Conceptual Design,

Methodology and Equipment

Underground Detection & Mapping

P r eci s e Sub su r fac e Sdn Bhd Hea dqua rt er s

No. 32 5- B, M ela wati Squ a r e, Ja lan Pus at B anda r, Pu sat Banda r Ta man M ela wati ,
53100 Kua la Lu mpu r, Ma la ys ia . Tel: 603 -41071344 Fa x: 603- 41061344.
E mai l: p r ec is esub su r fac e@ ya hoo. c om
Introduction

The Precise Subsurface (PSSB) addresses an issue of significant national importance--the

current and increasing potential for damage to underground utility systems caused by other
excavation and utility installation/repair activities. PSSB seeks novel solutions to the
problem of effective location of all types of underground utilities under the variety of site
Some underground utilities at shallow depths can be located with relative ease using
inexpensive equipment but many types of utilities and especially smaller non-conducting
utilities at greater depths are extremely difficult to locate. The complex signal records
produced by some types of current locating equipment require expert interpretation - raising
costs and making underground utility location an art as well as a science.

This document contains technical and methodology information for Precise Subsurface to
execute the Survey and Subsurface Utilities Mapping at selected sites using various skill and
instrument in order to determine the existing utilities and to produce the mapping and report
for Client to understanding their interest location for existing and expansion development.

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Survey Procedure and Method

Precise Subsurface methods

of locating objects
underground typically
started by verifying Site
Condition before any
underground detection
commenced. Most of the site
condition sometimes at the
grass area and uneven terrain,
careful check on the grid line
and ensure any scouring were
covered before GPR were
towed along the line. This
will ensure radar to probe in
to the subsurface in
horizontal and the
penetration is exactly at Y
axis.

For each of the selected sited,

GPR was calibrate using the
hyperbolic matching method
function allows the user to
input the velocity of the
material being scanned. Cross
check at perimeter were done
with 0.100 m/ns. This is a
good average velocity that
will provide a good estimate
of depth in most situations.

Figure 1: Flow Chart of Subsurface Utilities Mapping

Detection crew with using GPR will scan in GRID method (X and Y) to locate the hyperbolic
image in that selected area.

EM (Electromagnetic) equipment such as RD4000 (transmitter and receiver) operate by 2

person sweeping along the area in GRID method using surface induced signal emission to trace
existing unknown cable or pipe that didn’t have any exposed facility or marker. Manhole and
exposed utilities clue will be determine using direct-induced signal emission method to get the
specific services route. Hyperbolic marker left by GPR operator will be check with EM for
identified the type of services utilities.

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 On the same time EM operator will identified the signal and marking the position with code
for depth and type of utilities discover by using spray paint. The detection will be covered
along the corridor of the purposed route.

Utilities detail observation will be done by surveyor for mapping the marker location and any
physical utilities structure around the area. The data will be downloading at the office and
processed following the sketch provided by detection crew.

Underground Utilities Equipment

The Equipment use for this project as follow:

1. Ground Penetrating Radar Noggin Plus 250Mhz

2. Radio Detection RD4000 and RD 8000
3. Flexitrace
4. Metal Locator
5. Sonde
6. Total Station Nikon DTM 350
7. GPS Topcon GR5

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) is an application of electromagnetic (EM) energy.
GPR is also known as ground scanner. It uses radio frequency to penetrate the ground. The
signal is introduced to the ground, using antenna. The design of the antenna typically
controls the frequency of the wave introduced. The signal is reflected (reradiated) at
interfaces of dissimilar materials as with seismic waves. The technology could scan anything
up to 5 meters of depth depends on soil composition.

The GPR equipment is used to scan across and along the proposed or existing utility route to
ascertain the existence of other utilities or the utility. The locations of these scan sections are
marked on the ground and surveyed for correlation on the map.

Figure 2: Concept of Radar Penetrating

GPR

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Figure 3: – GPR Noggin Plus

Hyperbola Matching
The most accurate way of determining the velocity of the material being scanned is to use the
hyperbola-fitting method because it extracts the velocity using data collected in the area. This
method may not work in all situations because it depends on having a good quality
hyperbola (or inverted U) in the data.
A hyperbola is the characteristic GPR response from a small point target like a pipe, rock or
even a tree root. This phenomenon occurs because radar energy does not radiate as a pencil-
thin beam but more like a 3D cone. Reflections can appear on the record even though the
object is not directly below the radar system. Thus, the radar system “sees” the pipe before
and after going over top of it and forms a hyperbolic reflection.

Figure 4: Hyperbola From The GPR Energy

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Radio Detection

An electromagnetic conductivity (EM) survey is typically conducted to locate metal and

electrical underground utilities. The EM survey is rapid and can locate metal and electrical
underground utilities in a short time frame. Photos of the RD4000/RD8000 Receiver and
RD4000/RD8000 Transmitter instruments are shown below.

