Pipeline surveying is a critical component to any prospective project that’s going to require excavation and construction to complete. This surveying is one of the first things completed when projects are proposed, and for good reason: the data gleaned from the survey provided by a pipeline surveyor in Texas can make or break the intended development plan!
So what exactly is a pipeline survey going to tell you and why is it so critical to invest in one right out of the gate? Take a look at what kind of information you’re going to learn from a pipeline survey:
- Length and profile of the line: Pipeline projects span miles and miles and are rarely as simple as a single straight line of piping—which means understanding the length and profile of the intended line before any work is done in the way of breaking ground or installing pipes.
- Overall project cost: Cost is a major factor in any development and pipeline projects are no different. Developers will want to know the initial costs of development, as well as any discernable long-term operating and maintenance costs associated with the pipeline once it’s laid.
- Project timeline: The budget of a project and its timeline are usually closely correlated, which means knowing the timeline is important when determining the budget. Timeline is also dependent on the areas being excavated for the pipeline, which is where a pipeline surveying in Texas comes in handy.
- Feasibility: If there are land-related issues that might impeded a pipeline project, developers are going to want to know about them straightaway. Feasibility studies can be done after a survey is completed, giving a realistic picture of what can and should be done about troublesome areas or those that might be subject to future issues.
Now, a pipeline survey is going to differ from a regular land survey in what data is critical. In fact, a pipeline surveyor in Texas is going to perform different types of surveys to collect this data, including but not limited to:
- Reconnaissance surveys
- Route surveys
- Soil stratification surveys
- Topography surveys
- Sub-soil investigations
- Soil resistivity surveys
Once data from these various surveys is in hand and interpreted according to the specifications of the project, critical decisions can be made about next steps and any adjustments that may be required to see the project through to completion. Without necessary survey data, however, any number of setbacks can occur once ground is broken and the overall feasibly of a project falls into question.
Approaching a pipeline project and its associated surveys isn’t a job to be taken lightly, which is why companies should seek out D.G. Smyth & Co., Inc. as their premier pipeline surveyor in Texas. With nearly four decades of experience and a background that’s stocked with credentials and achievements, we’re here to make sure any and all pipeline surveys are completed to the highest degrees of accuracy and thoroughness. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities or experience on past projects!