industry insights

GPRS’ precision concrete scanning services were integral to the rehabilitation of a 38-story residential skyscraper in Jacksonville, Florida.

A team of GPRS Project Managers worked to ensure the contractor renovating the tower could safely install the buck hoists they needed to transport workers and materials to different levels of the building. Additionally, they scanned numerous locations throughout the building to ensure safe anchoring into its post-tensioned concrete slabs, and to locate and map rebar on the building’s pool deck that was failing and required extensive repairs.

GPRS Area Manager Will Sizemore said that while the tower is only 20-25 years old, owners of buildings like this in Florida have in recent years gone to greater lengths to ensure the structural integrity of their properties. This is due to the 2022 passing of “The Surfside Bill,” which requires engineers and architects to certify the structural integrity of every high-rise condominium building in the state by providing “Milestone Inspections” that must be completed by December of 2024, and updated every 10 years after that.

If these inspections are not completed by the end of 2024, or if necessary concrete repairs found by inspections are not completed and certified in a timely manner, the owners of these towers risk incurring fines and even jail time.

“It’s made a lot of condo owners very anxious and wanting to verify that everything is done properly,” Sizemore explained.

GPRS was not the first professional concrete scanning company hired to work on this tower in Jacksonville. Sizemore explained that firm originally hired backed out of the job.

“[The other firm] found out that it was all post tension slab, and they didn’t want the liability from [the contractor] drilling into it. So, then [the client] called us.”

Working with post-tensioned concrete does come with risks. Severing a single post tension cable with a saw or drill can lead to as much as $30,000 in repair costs – not to mention structural failure that endangers everyone on site.

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is the most effective tool for locating subsurface elements like post tension cables and rebar within concrete. A GPR scanner transmits non-destructive radio waves into the surface or soil, which then interact with encountered objects, producing a readout of hyperbolas that vary in size and shape based on the detected materials.

GPRS Project Managers are specially trained to interpret these readouts to tell you where objects are located within a slab or underground and provide an estimated depth for these buried obstructions.

GPRS is so confident in the accuracy of our concrete scanning services that we introduced the Green Box Guarantee. When we place a green box within a concrete layout prior to you anchoring or coring into that slab, we guarantee the area within that box will be clear of obstructions.

If we’re wrong, we agree to pay the material cost of any damage that occurs.

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?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of concrete scanning does GPRS provide?

GPRS provides two specific but different scanning services: elevated concrete slab scanning and concrete slab-on-grade locating. Elevated concrete slab scanning involves detecting embedded electrical conduits, rebar, post-tension cables, and more before core drilling a hole through the slab. Performing a concrete slab-on-grade locating service typically involves scanning a trench line for conduits before conducting saw cutting and trenching to install a sanitary pipe, water line, or something similar.

Learn more

How is GPR used to identify post-tension tendons vs. rebar in a post-tensioned slab?

In post-tensioned structures, we typically find one mat of support rebar near the base of the slab. This mat is generally consistently spaced and remains at a constant elevation. Post-tension cables are generally found above this support mat and “draped” throughout the rest of the structure. The elevation of the cable is usually high near the beams and column lines and drapes lower through the span between beams and column lines. Knowledge of these structural differences allows us to accurately differentiate between components. Our Project Managers will leave you feeling confident in our findings and in your ability to drill or cut without issue.

Can GPR determine the difference between rebar and electrical conduit?

Ground penetrating radar can accurately differentiate between rebar and electrical conduit in most cases. We have an extremely high success rate in identifying electrical lines in supported slabs or slabs-on-grade before saw cutting or core drilling.

Additionally, GPRS can use EM locators to determine the location of conduits in the concrete. If we can transmit a signal onto the metal conduit, we can locate it with pinpoint accuracy. We can also find the conduit passively if a live electrical current runs through it.

What is that smell?

GPRS’ video pipe inspection services, which include remote-controlled robots and push fed sewer scopes, dye tracing and smoke testing, uncovered an illegal sewer connection that was leading to sewage buildup in a strip mall’s wastewater system.

Project Manager Dakota Stoutenger was called out to the plaza in Chappaqua, New York, by the real estate investment management firm which owns it. One of the tenants in the mall had noticed a foul smell emanating from their space and had failed to locate a source for the stink.

