GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc.) was recently hired by a local contractor during a project where they plan to build a new addition to an existing building. The contractor hired GPRS in order to locate any utilities in the proposed areas where excavation was to take place. The contractor contacted GPRS in order to determine where the existing utilities in these areas were located so they could make any necessary changes and plan accordingly based upon the located utilities. The contractor also planned to intercept certain utilities such as gas and water to tie new services into the existing lines. Once GPRS arrived at the site, our project managers walked the areas of concern (areas to be scanned) based upon a map of the proposed areas the client sent prior to scanning. This was done in order to determine what utilities were present on the surface in the areas being scanned. Upon completing the walk-through of the areas of concern, the project managers first used the EM Pipe Locator and walked the areas to get a general idea of where utilities which contained either an electrical, or communications signal were present. Once this initial phase was completed, the project managers were ready to scan using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). The GPR is pushed across the scan boundaries in a grid pattern to identify underground obstructions. The approximate depths of utilities present in the area were confirmed using GPR and marked directly on the surface using spray paint. Utilities such as gas, electric, communication, water, storm, and sanitary were found on this site. In the first image our project manager Josh Domingues is seen using GPR to confirm the approximate depth of the water line that the client had to intercept in order to add an additional service line.

The image above depicts the typical markings a GPRS project manager will use when marking utilities on site. The green markings represent sanitary, the red represents electric, and the yellow represents gas. These markings and colors are standard on every GPRS project. Pin flags are also used when applicable on the site. The client needed to know the approximate depths of all utilities on site in order to safely expose them prior to demolition. The last and most important steps of the GPRS project manager’s standard operating procedures is to perform a site walk with the client to inform them of their findings. All markings, limitations, and scan boundaries are explained to the client, so they know the extent of the findings. A detailed job summary report is then sent to the client upon completion of each project. GPRS has the capabilities to create a non-survey grade Google Earth overlay map of our findings to be provided to our clients. GPRS can also produce non-survey grade CAD drawings of our findings. Findings can be overlaid onto existing CAD files, or GPRS can create one from scratch.

For further questions about GPRS’s utility locating services please feel free to call Mitch Streight at 614-400-6889 or at mitch.streight@gprsinc.com. GPRS also performs concrete scanning in order to confirm slab thickness, locate rebar, post-tension cables, or conduits within structural slabs prior to saw cutting or core drilling.

GPRS does not provide geophysical, geological, land surveying or engineering services. If you need such services, please contact an appropriate professional.