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By utilizing our 99.8% accurate underground utility scans, GPRS produced surprising results that helped a hospital in Los Angeles, California dig safely and confidently during recent parking lot renovations.
GPRS Project Manager Javier Mendez was tasked with scanning the parking lot of a VA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. The facility had recently installed solar panels and needed precise scans of the area to update their as-built records and reroute some of the lines.
“They needed to know the precise locations of all these utilities, because the parking lot – they already had solar in there – but what they didn't realize is they put the solar within the existing utilities,” Mendez explained. “So, if they ever were to go back and excavate again, they really can't because the solar is in the way. They need to find all these lines, reroute them, and cap some of them off.”
By following one of the main guidelines of SIM, or Subsurface Investigation Methodology, Mendez used multiple technologies, which included ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locators, to make sure his findings were accurate.
Mendez’s findings were marked out on the parking lot’s surface, geolocated with Real-Time Kinematic Positioning, and uploaded to SiteMap® in minutes. SiteMap® (patent pending) is GPRS’ cloud-based infrastructure platform. With SiteMap, our client’s utilities can go from underground to the cloud, so they can easily reference them throughout the project life cycle.
The client was very surprised by Mendez’s findings. The results of the scans showed more utilities present in that location than the client had expected based on their existing plans. Because of these results, Mendez’s scope of work extended past the parking lot and into the adjacent right-of-way.
“Once they saw [the underground utilities] extended to the right-of-way, they wanted to see where exactly those lines in the parking lot go and where they tie into,” Mendez explained. “They wanted to find the main since they were going to be exposing these lines. They want to see where they could cap it off or where they could cap it or reroute it from. Gladly, we were able to provide them with where all these lines that went into the parking lot were tied into and where they get fed from exactly.”
Every job that GPRS Project Managers undertake is serious business. The same goes for this job, especially with what could have happened if a utility strike occurred near the hospital.
“Because we had just about every utility you could think of, you had fire, water, gas lines, steam lines, and petroleum lines running through that section,” Mendez explained. “So, I think them calling us out definitely did save them a lot of money, a lot of time, and we kept everyone safe. Without us, they would have went in there, crossed their fingers, and wished for the best.”
The data collected by Mendez gave the client the ability to dig with confidence, move and/or cap lines, and avoid utility strikes.
“We never want to stop short for the client, right? So, we always want to go above and beyond and whatever they asked for. We are there to make sure they're satisfied with whatever information we provide for them.”
From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes the Built World® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What type of informational output does GPRS provide when conducting a utility locate?
Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. 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 Real-Time Kinematic Positioning (RTK) 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. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.
What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?
Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.
What is Subsurface Investigation Methodology?
Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) is a standard operating procedure and set of professional specifications that work as a guide for utility locating experts when scanning for buried utility lines. All GPRS Project Managers are required to achieve SIM 101 certification, which requires 80 hours of hands-on training in a classroom setting and 320 hours of mentorship in the field. For reference, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s (ASNT) minimum training recommendation includes eight hours for training and 60 hours practicing GPR to achieve NDT Level 1 certification in ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning.
SIM requires the use of multiple, complementary technologies, like GPR scanning and electromagnetic (EM) locating, when locating buried utilities or scanning a concrete slab.
