1. Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

2. OVERVIEW What is Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)?
Overview of SUE – Definitions
When to Use SUE
How to Use SUE
Why Use SUE

3. What is Subsurface Utility Engineering? SUE

4. Subsurface Utility Engineering
A branch of ENGINEERING PRACTICE that involves managing certain risks associated with:
Utility Mapping at appropriate ASCE Quality Levels
Utility Coordination
Utility relocation and adjustment through conflict matrix resolution
Utility relocation design and cost estimates
Communication of utility data to concerned parties
Implementation of Utility Accommodation Policies and utility design

5. SUE
The project manager takes the first step to address subsurface-utility engineering by including it as a part of the design contract.
The determination to use subsurface-utility engineering is a risk-management decision. The project manager will have evaluated the cost of subsurface-utility engineering against the potential cost of project delays due to unknown or unexpected locations of utility facilities during construction.
The availability of funds within a contract does not imply a need for using full subsurface- utility engineering. Also, the absence of funds does not imply that subsurface-utility engineering is not needed.
The designer and utility coordinator will further evaluate the quality levels necessary using subsurface-utility engineering during the development of the project. If SUE was not a part of the original RFP and the designer and utility coordinator determine that there is a need, they should work with the project manager to determine a method to include SUE in the project. FHWA will not participate in the cost of claims for construction delays due to utility relocation when SUE is not used.

6. SUE
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has developed a National Consensus Standard, CI/ASCE 38-02, titled “Standard Guideline for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data”. This National Consensus Standard (NCS) is used by courts and lawyers, along with contractual instruments, to assist in both defining a professional’s standard of care and level of responsibility.
ASCE contains the guidelines for collection and depiction of existing SUE data. It is currently going through a revision as well and will provide guidance on expanded deliverables; a sealed Utility Report by an Engineer; and an expanded cost-benefit section

7. SUE ASCE Standard – Quality Levels
Quality Level D information is collected during the utility-research phase as required by 105 IAC
Also, Quality Level D information can be provided by the utility company in response to the initial notice letter.
Obtaining Quality Level D information is addressed in Section 2.04.
Quality Level C information is gathered during the project survey when all visible utility facilities are measured and recorded.
Obtaining Quality Level C information is addressed in Section 2.04.
Quality Level B information is obtained during the project survey. Facilities are located through Indiana 811 or by a SUE consultant.
Facilities located through Indiana 811 have a hand-dig zone of ±2 ft from where the actual locate is marked.
See Indiana Code for further information concerning Indiana 811 and the accuracy of survey information.
Facilities located by a SUE consultant are expected to be within ±3 in. of the mark.
Quality Level A information can be collected during the design process by a SUE consultant where more-exact data is required at critical-conflict locations.
Once preliminary drainage, structure locations, and right of way have been defined, the designer can determine the locations necessary to help with the
evaluation of designing around utility conflicts.
SUE ASCE Standard – Quality Levels
The quality levels start with the base of records research (QLD) and increases with the information pertaining to the utility as you go all the way to QLA.

8. ASCE Quality Level D (QL-D) Existing Utility Records
Involves the use of existing utility records, permits, plans to depict the ‘approximate’ horizontal position of underground utilities.

9. ASCE Quality Level C (QL-C) Survey of Visible Features
Involves surveying visible above ground utility facilities to assist with determining ‘approximate’ horizontal position of underground utilities. Used with QL-D.
Manholes
Power poles
Hydrants / valves
Phone Pedestals

10. ASCE Quality Level B (QL-B) Utility Designating
Involves the use of geophysical prospecting equipment to determine the existence and horizontal position of underground utilities.
Paint markings
Flags
Field Sketch

11. Comments/ Notes/ Location
Designating Approach: QA/QC
All data is checked and cross-checked for accuracy – Records research vs. designating file
Field sketch
Designating data point & numbering system
During the QA-QC process, point sheets are utilized to verify all the points on a particular facility have been collected
Utility
# of points
Comments/ Notes/ Location W1 20
East side of road W2 4
West side of road W3 12
NB lane

