Subsurface Utility Engineering vs Utility Locating Services: Key Differences

Underground utilities are often hidden from view, and failure to accurately assess where they are can have disastrous consequences. Even the slightest miscalculation results in safety hazards not just for workers, but for the general public.

This challenge is multiplied in urban areas, where it is common for roadways and project sites to be criss-crossed with utilities of all types, ages, and conditions, making accurate mapping and planning of paramount importance. While many may depend upon utility locating to gain this information, subsurface utility engineering is the better choice to ensure accuracy for design and planning.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between subsurface utility engineering and utility locating and why Ballentine Associates is an ideal partner for your next project.

We’ve been bringing visions to life since 1979, continuing our rich tradition of integrity, outstanding customer service, and a results-driven approach. We have never wavered in our commitment to excellence, and our ability to bring hundreds of diverse projects to life serves as a testimony to why we have so many loyal clients. We invite you to partner with us for your next successful project, whether you need SUE, land planning, civil engineering or surveying. Tell us about your project to get started.

What is Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)?

Subsurface utility engineering (SUE) is a process that helps ensure the detailed accuracy needed for your projects. It’s a combination of civil engineering, surveying and geophysics.

It enables us to map, manage and coordinate underground utilities, which is an essential part of any project. It not only allows us to help you make the best design decisions, but it also dramatically reduces the likelihood of problems.

SUE also helps manage the risks that are associated with:

• Utility relocation cost estimates
• Utility coordination
• Utility relocation design and coordination
• Clear communication of utility data to concerned parties
• Utility design

How Is SUE Different From Utility Locating Services?

• Utility locating focuses more on providing approximate positions for safety and maintenance. However, it is limited to field marking and is not standardized.
• By contrast, subsurface utility engineering is a more robust process that provides certified, quality-level data that is appropriate for design and planning. This means that SUE can easily integrate this data into plans and risk management. SUE must also follow strict ASCE 38-22 standards.

What Are ASCE 38-22 Standards?

These are a series of standard guidelines established by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It helps ensure a level of quality that not only improves project safety, but also minimizes the possibility of redesigns and delays—all of which can dramatically add to the expense of the project.

It also helps teams:

• Understand what is known, how it was determined and how reliable the data is.
• Identifies potential conflicts earlier, meaning you can potentially avoid unnecessary and expensive utility relocations.
• Provides solid, reliable methods of engineering data.
• Helps improve the safety of your construction.
• Enables you to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Why Is Subsurface Utility Engineering Important for Project Development?

We’ve already reviewed some of the benefits of SUE. Others include that it has the potential to help when budgeting for the cost of the project. In addition, it provides some information to reduce the likelihood of accidental utility strikes. It will also be a factor in deciding when potential utility relocations may or may not be necessary.

What Are the Different Quality Levels of SUE?

There are four quality levels associated with SUE. Each of these levels progresses depending upon the reflected risk and required precision. We’ll review each of these quality levels.

Quality Level QL-D (Records Research)

This is essentially basic information that is good for initial planning, and it is created by existing utility records or even verbal recollections.

Quality Level QL-C (Surface Feature Survey)

This involves actually surveying the visibility utility features and correlating with QL-D. This is more common in rural areas where utilities aren’t as dense.

Quality Level QL-B (Geophysical Designation)

This utilizes sophisticated geophysical methods to determine the existence and position of utilities. It’s a crucial element in supporting preliminary design decisions.

Quality Level QL-A (Precision Daylighting)

QL-A represents the highest quality level of SUE. It provides an extremely accurate, precise (and nondestructive) exposure and documentation of utilities. This documentation includes information about type, size, material and condition.

Which quality level is the most appropriate for your project? At Ballentine Associates, we take time to learn about your venture so we can provide the most precise information to help minimize headaches and stress so you can be confident your project will be completed on time and without costly delays. Contact us—we want to learn more about your project so we can partner with you to handle even the most minute details.

You Need More Than Mere Utility Location: Our SUE Services can Help Place Your Project on the Path to Successful Completion

At Ballentine Associates, we know that a successful project begins with managing the details others may miss. Our reputation for excellence spans more than four decades, and we approach every phase of due diligence, land planning, civil engineering and surveying as your partner–not merely a vendor. We are truly invested in your success.

If you’re looking for a partner to see your venture from concept to completion, contact us to tell us about your project. We look forward to speaking with you.