Drawings of Sufficient Detail

Natalie Parks, P.E.Utility & Railroad CoordinatorAmerican Structurepoint, Inc.

October, 2013

Introduction… What is a drawing of sufficient detail? What is the purpose of a drawing of

sufficient detail? What are the components of a drawing of

sufficient detail? Why is a drawing of sufficient detail

important? What happens when a utility cannot or will

not produce drawings of sufficient detail?

Question…

What is a drawing of sufficient detail?

Answer…

105 IAC 13-3-3(c)6 states that thework plan shall include the following…

“A drawing of sufficient detail and scale

to show the proposed location of the facility relocation.”

Answer…According to the rule, the answer is…

Detailed Scaled Shows proposed facility relocation

Example 1

Let’s Discuss…

Looking at the rule’s definition, is this drawing a drawing of sufficient detail? Is this drawing detailed? Is this drawing to scale? Does this drawing show what the

proposed relocation is?

Example 2…

Let’s Discuss…

Looking at the rule’s definition, is this drawing a drawing of sufficient detail? Is this drawing detailed? Is this drawing to scale? Does this drawing show what the

proposed relocation is?

Question…

What is the purpose of the drawing?

Answer…

To enable the utility coordinator and design staff to determine if the proposed facility relocation will resolve all known facility conflicts with the proposed design without causing additional conflicts with other utilities’ facilities or with the project.

Let’s Discuss…

Which drawing assists you in achieving the purpose and need for a drawing of sufficient detail?

Why?

Question…

What are the components of a

drawing of sufficient detail?

Drawing of Sufficient Detail

Uses the project alignment for stations and offsets Poles, anchors, and guy wires Fire hydrants Crossings-station only unless termini are

in the right-of-way Vaults, hand holes, manholes Bore Pits Control cabinets, pedestals

Drawing of Sufficient Detail

Provides elevations For all underground facilities Maximum elevation at top of facility

when under Pavement, structure, ditch Minimum at bottom of facility between

facilities NOT x’ below grade – which grade?

Drawing of Sufficient Detail

Provides cross sections showing facilities

Distinguishes between: Proposed facilities Existing facilities Retired facilities Existing facilities to remain Existing facilities to be removed

Distinguishes between aerial and underground

Drawing of Sufficient Detail

Method of installation Direct Bury Bore

Type and size of pipe to be installed Any critical clearances needed Notes any areas of concern

especially to facilities remaining in place EX. – holding a pole, holding a pipe, etc.

Drawing of Sufficient Detail

Helpful hints… Develop a checklist to use while

reviewing drawings to ensure minimums are provided

Best Practices list developed by INDOT

A Note about “abandoning facilities” A utility may not abandon their facilities They may “retire in place” The may designate a facility as being

“temporarily out of service.” For either of the above designations we

should place a red “X” over the facilities

Drawing of Sufficient Detail

CAD files versus PDF versus Hard Copy

Some utilities will request CAD files Ask what platform and version is used Many consultants will ask for an

electronic file transfer agreement – check with your company to determine if this is required.

Some utilities will mark up a pdf This is okay if they provide the

necessary detail Some utilities request hard copies

Drawing of Sufficient Detail

Question…

Why is a drawing of sufficient detail

important?

Answer…

Must be able to determine WHERE the facility will be as it relates to the proposed design

Must be able to determine if required clearances are met

Must be able to ensure environmental commitments have not been compromised

Answer…

Must be able to identify potential constructability issues

Must be able to ensure that facilities are within proposed right-of-way

Must be able to verify and/or identify conflicts with other facility relocations

Question…

What happens when a utility cannot or will

not produce drawings of sufficient detail?

Answer… Some utilities do not have the

personnel, expertise, or experience to produce a drawing of sufficient detail Let the project manager know Include in the risk report Meet with a representative on site Discuss the specific issues related to the

need for relocation Discuss options for relocation Determine if there is any way to include

the relocation in the project

Answer… Some utilities refuse to provide a

drawing of sufficient detail Let the project manager know Include in the risk report Meet with a representative on site Identify why they will not provide a

drawing Review the plans with the utility

representative and work together to determine with the best of our ability the station and offset of the facility

Provide minimum elevations if necessary

Answer…

Try to gain concurrence from the utility representative when providing the station, offset, and elevation

Contact a supervisor at the utility if cooperation is still not achieved

Document EVERYTHING

Note…

The rule does NOT make it clear what a “drawing of sufficient detail” is.

Utilities may have a different perspective or definition.

Utilities have not received training on what is expected.

Work with the utilities to achieve a drawing of sufficient detail.

Questions?

Thank you!