Infrasense recently completed a subsurface utility engineering (SUE) project on Dorchester Avenue in Boston, MA. The initial phase of the project included reviewing existing site drawings (QL-D) and a site survey to identify the location of relevant site features (e.g., water valves, fire hydrants, manholes, and telephone poles (QL-C). The second phase of the project included geophysical surveys using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic induction (EMI); accessing utilities via manholes for direct measurements and additional EMI surveys (QL-B), and distinguishing live from abandoned lines utilizing a pipe inspection camera system. The final phase of the project included 8-foot deep test pits at 6 locations based on the results of the QL-B surveys. The test pitting was contracted to BSI Engineering of Boston, MA, and carried out using nondestructive vacuum excavation in order to reveal the locations of utilities for confirmation and direct measurement of depth (QL-A). The final utility location maps were provided in a CADD-compatible format, along with a Project Summary Report.
