A concrete construction contractor was given the task of designing and installing massive light fixtures on the roof of the new state of the art addition to the Capital One Corporate campus in Tysons, VA. The massive light pole fixtures have base plates that are required to be anchored into the existing concrete roof slab in very precise locations along the roof. The locations on the roof’s concrete slab where the structures were set to be placed contained reinforcement steel (rebar) and post tension cables that could not be struck under any circumstances when drilling and/or anchoring into the slab. Precise measures needed to be taken in order for the contractor to locate the rebar and post tension cables within the slab; they needed to GPR scan / x-ray each precise anchor location. Ground penetrating radar, or GPR, is a form of non-destructive testing which allows GPRS, Inc. to detect subsurface anomalies within the concrete slab. Once detected, GPRS can trace out, then mark out the layout of the reinforcement mat and post tension cables within the...

GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc.) performed scanning for underground utilities at an Army Reserve Base. The purpose of the scanning was to clear a path for trenching so that conduit could be laid in and routed into a building. There were numerous utilities densely packed into a road easement. The contractor performing the work needed approximate depth information to effectively trench.

The scan area featured a water pump house, fire hydrant, 25,000 gallon propane tank, and numerous manholes and catch basins.

Known utilities were located with the EM cable and pipe locator first. This step included signal conduction, induction, and the use of a duct rodder to place a conductive linear element inside of non-conductive pipes and conduit. Using this method, fire water, domestic water, and propane lines were located. Once all the known utilities had been located, the next step was passive...

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems was recently contacted by a general contractor to locate and mark out all underground storage tanks, underground utilities, as well any underground anomalies at their site in Hot Springs, AR prior to soil boring.

GPRS used the latest ground penetrating technology to provide relevant information about critical utilities and other potentially dangerous, and problematic areas underground while on site.

The equipment used in the survey was:

• GSSI Ground Penetrating Radar/ SIR 3000 – This device transmits a signal into the ground that sends data back in real time.

• 400 MHz antenna – This antenna allows for GPR signal penetration 4’-8’ through the ground.

• RD-7000 locator – This device detects live power and RF signals underground, allowing us to locate electrical or telephone lines even if they are below the minimum size requirements to be detected by GPR. It also allows us to detect utilities via induction or conduction with an exposed or known surface of the conductive...

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Ground Penetrating Radar Systems received a call from a local general contractor working in New Orleans, Louisiana with multiple locating needs for an ongoing renovation of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Given the response time and recent/previous experience with the structure, GPRS was able to understand the needs and expectations of the client to keep the project on track. The primary areas of locating consisted of post-tension cables for the demolition of a parking garage as well as locating utilities indoors prior to driving pilings for new elevator shafts. As a result, GPR and EM devices were used to specifically identify reinforcing steel and potential utilities throughout. The use of these methods prior to demolition allowed the construction team to safely identify the location of post-tension cables for de-tensioning, as well as anchoring for a temporary wall for the adjacent garage which will remain in operation. While on site GPRS was specifically able to differentiate between post-tension and welded-wire mesh for the most cost-effective and safest approach for this work....

Recently GPRS was hired by a local contractor to locate reinforcement and possible conduits in selected locations in the mechanical room at a local hospital. The contractor was soon to be coring through the slab at the selected locations and did not want to risk the chance of striking reinforcement and/or a possible conduit. The GPRS technician was able to scan several locations marked out on the slab. The picture above indicates the whereabouts of the reinforcement (no conduit was identified). The client will now be able to safely core through the slab to complete the project.

The process begins by asking the site contact to review known conditions about the slab the technician will be scanning. It is critical to gather as much information as possible regarding slab construction, thickness, age and identify any critical areas. When marking on concrete always ask the client if they prefer the technician to use permanent markings. Temporary markings (crayon, pencil, tape) can easily be removed from the slab but, sometimes it’s the only option....

GPRS was contracted by a Private Jet Charter company to scan the existing slab on grade for possible voids under the slab at an airplane hangar. These scans were conducted in areas in which the hanger had water issues. The areas of concern were marked out and investigated in order to ensure the safety of the facility housing a variety of multi-million-dollar planes.

All scanning conducted was also implemented through our SIM process. Click on this link to learn more about our industry leading SIM training and processes!

Our state of the art GSSI GPR equipment can send signals into concrete that send data back in real time. The signals are safe for workplaces so there is no need for any stop in work for floors below or around the scan areas. GPRS also uses the RD-8100 Locator to locate live power and radio frequency (RF) signals underground. We can also detect utilities in or under concrete using our transmitter box which sends out a frequency via induction or conduction with an exposed or known surface utility line.

“GPRS deploys the...

A general contractor reached out to Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS), Philadelphia office. The scope of work for this project was to detect underground utilities in an area approximately 100’ in length. The primary concern was the location of a 6” water main which was coming out of the water pit and going right in the area of the proposed excavation area. The location of this water line was critical for the engineer to plan the location of the proposed concrete pad that was looking to be installed. This project took place at a facility in Chester, PA.

Upon arrival, GPRS Project Manager Igor Skuratovsky performed a site walk with the on the site personnel. After the site walk concluded, Igor believed the locate would be pretty straight forward. The main concern was to locate the water line, as well as any other unknown pipes that may be in the area.

The first mode of action that GPRS took, was to utilize the EM locator. Igor used the direct connection to clamp on to the pipe inside the building using the transmitter. He then traced the water line outside...

