Harnessing Underground Locating and Augmented Reality Capabilities to Deliver Efficient Pipeline Design and Construction

摘要

Traditional methods of pipeline design include the use of as-built drawings to determine pipeline alignment and to avoid interference with existing underground utilities. However, as-built drawings may not always be up to date or include all utilities within an area. Not knowing the exact location of existing underground utilities could impact both the design process and site safety during construction. For a major water utility in southern California, the latest technologies were piloted on pipeline projects in various design and construction stages. Technologies include: 1. Ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic locating, and closed-circuit TV cameras, and 2. A mobile device that overlays 3D renderings of underground utilities with live camera views. The primary benefits of these technologies to pipeline design and construction processes include more reliable communication between survey, design, and construction team and increased onsite safety.