Page 15 - Tennessee 811 Magazine 2022 Issue 3

or LIV as we like to call it. By using
the subsurface utility engineering, or SUE, we can perform a highly accurate, less invasive, utility investigation once the 811 mark-out is complete. SUE is a process that follows a series of quality levels for gathering information about
a utility. This begins with utility record research and ends with the highest level of accuracy by using nondestructive methods to physically locate, designate and verify a utility. This is done by digging test holes and exposing the utility using a vacuum excavation process which allows technicians to document and confirm horizontal
and vertical location as well as other characteristics including condition, size and material.
Using Low Impact Verification:
• Reduces excessive utility locate marks
• Provides a clear and accurate locate mark of depicted utility
• Provides a safe work zone for contractors
• Creates a less congested excavation path for excavators
• Saves $$$$ due to lost time trying to excavate in areas of excessive marking
• Increases FLM (Field Labor Margins) as less field time is needed to complete a project
• Increases profits, bottom lines to increase likelihood of completing projects on time
• Provides accurate, digitized, utility location mapping for future use
• Less invasive provides shorter timelines
SUE is especially performed on larger sites with a higher density of
known existing utilities and/or new construction where the contractor needs an accurate accounting of every utility across the entire site. Particularly if they will be adding or relocating utilities.
Then, there are other situations when only one utility needs to be verified in
a condensed area of a project to clear the site for the contractor. This is where LIV is especially effective. With LIV,
we can confirm the accuracy of the 811 mark-outs with SUE for the contractor who may only need a mini excavation in an area that really counts. This data information is then passed back to One Call for future locates.
Overall, the benefits of SUE and
LIV are that they give the contractor an accurate location of existing underground utilities while creating create a less congested excavation path for excavators. This helps contractors to make more informed decisions, especially during the design phase; reduces schedule delays and change orders; minimizes excavation risks while increasing site worker safety; and provides full geo-referenced mapping, suit any budget.
Although studies have been performed on weighing and validating the ROI
of a SUE investigation prior to site excavation, contractors and designers still have misconceptions about this important process. Ultimately, keeping
your jobsite safe while putting this level of information into the hands of those who need it the most is invaluable!
2022, Issue 3
Tennessee811 • 13