The Constantine Group's Subsurface Utility Engineering (S.U.E.)
Project Summaries
Okaloosa County Water & Sewer, Florida
Background:
In January of 2004, Okaloosa County Water & Sewer (OCWS) tasked Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering (TCG SUE) division with managing its response to the Sunshine State One-Call of Florida (SSOCOF) and mapping its existing system, including updating the OCWS Geographic Information System (GIS). TCG SUE developed an experienced project team to perform these tasks. Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering project team has been on the ground performing these services for more than 7 years. The technical staff in our project team is experienced with issues and challenges that are specific to Okaloosa County, and is recognized for its knowledge, experience, and capabilities to deliver quality solutions, unmatched services and products on time and well within budget.
One Call Services (Line Locates):
This task involves receiving dig requests (locate tickets) from the SSOCOF, performing field locates for tickets, and responding to the SSOCOF with the corresponding code. Tickets are received via email at our corporate headquarters, and then distributed to the crews working in each area. The crew begins by utilizing all existing data on the site, including as-built drawings, GIS data, and surface features, to assess which utilities are present. The crew will then use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to locate all OCWS assets within the parameters of the ticket, verify when necessary using hand tools, and mark the horizontal route using water-based paint and flags. Digital pictures are taken of each ticket site and retained in our database for a minimum of two years. A response code is then sent back to the office from the field locate crew. This code is verified by the supervisor, and then sent to the SSOCOF to finalize the ticket. All field crews are trained by OCWS in service line repair, which allows us to perform minor repairs when our crews are already in the area. Damage prevention and client assistance are the highest priority of our One-Call Services division.
(Sub Meter) GPS System Mapping:
After buried asset verification has been completed, Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering mapping crew collects sub-meter GPS data used to update the county’s GIS database. Using the Trimble Wireless Pro XT GPS, all data is field collected according to OCWS specifications using Trimble's Utility Center software application. This allows for real time data verification by allowing our crew to see the data appear in the GIS as soon as it is collected. Once field collection is completed, the data is submitted to the SUE supervisor for review and further processing. All connectivity is completed at this stage of the process. When the supervisor is satisfied with the data, it is submitted to OCWS for review. Any questions about the data are then returned from OCWS to the SUE supervisor for clarification or verification. Once the data is verified, the data is submitted to OCWS in its final state, where it then becomes part of the GIS. This entire process is performed seamlessly through the software application that is used and virtual private networking. The time frame from the field collection to the final addition to the GIS is usually about two days, but can be as little as a few hours. Our goal is to get the field verified data to the GIS as soon as possible so it can be utilized by OCWS immediately.
Buried Asset Verification:
Our crews begin by reviewing any existing record drawings to identify possible utility locations usually before departing the office but have access to the same data via their laptop in the field. Once on site, they visually inspect manholes, junction boxes, valves, hydrants, and other surface features to establish possible pipe diameters, depths, and the general direction the utilities are heading. The crew will then perform an area scan in a grid pattern with a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to check for unknown utilities. Once the possible utility locations are determined, the crew will then perform an ASCE Quality Level A verification. The utility is verified using hand tools, vacuum excavation, or hydro-vacuum excavation. Once the utility is exposed, the type, size, material, color, and various other client specified attributes are recorded. The excavation is then covered and flagged for data collection. This process will continue until data collection begins, generally at the end of each day.
Front End Engineering:
We assist OCWS in this area by providing the same service as our line locates and mapping, but we do it at the conception phase of a project. We help to keep costs down by determining potential conflicts with a design before the design is finished, therefore allowing changes to be made at the design phase instead of during construction. We assist by verifying other utilities markings and unmarked utilities so OCWS does not impact any other agency's assets during their projects. Our level of assistance varies from only using GPR to verify the running line under asphalt surfaces to doing ASCE Quality Level A locates on all conflicts.
Overview:
Since 2004, Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering division has responded to over 50,000 SSOCOF locate tickets with unmatched accuracy. OCWS has been able to keep their maintenance crews working on capitol improvement projects and general maintenance, not responding to line breaks because of the quality of our efforts.
Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering mapping team has mapped over 195 miles of potable water pipeline, 14 miles of reclaimed water pipeline, 65 miles of sewer force mains, 8678 surface features collected and connected over 67 miles of gravity sewer since early 2004. All of this was accomplished and even enhanced by providing over 29592 buried utility verification points (ASCE standard quailty level A) throughout Okaloosa
County’s water and sewer system. The total of verification points were a combination of pipeline nodes (hand dug or vacuum excatated) and fittings which were used for pipeline integrity and connectivity with the spatial precision of sub-meter accuracy. This provided OCWS the most cost effective means to geo-rectify their GIS and verify the integrity of their existing data before many of the personnel with most of the system knowledge retired.
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DeKalb-Cherokee Gas District, Alabama
Background:
In the fall of 2008, The Constantine Group's Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) division began working with DeKalb-Cherokee Counties Gas District (DC Gas) to develop and implement their GIS mapping program. This posed several unique and challenging issues not common in most of the GIS world. One issue was that the DC Gas service area resides within three counties in northeast Alabama, and two, no comprehensive overall system map existed. Constantine Engineering’s scope consisted of four primary tasks which included many various sub-tasks.
GIS Development:
- Assess the needs of DC Gas and develop a strategy to provide the most cost effective means to meet or exceed their GIS and data collection needs. During the assessment phase, DC Gas provided a list of minimal requirements needed and additions to the custom Gas database that was being created. A workshop was held with DC Gas to discuss the requirements and then the priorities were set as to how Constantine was to proceed. Our strategy going forward was to provide DC Gas with information relating to their requirements so that they would be more informed as to what direction we were to proceed.
- Acquire the necessary land base data from each of the three counties to include roads, parcels, and right of way databases (shape files), along with the digital geo-rectified images known as .sid files. Once all land base data had been collected, we compiled all data into one land base dataset to form the base map of the entire DC Gas service area. Using industry standards for creating a personal geo-database, we integrated features requested by DC Gas into their custom Gas database to insure that they had what they needed for the future growth of their system.
- Constantine Engineering recommended industry leading software aplications and equipment to be utilized in the field data collection and manipulation. Constantine provided training in the use of the software and equipment and provided guidance with respect to best practices for field collection, manipulation, and maintenance. During the initial stages of the mapping project we made many enhancements to the database to streamline the collection effort which increased the volume and quality of data collected per day.
Customer Information System (CIS) Integration within the GIS:
The Constantine Group's Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) team facilitated the integration of the DC Gas customer information systems (CIS) into the DC Gas GIS database. During the integration creation process we took a hands on approach to insure that no down time of the collection process occurred and that the integration went smoothly. We tested the interface rigorously to ensure that all glitches, if any, were fixed prior to integrating the interface into the live GIS database. Periodic testing of the integrity of the interface was conducted within each week following the implementation for a period of one month to insure that the interface was functioning as it was designed.
Mosaic:
Constantine created a custom mosaic of DeKalb, Etowah and Cherokee counties with the geo-tiff files and .sid files received and delivered the mosaic to DC Gas. By combining the three .sid files in to one mosaic, we reduced the overall size of the images without losing the resolution and the impact it had on the resources used when opened.
Database Management:
Upon completion of the initial scope, The Constantine Group's Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) team has been tasked to provide ongoing support in the maintenance and further development of the GIS database for future growth.
WebGIS:
A web based GIS interface (viewer) was created for access by authorized personnel to view the latest and greatest data available. As the GIS data grows, the web interface is updated at the same rate.
Overview:
Since early 2009, DC Gas has collected more than 6000 point features and more than 120 miles of gas pipeline to date. This is an extremely significant achievement especially considering the terrain and the vast area that has to be covered within their service area. The diligence and professionalism of the DC Gas staff combined with the right tools, training, and support provided by Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) team has made the DC Gas system mapping project a short term success with long term viability.
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Macon County Water Authority 2009 System Mapping, Alabama
Background:
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) commissioned South Central Alabama Development Commission as a part of an overall State wide GIS project to collect and submit geo-spatial data for Macon County Alabama's water systems.
