Enhancing Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Investigations and Data Quality with 360° Photogrammetry

ASCE 38-22 brought about further improvements to defining a thorough subsurface utility engineering investigation. One such improvement was the addition of a requirement to determine structure details in the performance of Quality Level C activities. The need to document structure size, conduit, and pipe configuration, in addition to rim and invert elevation, presents unique challenges to the professional-in-charge. Historical methods, which relied on surface exploration by using grade rods, sketches, and photographs, often struggled to accurately document recessed infrastructure components not visible from the surface. In rare instances, the use of confined space entry was used, but safety risks and high cost remained, along with a continued lack of ability to perform thorough QA/QC. Structure size and configuration have often prevented visual confirmation of pipes and ducts from the surface. The introduction of 360° photogrammetry provides professionals with a safer, more efficient means of capturing comprehensive structure data in the field, along with the tools for asset assessment while enabling a thorough QA/QC. This paper and subsequent presentation will provide case studies on the use of 360° photogrammetry imaging to aid in an ASCE 38 compliant investigation.