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General contractors and facilities managers face significant risks when undertaking excavation projects of any size. Subsurface utilities, if not properly identified, can lead to costly delays, utility infrastructure damages, and risk the health and wellbeing of workers and the surrounding community.
GPRS specializes in subsurface utility surveys that provide highly accurate data to mitigate these risks. Here’s what AEC professionals should expect when they hire a local utility locating company near them to conduct a subsurface utility assessment, based on GPRS’ processes.
The Difference Between a General Underground Utility Assessment and S.U.E.
GPRS provides private utility locating and mapping services that support Subsurface Utility Engineering (S.U.E.) Level B investigations, but we do not conduct S.U.E.
Licensed S.U.E. surveys involve engineering assessments and regulatory compliance, which GPRS can complement and make significantly easier for the engineers themselves because we specialize in utility detection, location, and mapping using ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic locators, and CCTV video pipe inspection crawlers and push cameras, among other technologies, to identify underground utilities with 99.8% accuracy.
When it comes to utilities and excavation, GPRS focuses on nationwide rapid response scheduling and non-invasive utility locating, to ensure that contractors and facility managers receive precise, real-time data without costly excavation delays or expensive utility strikes. All GPRS Project Managers are certified in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM), because its processes ensure repeatable and reliable results, no matter where in the country our team may be working.
GPRS utility mapping gives a construction or facilities team comprehensive utility data, that reduces risk and improves efficiency – helping to execute successful projects. Additionally, GPRS delivers its findings via SiteMap® (patent pending), a GIS-based platform that enhances collaboration and decision-making with RTK geolocated, layered, and interactive utility maps, NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection reports, reality capture deliverables that can integrate the subsurface and structural world of your project, and more.
Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM)
As mentioned above, GPRS adheres to Subsurface Investigation Methodology, a standardized approach to subsurface locating designed to ensure accurate and repeatable subsurface assessments. SIM requires the use of multiple complementary technologies, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating, to confirm the presence and location of underground utilities. The methodology also mandates rigorous training for technicians, including a minimum of 320 hours of mentored field training and 80 hours of classroom instruction. SIM ensures that GPRS Project Managers are equipped with the expertise needed to deliver precise results from coast to coast.
SIM also emphasizes a step-by-step approach to collecting subsurface data, ensuring that results are repeatable and accurate. This methodology is critical in preventing utility strikes, which can lead to severe financial and safety consequences. By following SIM, GPRS ensures that every project is conducted with the highest level of precision and reliability.
What Equipment Is Used in Subsurface Utility Surveys?
GPRS employs a range of advanced technologies in a complementary manner to detect, verify, and map underground utilities with 99.8% accuracy. These include:
1. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
GPR works by transmitting high-frequency radio waves into the ground. When these waves encounter different subsurface materials, they reflect back to the receiver, creating a visual representation of underground structures. GPRS uses high-resolution GPR systems capable of detecting metallic and non-metallic utilities, voids, and other anomalies. For roadway, right of ways, and large-scale urban projects, GPRS can also deploy high-speed 3D GRP arrays.
2. Electromagnetic Locators
EM locators detect underground utilities by transmitting a signal through conductive materials such as pipes and cables. The signal is then traced using a receiver, allowing technicians to determine the precise location and depth of utilities.
3. CCTV Video Pipe Inspection Crawlers and Rovers
For assessing underground pipelines, GPRS utilizes robotic crawler CCTV cameras and lateral launch cameras. These devices provide high-resolution video footage of sewer and drainage systems, identifying defects, blockages, and structural issues without the need for excavation.
4. Acoustic Leak Detection
In addition to visual inspections, GPRS employs acoustic leak detection technology to identify leaks in pressurized pipelines. This method uses sound waves to detect irregularities in pipe integrity, allowing for early intervention and repair.
Utility Marking, Reporting, and Mapping
Once all registered/public and unregistered/private utilities are located, GPRS follows a structured process to mark, report, and map the findings:
• Marking Out Utilities
Utilities are designated using industry-standard color-coded markings, ensuring clear identification of all the different types of underground infrastructure. These markings help contractors avoid accidental strikes during excavation. You can learn more about the color coding for utility locates and mapping here.
• Reporting and Documentation
GPRS provides detailed reports that include depth measurements, where available, utility types, and potential hazards. In the case of sanitary and storm sewer lines, we can also generate comprehensive VPI reports, generated using NASSCO-certified WinCan software, which categorize defects and assigns severity levels to those defects.
• Mapping and Data Delivery via SiteMap
SiteMap® (patent pending) is GPRS’ GIS-based software platform that consolidates all GPRS-captured subsurface data into an interactive, layered map. SiteMap allows contractors and facility managers to access 99.8% accurate utility mapping in formats such as PDF, KMZ, and SHP files, and interact with their RTK-located data inside the SiteMap software. The platform is designed to provide a single source of truth, to ensure seamless communication and collaboration across project teams.
SiteMap can also allow construction project managers to track changes and modifications to the subsurface infrastructure as work progresses. This level of control is particularly valuable for large-scale projects where multiple teams need access to accurate and up-to-date utility data.
The Benefits of Hiring GPRS
Contractors and facilities managers who hire GPRS for subsurface utility surveys can expect several key benefits:
• Enhanced Safety
By accurately identifying underground utilities, GPRS helps prevent accidental utility line strikes that could lead to injuries or fatalities.
• Cost Savings
Avoiding utility strikes reduces costly repairs, project delays, and potential legal liabilities, safeguarding your company’s reputation.
• Regulatory Compliance
GPRS ensures that subsurface investigations adhere to the highest industry standards (SIM) and regulatory requirements.
• Improved Project Efficiency
With precise utility mapping and reporting, contractors can plan and execute projects more efficiently, reducing downtime and unexpected complications.
• Advanced Technology Integration
GPRS leverages cutting-edge technology to provide the most accurate and reliable subsurface data available.
Hiring GPRS for a subsurface utility survey ensures a high level of accuracy, safety, and efficiency. By adhering to Subsurface Investigation Methodology, utilizing cutting-edge equipment, and delivering comprehensive mapping via SiteMap, GPRS empowers contractors and facility managers to make informed decisions. With a 99.8% accuracy rate, GPRS significantly reduces the risk of utility strikes, project delays, and unforeseen costs, making it a trusted partner in subsurface investigations.
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