Stoutenger started by using smoke testing to inspect all sanitary vents from roof level to check for defects.

Smoke testing is a simple, non-invasive technique for detecting defects and blockages in sanitary and storm sewer lines, identifying potential inflow and infiltration (I/I) points, and exposing illegal (illicit) sewer connections. It’s useful for revealing that an issue is present, but further investigation is often necessary to pinpoint the exact cause.

The smoke testing process consists of three steps. An insertion point for the smoke cartridges first needs to be located. Then, a blower containing the cartridge is affixed securely to the sewer entry before the non-toxic smoke is released into the sewer line. GPRS’ Project Managers can then track where the smoke escapes from the system.

In a properly tied-in and maintained system, smoke will escape from other manhole covers and plumbing vents for buildings legally tied in. If smoke can be seen emanating from the ground or through cracks in the pavement, that’s a clear indication of a sewer defect and infiltration risk. If it can be seen coming from a cleanout, the cleanout cap is likely cracked. If it’s coming from manhole covers, plumbing vents, gutters, or downspouts from a residence or business that should not be connected to your system, that’s an indication of an illicit tie-in.

Stoutenger completed the smoke test on the strip mall but could not identify any likely sources for the foul smell.

“Because of this, I suggested [to the client] that we could perform additional services to further investigate potential issues,” he said.

Stoutenger deployed a push-fed sewer scope equipped with a CCTV camera and a sonde: an instrument probe that allows our Project Managers to locate and map buried sewer lines from the surface using an electromagnetic (EM) locator. He also performed additional smoke testing on the plaza’s sanitary sewer, and grease trap systems.

Finally, Stoutenger performed dye tracing on the mall’s stormwater system.

Also sometimes referred to as dye testing, this process involves introducing a non-toxic, brightly colored dye into a sewer system to track and identify flow patterns, locate blockages, detect leaks, and ensure proper connectivity. A dye introduced into a sewer line will travel with the wastewater flow, allowing technicians like GPRS’ Project Managers to observe the water-soluble chemical’s movement to gain insights into the condition and behavior of the system.

Flashlights or UV lights are sometimes used to enhance visibility, if necessary, and photographic evidence is captured to document the dye’s movement, and any issues detected.

Through this comprehensive sewer inspection process, Stoutenger was able to discover the likely source of the stink.

“I was able to determine that the neighboring tenants’ sanitary system was tied to the grease trap setup for a potential restaurant tenant,” he explained. “Due to this improper connection, it was theorized that the smells were emanating from the buildup of sewage in the grease trap manhole/vault directly outside the back door of the tenant that was complaining of smell issues. This allowed [the client] to properly reconnect this system to the correct sanitation point.”

Stoutenger supplied the client with a NASSCO-certified report of his findings, which included both photo and video evidence of what he discovered.

NASSCO is the National Association of Sewer Service Companies. This non-profit organization provides industry-leading training on the most advanced, non-destructive methods to detect and report subsurface anomalies within sewer lines.

All GPRS VPI Project Managers are certified in NASSCO’s Pipeline, Lateral, and Manhole Assessment Certification Programs (LACP®, PACP, and MACP®) so they can provide you with industry-leading service that keeps your wastewater infrastructure working for you.

From sewer lines to skyscrapers, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week Returns Oct. 21-25

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week, sponsored by GPRS, is a safety initiative designed to help water and wastewater system operators take a more proactive approach to maintaining their infrastructure. From October 21-25, 2024, GPRS’ safety experts will travel across the country delivering free safety presentations to municipalities, engineers, facility managers, property management groups, and anyone else who is ready to regain control of their fresh and wastewater infrastructure.

Click here to schedule your free WSDAW presentation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting video pipe inspection services?

GPRS is proud to offer WinCan reporting to our Video Pipe Inspection clients. Maintaining sewers starts with understanding sewer condition, and WinCan allows GPRS Project Managers to collect detailed, NASSCO-compliant inspection data. GPRS Project Managers not only inspect the interior condition of sewer pipes, laterals, and manholes – they can also provide a map of their location. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Department can provide detailed GPS overlays and CAD files. Our detailed WinCan/NASSCO reports contain screenshots of the interior condition of the pipe segments that we inspect, as well as a video file for further evaluation, documentation, and/or reference.

