Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

One of the biggest challenges DOT’s across the nation have faced for years is the inability to obtain reliable information on underground utilities. The practice of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) has evolved as a way for the states to identify the quality of the information that is needed for the design of roadways. SUE is a way to acquire and manage the level of information that is available for the development of the roadway construction plans.

 

While many of the larger SUE firms have no experience in water, sewer, storm water, utility design, CECS is different. Our staff has knowledgeable utility designers that can assist owners in determining which utilities are critical to a project, thus only recommending SUE for these utilities versus every utility in the corridor because not every utility has the same impact and risk on a project. The benefit to our clients is the interface that the SUE manager will have with the client in recommending specific scope of services for a project.

 

Other benefits to the client are CECS’ local presence and our relationships to utility providers. CECS has state-of-the-art equipment available and is located within hours of any project in South Carolina. Over the 13 years that CECS has been performing SUE, staff has developed many relationships with utility providers throughout the state. These relationships have proved to be very beneficial in the collection of records and “boots on the ground” in designating. CECS staff has an excellent reputation and is accomplished and experienced in the locate industry. Many of the CECS staff members have multiple years of experience under the 811 locate system for utility locators.

CECS has the ability to map and present SUE via 3D modeling. By integrating the SUE,  roadway and drainage plans, and making reasonable assumptions with respect to utility depths, we can produce 3D computer models within the project limits.

3D Computer Model

Example of some of our State-of-the-art Equipment

Pipehorn 800

Example of some of our State-of-the-art Equipment

Mala HDR 250

Example of some of our State-of-the-art Equipment

Vacuum/Evacuation Truck

Example of some of our State-of-the-art Equipment

VIVAX VX 200

Example of some of our State-of-the-art Equipment

Metrotech 810

Example of some of our State-of-the-art Equipment

Radio Detection 4000 & 8000

Example of some of our State-of-the-art Equipment

Schonostedt Magnetic Locator