What Are Utility Surveys?

Utility surveys are a critical step in ensuring the structural integrity of a future building. This process is a vital underground survey that locates underground pipes and wiring to confirm they won’t be interfered with once construction begins. At Streval, we provide reliable and accurate utility surveys for numerous sectors. But we realise that many probably don’t know what utility surveys are. 

So, we at Streval have written this article to define the term Utility Survey and outline each step in the procedure. This will provide a complete understanding of the process and recognition of its importance. 

What are Utility Surveys?

As mentioned briefly above, utility surveys are an essential process that involves the assessment of the underground utilities surrounding a potential building site. This includes pipes and wiring from electricity and water mains to sewage and gas pipes.

Identifying these potential obstructions before work begins on-site can prevent delays by recognising potential problems before they’re encountered, and making the necessary adjustments to avoid them. 

They recognise the risk to constructors, developers, engineers, and utility owners and negate damage to third-party assets that could be costly if interfered with. 

How is an underground survey performed?

Conducting an underground survey is done using a Ground Penetrating Radar, which uses radio waves to deliver image data of the earth’s subsurface and detect natural and artificial objects, as well as changes in the soil. The GPR moves a transducer or antenna across the ground and uses it to transmit radio pulses. These pulses will ricochet if there are pipelines or wiring in the way.  

A GPR will cost-effectively prevent the necessity to dig up the soil and potentially cause further damage to the land on a project that is intended to be built.

This assessment can also be performed with the use of Electromagnetic Location technology, which combines subsurface evaluation techniques from multiple methods to locate buried lines in the ground. 

On its own, the GPR is the preferred method, as it will recover the locations of more underground features than an Electromagnetic Location Survey. However, the most preferred method is a combination of the two, which provides a comprehensive overview of the ground below. 

What can Streval do for you?

Here at Streval, our team has extensive experience performing utility surveys and construction tests to ensure the foundations of your building are structurally sound. Whether you’re looking for Ground and Site, Structural, or Height Safety Investigations, we can help. 

Our engineers are trained to comply with the most recent guidelines, including PAS 128 and TSA, to ensure our work is high-quality, safe, and reliable. 

Contact us today if you require Utility Surveys!