Subsurface Utility Engineering enhanced by stakeholder support

Stantec's Infrastructure Section Manager, Defence Sector Leader and Director, Rob Sansbury, alongside former Director-General of Queensland Transport, Bruce Wilson, assisted him in developing the Australian Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) AS5488-2019 Standard.

What is the SUE AS5488-2019 Standard?

It focuses on the management process of engineering, geophysics, geospatial disciplines, and technologies alongside specific risks associated with utility mapping and the need to appropriately manage various project coordination requirements from utility relocation design and coordination, utility condition assessment, communication of Subsurface Utility Information (SUI) utility data to concerned parties, utility relocation cost estimates, implementation of utility accommodation policies, and utility designs.

Why is it important?

Multiple people from developers, government authorities, design engineers, surveyors, and the constructor all play vital roles in ensuring underground gas lines are not disrupted to prevent leakages and tragic events from occurring.

The SUE AS5488-2019 Standard act is a process that can only be successful when close collaboration occurs from all stakeholders involved in handling the subsurface utilities within the design period than throughout the construction phase. Furthermore, it allows time management, budget, and most importantly, the community's safety to be addressed as a priority.

Read the full article in Engineering for Public Works.