Can you locate pipes in addition to evaluating their integrity?

Yes! Our SIM- and NASSCO-certified Project Managers use VPI technology equipped with sondes, which are instrument probes that allow them to ascertain the location of underground utilities from an inaccessible location. This allows them to use electromagnetic (EM) locating to map sewer systems at the same time they’re evaluating them for defects.

Does GPRS offer lateral launch services?

Yes, we offer lateral launch capabilities as part of our standard Video Pipe Inspection services.

Q2 Stadium is marketed as Austin’s Biggest Party, and it’s also one of Texas’ most sustainability-focused facilities.

An innovative infrastructure project helped it earn that title.

The three-year-old home of Major League Soccer’s Austin FC and a host venue for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, Q2 was the first soccer-specific stadium and second sports venue in the world to earn Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) pre-certification. According to a press release issued by Austin FC, this pre-certification recognizes projects implementing the fundamental actions and policies needed to effectively pursue zero waste.

“Sustainability was an integral part of Q2 Stadium’s design and it continues to be a top priority as we strive to make the venue a home that Austinites can enjoy for years to come,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “It’s an honor to receive this recognition for the stadium’s commitment to achieving zero waste.”

According to an article in Waste Dive, the key to Q2 achieving zero waste designation is a custom-built, “mini materials recovery facility (MRF)” which can sort the stadium’s recyclable materials, trash and organics.

Explaining MRFs (Mini Materials Recovery Facilities)

MRFs typically come in two different types: clean and dirty. Clean MRFs take in commingled recyclable materials that have been separated from municipal solid waste, usually by individual citizens or businesses before curbside trash collection, then sort those recyclable materials and prepare them for market.

A dirty MRF, like the one at Q2, take in a broad stream of solid waste and separates out recyclable materials through manual and mechanical sorting. The recyclable materials are prepared for market, while the nonrecyclable materials are sent to a landfill or other disposal facility.

Austin FC partnered with Texas Disposal Systems (TDS), its recycling partner since 2020, who designed and built Q2’s mini MRF to process about seven tons of materials each game day.

True to its name, Q2’s mini MRF takes up significantly less space than a traditional MRF. A combination of compactors and two conveyors help move materials through the stadium and sort them into cleaner streams.

After waste is processed at the mini MRF, the material goes to TDS’s much larger 150,000 square foot facility just outside of Austin. It’s there that organics are funneled into the company’s composting operation, solid waste to a landfill, and recyclables are further sorted in a large-scale MRF.

Adam Gregory, Vice President of Business Development for TDS, said his company had never built an MRF inside a soccer stadium before, but “we’ve historically custom made a lot of our own recycling equipment, so we had the expertise and the experience to come up with this system.”

“Our partnership benefits in multiple different ways, and part of that is increasing the amount of material we’re able to divert,” Gregory added.

To achieve TRUE Certification, the highest level of certification for zero waste facilities under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Q2 must show the facility can reach a 90% diversion rate over a year-long period. According to a Waste Diversion Tracker on Austin FC’s website, the club hit that mark for six of its nine matches from February 24, 2024 to May 29, 2024. They were over an 88% diversion rate for the other three matches.

“We’re now very, very close to that zero waste designation. That will be big for us, big for the fans,” said Nick Otte, senior director of stadium operations for Austin FC.

What has made the club’s efforts easier is the support they’ve received from their supporters, who have even suggested adding more recycling bins in more areas of the stadiums.

“It would be much, much more difficult to get the kind of diversion if the fans weren’t already doing a fantastic job of putting things in the right container,” Gregory said.

GPRS Supports Sustainability Projects

As communities across the country invest in infrastructure improvements and other innovations designed to guide us into a more sustainable future, GPRS will be there to ensure these projects stay on track.

Our subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services keep you on time, on budget, and safe. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology like ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic locating, and 3D laser scanning, we can visualize your job site – and the infrastructure below it, to help you plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

All this data is at your fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), our infrastructure mapping software application that allows for the secure storage and sharing of this critical information with your entire project team.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)?

A Materials Recovery Facility, commonly known as an MRF, is a specialized plant that receives, separates, and prepares recyclable materials for end-use manufacturers. MRFs sort mixed recyclables collected from households and businesses into categories like paper, plastics, metals, and glass, using a combination of manual and automated processes.

