Ground penetrating radar for buried utilities detection and mapping: a review

This paper presents a review on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) detection and mapping of buried utilities which have been widely used as non-destructive investigation and efficiently in terms of usage. The reviews cover on experimental design in GPR data collection and survey, pre-processing, extracting hyperbolic feature using image processing and machine learning techniques. Some of the issues and challenges facing by the GPR interpretation particularly in extracting the hyperbolas pattern of underground utilities have also been highlighted.

Accuracy Tests and Precision Assessment of Localizing Underground Utilities Using GPR Detection

Applying georadar (GPR) technology for detecting underground utilities is an important element of the comprehensive assessment of the location and ground infrastructure status. These works are usually connected with the conducted investment processes or serialised inventory of underground fittings. The detection of infrastructure is also crucial in implementing the BIM technology, 3D cadastre, and planned network modernization works. GPR detection accuracy depends on the type of equipment used, the selected detection method, and external factors. The multitude of techniques used for localizing underground utilities and constantly growing accuracy demands resulting from the fact that it is often necessary to detect infrastructure under challenging conditions of dense urban development leads to the need to improve the existing technologies. The factor that motivated us to start research on assessing the precision and accuracy of ground penetrating radar detection was the need to ensure the appropriate accuracy, precision, and reliability of detecting underground utilities versus different methods and analyses. The results of the multi-variant GPR were subjected to statistical testing. Various analyses were also conducted, depending on the detection method and on the current soil parameters using a unique sensor probe. When planning detection routes, we took into account regular, established grids and tracked the trajectory of movement of the equipment using GNSS receivers (internal and external ones). Moreover, a specialist probe was used to evaluate the potential influence of the changing soil conditions on the obtained detection results. Our tests were conducted in a developed area for ten months. The results confirmed a strong correlation between the obtained accuracy and the measurement method used, while the correlation with the other factors discussed here was significantly weaker.

The Primacy of As-Built Drawings in the Management of Underground Utility Operations: A New Zealand Study

There are increasing incidences of damages to underground utilities and services during maintenance and construction works. These have posed significant challenges to utility owners regarding the magnitude and costs associated with remediation works. Therefore, this study investigates the management activities for underground utility maintenance works in New Zealand to establish the significance of as-built drawings as a mitigator of these challenges. Data for the analysis was obtained through a questionnaire survey of asset owners, consultants, and contractors based in three major city centres in New Zealand. The responses are analysed descriptively and inferentially for ease of understanding of the study findings. The findings established the challenges around the as-built records, which were significant to utility damages during construction operations in New Zealand. The study participants highlighted other factors such as poor project management, site records, communication, excavation operator competencies, and inadequate site inventory. Generally, more investment in asset documentation is recommended for asset owners. Innovative approaches to information capture, monitoring and updating of as-built drawings are also suggested to improve on current routine processes. Other solutions relate to skills acquisition and development in the management of underground utility maintenance projects.

Formation of wells for underground engineering communications by a screw working body

A new method of creating soil cavities for trenchless laying of underground utilities with the help of a screw working body is proposed. The calculated dependences are obtained and the estimation for practical implementation is given.

BIM-GIS-Based Integrated Framework for Underground Utility Management System for Earthwork Operations

Underground utilities are important assets that provide basic services for society’s daily life. They are generally very complex and remain unnoticed until they fail due to any particular reason. The stakeholders involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of utility infrastructure face many problems due to the traditional underground utility management system, resulting in injuries, loss of life, disruptions, project delays, and financial loss. The problem with the traditional system is that it uses 2D drawings and keeps unreliable information or a lack of updated information, which makes it an inefficient utility management system. With the advancement in construction information technology, we can address this effectively by integrating BIM and GIS. In this paper, a novel integrated BIM-GIS framework for underground utility management systems was developed on the basis of IFC to CityGML mapping. It provides an effective underground utility management system that facilitates designers in optimization of the design, assists in the excavator’s operator by providing real-time three-dimensional spatial information during the construction process, and acts as an as-built information database for utility facility management. For validation, a real-time project case study indicated that the proposed system can effectively provide comprehensive underground utility information at different project stages.

3D Reconstruction of Exposed Underground Utilities Using Photogrammetric Methods

This thesis addresses the topic of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of exposed underground utilities using photogrammetric methods. Research on this topic is mainly motivated by the need for improved information on the location of underground utilities and, thus, to provide reliable information for the management of buried assets. In this thesis, a system of photogrammetric software programs is developed for 3D reconstruction of underground utilities. Camera calibration programs are used for computing interior elements and lens distortion coefficients of digital cameras and saving them in a lookup table (LUT). The accuracy of calibrated image coordinates satisfies the photogrammetric processing demand. An automatic image point detection method is proposed and achieved in these programs. External orientation programs are used for calculating exterior elements of the digital images. Based on geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) techniques, a new ground control points (GCPs) collection method is proposed and implemented in these programs. A 3D reconstruction program provides corresponding functions to obtain and edit 3D information of underground utilities. Epipolar lines are employed as an assisting tool that helps operators easily find homologous points from different digital images. The study results indicate that photogrammetric methods for reconstructing 3D information of underground utilities are effective and low cost.

3D Reconstruction of Exposed Underground Utilities Using Photogrammetric Methods

This thesis addresses the topic of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of exposed underground utilities using photogrammetric methods. Research on this topic is mainly motivated by the need for improved information on the location of underground utilities and, thus, to provide reliable information for the management of buried assets. In this thesis, a system of photogrammetric software programs is developed for 3D reconstruction of underground utilities. Camera calibration programs are used for computing interior elements and lens distortion coefficients of digital cameras and saving them in a lookup table (LUT). The accuracy of calibrated image coordinates satisfies the photogrammetric processing demand. An automatic image point detection method is proposed and achieved in these programs. External orientation programs are used for calculating exterior elements of the digital images. Based on geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) techniques, a new ground control points (GCPs) collection method is proposed and implemented in these programs. A 3D reconstruction program provides corresponding functions to obtain and edit 3D information of underground utilities. Epipolar lines are employed as an assisting tool that helps operators easily find homologous points from different digital images. The study results indicate that photogrammetric methods for reconstructing 3D information of underground utilities are effective and low cost.