Utilities Mapping

plowmancraven.co.uk

t h e t r u s t e d n a m e i n m e a s u r e m e n t
Welcome to Plowman Craven
Plowman Craven is
a leading Chartered
Surveying company
offering a broad range of
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services. We have built our
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measurement.
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Head Office London Office
141 Lower Luton Road 33A Clerkenwell Green
Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 5EQ London EC1R 0DU
Tel: +44 (0)1582 765566 Tel: +44 (0)20 7490 7700
Email: post@plowmancraven.co.uk Web: www.plowmancraven.co.uk
ELECTRODETECTION Plowman Craven’s specialist in-house utilities division,
ElectroDetection, offers a range of utilities mapping solutions.
Using state-of-the-art technology, ElectroDetection is able to trace,
identify and map underground utilities and service routes including
gas, water, telecommunications, electricity and drainage.

ElectroDetection
The ElectroDetection division offers services which meet
any requirement - from early planning stage through to post-
construction as-built surveys.

WHAT IS UTILITIES MAPPING?

The diversification of the utilities sector in recent years has led
to increasing difficulties in unifying utilities asset information.
This lack of understanding, coupled with incomplete and
inaccurate statutory records, leads to many unknowns and risks.
Pinpointing the exact location of utilities is vital when planning
and undertaking both design and construction work.

A utilities mapping survey by ElectroDetection provides a

comprehensive understanding of infrastructure below ground.

Utilities Mapping enables the client to:

n Have an accurate record of existing and as-built services

n Minimise site disruption and potential delays
n Improve compliance
n Identify potential problems and avoid the risk of costly
asset failures and emergency repairs
n Reduce health and safety risks
n Comply with HSE guidelines
n Mitigate the risk of utility strikes

At ElectroDetection, a dedicated Project Manager is

assigned to each individual project and is responsible
for ensuring all project requirements are met.
All output is checked as part of ElectroDetection’s
standard works procedures in accordance with
the company’s British Standard EN ISO 9001:2008
certification. ElectroDetection is Utilities Vendor
Database Supplier Management Service (UVDB)
verified, a demonstration of our compliance to health,
safety, environment and quality.
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY ElectroDetection always uses the latest innovative technology when
undertaking a utilities mapping survey. A variety of tracing methods are
available and each requirement warrants its own unique methodology.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Surveys

The very latest ground
penetrating radar systems are
used to locate buried services
which cannot be traced by
other methods such as RFL.
GPR is also used to detect
other buried features such as
chambers and voids.
ElectroDetection uses the
Detector Duo (IDS Duo) and
Mala Easy Locator GPR
systems to locate non-metallic
services and re-confirm the
position of services traced by
RFL methods.
By carrying out a targeted grid
of scans, linear below-ground
features can be located and
identified as services by
relating the captured data
to record information and
surface features.
By processing our radar
survey through the latest
dedicated software, the
captured data is filtered
and enhanced to enable
better data analysis and
improved service detection.
The processing software also
improves detection of sub-
surface voids and non-service
features. These features can
be processed straight from
the software into AutoCAD as Example of GPR scan in good
a 3D model compatible with ground conditions
Revit models and BIM.

3D Surveys
and BIM
With the rise of Building Information Modelling
(BIM) and other modelling environments, there is
an ever greater demand for survey deliverables
Any Environment Mala Easy Locator in 3D. Using buried service techniques, we have
the ability to present service survey information
in a variety of 3D formats, including REVIT®.
These deliverables enable the user to gain a
significantly enhanced understanding of the
layout and location of buried services when
compared to 2D data.

