Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) & 3D GPR

ESP’s subsurface utility engineering (SUE) division applies the latest technology and methods to accurately map underground utilities for design/construction projects. The quality and accuracy of a subsurface investigation is based not only on the right equipment and techniques, but also on the experience of the people performing the service.

That’s why, in addition to its investment in non-destructive vacuum excavation equipment and geophysical/remote-sensing devices like ground penetrating radar GPR), ESP employs professional surveyors and engineers with more than 200 combined years of experience performing SUE services. Our high-tech equipment and qualified professional staff allow ESP to provide our clients with accurate and efficient SUE services ranging from Quality Level-D (QL-D) to QL-A.

ESP integrates a high-speed GPR array (Raptor®) as a tool within the SUE process.  The Raptor is the first real-time-sampling (RTS) system capable of collecting 3D GPR images at posted speed limits. This tool increases production capability on large scale urban utility mapping projects in terms of speed of data acquisition while improving safety margins for site personnel. With the ability to integrate data with survey and other SUE mapping deliverables, ESP delivers 3D data to mitigate utility conflicts and keep projects on schedule.

SUE Services:

• Utility records research
• Surface feature utility surveys
• Design analysis
• Utility designation
• Utility mapping
• Vacuum excavation
• Ground penetrating radar (GPR)
• Surface geophysics

3D GPR Raptor Services:

Attributes of Raptor 3D GPR:

• 3D GPR data at posted speed limits
• Eliminates the need for traffic control
• Provides fairly accurate depth information
• Increased safety for employees and the general public
• Efficient data collection reduces cost and time
• Survey grade position via RTK/GPS or total station
• Post-processed 3D data can be converted to pipe networks for export to CAD for the depiction of utilities in a 3D survey

Applications:

• Subsurface utility mapping
• Paved over manhole and valve detection
• Void detection
• Archaeological artifact and grave detection
• Buried debris mapping