Figure 5: RD4000/RD8000 Receiver and RD4000/8000 Transmitter- Cable Locator

Metal Cover Locator (RD316

The RD316 is a flux gate magnetometer that incorporates a unique patented technology,
allowing the magnetic sensing coils to be electronically balanced to a finite condition. The
RD316 can then implement "peak response" over ferromagnetic objects by yielding an
increasing audio signal as the object is approached and passed over

Figure 6: Metal Locator

Standard Sonde
Transmitting sondes enable receivers to trace non metallic
sewers, drains, ducts or pipes and to locate blockages or
collapses. The Standard Sonde combines compact size with a strong signal.
The standard for most applications unless a smaller size, greater depth or
specially rugged construction is required.
Location depth: 5m 16ft)
Weight: 190g (7oz)
Signal: continuous

Figure 7: Standard Sonde

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 Flexitrace
The Flexitrace can be pushed the length of the duct or drain and
then traced along it’s complete length with a Cable Avoidance tool
(CAT Receiver).

Figure 8: Flexitrace

Global Positioning System, GPS - GR5

The new GR-5 receiver is the next step in the continuing development of the latest, most
advanced receiver technology available. The GR-5 is smart and tough. It can perform any task
for survey, engineering or construction with unsurpassed ease and dependability with high-
accuracy RTK engine.

Figure 9: GPS Topcon GR5

Total Station DTM350

A total station is an electronic/optical instrument used in modern surveying. The total station
is an electronic theodolite (transit) integrated with an electronic distance meter (EDM) to read
slope distances from the instrument to a particular point. Nikon DTM-350 total station with
5” angle accuracy and dual compensator on V&H axis to compensate tilt error in any
directions. Data transfer to a personal computer or any data collectors is possible with the RS-
232C interface, and also memory on board can store up 8000 points.

Figure 10: Total Station DTM350

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Special Instructions

Mapping accuracy: Required planimetric / XY accuracy- as per mapping standards. The

minimum accepted accuracy for planimetry is 200mm. The depth of the utility should be
correct to within +\-5%of actual depth.

Projection System- All co-ordinates are to be based on the following parameters: Projection :
Malaysian Rectifies Skew Orthomorpic (MRSO) Spheroid

Underground Features to be captured

• Water Pipe Lines
• Gas Pipe Lines
• Sewerage pipe lines
• Underground Power Cables
• Underground Communication Cables
• Underground storage tanks
• Man Holes

All the connections, bends, sudden change in depth/direction should be shown

Utility Services Information to be Investigated

Surface Features

The Utility Surveyor shall investigate all surface features relating to underground utilities,
such as fire hydrants, valve chambers/pits, manholes, draw pits, inspection covers and
gullies, including all street furniture connected to pipes and cables such as lamp posts,
illuminated road signs and bollards, telephone booths etc.

Underground Utility Services to be investigated

The Utility Surveyor shall locate and identify all underground services within the sites
corridor to be investigated. The condition of services is not required to be investigated.
Excavation is excluded, except where necessary to open existing covers will be covered under
contractor.
Underground services shall be located continuously and recorded in three dimensions at
intervals not exceeding 40 meters and at each surface feature, change of direction and
bifurcation. Where bands of cables/ducts are identified, the upper and lower outer
cables/ducts will be traced in order to be able to provide a cross section of the cable/duct
band.
Depth below ground shall be annotated at each surface feature and at significant (more than
0.3m change) changes of depth. Annotations shall be placed at the same z -value as the
recorded point.
Each services shall be annotated with the type of utility, diameter of pipe or material of pipe,
classification of electric lines like HT LT or number of lines etc, at appropriate intervals. The
following services are required to be located, identified and described:

Surface Features

All underground utilities should have continuity with the surface features depicted on the
data supplied.

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Sewerage
• all sewers and sewer connections with invert levels.
• all manholes within the site corridor where available to open the cover
• type and diameter of pipework.
• connections to foul/storm and combined water sewers.
• depth below ground shall be annotated at each surface feature and at significant
changes of depth.
• Internal dimensions of manholes and invert levels of manholes and their connection
pipes.

Gas / Water mains (including cooling water mains)

• pipe routes including fire mains with levels.
• valve and meter pits.
• diameters and material specifications.
• classification (i.e. salt water, fresh water, cooling water, etc)
• depth below ground shall be annotated at each surface feature and at significant
changes of depth.

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Telecommunications
• cable routes with levels, numbers and sizes of ducts.
• cable draw pits and manholes.
• depth below ground shall be annotated at each subsurface feature and at significant
changes of depth.
• number and configuration of cables/ducts.
• dimensions and levels of concrete surrounds (if available).
• internal dimensions of cable draw pits and manholes.

Electricity
• Cable routes and levels.
• Cable draw pits and manholes including those associated with traffic control and
street lighting.
• Voltages classified as: Low (0-11kv), High (over 11kv-33kv) and Transmission (132kv
or over).
• Depth below ground shall be annotated at each surface feature and at significant
changes of depth.

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Accuracy of Location and Survey of Underground Services

Underground services which can be located without excavation, such as cables and connected
metal pipes which can be located by surface detection equipment, and drains, manholes,
chambers and draw pits shall be located and investigated to the accuracies given below.
Underground services shall be located continuously and recorded in three dimensions at
intervals not exceeding 5 metres at discrete areas or at intervals not exceeding 10m for survey
along the road, and at each surface feature, change of direction and bifurcation.

