With contributions from Libbey Endersbe, PE; Rick DeMey, PE; and Ethan Rogers, PE
Locating utilities via test holes (hydrovac excavation) early in a project is crucial to saving money, time, and headaches down the road during construction. Maps provided to engineers from utilities often lack critical information needed by designers. Performing test holes in the early stages of a project enables teams to design and plan land development projects.
By verifying the location, size, and elevation of existing underground utilities, engineers can:
- Avoid costly redesigns and delays: With accurate existing utility locations, engineers can confirm that the initial design approach is feasible, avoiding costly redesigns and delays down the road.
- Minimize materials costs and construction time: When pipe sizes are verified, design teams can select appropriate pipe sizes based on accurate data.
- Identify Costly and Time Intensive Relocations: Recognize major relocation costs early on, allowing for strategic planning and potential design adjustments. Often utility design departments are backlogged for many weeks or months which exacerbates schedule delays if relocations are identified late in the design process.
- Accelerate Project Timeline: Avoid delays caused by unexpected utility conflicts, streamlining the construction process.
- Prevent Vertical Conflicts: Identify and mitigate potential vertical conflicts between utilities, ensuring smooth installation and operation.
- Confirm Horizontal Locations: Verify the exact location of utilities, especially those that may not be accurately represented on existing maps.
HKS provides in-house test hole and utility locating services to give our clients the ability to collet this vital information. We also offer utility coordination services to engage with utility providers to coordinate utility services for land development projects.