12. One-Call is NOT Quality Level B

13. Why One-Call is NOT Quality Level B
One-Call is a risk based system used for excavation
One-Call Utility locator uses one piece of equipment
No traffic control allowing necessary geophysical methods, or opening/investigating of utility structures
The information received has no guarantee of reliability
One-Call Utility locator has a narrow focus and limited by time
Utility data records research, interpretation, and designation not performed under the responsible charge of a registered professional, no QA/QC performed

14. Quality Level B is...
Using Appropriate Methods (Inductive vs Conductive)
Inductive – inducing current along utility
Conductive – directly connecting to utility
Using Appropriate Equipment
Single or multi-frequency electromagnetic units
GPR
Magnetics
Sonde or sonic methods
Supported by QL-D and QL-C
Sealed by a Professional Engineer
GPR

15. ASCE Quality Level A (QL-A) Utility Locating
Involves the use of non-destructive digging equipment at critical points to determine the precise horizontal and vertical position of underground utilities, as well as the type, size, material, and other characteristics.
QLA provides precise horizontal and vertical information at a specific point on a utility line by exposing the utility.

16. Locating Approach Permitting Minimal disturbance
Saw cut in pavement
Air vacuum excavation
Centerline of facility
Permanent reference points
Proper restoration
Compaction in 6” lifts
Perma-Patch
Vacuum excavation should be used specifically when performing holes in or near pavement so as to not compromise the integrity of the pavement subbase.

17. Locating Approach: QA/QC
Test Hole Data Collection – A minimum of 4 photographs of every test hole for permanent record

18. Locating Approach: QA/QC
Final QA/QC of all Subsurface Utility Engineering work is performed by the Field Lead on the project followed by a registered Professional Engineer

19. When to Use SUE? Type of Project Location of Project
Piping and Facility Design (storm, sanitary, water)
Site and Plant Design
Roadway / Bridge const.
Widening / Intersection Improvements
Signal Replacement
Location of Project
Urban / Suburban
Rural
When to use SUE will be dependent upon the type of project and location of the project. If the project involves drainage design, with new curb & gutter and storm sewer, the conflicts may be great. In urban areas, the project may have an abundance of utilities, the project would be more prone to use SUE.

20. When to Use SUE? Utilities involved Conflicts with utilities
Major or Minor
Conflicts with utilities
Compensable interest
Limited Access R/W
Accuracy required
ASCE Quality Level?
Level of Risk
If the utilities involved are major, meaning high pressure gas lines or water lines that serve an entire city or town, or maybe the cost and schedule to move a particular facility will be excessive and will impact the project schedule adding 6-12 months to the schedule, SUE would be recommended. When to use SUE should be summarized by the need to look at the level of risk involved for the project by utility impacts and overall ‘It should fit the needs of the project.

21. What Are the Risks? Project delays Extra work orders
Damage to utilities
Safety of workers
Safety of public
Redesign costs
Higher bids
Change orders
Extra work orders
Construction claims
Higher insurance / financing / construction costs
Detours for travelling public
Negative publicity

22. TOTAL ENGINEERING RISK POOL
Risk Management
TOTAL ENGINEERING RISK POOL
ALLOCATION OF RISK WITHIN ENGINEERING POOL
With no SUE your level of risk is great. As you provide additional quality levels, or an increased level of accuracy of your utility information, your (or your client’s) risk is minimized and potentially eliminated.

23. How Do We Use SUE? Commitment to avoid unnecessary utility relocations
Communicate with Utilities early & often
Records Research – QLD
Utility Designating – QLB
Topographic Survey – QLC
Review of QLB, QLC & QLD
Preliminary Design
Utility Conflict Analysis
Utility Locating – QLA
Design Alternatives

24. Design Alternatives Geometric Alignment Change grade Shift alignment
Widen on one side of the road
Shift ramps or driveways
Designers may change the grade to avoid a utility that may be under the pavement. Do you have the luxury of shifting a roadway alignment or only widening on one side of the road. R/W constraints may need to be looked at as well.

25. Design Alternatives Structure Design Alter footing / piling designs
Provide alternative foundations
Modify bridge layout
Shift or modify retaining walls
Add retaining walls
Add guardrail
When designing structures, look for alternatives to avoid utilities. Can the piling or footing design be altered to avoid a utility? Can it use MSE walls in lieu of a wall with a footing?

