GPRS is playing a crucial role in a program accelerating the build out of the national EV charging infrastructure.
Pilot Travel Centers LLC, General Motors, and EVgo Inc. recently announced the opening of the first 17 locations for their national electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network, which is being constructed under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.
Currently spread across 13 states, the network features amenities such as:
- Multiple fast charging stalls at each site, with chargers capable of delivering up to 350kW
- Canopies to help protect drivers from the elements during charging
- Pull-through charging stalls to accommodate EV towing
- Centrally located chargers in well-lit areas, monitored around-the-clock by onsite staff
- Access to restrooms, food and beverage options, and free Wi-Fi
- Plug and Charge compatibility for a streamlined charging experience
“EV drivers are eager for a better charging experience and to have more charging locations along America’s most traveled corridors,” Pilot Travel Centers LLC Chief Executive Officer, Adam Wright, said in a press release. “As interest in EVs continue to grow, we believe our network can be a catalyst to getting more EV drivers on the road.”
Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the NEVI Formula Program provides funding to states for the construction of EV charging stations and establishment of an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability.
The program funds up to 80% of eligible project costs.
As new EV charging stations have been installed at existing Pilot and Flying J travel center locations through this program, GPRS has provided utility locating services to ensure that existing utilities on site – such as gas, water, and wastewater lines – are identified and avoided during excavation.
John Incorvaia, GPRS Market Segment Leader for Renewable Energy & EV Charging, explained that GPRS partners with companies like OWL Services “to help ensure the accuracy of these designs and the safety of these construction teams once the shovel hits the ground” on EV charging projects.
How GPRS Conducts a Utility Locate
Striking utilities while installing these charging stations could have costly and dangerous repercussions, not just for the workers on site, but for the surrounding community.
Your company’s reputation is on the line anytime you break ground. It’s imperative you know what’s buried and where those subsurface objects are located to mitigate the risk of subsurface damage.
GPRS primarily utilizes ground penetrating radar (GPR) for utility locating.
GPR is a non-destructive detection and imaging method which identifies subsurface elements either underground or within a surface such as concrete. It can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, giving it a wide variety of applications including locating electrical conduit, steam pipes, telecommunication lines, gas & oil lines, water lines, and sewer & storm pipes.
A GPR unit emits a radio signal into a structure or the ground. The radio wave interacts with any material it encounters, and those interactions are displayed in a GPR reading as hyperbolas. GPRS Project Managers are trained to interpret these readings to determine the type of material located.
GPRS Project Managers use electromagnetic (EM) locators to compliment GPR scanners when conducting a utility locate.
The GPRS Difference
Of course, the best technology is only as good as its operator.
GPRS Project Managers receive industry-leading training backed by the Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM), which requires 320 hours of field training and 80 hours of classroom training in the precision concrete scanning and utility locating processes.
During this training, our Project Managers experience real-world scenarios that prepare them for even the most unique challenges they encounter in the field.
In the hands of GPRS Project Managers, GPR scanners and EM locators provide you with a clear view under your job site, whether you’re installing EV charging stations, fiber optic cable, or other utilities.
From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.
What can we help you visualize? Click the links below to schedule a service or request a quote today!
People Also Asked (FAQs):
What type of information does GPRS provide when performing a utility locate?
Our Project Managers will flag and/or paint our findings directly on the surface, depending on your specific needs. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.
GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use.
Finally, you receive a Personal SiteMap® subscription with every GPRS utility locate. SiteMap® is GPRS’ industry-leading, cloud-based facility management platform powered by our 99.8% accurate utility locating and concrete scanning data, our millimeter-accurate 3D laser scans, interactive NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection reports, pinpoint leak detection information, and our unique ability to layer, map, and incorporate ALL that data to give you comprehensive plan views, CAD drawings, or fully integrated above and below ground 3D BIM models and walkthroughs of any part of your site, campus, or facility.
Click here to learn more.
Can you find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?
There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to GPR equipment and can’t be properly located with this technology. In this scenario, GPRS Project Managers use complimentary technology such as electromagnetic (EM) locating to locate the pipes.
Can GPR be used to verify known measurements?
Yes, we can use GPR to cross-check the measured depth and location of a located utility with existing as-built plans to verify the accuracy of plans.
Does GPRS offer utility locating services near me?
Yes, we have a nationwide team of over 500 Project Managers strategically stationed across every major market in the U.S. So, we can rapidly respond to your site, no matter where it’s located.
But we’re more than just an underground utility locator company. GPRS provides a comprehensive suite of infrastructure visualization services to ensure your projects stay on time, on budget, and safe.
Click here to schedule a service or request a quote today!