Feature · Field Supervisor+
Depth of cover
verified in the field.
Verify minimum burial depth for every utility crossing — gas, water, sewer, electrical, and telecom — with GPS-tagged depth shots and instant pass/fail against pipe type requirements.
What it does
Depth verification per utility type
- Set minimum burial depth by product type (gas, water, electrical, telecom, sewer)
- Log measured cover depth at each shot location
- Pass/fail against NFPA 502, OSHA, local code, or project spec
- GPS coordinates for each depth verification shot
Installation stage documentation
- Document cover depth before and after backfill
- Benchmark shots tied to existing survey control
- Trench width, pipe bedding, and backfill material notes
- Photo evidence of pipe in trench before cover
Compliance records
- Depth of cover log PDF by utility type and station
- Out-of-spec depths flagged for corrective action
- Inspector-ready documentation for utility owner submittals
- OSHA 1926 Subpart P documentation where applicable
Cross-boring prevention
- Log existing utility crossings encountered during excavation
- Depth and direction of existing facilities
- As-built crossing records for utility maps
- Integration with bore log for HDD crossing documentation
How it works
01
Set up utility types and specs
Define minimum cover requirements for each utility type on the job. These drive the pass/fail check for every depth shot.
02
Verify cover in the trench
Before backfill, take depth readings at the required intervals. GPS coordinates and depth logged in seconds.
03
Document before backfill
Photo the pipe in the trench with your depth rod visible. This is your proof of compliance before cover is lost.
04
Generate the depth of cover record
Export the depth log PDF with all shots, coordinates, and pass/fail status for the utility owner or inspector.
Who uses this
Utility contractors
Document cover depth before you backfill — because once it's covered, you can't prove it without potholing.
Pipeline & sewer crews
Minimum cover requirements vary by product and jurisdiction. Gradelog tracks the spec per utility type so nothing gets missed.
Project engineers
As-built depth records are tied to GPS coordinates. Utility owners, municipalities, and inspectors get the documentation they need.
Built for your industry
Common questions
What minimum cover requirements does Gradelog support?
Gradelog lets you set custom minimum cover depths per utility type per job — matching NFPA 502, OSHA 1926, local ordinances, or project specifications. Common defaults are loaded but fully editable.
Can I document depth of cover during boring operations?
Yes. The depth verification module integrates with the bore log. For HDD crossings, depth readings at the drill path can be logged alongside the bore installation record.
How does this help with cross-boring prevention?
When existing utilities are encountered during excavation, they can be logged as located utilities with type, depth, and direction. This creates a record that helps future contractors avoid cross-boring events.
Does Gradelog work with rodding or probe-rod depth measurement?
Yes. Depth readings are manually entered — you measure with a rod or probe and enter the value. For GPS-surveyed depths, RTK elevation data can also feed into depth verification records.