26. Design Alternatives Drainage Design
Dual trunk line in lieu of single trunk
Shift ditches
Shift structure locations (inlets, pipes, manholes)
Open vs. closed system
Modify side slopes or ditch slopes
Changes to drainage can often provide ways to avoid utility conflicts: use a dual trunk line in lieu of a single truck line; shift a ditch alignment; modify side slopes where possible. These are just some of the examples that designers should be looking at as they perform design to potentially avoid utility conflicts.

27. How Do We Use SUE? Utilities in Plan View
How do we show SUE information in the plans. It starts in the Plan View. Properly show the utilities in Plan View (they have been colored here for ease of viewing). When test holes are performed, also provide the TH location in plan view. This particular project on 75th St. as part of the I-465 NE Leg Improvements, involved conflicts with 2 existing gas mains. The origin test al design called for a single trunk line and cross pipes perpendicular to 75th St. By performing holes at the conflict points on the gas and working with the designers to provide a dual truck line, we were able to eliminate the cross pipes and provide valuable information to CEG and they decided to keep the facilities in place. By performing $75,000 worth of SUE we avoided over $500K in relocations (a $6.67 return for every dollar spent on SUE)

28. How Do We Use SUE? Utilities in Profile View.
Showing the test hole locations in Profile View will aid in revealing information about the conflicts.

29. How Do We Use SUE? Utilities in Cross Section View
The Cross Sections can also show the utilities in horizontal view so you can visualize how the utilities lay as you progress up/down the project limits. This is a useful tool as well for determining conflicts with potential drainage structures and proposed cut and fill.

30. Why Use SUE? Make Informed Design Decisions
Designers require accurate utility information, including constructability of multi-phase projects.
Avoid Using Unreliable Underground Utility Information
Avoid uncertainty and second guessing where a utility may be located.

31. Why Use SUE? Avoid Costly Conflicts / Utility Relocations
By knowing the exact horizontal and vertical locations of underground utilities, costly conflicts and utility relocations may be avoided, along with not having to depend upon the utilities to relocate before construction can occur.
Savings and Safety
Inaccurate information can result in costly conflicts, utility damage, construction delays, service disruptions, redesign, claims, and even injuries and loss of life.

32. Relative Cost Savings & Benefits
Purdue Study
Commissioned by FHWA
71 projects studied in 4 states (VA, NC, OH, TX)
Projects valued at >$1B
SUE was < 0.5% of construction costs
Both QLB & QLA performed

33. Relative Cost Savings & Benefits
Purdue Study
Cost savings of $4.62 per $1 spent on Subsurface Utility Engineering
Largest return on investment was $208/$1
1.9% savings on construction costs
Quantitative costs only (Qualitative costs not included)
SUE is a viable practice that reduces project costs related to the risks associated with underground utilities
If used properly it could result in a minimum savings of $1 billion per year

34. Relative Cost Savings & Benefits
I-69 & 106th St. – New Interchange
23,300 lft of QLB and 120 test holes completed
Utilities found crossing the interstate included a 20” water main in a 30” casing, a communication duct bank containing 8 to10 – 4” conduits, and a 20” sanitary sewer force main
United PM stated, “We left two major utilities in place and under our new bridge foundations.  We would not have been able to even investigate such an option without reliable SUE, ultimately saving the project over $1,000,000 in utility relocation costs.”
Cost savings of $6.45 per every $1 spent on SUE

35. SUE Current Practice Owner & Engineer Responsibility
In an increasing number of states, lawyers and courts are using guidelines, agency policies, and contractual instruments to define and hold professionals accountable for their standards of care.
It is an Engineer’s responsibility, on behalf of an Owner, to utilize all available resources and methods to gather and provide the most accurate information possible.
As an engineer, they are professionals held accountable for their standard of care with respect to how they perform their duties and it is your responsibility to utilize all the available resources and methods to gather the most accurate information possible to properly design your project.

37. Subsurface Utility Engineering? Chapter 104