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GPRS Locates Utilities at UPMC Ballpark

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems was recently called out to a project by a general contractor to locate utilities for a project at UPMC ballpark. The scope of the project was to locate any underground utilities for a new playing field to be installed after a bulldozer takes out the existing surface of the entire baseball field. By using GPR and Radio Detection, many utilities were located. Electric, communication, data, and drainage systems were all located in the area of concern. GPRS painted all utilities on site with spray paint and included depths of the lines as well. GPR and Radio Detection is an accurate and effective way of locating underground utilities, vaults, tunnels, and other obstructions prior to excavation.

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This project was a vital first step for the general contractor to ensure the safety of all employees and also helped establish a clearer timeline that avoids stoppages due to utility hit accidents. The scheduling of the project went extremely smooth for all sides and was covered by one technician for simplicity and best communication practice as well. Why would you risk digging underground while not knowing where any utilities are in your designated area when GPRS can locate and mark all utilities with depth indications for your safety!

For more information on how GPRS, LLC. can help you with your next project, please contact Colin Broughton at (216) 379-4660 or by email at colin.broughton@gprsinc.com. We also have the capabilities of locating conduits, rebar and post tension cables in a concrete slab.

Equipment Used:

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Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

GSSI SIR – 3000

    • GPRS uses a Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI) SIR-3000 Radar unit. This is the most advanced GPR available. It allows for onsite interpretation, as well as stores data for later processing. This equipment is self-calibrating, allowing more precise depth and location measurements.

400 MHz Antenna

    • This antenna typically allows data collection to a depth of approximately 3’- 6’, with a maximum capability up to 12’ depending on soil conditions. This specific antenna was created and calibrated specifically for locating underground utilities, UST’s, and other underground anomalies.

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Radiofrequency Detection System (RD)

RD 7000+

    • This is an electro-magnetic tone locating device manufactured by Radio Detection. This specific model detects live power and RF signals underground, allowing us to locate electrical or telephone lines even if they are below the minimum size requirements to be detected by GPR. It also allows us to detect utilities via induction or conduction with an exposed or known surface of the utility.