2. How do MRFs sort and process materials?

MRFs use a variety of technologies to separate recyclable materials, including conveyor belts, magnets, air classifiers, screens, and optical sorters. The materials are sorted by type and sometimes by color or grade. After sorting, they are compacted into bales or cleaned, if needed, before being shipped to manufacturers who will use them to create new products.

3. What materials can be processed at an MRF?

Most MRFs process materials like paper (cardboard, newspapers), plastics (bottles, containers), metals (aluminum cans, steel tins), and glass. Some facilities are equipped to handle more complex items such as electronic waste or hazardous materials, but this varies depending on the MRF’s capabilities and the local recycling program. It's always recommended to check with your local MRF or recycling program for a specific list of accepted materials.

The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) recently made headlines with a significant milestone in the state's broadband expansion efforts.

The board has awarded $120 million from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to 18 broadband projects throughout the state, aiming to connect over 30,000 homes and businesses, according to an article in Underground Infrastructure.

This investment is a testament to the ongoing commitment to improving connectivity and closing the digital divide in the United States. It also serves as an example of how similar efforts nationwide are advancing the state of fiber optic infrastructure in America.

Fiber optic infrastructure, commonly referred to as the backbone of modern telecommunications, is the medium through which data travels as pulses of light. Its key benefits include high-speed internet, low latency, and the ability to handle high volumes of data over long distances without signal degradation. Unlike traditional copper cables, which can be prone to interference and slower speeds, fiber optics support the bandwidth requirements for applications such as telehealth, telework, distance learning, and public safety systems.

While Idaho's recent funding allocation marks a significant step, it’s just one piece of a larger national puzzle. Across the United States, fiber optic infrastructure development has been accelerating in recent years, driven by a mix of public and private investments, as well as regulatory and policy initiatives.

Federal Support and the Need for Expansion

The federal government has played an active role in supporting broadband expansion projects. The Capital Projects Fund (CPF), established under the American Rescue Plan Act, is just one of several initiatives designed to stimulate infrastructure development, especially in unserved and underserved areas. In Idaho’s case, the CPF criteria ensure that projects funded under this initiative not only focus on increasing internet connectivity, but also contribute to economic development and community well-being.

Idaho Broadband Advisory Board Chair, Representative John Vander Woude, emphasized the importance of these projects in fulfilling the board’s mission.

“These awarded projects are another important step in furthering the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board’s mission of ensuring that all Idahoans have access to affordable and reliable internet,” he told Underground Infrastructure. “These projects will connect homes and businesses across the entire State.”

Similar sentiments have been echoed nationwide as states recognize the critical role of reliable broadband in economic development and quality of life. Yet, the challenges remain significant. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that as of 2023, around 14.5 million Americans still lack access to broadband at speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload—standards that are increasingly insufficient for modern use cases.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Key Driver

Public-private partnerships (P3s) are emerging as a key strategy in fiber optic expansion. These collaborations leverage the strengths of both sectors—public sector funding and policy direction paired with private sector technical expertise and efficiency. For instance, many of Idaho’s newly funded projects involve partnerships with local internet service providers (ISPs) and infrastructure companies.

“These grants are the culmination of months working together and engaging stakeholders, local communities, and internet providers all across the State,” said Idaho Broadband Program Manager, Ramón Hobdey-Sánchez.

This model is also being used elsewhere in the U.S. The state of Virginia, for example, has utilized a similar framework to bring high-speed broadband to its rural communities.

Through its Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI), the state partners with ISPs and local governments to fund last-mile projects, which directly connect homes and businesses to the main fiber network. Such partnerships have proven effective in navigating the complex regulatory, logistical, and financial landscapes of broadband expansion.

Challenges and Barriers to Fiber Optic Expansion

Despite these positive developments, the path to a fully connected America is fraught with challenges. Some of the key barriers include:

1. High Deployment Costs: Building out fiber optic networks, especially in rural and remote areas, is expensive. The costs are not just limited to the fiber cables themselves but also include trenching, permitting, and labor.
2. Regulatory Hurdles: Complex and varied regulations at the federal, state, and local levels can delay projects. Navigating these regulations requires significant coordination between different agencies and stakeholders.
3. Geographical and Environmental Constraints: In states like Idaho, where the landscape includes mountains, forests, and large tracts of sparsely populated land, laying fiber optic cables can be a logistical nightmare.
4. Competition and Market Dynamics: In some regions, entrenched incumbent ISPs may be reluctant to allow new competitors access to existing infrastructure, stifling competition and slowing progress.
5. Labor Shortages: The skilled workforce required to install and maintain fiber optic networks is currently in short supply. This bottleneck not only affects timelines but also inflates costs.

