The Role of Vacuum Excavation in ASCE 38-22 Utility Verification
- David O'Brien
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read

In subsurface utility engineering (SUE), uncertainty is risk. Undocumented or inaccurately represented utilities are a leading cause of construction conflicts, delays redesigns, and safety incidents. ASCE 38-22 establishes a standardized framework for managing this risk by defining utility quality levels, required methodologies, and consistent terminology.
Vacuum excavation or often referred to informally as soft dig - is a commonly used means and method for advancing test holes, which are required to achieve Quality Level A (QL-A) utility data, the highest level of accuracy defined by the standard.
At SurvTech Solutions, vacuum excavation is applied as a verification tool to advance test holes and physically expose subsurface utilities. This allows precise horizontal and vertical location data to be measured, documented, and incorporated into engineering design with confidence.
Vacuum Excavation as a test Hole Advancement Method
Vacuum excavation is a non-destructive excavation method that removes soil using controlled air or water and vacuum conveyance. When used to advance test holes, it significantly reduces the risk of damaging existing utilities compared to mechanical excavation.
This method allows for direct visual confirmation of:
Utility type and material
Precise horizontal alignment
Vertical depth and relationship to grade
This verified information is essential for constructible design, conflict resolution, and effective risk management.
Integrated Verification Workflow:
SurvTech Solutions, follows a structured, standards-based workflow to ensure accuracy, traceability, and consistency across all projects:
Utility Designation (QL-B): Utilities are designated using electromagnetic locating and ground- penetrating radar (GPR) to establish approximate horizontal position in accordance with ASCE 38-22.
Test Hole Advancement (QL-A): Targeted test holes are advanced using vaccum excavation to expose utilities safely and without damage. Locations are selected based on design requirements, conflict resolution needs, and risk prioritization.
Measurement and Documentation: Once exposed, utilities are surveyed to capture precise horizontal and vertical coordinates. This data incorporated into CAD and GIS deliverables to support engineering design and construction planning.
Backfill and Surface Restoration: Test holes are backfilled and restored with minimal surface disturbance, maintaining site safety and usability.
This approach provides engineers and owners with verified utility data prior to construction, significantly reducing uncertainty and downstream risk.
Risk Mitigation: Through Utility Verification
Utility conflicts represent one of the highest-risk variables in civil and infrastructure projects. Advancing test holes replaces assumptions with verified, defensible date.
By incorporating QL-A Utility information into project planning, clients benefit from:
Reduced probability of utility strikes
Improved safety for workers and the public
Fewer change orders and emergency repairs
Enhanced coordination between design and construction teams
SurvTech Solutions regularly supports public agencies and municipalities, ensuring utility verification efforts align with project specific safety requirements, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.
Cost Control and Project Efficiency
While advancing test holes requires upfront planning, it is widely recognized as a cost-avoidance strategy rather than an added expense. The financial impact of a single utility strike - repairs, delays, claims and liability often exceeds the cost of comprehensive utility verification.
By verifying utilities early, you can:
Resolve conflicts during design rather than construction
Improve bid accuracy and constructibility
Maintain schedules and reduce unforeseen disruptions
Accurate utility data upfront is one of the smartest financial decisions a project team can make.
Additional Advantages of Vacuum Excavation
Beyond the risk mitigation and cost savings, vacuum excavation provides additional operational benefits:
Access in constrained environments: Ideal for congested corridors, urban settings, and sensitive areas where mechanical excavation is impractical.
Minimal surface disruption: Reduced impact to pavement, landscaping, and adjacent infrastructure- critical for projects in developed areas.
Improved Utility mapping accuracy: direct exposure through test holes supports higher-quality as-built records and long-term asset management.
Regulatory alignment: Supports compliance with excavation damage prevention laws and owner-specific requirements.
“Utilizing test holes advanced by vacuum excavation allows us to reduce uncertainty and deliver measurable value to our clients in both time and cost savings." - D. O'Brien
Why Choose SurvTech Solutions
SurvTech Solutions delivers technically rigorous SUE services designed to support engineering decision-making.
Proven Experience: Trusted by state and federal agencies, and private-sector clients across the Southeast.
Standards-Based Approach: All SUE services are performed in alignment with ASCE 38-22 methodology, terminology, and quality level definitions.
Integrated Deliverables: Utility data is seamlessly incorporated into CAD, GIS, and modeling workflows.
Comprehensive Services: From SUE and utility locating to 3D mapping, modeling, and GIS integration, we offer end-to-end solutions.
Safety and Compliance: Every project follows rigorous safety standards and quality controls.
When precision, safety, and accountability matter, SurvTech Solutions is the name to trust.
Conclusion: Verify with Confidence
Vacuum excavation isn’t simply an excavation method — it is a risk management tool used to advance test holes and achieve verify utility location data.
At SurvTech Solutions, utilities are designed horizontally using geophysical methods and located vertically through test holes, delivering Quality Level A data engineers can rely on.
Protect your project. Verify with precision. Choose SurvTech Solutions.