IDS Duo

GROUND PENETRATING RADAR AND RADIO FREQENCY LOCATION -

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
There is a perception that all buried pipes, cables and ducts can be
detected and mapped irrespective of their size, duty, depth, location,
material type, geology and proximity to other utilities.
A well designed and executed survey should detect up to around
95% of utilities, but it may not be possible to achieve 100% detection
rate. Often, the situation is not ideal for GPR due to the soil or ground
conditions being unsuitable. In addition, some services are too small
and buried too deep for the GPR to identify them.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers;
“In good ground conditions and within the depth range
of two metres, the ability to detect a utility will reduce in
diameter by 1mm for each 10mm of depth. i.e. a 200mm
pipe can be detected at 2m and a 50mm pipe at 0.5m,
but a 25mm plastic water service pipe to a house cannot
be detected at 1.2m with radar”.
TECHNOLOGY
Radio Frequency
Location (RFL)
RFL technology works by
connecting directly onto a pipe at
a valve pit and tracing the radio
signal along the route of the pipe.
Low voltage electricity routes are
traced by connecting to a surface
feature such as a lamp-post, or
by clamping the cable within an
inspection chamber and tracing the
signal along the route of the cable.
Once all known services have been
located, the site is then scanned to
check for any unrecorded services.
These unrecorded services are
then identified and added in order
to complete the survey.
As the RFL signal can be drawn to other
services, this technology works at its best when
the concentration of services are less dense.
Although the exact location of a service cannot
always be pinpointed, the presence of a service
is noted and should be taken into consideration
for any future planned works.
n Accurately map routes of underground
metallic, water and gas pipes, cable
ducts and other metallic services
n Identify cable services such as
telecoms, cable television and CCTV
n Where services cannot be directly
connected, the transmitter can be placed
on the ground directly above and a signal
induced into the cable
Laser Scanning
Depending on the requirements and specifications of a project, ElectroDetection may
use state-of-the-art laser scanning instrumentation. 3D laser scanning and advances
in high-dynamic range photography have led to quicker surveys, greater accuracy and
easier interpretation of complex underground locations.
3D laser scanning provides:
n Rapid site date collection – 1,000,000 points per second – and particularly
valuable where site access is limited
n Non-contact measurement – reduces risk and safety constraints using
inverted scanning techniques
n Completeness of data – all information in the scan view is collected –
eliminating the need for return visits
n Permanent point in time archive for condition monitoring
n Collaborative and virtual site visits with TruView™ imagery
TruView™ combines scan data with 360° high dynamic range photography
in order to create the ultimate in virtual environments. It enables a user to
move around easily within a visual tour of the scanned site and its real-time
measurement tools allow every user to pan, zoom and investigate the area
from the comfort of a desk.
TECHNOLOGY After construction of a new site, utility owners often require a non-biased
investigation of the location and condition of all utility components before
accepting ownership.

Adoption Surveys
ElectroDetection provides independent survey advice and specialises in providing the following types of Adoption Surveys.

DRAINAGE ADOPTION SURVEY AS-BUILT SURVEY

A Drainage Adoption survey will confirm the manhole positions, An As-Built survey provides detailed information on utilities to
pipe levels and condition prior to the utility provider taking over determine exact routes of all services as-built rather than as-
ownership of newly constructed sewers: designed.

n Position Inspection covers onto Ordnance Survey (OS) Benefits

mapping data using GPS
n Accurate record of actual construction
n Provide levels to covers related to OS datum
n Independent confirmation of construction specification
n Full cover/chamber details (size/type/chamber material/
n Protection for ground workers from utility strikes
invert depth/pipe material and sizes/flow direction)
n Risk mitigation should a clash occur with other planned
n Manhole data cards for each manhole to include location or future works
sketch and chamber sketch

CASE STUDY

As-Built Survey
The survey below was carried out on a new housing development where subsidence had
occurred and where the foundations of each property needed to be reinforced.
The underground utilities were fully traced and mapped, including every service connection,
to reduce the risk of service strikes.
The results enabled the remedial works to be carried out without damage to the services.
CASE STUDY
Road Mapping
In conjunction with a major
redevelopment around
Earls Court in West London,
ElectroDetection was
commissioned to carry
out underground services
surveys at each of the
major road junctions around
the complex. The roads
concerned were some of
most congested in the area
and included North End Road
and Warwick Road.
In order to carry out these
surveys a comprehensive
traffic management plan
was devised and extensive
approvals were sought from
the Highways Department,
Transport for London, Bus
operating companies, and
other relevant organisations.
In order to keep traffic
management requirements
and congestion to a
Underground services using
mobile mapping
minimum, ElectroDetection
adopted the innovative
approach of using a multi-
channel radar array towed
behind a vehicle. Using the
specialist vehicle meant the
fieldwork could be carried out
over four nights rather than
the original estimate of four
weeks, and approval from the
Local Authority was obtained
within minutes.
The reduced timeframe
on site appealed to the
Local Authority which was
naturally concerned about
the disruption to residents,
particularly at night. The
quality and quantity of the
survey data collected proved
to be more than satisfactory
and some unknown structural
data was also obtained
alongside the service routes.
Vehicle based GPR system
Underground services at busy
road junction
TECHNOLOGY