Positions and levels shall be related to the specified grid and datum and shall normally be
related to the center of metallic pipes or cables, crown of ducts and inverts of sewers and
drains.

Any known underground services or information which cannot be investigated to the

accuracies stated above, other than by excavation, shall be entered in a unique layers defined
as “unreliable” or “unkown”. The Utility Surveyor shall itemise in his drawing the types of
services which have been classified as “unreliable” and other circumstances, such as local
areas of interference, where the specified accuracies cannot be achieved. The Utility Surveyor
shall make his best judgment to provide details of these “unreliable” services or information
as requested.
Wherever full details of underground services cannot be determined without excavation,
these details shall be deduced from the utility undertakers’ record drawings and entered into
the drawing in a unique layer defined as ‘records”.
Wherever access is available from the surface, the utilities surveyor shall check the depth to
underground services. Positions of exact measurements shall be noted as attributes in the
Drawings.

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Utilities Management

1. Classified the data accordingly into 7 types; electrical (aboveground and

underground), telecommunications (aboveground and underground), gas, water,
sewers, drains and any other services.
2. GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) will be used to detect non metallic services.
3. The services located will be presented in colour-coded map with each utility type
shall be on separate AutoCAD layer.
4. Attribute:

Color Coding

Sewerage Pipe

CP Cable
TNB Cables

Telco Cables

Water Pipes

Gas Pipes

Crude Pipes

Signal Cable

Instrument Cable

Fiber Optic

Drainage
Depth
Size
Type
Quantity
Diameter.
Material

Manhole & Ducts

Valves
Water meters
Water chambers
Fire hydrants

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Sample Subsurface Utilities 3D Processing (GPR)

Precise Subsurface uses the latest technology and equipment available to insure the very best
chances of an accurate reading. However we must stress this point: Our services are a very
valuable tool to the contractor, excavator or homeowner but not every cable or pipe can be
detected.

Extreme caution must still be used when excavating. There are many other factors to be
considered such as: soil conditions, condition of pipe or cable. We are trained to use very
sophisticated electronic equipment and we have the ability to interpret the signals which this
equipment emits. There are many pipes that are made from materials that cannot be detected
with conventional methods such as plastic, clay, concrete, and insulated cast iron. But we still
have methods to locate these pipes too! That's where our experience and expertise is such a
great asset to you.

This sample showed GPR processing

used some modeling technique and
visualization to improve
understanding the cross section
image from observation

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The GPR profiles have been interpolated to create a set of amplitudes-depth slices. These
amplitude-depth slices were interpolated between each other and used to create a 3D grid
volume

GPR anomaly related

to rock dump area

GPR anomaly related

to rock dump area

Location of anomaly in 3D perspective

This way of looking at the

data allows identifying any
change in the geology or
any disturbed ground
quickly and efficiently
depending on the contrast
of GPR energy reflected.
The amplitude time slices
were converted into depth
slices using an average
velocity of 0.1 m/ns

The hollow slab in 3D GPR processing

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General Term and Conditions

1. TASK
Subsurface and Underground Utilities Mapping

2. TIME FRAME
Task has to be completed within a period of commencement of agreement.

3. RIGHT TO OFFER TO OTHERS

In case the maximum capacity of the Precise Subsurface (PSSB) is assessed by Client to
be less than the required capacity, Precise Subsurface reserves the right to offer the
balance work to other technically qualified vendor at the same rate as quoted to Client.

4. HARDWARE / SOFTWARE
PSSB will have to manage of its own hardware and software and suitable trained man
power for carrying out Utility Mapping.

5. ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURE
PSSB shall have to submit at his cost and expense the output at initial stage to the
respective Centers for checking and subsequent acceptance. PSSB before supplying the
output shall ensure that:
a) Completeness of the data: All utility features should be collected.
b) Accuracy: All features should agree within 200mm in ground terms.
c) Initially the task of utility mapping will be closely monitored and coordinated by
Client at different stages in order to ensure uniformity and to have quality control on
the ultimate products to be maintained throughout and to ensure compatibility.

6. ACCEPTANCE SITES
All the activity shall be controlled from the office of the Precise Subsurface (PSSB), Kuala
Lumpur

7. ACCEPTANCE TEST
There shall be two examinations of the output material received from the utilities
surveyor.

a) IN HOUSE EXAMINTION :
In house examination will be carried out first and secondly by comparing the check
plot from other information from utilities provider for completeness of the data as
per the output requirement

b) ACCEPTANCE AFTER GROUND TRUITHING:

Thorough examination of the deliverables Client shall be carried out the ground
examination using Non-destructive/geophysical methods. Provided, however that
approval of water-assisted vacuum excavation may be subject to additional findings
by Client that such method poses minimal risk of damage to the highway facility or
utility lines and the final report shall be done within 2 weeks after submission of the
digital data. The errors pointed out for correction shall be carried out by the PSSB at
his own cost.

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