precision digital surveyors

Bristol 01225 314370

Reading 01182 072508

London 02039 066892 

Croydon 02033 764379

Cambridge 01223 632613

BIRMINGHAM 01212 723178

BRISTOL – BIRMINGHAM – CROYDON – OXFORD – LONDON – CAMBRIDGE

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Utility

PERFECT SERVICE SOLUTION

We partner with one of the country’s leading GPR consultants who have delivered our Utility Survey services since foundation.

Through Surveybase you access a specialist team with the technical expertise to meet large and complex site surveys.

Naturally Surveybase retain full management responsibilities including precision survey inspection and data coordination.

WHAT IS A UTILITY SURVEY?

A Utility Survey is a record of subterranean services within a specified area. Typically, this information is presented in plan format but can be marked at ground level to assist excavation. A Utility Survey provides a guide on the probable location of buried pipes and cables. It forms part of the wider preconstruction investigation helping to reduce the risk of accident.

At Surveybase we use Electromagnetic Location (EML) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) instruments to track the path of water mains, drainage systems, gas pipes and electrical cables across the development site. The survey procedure is controlled by GPS and coordinated with a previous Topographical Survey.

Utility

  • DESKTOP UTILITY REPORT
  • EML DRAINAGE MAPPING
  • GPR SERVICES DETECTION
  • GROUND SURFACE MARKING
  • 2D AUTOCAD SITE PLAN
  • FULL PAS128 SOLUTION
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WHAT WILL A UTILITY SURVEY DETECT?

The latest EML and GPR instruments detect the path of metallic pipes, live power cables and drainage runs to a depth of 3M. GPR may also detect non-metallic objects and voids depending on ground conditions.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF A UTILITY SURVEY?

Clients should be aware that Utility Surveys are not an absolute survey solution. However, as part of the wider site investigation it provides supporting information on the probable location of buried services. Readings below 3M are not guaranteed and depend on ground conditions. Readings below concrete are limited especially when reinforced with rebar. GPR will not detect dead power cables or pipes less than 50mm in diameter. This includes plastic water and gas supply pipes.

DESKTOP UTILITY REPORT

We recommend that Clients supplement the Utility Survey by purchasing a Desktop Utility Report that identifies the known location of mains connections, such as power, water, gas, and telecom. The combined data provides an enhanced guide on the infrastructure of subterranean services.

4 TIER UTILITIES SURVEY SOLUTION

We offer a 4-tier service for Drainage Mapping, GPR Utilities Services Detection and a full PAS-128 project management solution.

LEVEL 1 – DESKTOP UTILITY RECORD

We provide a written Desktop Utility Report identifying the known location of main services.

LEVEL 2 – DRAINAGE MAPPING

We use EML instruments to locate foul and rainwater pipe runs through to the mains sewer connection.

LEVEL 3 – FULL UTILITY SURVEY

We combine EML and GPR instruments to locate buried pipes, cables, objects, and voids within the designated survey zone.

LEVEL 4 – PAS128 SOLUTION

We offer a comprehensive Utility Survey solution that meets the requirements of British Standard PAS128-2022.

The Royal United Hospital in Bath has undergone a major transformation in recent years. Notable works have included a new therapy centre and construction is underway for a brand-new cancer treatment centre. Appointed by our Client a major UK construction organisation we have provided precision measured survey services that built a reliable foundation for this multi-million-pound development programme. Since our involvement began we have delivered a Topographical Survey of the development site along with a 3D Laser Scan Survey of the surrounding buildings and Utility Survey of subterranean services. The survey data was delivered in traditional 2D AutoCAD format and as a BIM ready intelligent 3D Revit Model. As with all Utility surveys, the GPR detection was undertaken by an approved consultant. Surveybase controlled the site operation and ensured precision coordination of the survey data. This approach exemplifies the benefits of deploying specialist surveyors under a single managed solution. The complexity of the utility plan helps to illustrate the many services that run beneath an operational hospital. Utility surveys are a vital stage in design and construction, providing critical information on infrastructure and serving to protect contractors during excavation. This survey was delivered in line with PAS128 procedures beginning with the desktop research of utility records and extending through site verification, inspection, and post survey consultancy. The survey at the Royal United Hospital is one of many similar case studies in the UK healthcare sector. High profile examples include the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Whittington Hospital, Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital.

UTILITY SURVEY DELIVERABLES

We will develop a Utility Survey specification that meets your precise requirements. Service options include;

 

  • Desktop Utility Report
  • Ground Surface Marking
  • 2D Site Plan (AutoCAD)

Related Case Studies


Topographical & Measured Building Survey of a Manor House, Oxford

Concorde Park, Fareham

Palace Gardens Shopping Centre, London

Commercial Case Study - Trafalgar London

Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability, London

How Can We Help

Surveybase has over 25 years’ experience in delivering precision digital survey solutions to the AEC industry. Let's discuss your requirements and to see how our expertise will benefit your next project.

Talk To Our Expert

Jordan King

Request a Quote

To obtain a quotation please email your survey brief to quote@surveybase.co.uk or use our online quote portal.