GPRS recently completed a utility investigation and locate in Dayton, OH on Colonel Glenn Highway. The project that GPRS was working on was being overseen by Star Construction for AT&T. The scope of the project was to scan approximately 1500 lineal feet to locate duct sections between specific manholes along the middle of the highway. Upon arrival GPRS met with Star Construction to walk the length of the proposed path of work to identify any potential hazards.

The main concern that the client had was getting accurate depths to lines within the duct banks, along with a depth to the top of the duct itself. The client needed accurate depths to mitigate any potential damages to the duct. Understanding the importance and accuracy of this, they reached out to GPRS and inquired about the mapping and CAD services we could provide.

After meeting with representatives from Star Construction and walking the site to identify potential hazards, GPRS needed to clarify the engineering controls and PPE to be used to safely complete the work. Being a fairly active highway, traffic controls would need to be provided and full PPE was established to instill maximum visibility while working. Star Construction was able to provide a vehicle to divert traffic away from GPRS as we worked, their help was vital in making sure the project went off without any incident.

Once these controls were in place, work was able to commence. Star Construction representatives were also able to open the necessary manholes needed so that GPRS could safely ring clamp lines and utilize the EM pipe locator to trace them out. It wasn’t much of a surprise that when these manholes were opened, the water level was rather high and not ideal for any safe work due to the limited visibility. Again, Star Construction came through and was able to pump the water out for us.

Once the water had been pumped out, work could finally begin. A safety gate was placed around the manholes during this work to ensure further safety to all of us workers in the vicinity of the manhole. GPRS proceeded to look inside of the manholes to get an idea of how many lines were travelling in the duct. Quickly realizing how many lines needed to be traced, GPRS grabbed a non-conductive extension pole and began clamping onto the lines one-by-one. The extension pole is a great tool that GPRS utilizes because it ensures a safe distance and decreases any chance of a body part entering the manhole.

GPRS clamped on to each line in the duct that could be safely reached and began marking out these lines. Some lines gave us a bit more trouble than others due to having weak tones and not fully tracing out. Luckily GPRS has a solid process in place to troubleshoot these issues and get a trace back on track by adjusting frequencies. As locating continued, GPRS started to connect all of the dots and lines were beginning to connect from manhole to manhole.

After fully utilizing our EM pipe locator, GPRS booted up the GPR. What sets GPRS apart is our process, but mainly the equipment we use because it is very complementary and will provide the most accurate results when locating. Upon scanning with GPR, we were able to get more specific approximate depths along the proposed path, and unknowns in the area were also discovered. These unknowns were unrelated to the scope, but with safety always at the forefront and for a project to progress smoothly, we marked them out.

Once scanning had concluded, the mapping process began. With depths to these lines being vital information, we made sure to record an approximate depth roughly every 50’. One of the needs most stressed by the client was getting non-survey/engineering grade CAD drawings of our findings while scanning onsite. This was well within our wheel house. GPRS does not provide engineering or land surveying services.

For this project in particular, deliverables needed to be expedited with a 24 hour turn around. We came through because we understand that not all client needs are the same, but we’re always willing to do what needs to be done.

All files were provided to them the very next morning.

Ground penetrating radar is a very beneficial service to implement during any construction project. Whether it’s concrete scanning or private utility locating, GPRS is a step ahead of the rest when it comes to making sure a project stays on track and most importantly of all – everyone stays safe. We are the best at what we do, because it is all we do.

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