Example of TruView™ model and ‘unwrapped’ panoramic image

Using the latest Leica total station surveying equipment, a specialist

ElectroDetection team can accurately survey the line and level of
man-entry sewers and pipes.

Line and Level Surveys

ElectroDetection has many years of
experience in carrying out line and level
surveys in sewers, river culverts, cable
tunnels and on Rail and Underground
infrastructure. Results of survey
measurement can be processed to create
2D drawings with level information, a 3D
wireframe model showing pipes in correct
x,y,z position, or as a full 3D CAD surface
model.
A photographic record can also be
compiled to show the internal condition of
the pipe and relevant features.
All line and level surveys are carried
out in accordance with confined space
regulations using industry leading safety
and rescue equipment.
Profiles of pipes can be measured at
specified intervals and at locations where
the pipe size or shape changes.
Large diameter pipes and tunnels can also
be scanned and photographed to create
a fully measurable TruView™ model and
panoramic images.
n Accurate position of deep level
pipes which cannot be located
using surface techniques
n Photographic record of condition
n 3D model enables detailed design
for new connections
CASE STUDY
Inverted Scanning
As part of large topographical and
underground services survey at Three
Bridges Rail Depot in Sussex, the route of
a large diameter, deep level Thames Water
sewer was identified. The pipe depth meant
that it was not possible to accurately survey
the route without confined space access
and this was not permitted.
CASE STUDY
Wall Scanning
In 2012, London Underground (LU)
commissioned ElectroDetection to
undertake radar scans of the walls
and floors of St Mary Abchurch, a
Christopher Wren designed church in the
City of London. The huge redevelopment
of Bank Station beneath the streets
of London posed a serious risk to the
historic buildings above and LU needed
to establish whether the structure of the
Church could withstand excavations
planned below.
The original plan was to carry out
core-sampling through the walls, but
this was rejected by the Diocese. As a
result, ElectroDetection developed an
alternative methodology. Using the IDS
DUO ground penetrating radar unit,
ElectroDetection scanned the floors of
the Church to locate both known and
previously unknown crypts. The walls
were then scanned using the hand-held
MALA CX Imaging System.
3D scans were undertaken and a series
of closed-centred grid scans were taken
The manhole chambers were surveyed
using an innovative solution whereby
the Leica 6000 3D laser scanner was
lowered into each chamber using an
inverted tripod.
Data was collected at several levels
including at the surface, that when stitched
together, created a 3D scan cloud of the
whole chamber.
The 3D data captured enabled the
accurate plotting of each manhole
chamber and associated pipes without
having to access the chamber. The scans
even managed to help determine the
direction of the pipes entering and leaving
the chambers.
n No confined space entry necessary
n Rapid data collection reduces
site time
n 3D chamber and localised pipe
model created
in two directions on a pre-set grid.
The data from these scans was then
merged, thus obtaining a ‘cloud’ of data.
The software then allowed the user to
pan through the various levels and view
elevation data through the wall.
The delivered 3D data enabled London
Underground’s engineers to understand
how the walls of the church were
constructed. The survey data allowed
the team to identify weak points and
formulate a methodology to monitor
and protect the church during the
excavation and construction phases.
The number of core samples required
to be drilled was reduced significantly
and potential damage was limited.
n Void detection – Chimney flues,
poor construction, structural
changes
n Reinforcing detection – rebar,
tension cables
n Hidden services – cable trunking
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY ElectroDetection can trace interior below ground drainage routes and locate
service in-takes and meters.

