5 Potential Complications in Underground Utility Networks and How Professionals Can Preempt Them

By Oscar Collins

Underground utility networks allow the simple delivery of water, electricity and other necessary services from one hub to multiple residences and establishments. Its presence below the surface can allow society to save space and enable connectivity.

However, it doesn’t come without its faults.

Common Complications in Underground Utility Networks

Numerous complications can arise in even the most protected underground utility networks, especially over time. Human activity is one factor that can cause them, but there are also natural instances where these challenges arise. Here’s what utility professionals need to be aware of.

1. Utility Damage

Utility damage is one of the most likely scenarios. These occurrences create safety hazards for surrounding spaces. For utility contractors, damage around these systems can entail project delays and added work. Issues often stem from mishandling underground utilities due to outdated data or human error.

Waste from the surroundings also inhibits utility services from going from point A to point B by seeping into underground utility networks. Hospitals and other medical centers are an example of facilities that exude significant waste, with around 15% of it hazardous and infectious.

2. Utility Locating

Underground utility networks are conveniently located, but operating on them can be difficult due to location navigation. Workers require awareness of the system’s placement, which can be difficult if they lack the experience and necessary tools.

Even with utility maps, finding underground installations is still a challenge. Existing maps are old and may not reflect the current state of these systems. You may also operate in an area with zero map knowledge, increasing the risk of damage.

3. Poor Excavation Processes

Underground utility networks are susceptible to excavation processes. Poorly planned activities damage the underground pipes and cables, as your materials may contact them. Creating further gaps can add to the work and delay projects.

Loss of life is also a concern when discussing poor excavation processes. There was an incident in 2022 where four workers in Illinois and two in Ohio died due to an excavation hazard, which raised a conversation for awareness and change.

4. Soil Conditions

Underground utilities are stored below the soil, and reinforcement techniques like backfilling should stabilize these openings. Unfortunately, soil movements like earthquakes and frost heave can make these networks much more unstable.

Utility professionals must also be wary of the ground’s condition. Wet soil can slowly form sinkholes that make the ground likely to collapse. Unfortunately, areas prone to flooding or other water saturation situations are difficult.

5. Aging Infrastructure

Another potential complication in underground utilities is aging infrastructure. It can be challenging for current utility professionals to keep pipes and other materials installed decades ago functioning and safe.

Other factors may accelerate the aging of these underground networks. For instance, lead-contaminated water weakens the pipeline. Corrosion can be difficult to spot, especially when one lacks trained eyes and experience.

Key Preemptive Strategies

Potential complications make underground utility networks vulnerable to even more damage. While repairs are possible, it will require too much time and resources. Prevention is the key to ensuring that these installations are safe and sound.

1. Comprehensive Utility Mapping

Underground utility challenges can be prevented when a comprehensive map of the networks below ground is available. Workers are much more likely to know their way around and understand when and where they need to be careful.

Tools exist to efficiently find these installations. Electromagnetic locators, such as ground-penetrating radar or GPR, detect underground objects. It’s important to get these resources and provide updates and verification to the rest of your peers.

2. Clear Communication and Coordination

Utility contractors are very capable individuals on their own. However, it helps to confide in other people about any underground-related work that you have going on. For example, anyone digging is recommended to call 811 to avoid digging into an underground utility line.

In terms of excavation work, coordinate and devise a good plan. It’s especially important if you’re working with a larger team that includes inexperienced contractors. Take data from utility mapping and work around the environment.

3. Personnel Training

Personnel training will benefit both experts and beginners. For those who are already proficient, it refreshes their knowledge of how to handle underground utility operations. Novices can set expectations and handle their operations with care.

Personnel training minimizes underground utilities and prioritizes safety and lives. In 2022, the utility system construction industry had 64 total fatal injuries. Learn the basics and avoid being complacent about it.

4. Maintenance and Inspections

Contractors should not expect complications to occur before checking in on the underground utility network. Have routine inspections to check for potential failures. By identifying these weak spots early, you can mitigate the existing problems.

Maintenance is also important. For instance, if you know that a pipeline is old, avoid waiting for it to burst. Be proactive and create a replacement intervention project. It can minimize the amount of work required.

5. Technological Assistance

Technology has been an asset to so many industries, and the sector dealing with underground utilities is no exception. For example, telematics provides information remotely from one point to another. Transmitting location details and other crucial data in the middle of an operation is very important.

GPR also has plenty of potential for development. Future integration of full-scale digital mapping and augmented reality can create a 3D map for contractors. Compared to 2D scans, these models make human error more unlikely.

Keep Underground Utility Networks Safe

Underground utility networks face various complications that can cause plenty of trouble. You need to adopt preventive strategies that will protect these structures. Keep human lives safe and save on resources.

Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded. He’s written for sites like Contractor and StartupNation. Follow him on Twitter at @TModded for frequent updates on his work.