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS) of Kansas City was called to scan the floor of a local grocery store where the client was going to cut the slab. The client was saw cutting the slab to install new plumbing and electrical and was concerned with striking conduits in the area. GPRS was able to mark multiple conduits in the slab and directly below which could of have resulted in costly repairs or injuries. Thanks to the expertise of our field staff, our client was able to perform his work with zero issues. Using GPR to scan an area before saw cutting or coring is a smart and effective solution to help avoid conduits, post-tension cables, rebar and other items within the slab. GPRS can assist you with all of your radar needs. Using GPRS will not only save time and money during construction, it can also save a life.

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems can also assist you in your projects in Wichita, Salina, Dodge City and any other area in Kansas or Missouri. For more information about GPRS capabilities or questions on how we could assist you on your next project please...

As the United States moves further into energy independence, our existing infrastructure requires extensive updates to support changes in transportation. GPRS provides private utility locating to all types of projects. This project took place in March 2020 at a large regional grocery chain. They have existing brand specific chargers in their parking lot; however, they need more spaces to keep up with demand and to upgrade existing systems.

The client has a contract with GPRS for dozens of sites across the Midwest, and we provide utility locating services as well as non-survey grade mapping to assist them in the planning phase as well as the construction.

The store itself has an affiliated gas station several hundred yards away in the lot. The power and fiber/comm lines to the gas station are all privately owned and would not have been located by 811/Miss Dig, but GPRS specializes in locating all utilities regardless of owner.

By using multiple technologies, we also attempt to find any “unknown” targets. These are often the most valuable...

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS) of Kansas City was called to scan an area where the client was going to cut the slab at a local school in Kansas City. The client was saw cutting the slab to install new plumbing and electrical and was concerned with striking conduits in the area. GPRS was able to mark multiple conduits in the slab and directly below which could have resulted in costly repairs or injuries. Thanks to the work performed by GPRS the client was able to perform his work with no issues.

Using GPR to scan an area before core drilling is a smart and effective solution to help avoid conduits, post-tension cables, rebar and other items within the slab. GPRS can assist you with all of your radar needs. Using GPRS will not only save time and money during construction, it can also save a life. Ground Penetrating Radar Systems can also assist you in your projects in Wichita, Salina, Dodge City and any other area in Kansas or Missouri. For more information about GPRS capabilities or questions on how we could assist you on your next project...

A general contractor based out of New York recently contacted the Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS), New York City office. The client reached out to us looking for both concrete scans and utility locating in certain areas of the warehouse, for removal and replacement of footers. The project was in Yonkers, New York, where the warehouse will be turned into a UPS facility.

When GPRS arrived, Project Manager Adam Mesmer performed a site walk with the on-site personnel. After the initial walkthrough, it did not appear that there were conduits within the certain areas. However, after some initial scans with the GPR unit and using the EM locator, GPRS was able locate a conduit within one of the scanning locations. All marks were made in real time and were verified on site. The client received a full explanation of what existed in the slab before GPRS finished for the day. The conduits and any utilities were color coded in perinate markers/spray paint and approximate depths were provided for the findings.

Pictured below is a partial portion of the mark out,...

GPRS was contracted by a large Contractor to scan the existing slab on grade for possible underground utilities at a large Energy company office that was in full operation. These scans were conducted in order to provide safe locations prior to saw cutting and trenching. During the scans GPRS found there were many high voltage lines embedded in the concrete as well as water, communication and sewer below grade. These utilities were marked out and avoided to prevent any shutdowns to the office so operations could continue as scheduled.

All scanning conducted was also implemented through our SIM process. Click on this link to learn more about our industry leading SIM training and processes!

Our state of the art GSSI GPR equipment can send signals into concrete that send data back in real time. The signals are safe for workplaces so there is no need for any stop in work for floors below or around the scan areas. GPRS also uses the RD-8100 Locator to locate live power and radio frequency (RF) signals underground. We can also detect utilities in...

GPRS was contracted by a client to locate private utilities prior to installing new bollards around Busch Stadium. GPRS was able to work with the client and provide them with a working non-survey grade google earth aerial overlay of our locates completed in the areas of concern. GPRS has the man-power and scheduling flexibility to tackle any project thrown at us!

All scanning conducted was also implemented through our SIM process. Click on this link to learn more about our industry leading SIM training and processes!

Our state of the art GSSI GPR equipment can send signals into concrete that send data back in real time. The signals are safe for workplaces so there is no need for any stop in work for floors below or around the scan areas. GPRS also uses the RD-8100 Locator to locate live power and radio frequency (RF) signals underground. We can also detect utilities in or under concrete using our transmitter box which sends out a frequency via induction or conduction with an exposed or known surface utility line.

“GPRS deploys the best...

A general contractor based out of the York area recently contacted the Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS), Harrisburg office. The scope of work for their project was to detect underground utilities in a 50’ x 50’ area prior to installing a concrete foundation. The scope also included checking for underground utilities prior to installing 300’ of conduit as well as 1000’ of excavation to replace a 12” Process Waste line. This project took place at a facility in Carlisle, PA.

GPRS provided two project managers on site due to this being a time sensitive project. Upon arrival, GPRS Project Manager Jesse Whitman performed a site walk with the on site personnel while Project Manager Mike Folkenroth set up the equipment and went over the Job Hazard Analysis. After the site walk concluded, Jesse had noticed multiple above ground features that needed to be located. This included conduits, water valves, cleanouts, gas tracer wires, process waste lines as well as site lighting.

The first mode of action that GPRS took , was to utilize the EM locator. GPRS first used...