Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Investigations (ASCE 38)
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What is SUE and what it includes
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is a professional engineering service that investigates, analyzes, and documents existing utility infrastructure before design and construction activities begin. Kiwa T2 specializes in the investigation of both above-ground and underground utilities, helping project teams understand utility locations and potential conflicts early in the project lifecycle.
Using records research, utility designating methods, advanced investigation technologies, surveying, and engineering analysis, Kiwa T2 provides accurate utility information that helps owners and designers manage the impact of existing infrastructure on proposed projects. The objective is to reduce uncertainty and provide the information necessary to support planning, design, coordination, and construction decisions.
Who is it for?
This service by Kiwa T2 is intended for municipalities, transportation agencies, infrastructure owners, utility owners, engineering consultants, design firms, developers, project managers, contractors, transit authorities, airport authorities, and institutional property owners. These organizations typically plan, design, construct, maintain, or expand infrastructure assets and require reliable utility information to support decision-making, risk management, design development, and construction planning.
Benefits of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
- Improves the accuracy and reliability of utility information during project planning.
- Identifies utility conflicts before construction begins.
- Supports proactive utility relocation and accommodation planning.
- Reduces the risk of design changes and redesign costs.
- Helps avoid schedule delays caused by unknown utilities.
- Improves worker and public safety by reducing utility strikes.
- Supports more informed project decisions and better risk management.
Why Choose Kiwa?
Kiwa T2 has been helping project owners, engineers, and infrastructure stakeholders manage utility-related risk in Canada since 2002 through professional utility investigations, utility engineering, and subsurface risk management services.
Steps in the Process
Initial Consultation
Review project objectives, scope, schedules, available utility records, and project risks.
Records Collection and Review
Gather and assess available utility records, drawings, plans, and historical information.
Field Investigation
Conduct utility designation, surveying, and above-ground utility investigations based on project using appropriate technologies and methodologies.
Data Integration and Analysis
Analyze collected information, correlate records with field findings, and identify sources of conflicting information.
Utility Mapping and Reporting
Prepare utility depictions, engineering drawings, reports, and supporting documentation.
Utility Mapping and Reporting
Prepare utility depictions, engineering drawings, reports, and supporting documentation.
Applicable Norms or Regulations
ASCE 38
Planning a project that involves existing infrastructure? Contact Kiwa T2 to discuss how our Subsurface Utility Engineering services can help provide reliable utility information, reduce uncertainty, and support informed project decisions.
Utility Coordination
Utility impacts and relocations present significant risks to infrastructure project delays. T2 Utility Engineers Utility Coordination professionals develop a managed approach to identify and guide the complex utility conflict resolution process, working closely with myriad utility system owners so construction can progress smoothly.
As Built Documentation (ASCE 75/CSA S250)
Professional support for accurate as-built documentation, ensuring compliance with ASCE 75 or CSA S250 standards for engineering and construction projects.
Visual Verification of Utilities (Hydro-Vac Excavation)
Direct observation and documentation of exposed utilities to confirm their location and attributes supporting accurate records, design decisions, and construction activities.
Urban Geophysics
Identify hidden subsurface features and anomalies with advanced geophysical investigations that help reduce uncertainty, manage risk, and support informed project decisions.
Archaeological Investigation Support
Kiwa T2 helps identify, map, and document buried archaeological features and cultural heritage resources using advanced geophysical technologies and precise survey methods.
Tree Root Mapping
Advanced geophysics helps identify and map shallow tree root systems, supporting informed tree management decisions and reducing conflicts with planned construction or existing infrastructure.
3D Models and Digital Twins
Transform complex utility and infrastructure data into accurate, defensible 3D models that support better planning, design coordination, risk management, and decision-making.
Chamber and Maintenance Hole Modelling
Accurate 3D chamber and maintenance hole modelling that provides detailed, survey-grade information for design, planning, asset management, and utility coordination projects.
Sewer Mapping
Accurate sewer mapping that helps owners, engineers, and project teams understand the location and orientation of non-linear sewer infrastructure.
Utility Mapping (ASCE 38 not requested)
Accurate utility data tailored to your project needs, helping you understand existing infrastructure and manage risk without the scope of a full SUE investigation.