface for convenience, safety, and aesthetics.
These infrastructures are typically installed by relevant public utility companies, who must seek approval from local government authorities before construction commences to ensure that the intended utility location is within the appropriate right-of-way.
Detection
Detection technology is an essential part of services like underground utilities Boston MA. It improves efficiency and reduces risks by allowing field crews to locate subterranean property needing repairs or replacement quickly.
Electromagnetic (EM) locators are the most common equipment for detecting underground utilities such as gas, electric, telephone, cable, water, sewer, and irrigation lines. However, these tools are limited in their sensitivity to non-metallic utilities.
Ground penetrating radars (GPR) is a more sensitive detection tool. GPRs are effective for detecting both metallic and non-metallic utilities. The dielectric constant of the media to be scanned determines the proportion of signal absorbed by it.
The use of GPR has improved the locating process of utility lines by providing 3D imaging. This technology is expected to expand the underground utility mapping market in the coming years.
Mapping
One of the biggest challenges in excavation work is locating underground utilities accurately. Hitting a gas line, a high-voltage electrical cord, or a fiber optic cable can lead to costly damage, downtime, and safety issues.
Fortunately, several technologies can help detect and map underground utility lines to ensure your project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets all applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
The need for accurate underground utility mapping has never been greater than it is today. This information is critical in completing construction and renovation projects and for property owners who want to protect their assets and ensure their property values remain intact.
Electromagnetic tracing is one of the most common and widely used methods for detecting underground utilities. It relies on a transmitter that pushes out a frequency and a receiver that reflects the frequencies to a detector.
Data Sharing
Data-sharing technology allows stakeholders to access information in a single location. This reduces the need for manual processes and saves time.
Buried utility lines are a vital part of a community, allowing water, sewer, natural gas, oil, telecommunications, and electric power to be distributed or transmitted. They are a lifeline that helps communities function and thrive. However, they can pose serious risks.
Underground utility installation requires careful planning and coordination with existing utility service providers. This includes locating, marking, and replacing belowground gas, solid waste, and sanitary sewer and stormwater lines.
To avoid unintentional damage to buried underground facilities, excavation activities must be appropriately documented and flagged using a One-Call system. This can be accomplished by calling 811 to establish a “Ticket” or physically marking-out underground lines. If excavation operations proceed without a proper mark-out or if line damage occurs, the utility owner can be held liable. The repercussions can be devastating to the community.
Interoperability
The ability to share information about underground utilities between public agencies and private firms has become an essential element of effective utility damage prevention. This practice, known as interoperability, can improve the efficiency of communication and planning while also reducing the cost of repairing damage to infrastructure caused by excavation equipment.
For example, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) identifies and shares underground utility location data with other state agencies and contractors working on their projects. This approach has significantly reduced damages, delays, and costly repairs.
Utilities are the vital services that run below ground, including power cables, gas and oil pipelines, sewer and drainage systems, water mains, and telecommunication lines. As cities build and expand, these underground networks become increasingly challenging to manage.
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