Subsurface Utilities Engineering (SUE) is an engineering process for accurately identifying the quality of subsurface utility information needed for project plans. FXSA, Inc. conducts soils investigations to determine the most appropriate technologies for locating and designating underground utilities. There are 4 levels of SUE:

Level D SUE - Determination of underground utilities position based solely on as-built plans and other information available by utilities owners.

Level C SUE - Determination of underground utilities position based completed Level D SUE plus the location of physical features on the ground such as valve boxes, manholes, pedestals, etc.

Level B SUE (Designate) - The use of geophysical prospecting techniques to determine the existence and horizontal position of underground utilities. Levels D & C must be completed.

Level A (Locate) - The use of non-destructive digging equipment at critical points along a subsurface utility's path to determine the precise horizontal and vertical position of underground utilities. Levels of D, C & B must be completed.

Conducting proper SUE can help you reduce unforeseen utility conflicts/relocations, project design and construction delays, contractor claims and change orders, design and construction costs and, property & collateral damage. According to a FHWA/Purdue University Study: “every $1 spent on SUE could save you up to $4.62 in a project”.

Click here to view a representation of our SUE experience.