Utility Mapping Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire
Our LiDAR surveys allow large scale surveys to be taken with a level of cost-effectiveness. Utility Mapping Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire.
There are many underground utilities that need to be mapped out before starting a construction or renovation project. Utility Mapping Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire helps identify these utility lines that are invisible so that you can avoid them.
In this article, we’ll be discussing all you need to know about this topic; different types of underground utilities, why it is important to map them out, and the different kinds of technology that is used to carry out this service accurately.
What is it?
It also known as utility surveying, is the process of identifying and documenting the positions of pipes and cables that are buried underground. This process is used to detect any public utility that is beneath the ground such as electric cables, telecom cables, oil and gas pipelines, sewers, water mains, storm drains, etc.
This involves using the latest technology such as Electromagnetic Induction (EMI), Direct Current Resistivity, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment to interpret reflected signals from services and structures buried underground. This helps to provide the details needed for the planning of any project that requires digging the ground.
Why is it Important?
Utility Mapping Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire is important for any construction project that involves breaking the ground as they help to locate the position and capacity of any buried utility that is around your work area.
Here are the major reasons why it should not be ignored:
- It minimizes the risks of tampering with any utility that could cause harm to the workers or the public.
- Compliance with health and safety regulations.
- It saves time and effort as it does not require a manual review of the underground services.
- It helps cut the cost of spending money on reconstructing any damaged utility.
Some Common Underground Utilities
The most common underground public utilities that need to be located with Utility Mapping Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire include:
Water Utility
Water utilities are very common and can be found anywhere. Water lines are often built underground and can be damaged when your project requires digging or excavation.
Although water lines do not cause any harm to humans when tampered with, they can cause damage to the work site.
Gas Pipelines Utilities
This is the most dangerous type of utility that is buried underground. When a gas pipeline is punctured, it could cause an explosion. It’s very important to map a gas pipeline before starting a construction project to ensure safety.
Luckily, gas pipelines are not located just anywhere, they have specific locations. But it is still advisable to map them out because no one can tell as they run underground, they can be found just anywhere.
Electrical Utilities
Electrical utilities can also be found underground in some cities. They can be found anywhere just like water utilities, so it’s important to map electrical utilities before digging anywhere. Electrical utilities are very dangerous and can cause serious harm just by coming in contact with a live electrical wire.
Telecommunication Utilities
These are another type of utility that runs underground and can be found anywhere. These utilities may not cause any harm when tampered with but they could cause an entire neighbourhood’s internet to go down.
Types of Technology
There are different methods or technology that are used to locate utilities underground. Some of the common ones are:
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
GDR is the most common underground utility locator used by contractors. GPR works by sending electromagnetic energy into the ground to detect objects. The electromagnetic impulse will send out a signal if it hits an object. The receiver detects the signal and uses it to map out where utilities are located in the area. It is mostly used to locate pipes, manholes, tanks, cables, etc.
Electromagnetic Induction (EMI)
EMI is used to locate buried services such as cable, irrigation lines, telephone, water, electric, gas, etc. This technology works by using a transmitter to transfer alternating electrical current to the ground. A receiver is then used to analyze any received signal from the transmitter and locate the position of the utility.
Direct Current Resistivity (DCR)
DCR works by injecting two electrodes into the ground to measure the distribution of voltages from the utility that is buried in the ground if there are any. This technology makes it easy to locate resistive surfaces where digging cannot be possible.
Bottom Line
Utility Mapping Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire is very important before starting any construction project that involves digging the ground. Mapping utility beforehand helps save you from stress and the trouble of damaging any utility line when digging.