Building Services Tracing

By lifting all inspection
covers, ElectroDetection
will accurately trace all main
drainage routes and prove
connections from WC’s,
sinks and down pipes by dye
testing and/or electronically
tracing pipe work.
Positions of all service
intakes and meter points are
surveyed and photographed
with meter numbers recorded.
Using Radio Frequency
Locators (RFL) and Ground
Penetrating Radar (GPR),
ElectroDetection is also able
to scan building slabs to
check for the existence of
other buried services.
GPR can also be used
to identify below ground
structures and voids. GPR
scans can only be carried out
on flat, open areas and, to be
able to identify below ground
structures, a number of scans
are required to create a grid.
Scans are then post-
processed in the office to
identify linear features and
marked changes in the
underlying structure.
LIMITATIONS
Often, internal drainage systems
are sealed by metal plates
(hatch-boxes) within inspection
chambers to eliminate the
release of odour into the building.
Although these can be removed,
no guarantee can be given that
the seal will be replaced tightly.
Also, pipework beneath buildings
is usually cast iron to avoid the
risk of collapse. In this case,
pipes cannot be electronically
traced as the signal from the
transmitting probe cannot
penetrate through metallic
objects.
Another limitation to internal
drainage surveys is that
inspection covers are often
designed to fit in with the
surrounding floor. Tiled covers
that are not loose often cannot
be lifted without the specific
manhole keys for each type of
cover. ElectroDetection’s survey
vehicles carry a large variety of
manhole keys suitable for the
majority of cover types.

Internal below ground drainage survey Internal heating survey Internal services can also be surveyed in
3D for incorporation into BIM/Revit models

CCTV
Using the latest high specification
equipment and industry standard
software, ElectroDetection can
deliver detailed pipe condition
surveys.
ElectroDetection will present
the client with a colour DVD
and written report highlighting
faults, if any, in the system and
provide recommendations for
rehabilitation and repair.
ElectroDetection will also arrange
the cleaning of the sewer system
prior to survey to ensure best
quality video capture.
Reports are fully coordinated
with a utility mapping survey to
provide accurate information
on all routes including ‘blind’
connections.

Still image showing pipe in good condition Still image showing pipe with corrosion
 FURTHER INFORMATION

Health and Safety Executive The Survey Association

The Health and Safety Executive has published a booklet
which outlines unseen dangers arising from working
near underground services. It provides guidance on risk
reduction, especially concerning ground penetration or
below surface operations. A copy can be downloaded from
the Health and Safety Executive website: Booklet HSG47 -
‘Avoiding danger from underground services’
For more information click here
The UK’s Survey Association has published a useful guide to
utility surveys which specifies differing levels of survey.
Typically, a utilities survey would be to level 4, where all covers
are lifted, contents detailed and service routes traced using
RFL and GPR techniques. The GPR is used in “mark out”
mode with results viewed on-site.
Survey levels 5 and 6 are enhanced versions of level 4. Here,
the GPR data is recorded on-site and post-processed for
further analysis. The difference between levels 5 and 6 is the
density of the scan grids that are undertaken. The more dense
the grids, the more comprehensive the survey is likely to be.

For more information click here

Plowman Craven
Offices, Industrial and Residential n Area Measurement Surveys n Engineering Surveys

Urban Regeneration n Measured Building Surveys n Deformation Monitoring

Transport n Rail Surveys
n Heritage Recording Services
Retail n Underground Utilities Surveys
n Lease Plan and Boundary Surveys
Police and Security n Laser Scanning Services
n Rights of Light Surveys
Utilities n 3D and Building Information Modelling
n Estate Management Services Services
Government and Public Bodies

Film and Entertainment n Infrastructure Surveys n Film and Entertainment Scanning

Heritage, Arts and Leisure n Topographical Surveys n Police and Security Services

Head Office London Office

141 Lower Luton Road 33A Clerkenwell Green
Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 5EQ London EC1R 0DU
Tel: +44 (0)1582 765566 Tel: +44 (0)20 7490 7700
Email: post@plowmancraven.co.uk Web: www.plowmancraven.co.uk