GIS Development:
Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering team was tasked with collecting surface feature data and providing pipeline connectivity using asbuilts, record drawings, and system knowledge. The project included field data collection for all the surface features of Macon County Water Authority, Franklin Water System, Star Mindingall Water Authority, and Notasulga Water System. The Subsurface Utility Engineering team created a custom database specific for the project to streamline the collection and manipulation efforts to insure a timely delivery.
Mosaic:
Constantine created a mosaic of the entire county with the geo-tiff files received and delivered the mosaic to ADECA via the South Central Alabama Developent Commision.
(Sub Meter) GPS System Mapping:
Constantine Engineering utilized a unique approach to the field collection effort by using personnel familiar with the water systems being collected. The field crew was armed with a sub meter GPS along with a user friendly data collection software application provided by Constantine Engineering. The field crew was trained by one of our highly trained SUE specialists in the different techniques for GPS point verification as well as attribute collection and review. The field crew assisted in the planning of the collection effort to help expedite the project’s deliverable. This approach ultimately created a more efficient and refined QA/QC process by which the maps were drawn and the back end quality and savings were immeasurable.
WebGIS:
A web based GIS interface (viewer) was created for access by authorized personnel to view the latest and greatest data available.
Overview:
From May 2009 to September of 2009, over 9000 point features were collected and over 320 miles of water pipeline were connected and the project came in on time and budget.
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City of Perry 2009 I&I Study, Georgia
Background:
The City of Perry authorized Constantine Engineering to perform closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the sewer mains and manhole inspections and mapping in the Forest Avenue Drainage Area. The Forest Avenue Drainage Area was previously identified during flow testing exercises to have excessive infiltration and inflow (I&I) for its size and was identified as a main contributor to the overflows occurring in the Perry Branch Collection Main during large rain events.
Manhole Basin(s) (Sub Meter) GPS System Mapping:
Constantine staff performed GIS mapping and investigations of 51 manholes on July 20th, 2009. This task included GPS/GIS mapping, and photographs (video of some) of each manhole for mapping reference and evaluation. Brick manholes comprise nearly 40% of the evaluated manholes, with the remainder of the manholes either pre-cast or lined. Brick manholes indicate that the collection system is relatively old and is more susceptible to I&I. During the investigations, I&I was discovered in numerous manholes. Some manholes were inaccessible or non-existent and therefore were not investigated or mapped.
Manhole Inspection:
The Constantine Group's Subsurface Utility Engineering crew mapped, using sub-meter GPS and a custom database over 50 manholes within Perry's sewer system. Using video capture technologies, the SUE crew collected detailed pictures and videos of the inspected manholes. Media of the manhole inspections were analyzed and the results were posted within the GIS as well as the client web interface.
I&I Analysis
Media of the manhole inspections and CCTV were analyzed and results were within the GIS as well as on the web.
Mosaic:
Constantine created a mosaic of the entire city with the geo-tiff files received and delivered the mosaic to the City of Perry.
WebGIS:
A web based GIS interface (viewer) was created for access by authorized personnel to view the latest and greatest data available.
Web Access Media:
Once the manhole inspection and CCTV media were analyzed, the media was posted to the client's page on our website for viewing by the City of Perry and/or their designate(s).
Water and Gas Meter Data Integration within the GIS:
Constantine Engineering was tasked with the integration of the City of Perry's water and gas meters within their existing GIS.
Overview:
Overall, more than 60 point features were collected and over 3 miles of pipeline connected to those features.
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Decatur Utilities 2009 SFR Manhole & Pipeline Inspection, Alabama
Background:
Manhole Basin(s) (Sub Meter) GPS System Mapping:
Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering team was tasked with creating a custom manhole inspection database specifically designed for Decatur Utilities sewer system. This database was created using industry standards and was very inclusive as to the feature attributes to be collected. Because Decatur Utilities already had a sewer GIS which was created using record drawings, the accuracy of the point features were unknown. We created a historical database using their data which proved to be very useful during the collection process as to the front end QA/QC by the field crews. Constantine used sub-meter GPS (mapping grade) to collect the XY coordinates of each manhole within the basins as directed by Decatur Utilities staff.
