Services

Utility Mapping/Quality Level B

So-Deep invented Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), coined the terminology, and defined the Quality Levels as well as the tasks necessary to map underground utilities to the standard of care. Our work products continue to exceed that standard.

So-Deep’s main service is identifying and mapping the locations of underground utilities. So-Deep uses the concepts of Utility Quality Levels we developed in 1990 and that are now the standard of the engineering profession, the FHWA, ASCE, AGC, and other national organizations. Mapping development consists of Utility Records Research, Designating (surface geophysical imaging), Locating (air-vacuum excavation), and Surveying/CADD (data management) functions. Individually or in combination, these functions produce information and maps that are invaluable in managing project risks.

Professional - Reviewed, signed, and sealed by a registered professional.

Experience – So-Deep has performed thousands of SUE mapping projects across the country.

Cost Savings – Utilities are one of the most expensive aspects of construction projects. Significant savings can be realized by using So-Deep to map and coordinate with utility owners early in the design process.

Mobile – Our highly trained and experienced field operations staff from all So-Deep offices work together on a regular basis on projects of every scale and scope to meet tight deadlines. Throughout every level of management, projects are tracked to insure on time delivery.

Approach - For most projects, utility mapping is performed in a two-step process. First, a Quality Level “B” investigation is performed. It includes the tasks of Quality Levels “D” and “C”. The Quality Level B “designating” phase is an extensive investigation of underground utilities and a significant upgrade from the lower quality levels. It’s typically performed within the first 30% of the design process. Utility Locating is the second step. Once potential conflicts are identified, we return to the field to perform Quality Level “A” test holes. Precise X, Y, Z data is obtained and incorporated into our deliverables.

So-Deep also surveys gravity systems and maps overhead utilities adhering to strict QA/QC procedures developed internally.

So-Deep, Inc. was established in 1981 and is the original subsurface utility engineering (SUE) company. It coined the terminology of “designating” and “locating” as well as defined the four quality levels for underground utility data and all the tasks required for each level. It was instrumental in the development of the accepted engineering standard of “CI/ASCE 38-02: Standard Guidelines for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data.” SUE is endorsed and widely used by State Departments of Transportation, as well as Federal Highway Administrations and local municipalities across the country, and So-Deep continues to lead the profession as one of a few nationwide SUE providers.

So-Deep offers complete subsurface utility engineering services. The most common components are defined as follows:

• QUALITY LEVEL "A"- LOCATING: Precise horizontal and vertical location of utilities obtained by the actual exposure and subsequent measurement of subsurface utilities, at a specific point. Minimally intrusive excavation equipment is typically used to minimize the potential for utility damage. Precise horizontal and vertical positions, as well as other utility attributes are shown on the final work product. Accuracy is typically set at 0.05' vertical, and to applicable horizontal survey standards.
• QUALITY LEVEL "B"- DESIGNATING: This information is obtained through the application of appropriate surface geophysical methods to identify the existence and approximate horizontal position of subsurface utilities. Quality Level “B” data are reproducible by surface geophysics at any point of their depiction. This information is surveyed to applicable tolerances and reduced onto plan documents.
• QUALITY LEVEL "C"- SURFACE VISIBLE FEATURE SURVEY: Information obtained by surveying and plotting visible aboveground utility features and by using professional judgment in correlating this information to Quality Level D information.
• QUALITY LEVEL "D"- EXISTING RECORDS: Information derived solely from existing records or verbal recollections.

Utility Designating – Quality Level “B”

QUALITY LEVEL "B"- DESIGNATING: This information is obtained through the application of appropriate surface geophysical methods to identify the existence and approximate horizontal position of subsurface utilities. Quality Level “B” data are reproducible by surface geophysics at any point of their depiction. This information is surveyed to applicable tolerances and reduced onto plan documents.

So-Deep

• Professional - Each project is reviewed, signed and sealed by a registered staff professional.
• Experience - We have over 800 years of SUE experience and have worked on over 14,000 projects.
• Education & Training - We have extensive knowledge of utility systems.
• Quality Driven - We strictly adhere to QA/QC procedures to perform above the standard of care.
• On-Time Delivery - We have the ability to mobilize competent field crews for projects of any size and complexity.

We also perform Quality Levels “C” and “D” investigations as requested. However, most times this information is included in our Quality Level “B” work product.