When the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company of Orlando, FL needed to install a new chilled water system at Disney’s DISC building without hitting any of the existing underground utilities they contacted GPRS, Inc of Orlando, FL.  Whiting-Turner planned to cut the asphalt/concrete in several small areas for new concrete foundations, however, they were concerned they would hit existing electrical conduit and plumbing pipes in the area.  The potential power loss cost for the building (as the building is one of Disney’s primary communications buildings) could be astronomical.  Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc. has worked for Disney and Buena Vista Construction Company in the past to perform similar work so they were confident they would be able to provide an accurate locating service for this important project.   It was explained to Whiting-Turner that ground penetrating radar would be able to determine the location of the conduits and utilities beneath the asphalt/concrete and keep them from hitting them.

On site GPRS surveyed one area (roughly 50’x100’) to locate the conduit and piping both in and below the asphalt/concrete.  The findings were then painted on the surface so they were not struck during the cutting and excavation process.  Ground penetrating radar also has the ability to provide accurate depths which was very important.  These pieces of information were critical to project moving forward.  Overall the project was a success and the Whiting-Turner was highly satisfied with the information and data ground penetrating radar was able to provide on their project.

Chris Moore runs GPRS operations in the South Eastern United States.  He is based in Orlando, FL and he can be reached at (321)331.2127 or by email at chris.moore@gp-radar.com. Concrete scanning and surveying is a common application performed by the GPR technicians at GPRS.

In this picture Chris is scanning the asphalt to locate any underground utilities that might be in the path of construction.

In this picture Chris is double checking his marks over a water line to verify accuracy.