The Future of Fiber Optic Infrastructure in the U.S.

Despite these challenges, the outlook for fiber optic infrastructure in the U.S. is optimistic. Technological advancements, such as microtrenching (a method that reduces the cost and disruption of laying fiber), are making deployments more feasible. Additionally, continued federal and state support, through programs like the CPF and the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), is ensuring that capital is available to support expansion.

There is also growing recognition of the need to update broadband standards. Currently, the FCC’s definition of broadband—25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload—is considered outdated by many experts. The push to redefine broadband to mean 100 Mbps symmetrical speeds would further prioritize fiber optics, which can easily meet and exceed these requirements, over older technologies like DSL and cable.

As these efforts continue, it is expected that fiber optics will become the gold standard for internet connectivity in both urban and rural areas, supporting everything from 5G backhaul to smart city applications.

Of course, it’s vital that fiber is installed without damaging existing subsurface infrastructure.

GPRS safeguards existing and new infrastructure through our subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and facility & project management services.

Our utility locating services utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers, and push-fed sewer scopes to locate and map buried infrastructure in your project area so you can avoid it when microtrenching or directional drilling. This ensures you avoid costly and dangerous subsurface damage, including cross bores.

SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ infrastructure mapping software application, stores all this accurate, field-verified data in one secure, yet easily accessible platform. You’ll be able to view and share this information with your project team from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

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?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPRS find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our elite VPI Project Managers have the capabilities to inspect pipes from 2” in diameter and up.

National Resilience Inc., a San Diego-based biomanufacturer, is set to invest $225 million in West Chester Township, Ohio, transforming a former AstraZeneca plant into a state-of-the-art biomedical manufacturing facility.

This investment will create 274 new full-time jobs and is expected to bolster Ohio’s life sciences sector, making it a hub for medical research and pharmaceutical production, according to an article in the Journal-News. The project, supported by a tax incentive, reflects broader trends in the U.S. healthcare infrastructure, as the demand for advanced manufacturing and research facilities continues to grow.

Overview of the Current Landscape

The construction of medical facilities in the United States is experiencing a transformative period, driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services, advancements in medical technology, and the expansion of life sciences sectors.

Medical facility construction spans a diverse range of projects, from traditional hospitals and outpatient centers to specialized research facilities and manufacturing plants for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This growth is propelled by several key factors, including an aging population, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the need for innovation in drug development and healthcare delivery. As a result, the sector has become a significant driver of economic activity in many regions, providing jobs and stimulating local economies.

Key Trends in Medical Facility Construction

1. Increased Investment in Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Facilities:

The investment by Resilience in West Chester Township is part of a broader trend where biopharmaceutical companies are expanding their infrastructure to enhance drug development and production capabilities. The shift toward biomanufacturing facilities is evident as companies seek to strengthen the domestic supply chain and reduce dependency on foreign manufacturers.

2. Focus on Flexibility and Scalability:

Medical facility construction is no longer just about building larger spaces. Modern facilities are being designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, allowing them to adapt to changes in medical technologies and treatment protocols.

3. Emphasis on Sustainable and Efficient Design:

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies are becoming a core component of new medical facility projects. Design strategies include using energy-efficient materials, incorporating renewable energy sources, and creating layouts that optimize patient and staff flow. These elements not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to a healthier environment for patients and healthcare professionals.

4. Regional Hubs for Health Innovation:

The availability of skilled labor, proximity to research institutions, and supportive state policies make locations like the Midwest and Northeast attractive for medical facility investments. The establishment of these hubs fosters collaboration and accelerates advancements in healthcare technologies.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite the growth, the medical facility construction sector faces several challenges:

Rising Construction Costs:

Costs for labor and materials have been increasing, putting pressure on project budgets and timelines. The industry is adopting strategies such as prefabrication and modular construction to mitigate these expenses, but the challenge remains significant for many projects.

