Penn State SUE

As part of the utility mapping project for the Pennsylvania State University Berks Campus, JMT was tasked with providing subsurface utility engineering (SUE) and topographic surveys to augment existing utility information for future design and construction efforts. JMT utilized standard guidelines for the collection and depiction of existing subsurface utility data (CI/ASCE Standard 38-02).

Our staff performed SUE, Quality Levels D-B, on facilities campus-wide, including records research, utility designation, asset inventories, and field surveying. The utilities were systematically mapped in 3-D using a combination of geophysical instruments, ground penetrating radar, and conventional surveys conforming to the American Public Works Association’s guidelines for uniform color codes.

To enhance the overall quality of the mapping, JMT performed topographic surveys to capture all updates and verify the accuracy of the information provided by Penn State at the onset of the project. Once utility designation and surveys were complete, processing and plotting results were completed using AutoCAD 3-D Map with extensive QA/QC efforts performed by the team. This included cross-checking field data collected against available utility records and as-builts for accuracy, annotation, and populating attributes associated with the utility line work.

JMT was given a challenging 60-day schedule to complete field activities prior to the school’s graduation ceremony. This required the team to work on site daily, during all weather conditions, without interruption to campus activities. The schedule and project goals were successfully met. This cost-effective method established the framework for future utility mapping at other Penn State campuses.