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What
is
SUE?
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Subsurface
Utility Engineering (SUE) is an engineering practice for accurately
identifying the quality of subsurface utility information needed
for design/excavation/construction projects. This involves managing
certain aspects associated with utility mapping at appropriate quality
levels, utility coordination, utility relocation, design and coordination,
utility condition assessment, communication of utility data to concerned
parties, utility relocation cost estimates, implementation of utility
accommodation policies, and utility design during the development
and completion of these projects.
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| What
are Quality Levels? The use of quality levels in the SUE process
allows designers to certify on the plans that a certain level of accuracy
and comprehensiveness has been provided. The CADD file, project plans
and other related project deliverables, may contain any or all of
the following quality levels: |
- Quality
Level D - Information comes solely from existing utility records/maps.
It may provide an "overall" feel for the congestion
of utilities, but it is often highly limited in terms of comprehensiveness
and accuracy. Its usefulness should be confined to project planning
and route selection activities. Read more...
- Quality
Level C - Involves surveying visible above ground utility
facilities, such as manholes, valve boxes, utility structures,
etc., and correlating this information with existing utility records/maps.
When using this information, it is not unusual to find that many
underground utilities have been omitted or erroneously plotted.
Its usefulness, therefore, should be confined to rural projects
where utilities are prevalent, or are not too expensive to repair
or relocate. Read more...
- Quality
Level B - Involves the use of surface geophysical techniques
to determine the existence and horizontal position of underground
utilities. This activity is called "designating". Two-dimensional
mapping information is obtained. This information is usually sufficient
to accomplish preliminary engineering goals. Decisions can be
made on where to place storm drainage systems, footings, foundations,
and other design features in order to avoid conflicts with existing
utilities. Slight adjustments in the design can produce substantial
cost savings by eliminating utility relocations. Read
more...
- Quality
Level A - Involves the use of nondestructive digging equipment
at critical points to determine the precise horizontal and vertical
position of underground utilities, as well as the size, type,
condition, material, and other characteristics. This activity
is called "locating". It is the highest level presently
available. When surveyed and mapped, precise plan and profile
information is available for use in making final design decisions.
By knowing exactly where a utility is positioned in three dimensions,
the designer can often make small adjustments in elevations or
horizontal locations and avoid the need to relocate utilities.
Additional information such as utility material, condition, size,
soil contamination, and paving thickness also assists the designer
and utility owners in their decisions. Read
more...
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