The development of urban infrastructure in the UAE is a dynamic and unique process, as new construction projects are continually changing the appearance of cities throughout the region. First among the essential processes in a construction or development plan is the determination and location of available utilities underground. The fundamental infrastructure of our cities which are water pipes, electrical cables, gas lines, and communication networks are buried beneath us much of the time. You can get their locations and evaluate them through a process called the Underground Utility Survey. This blog will look at the use of underground utility surveys when planning development projects in the UAE to highlight why these surveys are vital for construction projects.
Understanding Underground Utility Survey
An underground utility survey entails identification of underground utility lines, marking of these lines and evaluation of the result. This process affords the developers, engineers and contractors the exact position of most utility lines that may be underlying the surface of the earth. Through such surveys, construction teams can identify and steer clear of risks, reduce duration and safeguard important structures during construction and excavation.
The Importance of Underground Utility Surveys in Construction
Currently, the region’s urban landscape is expanding rapidly with many mega-scale residential, commercial, and industrial complexes being built across the large cities of the UAE including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is with such projects that there arises the paramount issue of safeguarding any work that is carried out either on or in close vicinity to urban centres that damage existing underground utilities. In this case, an Underground Utility Survey has a critical role in the process of reaching that goal since it offers the necessary data to developers.
Here are some of the key reasons why underground utility surveys are essential for urban development in UAE:
- Safety Concerns
Another consideration critical in an underground utility survey is workers’ and residents’ safety. Contacting utilities is quite dangerous and causes problems like gas leaks, power blackouts, or even floods if one hits or damages the lines. If developers & contractors can know the exact position where these utilities are before excavation takes place, then they will be in a position to arrest situations that are very dangerous in as much as they can harm the workers and the public at large.
- Common Causes of Construction Delays and Measures to Avoid Them
The construction projects within the UAE have short project duration with time overruns leading to huge losses. Failing to get an Underground Utility Survey exposes contractors to identify utilities that may cause construction problems. Such unexpected findings can result in an extension of time required to undertake the project, additional cost for repairs and or relocation among other issues that may hinder the efficiency of development. This alone can help construction teams to avoid unearthing major utility networks, which when carted on the ground after construction, could be very expensive.
- Reducing the Disruptions When Using Public Utilities
In urban development, the utilities are usually central to many buildings and facilities. Injuring these items during construction not only causes harm to the constructed site but also harms other areas that benefit from the networks of these utilities. This risk can be managed through an underground utility survey which identifies the location and extent of underground utility infrastructure to avoid damages to services such as water, electricity, and telecommunications, not only at the construction site but also within the neighborhood.
- Cost Optimization in Planning and Design
Most urban developments face major challenges in redesigning and identifying the proper usage of resources where they are scarce. An Underground Utility Survey offers the kind of data needed to redesign or possibly design developments in the area. When engineers and designers know where utilities are and their condition, they can arrange for the new construction of structures, roads and utilities not to do so in a way that will infringe on the existing utilities. It also makes it easier to acquire permits since the designs are done using the correct information.
- Compliance with Regulations
Currently, the UAE has put in place several enacted rules and e guidelines for construction activities that cover safety, utility management, and the environment among others. The Underground Utility Survey helps in confirming that all the legal and regulatory operations are complied with fully. It also prevents developers from going against the set rules and regulations thereby facing penalties fines, or redesigning, which would immensely increase the cost of the exercise and time, further extending the time taken to complete the project.
- Enhanced sustainability of the project
Environmental issues are among some of the major highlights of the current planning of cities; especially the UAE, and integrated Sustainable Development theory is devised to ensure that control is put on the development of sustainable built environments. An Under Ground Utility Survey can also be useful to the sustainability of the project in that it prevents more digging than is necessary and also saves on interference with natural systems. By improving planning and providing accurate information you can have projects with the least impact on the environment; therefore it will be easier to conserve space and systems that are in the local environment.
Conclusion
Doing surveys on underground utility survey services in UAE is necessary in construction especially when working under the increasing speed of construction being depicted in the UAE. The above surveys are great sources for collecting must-have data necessary for safety, cost-cutting, and planning for design. Any construction, whether small or big, requires an Underground Utility Survey and it is not an option but a core factor needed for the growth and development of the UAE’s infrastructure. Contact Takhteet Survey today to know more.