Subsurface Utility Engineering – upgrading the standards
01 February 2017
WGE: Rob Sansbury, WGE’s National
Underground Utility Manager, is working with Standards Australia and
Engineers Australia to improve the approach to the management of
underground utilities like
gas,
water and electricity. One of the key
challenges on a construction site, is when existing underground
utilities are not documented accurately, or information on existing
infrastructure is simply not available.
A clear understanding of the vertical and horizontal location of these
utilities on a construction site allows earthworks and excavation to be
carried out safely, and minimises the risks for all involved.
Rob says there is a strong need for SUE to be acknowledged as a
specialist area of engineering with a clear protocol to ensure
underground utilities are managed safely and effectively.
“The US have had a standard in place for many years and the research
shows that cost savings can return between $3 and $10 for every dollar
invested in SUE,” he said.
“The safety, risk management and efficiency benefits are significant
because there are fewer utility strikes. Australian practice should be
on par with the world leaders in SUE, and implementing an upgrade to
AS5488 is the first step to get there.”
--ENDS--
Source: Wood & Grieve Engineers - www.wge.com.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: For recent press on this topic click here. https://anziif.com/members-centre/articles/2017/01/upgraded-engineering-design-standard-an-insurance-opportunity?p=1&mbs=&cat=articles
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