Regulatory Hurdles:

Medical facilities must comply with stringent regulations at both federal and state levels. Navigating these regulations can be time-consuming and costly, impacting project timelines and design flexibility. Companies must work closely with regulators to ensure compliance while maintaining their construction schedules.

Supply Chain Disruptions:

The global supply chain issues that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect medical facility construction. Delays in obtaining critical materials can slow down project completion, particularly for complex facilities that require specialized equipment and components.

The Role of Technology in Shaping Medical Facility Construction

Technology plays a pivotal role in overcoming many of the challenges in medical facility construction. Digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), are used to optimize design and construction processes, enhance collaboration among stakeholders, and reduce errors. Additionally, technologies like 3D printing and robotics are being explored to streamline construction and create more precise components.

Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring have also influenced how new medical facilities are being designed. With the increase in virtual care options, some facilities are being reimagined to support these services, incorporating telehealth suites and digital infrastructure to connect patients and healthcare providers seamlessly.

Regional Insights: Ohio’s Role in Medical Facility Development

The investment by Resilience in Ohio is not an isolated case but part of a broader trend of increasing medical facility development in the Midwest. Ohio has become an attractive destination for biopharmaceutical and healthcare companies due to its strong workforce, proximity to major research institutions, and supportive state policies.

The Ohio Tax Incentive Authority’s decision to approve a 1.9%, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit for Resilience underscores the state's commitment to fostering growth in the life sciences sector. Projects like this contribute to regional economic development by creating high-paying jobs, attracting further investments, and establishing Ohio as a leader in health innovation.

Ohio’s expanding medical and research facilities, coupled with investments from both private and public sectors, have positioned it as a key player in the U.S. healthcare landscape. The development of hubs like West Chester Township signals a shift in how medical research and production are distributed across the country, potentially reducing dependency on traditional biopharmaceutical centers like Boston or San Francisco.

Future Outlook

The future of medical facility construction in the United States is promising, with several emerging trends poised to shape the industry:

Integration of AI and Robotics:

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to play a larger role in both construction processes and the operation of medical facilities. Robotics can assist in construction, while AI can help optimize the management of facilities once they are operational.

Continued Expansion of Biomanufacturing:

The demand for biopharmaceuticals is set to rise, spurring the need for more biomanufacturing facilities. Companies will continue to invest in expanding their capacities, as seen with Resilience, to meet the growing needs of the healthcare industry.

Shift Toward Outpatient and Ambulatory Care Centers:

With advancements in medical technologies and procedures, there is a shift from inpatient to outpatient care. This trend is influencing the design and construction of new facilities, which are being built to support minimally invasive procedures and shorter patient stays.

The current state of medical facility construction in the United States reflects a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector. Projects like Resilience’s investment in Ohio are emblematic of a broader push toward expanding the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring it meets future demands while supporting innovation and economic growth.

GPRS supports construction projects across industries, from hospitals to stadiums and beyond.  Our subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services ensure your projects stay on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when I hire GPRS to conduct 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 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. 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.

Can you find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained in multiple methods of utility locating.

America’s aviation infrastructure plays a crucial role in the efficiency and reliability of the nation’s air transportation system.

Unfortunately, a combination of aging infrastructure, limited funding, and increased passenger demand has resulted in numerous flight delays and cancellations across the country. While recent efforts have aimed to address these issues, substantial work remains to bring America’s aviation infrastructure up to par with international standards.

The Infrastructure Challenge

U.S. airports received a grade of D+ in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting severe deficiencies in capacity and overall infrastructure quality.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, passenger traffic was increasing steadily—from 964.7 million in 2017 to 1.2 billion in 2019. However, the capacity of airports, measured in available flights and infrastructure, did not grow at the same pace. The growth in passenger traffic, combined with aging terminals and runways, led to over 95 million minutes of flight delays for passengers in 2019 alone.

