GPRS Locates At The Mercedes - Benz Superdome In New Orleans, Louisiana
Ground Penetrating Radar Systems received a call from a local general contractor working in New Orleans, Louisiana with multiple locating needs for an ongoing renovation of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Given the response time and recent/previous experience with the structure, GPRS was able to understand the needs and expectations of the client to keep the project on track. The primary areas of locating consisted of post-tension cables for the demolition of a parking garage as well as locating utilities indoors prior to driving pilings for new elevator shafts. As a result, GPR and EM devices were used to specifically identify reinforcing steel and potential utilities throughout. The use of these methods prior to demolition allowed the construction team to safely identify the location of post-tension cables for de-tensioning, as well as anchoring for a temporary wall for the adjacent garage which will remain in operation. While on site GPRS was specifically able to differentiate between post-tension and welded-wire mesh for the most cost-effective and safest approach for this work. These services helped to prevent costly, or even dangerous incidents while maintaining the integrity, budget, and schedule of the project.
In addition to the areas scanned for the parking garage project, other project managers for the renovation utilized GPRS’ services for utility locating services for a proposed elevator pit on the interior of the facility. Digging in and around complex facilities, like the Superdome, often inhabit an abundance of utility infrastructure from years and years of additions; including electrical lines, pipes, gas lines, pipes abandoned in place, previous structures, storage tanks, and numerous other potential obstructions. While local 811 locate services are fantastic to locate public utilities, these services often fall short by not locating utilities beyond the right-of-way onto, and specifically inside, private property. The area of proposed excavations for this project were walked down with the site contact, scanned using GPR and EM equipment throughout, and then re-walked and findings communicated with client in real-time. Some known utilities indoors were confirmed and a few other areas of interest were identified to aid the contractor in safely driving pilings.
As a core value, safety is of upmost priority for GPRS from performing our services to the communications with our clients. While no underground utility locating/concrete scanning effort is flawless 100 percent of the time, GPR and EM technologies are very effective for locating underground utilities and scanning concrete for embedded objects. GPRS believes the difference to lie within its highly skilled employees. Each Project Manager is extensively trained and well-versed in using the Subsurface Investigation Methodology process for all locating conducted at GPRS. This on-going development and standardized process is a key component to the success and maintaining leading edge in the industry nationwide for GPRS.
For more information about the services that GPRS offers for the Gulf Coast Market and surrounding areas:
- Shreveport/Monroe/Alexandria – North Louisiana
- Baton Rouge/New Orleans/Lake Charles – South Louisiana
- Jackson/Hattiesburg/Biloxi – Central/South Mississippi
- Mobile/Pensacola/Panama City – South AL/Panhandle FL
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GPRS does not provide geophysical, geological, land surveying or engineering services. If you need such services, please contact an appropriate professional.