Because we want you to stay on time, on budget and safe, GPRS regularly visualizes what’s above and below ground through our comprehensive suite of services.
We took this process to another level when a contractor required a comprehensive subsurface map and 3D model of a historic hospital that was about to undergo a significant renovation.
The general contractor (GC) was overseeing the construction of an expansion to a medical center that would occupy land previously dedicated as a parking lot for employees, patients, and visitors. With parts of the hospital’s campus dating back to the mid-1800s, any number of abandoned utilities or other objects could have been buried where the new structural foundation and utilities were about to be installed.
The GC needed updated documentation of the campus’ existing above and below ground infrastructure to assist with construction planning because the hospital’s paper plans were outdated and incomplete.
Traditional location methods often include costly and time-consuming exploratory excavation (potholing or daylighting) to find out what lies under a job site.
GPRS offers a non-destructive, efficient alternative, Intelligently Visualizing The Built World® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.
To provide accurate utility maps and aboveground measurements, we used ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating to map the hospital’s utilities. Our sewer scope inspection services – which we call Video Pipe Inspections – were called on to investigate and map the campus’ elaborate storm and wastewater systems. And we used 3D laser scanners to document the as-built site data and utility maps to create 2D CAD drawings and a 3D BIM model for virtual design and construction (VDC).
“No one has gone to this extent to map a site above and below ground,” said GPRS Field Support Director, Jaime Althauser.
All the data GPRS collected on site was instantly uploaded into SiteMap® (patent pending), our cloud-based infrastructure mapping software where the contractor and their project partners were able to easily access, review, and securely share the data with each other to keep the project moving forward.
This first-of-its-kind, comprehensive visualization of a job site paid off for the contractor as they were installing nearly 100 caissons to construct the foundation for the hospital addition.
GPRS integrated the 3D data captured on site into the architect’s design model to evaluate the proposed locations of the caissons. While we were locating utilities on the property, we found a 19.5’x17.5’ concrete slab buried across the intended installation locations for three of the caissons.
If the contractor had not discovered this impediment before they began installing the foundational components, the resulting subsurface damage could have endangered their workers, derailed their schedule, and decimated the project’s budget. And if this data had not been uploaded into SiteMap® where it was easily accessible for all team members, miscommunication of the buried slab’s location could have had similarly disastrous consequences.
Additionally, the laser scan data GPRS collected exposed a three-foot deviation in the existing building footprint compared to the design model created from the outdated as-built documents. As with the discovery of the buried concrete slab, this information – easily accessible, yet securely stored within SiteMap® – helped the contractor correct their plans to avoid costly, time-consuming reworks and change orders.
GPRS left the contractor with an integrated 3D BIM model of the existing hospital and planned construction, which gave them critical structural and utility tie-in information for the addition. A virtual tour created by our Mapping & Modeling Department let them easily view the site, add digital notes, and even measure structures and site features from within SiteMap®’s Map Viewer application. And the sewer inspection data we collected will expedite future evaluation, documentation, maintenance, and repairs of the campus’ sewer and stormwater infrastructure.
SiteMap® was designed to be a single source of truth for the accurate data you’ve come to expect from GPRS’ elite team of Project Managers, allowing you to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better. This revolutionary platform represents the next phase of evolution for GPRS as we continue to help you Intelligently Visualize The Built World®.
What can we help you visualize? Click the links below to schedule a service or request a quote today!
We are currently scheduling live, personal demos of SiteMap® so you can see what it can do for yourself. Click the link below to sign up for your demo today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How does SiteMap® assist with Utility Mapping?
SiteMap®, powered by GPRS, is the industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap® Personal Subscription when GPRS performs a utility locate for you.
Click here to learn more.
Does SiteMap® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?
SiteMap® allows for exporting of data to SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and DXF directly from any user’s account that either owns or has a job shared to their account. All these file formats can be imported and utilized by other GIS packages if manually imported by the user. More information can be found at SiteMap.com.
What is 3D Laser Scanning?
3D laser scanners use LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to measure and record precise locations and distances, ultimately producing a point cloud file. The technology enables you to produce highly accurate digital measurements and images quickly and easily for use in construction and engineering projects. 3D laser scanning is a revolutionary tool to document existing conditions. It is invaluable in design, prefabrication, asset management, and facility modifications.
What is As-Built Documentation?
As-build 3D documentation is an accurate set of drawings that reflect all changes made to a facility during the construction process, and show the exact dimensions, geometry, and location of all elements of the work.