The ASCE pointed to several key factors that contribute to flight delays and cancellations:

1. Airport Capacity Limitations: The U.S. currently has over 3,300 public-use airports, but only about 520 of those handle commercial service. Of those, a large proportion are general aviation airports not designed for high volumes of commercial traffic. Terminal, gate, and runway availability often do not meet growing demand, causing congestion, delays, and disruptions.
2. Aging Infrastructure: Much of America’s airport infrastructure needs modernization. Many terminals, constructed decades ago, require extensive renovation to meet modern standards of safety, capacity, and efficiency. This lag in infrastructure updates contributes significantly to delays, especially during peak travel periods.
3. Inadequate Funding: The funding mechanisms for U.S. airports have not kept pace with the rising demand. The Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), a primary source of airport funding, has been capped at $4.50 since 2000, limiting the financial capacity of airports to invest in significant upgrades. Similarly, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) has been stagnant at $3.35 billion annually for over a decade.
4. Weather-Related Issues and Air Traffic Control: Weather is a major contributor to delays, but air traffic control inefficiencies exacerbate these disruptions. The FAA’s transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is meant to improve efficiency and capacity by shifting from a radar-based system to a satellite-based one. However, NextGen implementation has taken longer than expected, resulting in a continued reliance on outdated technology.

Impacts on Passengers and Airlines

The ripple effects of infrastructure limitations are felt by passengers and airlines alike. Airlines often face increased costs due to the need to reroute flights or accommodate passengers affected by cancellations and delays. Passengers, on the other hand, experience frustration and disruptions to their travel plans. The increase in delay times from 65.8 million minutes in 2017 to 95.8 million minutes in 2019 indicates that the problem has been worsening, with on-time performance dropping from 80.1% to 79.2% over the same period.

Efforts to Address the Infrastructure Gaps

To tackle these challenges, several initiatives and funding mechanisms have been proposed or implemented:

1. Increased Federal Funding: The federal government has responded by increasing airport funding through supplemental AIP funding and COVID-19 relief packages. For example, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provided an additional $12 billion in direct aid to airports, which has been crucial for maintaining operations during the pandemic downturn.
2. Raising or Eliminating the PFC Cap: Advocacy groups and some policymakers have called for raising or eliminating the PFC cap, which would allow airports to collect more revenue directly from passengers to invest in needed infrastructure improvements. This would provide a significant boost to airport development projects, particularly in terminal and runway expansion.
3. NextGen Implementation: The FAA’s NextGen program aims to modernize air traffic control systems to reduce delays and improve routing efficiency. Although implementation has been slower than expected, NextGen has already demonstrated benefits, such as reducing fuel consumption and enhancing safety through better navigation capabilities.
4. Public-Private Partnerships (P3s): Some airports have explored public-private partnerships to raise capital for infrastructure projects. For instance, the $4 billion renovation of LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B in New York was funded through a P3 arrangement, serving as a model for other airports considering similar approaches.

What’s Next?

Despite these efforts, long-term solutions require consistent investment and strategic planning. The ASCE estimates that there is a $111 billion funding shortfall for U.S. airports over the next decade. Addressing this gap is essential not only for reducing delays and cancellations but also for ensuring that the aviation sector can support economic growth and global competitiveness.

GPRS Services Support Airport Infrastructure Improvements

The state of America’s aviation infrastructure is a critical factor behind the rising number of flight delays and cancellations. With passenger demand outpacing capacity and funding levels stagnant, significant challenges remain. However, recent federal investments and ongoing modernization efforts, like the implementation of the NextGen system, offer hope that the nation’s aviation infrastructure will improve in the coming years.

Whether you're managing an airport expansion or improvement, or installing fiber optic cable in a suburban neighborhood, the most effective way to keep your projects on track is by mitigating the risk of subsurface damage during excavation and ensuring seamless communication among all stakeholders from start to finish.

GPRS offers a suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services designed to protect your assets and people. From precision concrete scanning and utility locating to 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspections and virtual tours, we strive to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

To put this field-verified data at your fingertips 24/7, GPRS created SiteMap^® (patent pending), our cloud-based project & facility management application that provides accurate existing condition documentation to help you plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal demonstrations. Click below to schedule your free SiteMap^® demo today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts 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 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. 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 types of concrete scanning are there?

GPRS provides two specific but different scanning services: elevated concrete slab scanning and concrete slab-on-grade locating. Elevated concrete slab scanning involves detecting embedded electrical conduits, rebar, post-tension cables, and more before core drilling a hole through the slab. Performing a concrete slab-on-grade locating service typically involves scanning a trench line for conduits before conducting saw cutting and trenching to install a sanitary pipe, water line, or something similar.

