Model for the 3D Location of Buried Assets Based on RFID Technology

Abstract

As construction and renovation equipment excavate in the vicinity of utility lines, the buried infrastructure is likely to suffer some form of “attack,” be that simple mechanical abrasion or a major rupture. Damage to underground services can lead to widespread disruption and significant upstream (service provider) and downstream (end user) losses, often resulting in whole communities being isolated from emergency services and losing essential utilities such as water, gas, and electricity. The ability to physically determine <em>on site</em> the location of underground utilities is critical to reduce risk and consequence during excavation.