Public Utilities, Site Surveys, &, Site Investigation

Locating Public Utilities

The process of identifying and marking the position of underground and aboveground services before construction begins to avoid damage and ensure safety during construction activities.

Importance of Locating Public Utilities

• Prevent damage to services during excavation.

• Ensures safety of workers.

• Avoids costly repairs and project delays.

Method of Locating Public Utilities

• Consulting utility company records (maps, Geographic Information Systems data).

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).

• Electromagnetic locators.

• Trial pits (manual or mechanical excavation to confirm).

• Site markings with paint/flags once identified.

Site Survey

Measurement and mapping of the site to record boundaries, levels, features, and conditions

Types of Site Surveys

Topographic, construction, boundary

Topographic Surveys

Measures land features, contours, and slopes

Boundary Surveys

Confirms property lines and legal limits.

Construction Survey

Marks positions for foundations, roads, and utilities.

Tools and Equipment used for Site Surveys

• Theodolite

• Total Station

• GPS

• Measuring tapes

• Leveling instruments

Importance of Site Surveys

• Ensures buildings are constructed within property boundaries.

• Helps with accurate design and estimation.

• Identifies challenges like uneven land, steep slopes, or watercourses.

Site Investigation

Process of collecting information about ground conditions to determine if the site is suitable for construction.

Purpose of Site Investigation

• To study soil type, strength, and bearing capacity.

• Identify water table level.

• Detect hazards (contaminated soil, underground voids).

• Provide data for foundation design.

Methods of Site Investigation

• Desk study: Review maps, previous reports, and aerial photos.

• Walk-over survey: Physical inspection of the site.

• Trial pits & boreholes: Small excavations to study soil layers.

• Soil sampling & lab testing: Grain size analysis, moisture content, compaction.

• Geophysical methods: Seismic testing.