GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc.) was recently hired by a local contractor to scan for any utilities in several areas where they planned to build new cooling towers and expand both ends of an existing building. Prior to our arrival, the contractor indicated the areas to be scanned by marking the four corners of the perimeter in white paint. Once we arrived, we walked the site with the onsite contact and discussed where they planned to excavate inside of the scanning boundary as well as how deep they planned on digging for the new foundations/piping. This was done in order to determine exactly what areas needed scanning and to get an idea of how deep we should scan for utilities, which helps us utilize our time on-site most efficiently. Upon completing the walk-through with the customer, we first used our EM Pipe Locator and walked the proposed area to get an idea of any live communication or electrical signals present within the areas to be scanned. Once we were ready to scan, we set-up and calibrated our 350MHz antenna and GSSI SIR-4000 unit at the area to be excavated and began scanning. During our scanning, we marked all findings on the surface using the appropriate color of paint and flags (where able to). The image below depicts our Toledo/NW Ohio Senior Project Manager, Justin Rasanow, scanning a section within an area requested to be scanned. The remaining two images depict on-site photos of an area that was scanned with the located utilities indicated on the surface. It is important to call GPRS and have each area being excavated scanned with GPR prior to any work being done. In this case, we were able to help the contractor avoid possibly excavating through numerous electrical conduits, as well as existing cathodic protection wires. Upon the completion of our scanning and explanation of our markings to the site contact, the contractor was able to determine where they should dig more cautiously when excavating the area.

Contact either Justin Rasanow (419) 481-6737, Justin.rasanow@gprsinc.com or Andy Jurski (419) 376-5021, andy.jurski@gprsinc.com for any of your concrete or utility scanning needs.

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