GEL Solutions is proud of our track record in providing solutions to challenging SUE projects.
The SUE process, developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), prevents unnecessary interruption of services due to unexpected encounters with buried utilities and infrastructure. Utility location information is critical in design and construction of any project because costly relocation of buried infrastructure is avoided. Design engineers can incorporate the locations of existing utilities into their development plans, thereby preempting the expensive and unnecessary relocation of buried infrastructure.
GEL Solutions provides accurate, complete, and cost-effective SUE information through the use of innovative technologies. Our SUE services utilize standard utility designating tools such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), radio-frequency electromagnetic (EM) methods, and vacuum excavation.
Services and Capabilities
Quality Levels (QL) D to QL-A.
The SUE process, as defined by the FHWA and the American Society of Civil Engineers (CI/ASCE Standard 38-02), involves ascending levels of information defined by quality, as follows:
- QL-D: Research of utility databases, interviews, and collection of as-built information from utility owners.
- QL-C: Survey and visual inventory of above-ground features associated with utilities in order to assess the general accuracy and completeness of the information obtained in QL-D.
- QL-B: Designation of the approximate horizontal location of subsurface utilities using geophysical methods (GPR, CART and other specialized geophysical equipment). Deliverables for QL-B include surveyed drawings of all utility features with attributes showing the quality information of each utility line, and includes QL-D and QL-C data as appropriate.
- QL-A: Use of vacuum excavation equipment to safely dig test holes and expose utilities. This provides an exact 3D location and positive identification of the utility.
Vacuum Excavation
When the precise location and elevation of a buried utility asset is required, vacuum excavation is a fast, safe, cost-effective, and non-destructive means of accomplishing the task.
Advantages
- Exposes utility for visual inspection
- Provides exact location and depth of buried assets
- Creates one-foot or smaller diameter holes
- Avoids costly road closures and repairs
- Eliminates utility damage
- Minimizes direct and third-party liability
SUPPORT FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
GEL Solutions conducts complete SUE Investigations to support a wide range of applications and environments including Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs.) WWTP sites involve their own unique challenges, commonly including unconventional hazards, anomalous surface and subsurface features, and complex utility landscapes. With upgrades to these facilities becoming more common in recent years, GEL Solutions has supported numerous projects by delivering the precise subsurface information required. Our team is well-equipped with the proper knowledge, experience and instrumentation to meet all of the demands involved on WWTP site investigations.
Get In Touch
How we can help you solve your unique challenge with our breadth of expert services.