Manhole Inspection:
Upon arrival to each manhole to be inspected, a visual survey of the invert directions were made and depths taken with a level rod which were painted with temporary paint around the rim of the manhole. During the collection process, a condition assessment of each element of the manhole plus the inverts was entered into the custom database attribute fields. Each invert had a video taken using a zoom pole camera and defects, if any, were annotated within the appropriate fields. Digital still pictures were taken of the overall layout of the manhole and individual pictures taken of each invert along with any defects noted.
Mosaic:
Constantine created a mosaic of the entire city with the geo-tiff files received and delivered the mosaic to Decatur Utilities GIS department. This gave Decatur Utilities the ability to open the entire map at one time instead of opening a few layers at a time.
WebGIS:
A web based GIS interface (viewer) was created for access by authorized personnel to view the latest and greatest data available as the project progressed.
Web Access to Inspection Media:
Constantine's Subsurface Utility Engineering team was tasked with providing web access to all media files that were collected to include manhole inspection pictures and videos along with TVI videos.
Overview:
The Constantine Group's Subsurface Utility Engineering team collected over 1300 point features and connected over 60 miles of gravity sewer pipeline. In addition, analyzed and processed over 13 miles of pipeline inspection videos.
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RB Simms Water Treatment Plant System Mapping, Spartanburg South Carolina
Background:
Locate Buried Assets:
Constantine’s Subsurface Utility Engineering team was tasked with locating RB Simms WTP buried assets within specified areas of the WTP. With the use of the ground penetrating radar (GPR), those buried assets indicated within the drawings were located and the horizontal route was marked with paint and flags. The depths of the buried assets were annotated on the flags for future use when a plan and profile were to be done.
(Sub Meter) GPS System Mapping:
Constantine’s Subsurface Utility Engineering team created a custom database specifically for this data collection effort as it was unique by the amount and types of buried utilities. With the use of a sub-meter GPS Constantine collected XY coordinates along with pertinent attribute data required to assist in constructing the plans and profile drawings.
Overview:
The Constantine Group's Subsurface Utility Engineering team collected over 150 point features and connected over 4200 feet of pipeline and conduit of the various different types of buried utilities.
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Redstone Arsenal I&I Inspection, Alabama
Background:
Survey Grade Sub-System Mapping
Manhole Inspection
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 | Mobile County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Alabama
Integration and Customization
Background:
Civil Systems, Inc. (acquired by Constantine Engineering in 2010) worked with the staff of the Mobile County (AL) Environmental Services Department to customize existing GPS survey data and GIS geodatabases into an integrated mapping system. Specific tasks performed as part of this project are summarized below:
GIS Development:
• Developed a data dictionary structure customized for Mobile
County’s wetland mitigation bank land management efforts
• Processed the County’s existing LIDAR data to produce topographic contours for the wetland mitigation bank area
• Converted ArcMap geodatabases to ArcPad shapefiles for use on handheld GPS units
• Drafted GIS/GPS methodology
• Trained County staff on using, updating and maintaining the data on both the GIS server and the GPS handheld units
Overview:
The staff now uses this GIS tool to manage County-owned property designated for wetland.
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Mobile County Water & Sewer and Fire Protection Authority, Alabama
Background:
Water System GIS & Hydraulic Modeling
GIS Development:
- Collected GPS coordinates and other field data for water distribution system features for 13,000+ customer utility
- Integrated base maps and water system features into GIS
- Scanned record drawings and linked to GIS features
- Trained MCWSFPA staff to update and maintain GIS databases
- Developed and calibrated hydrodynamic water distribution system model
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Riviera Utilities – Foley, Alabama
Water & Sewer GIS
Background:
GIS Development:
- Collected GPS coordinates and condition assessment data for sanitary sewer system features
- Integrated base maps and sanitary sewer system features into GIS
- Scanned record drawings and linked to GIS features
- Trained MCWSFPA staff to update and maintain GIS databases
- Converted existing water system maps into GIS geodatabases
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Waterworks & Sewer Board of the City of Prichard, Alabama
Water & Sewer GIS
Background:
GIS Development:
- Collected GPS coordinates and condition assessment data for sanitary sewer and water distribution system features
- Integrated base maps and water and sewer features into GIS
- Scanned record drawings and linked to GIS features
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