Click here to learn more.

In the construction industry, efficiency and sustainability have become paramount.

As global demand for infrastructure rises, so does the need to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. One powerful tool making a significant difference in this regard is Geographic Information Systems (GIS). By integrating spatial data with traditional construction methodologies, GIS technology empowers construction professionals to build smarter, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.

Understanding GIS Technology

At its core, GIS technology involves the collection, analysis, and visualization of geographic data. It enables users to map and interpret data related to the Earth's surface. This data can include anything from soil composition and topography to infrastructure and zoning laws. By utilizing GIS, construction professionals can make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle—from initial planning and site selection to execution and maintenance.

Enhancing Site Selection

One of the first steps in any construction project is selecting an appropriate site. GIS streamlines this process by providing detailed spatial analysis. For example, it can assess various factors such as soil stability, flood zones, and proximity to utilities.

By leveraging GIS, project managers can identify sites that minimize potential environmental impacts and reduce costs associated with site preparation. A GIS analysis might find potential voids, abandoned lines, and underground storage tanks (USTs). In contrast, an alternative site with stable soil and existing infrastructure could provide a more efficient path forward.

Optimizing Design and Planning

Once a site is selected, GIS technology plays a crucial role in the design and planning phases. Architects and engineers can use GIS tools to visualize the project in a real-world context, considering factors such as surrounding land use, transportation networks, and environmental constraints.

Moreover, GIS enables the creation of integrated models of above and belowground infrastructure that can help engineers and other professionals predict how the construction project will interact with its environment. For example, a construction team can assess potential impacts on local ecosystems or infrastructure and adjust plans accordingly. This level of foresight helps prevent costly redesigns or unexpected challenges during construction.

Improving Resource Management

Resource management is a critical aspect of any construction project. GIS technology can help AEC professionals track materials, equipment, and labor throughout the construction process, helping to ensure that resources are used efficiently.

Construction managers can analyze supply chain logistics and optimize material delivery schedules. By visualizing the locations of suppliers, construction teams can plan more efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption and transportation costs. Additionally, GIS can help track inventory levels on-site, ensuring that materials are utilized effectively and minimizing the risk of over-ordering or waste.

Streamlining Communication and Collaboration

Collaboration is essential in construction, involving multiple stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and local authorities. GIS technology facilitates communication among these parties by providing a shared platform for data visualization.

When all stakeholders can access the same geographic data, it promotes transparency and informed decision-making. For example, if a contractor identifies a potential issue with site drainage, they can easily share this information with the design team via the GIS platform. This immediate feedback loop fosters quicker resolutions and helps avoid costly delays.

Supporting Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in the construction industry; it has become a critical focus area. GIS technology supports sustainable practices by providing tools for environmental impact assessments.

For example, GIS can help identify areas for green space, track water runoff, and monitor air quality throughout the construction process. By analyzing this data, construction teams can implement strategies to mitigate their environmental impact. This might include selecting materials that are less harmful to the environment, reducing energy consumption during construction, or ensuring proper waste management protocols are in place.

Furthermore, GIS can support post-construction sustainability by aiding in the development of smart buildings that utilize renewable energy sources, optimize energy efficiency, and minimize waste. By integrating GIS data with building information modeling (BIM), construction teams can create structures that are not only functional but also environmentally responsible.

Analyzing and Monitoring Construction Progress

Another significant advantage of GIS technology is its ability to monitor construction progress in real-time. By using drones and satellite imagery, construction managers can capture up-to-date information about site conditions and progress. This data can then be integrated into GIS platforms for analysis.

This continuous monitoring helps identify potential issues before they escalate, allowing for timely interventions. For instance, if a particular section of the project is lagging, managers can use GIS to investigate potential causes, such as resource shortages or weather impacts. This proactive approach not only helps keep projects on track but also reduces the likelihood of wasted resources.

The Future of GIS in Construction

As the construction industry continues to evolve, the role of GIS technology is likely to expand. Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence could enhance GIS capabilities, enabling more sophisticated analyses and predictions. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on digital twins—virtual replicas of physical environments—will likely integrate GIS data for even more comprehensive project management.

The trend towards smart cities, where urban infrastructure is managed through interconnected technologies, will also bolster the importance of GIS. As cities become more complex, GIS will be essential for planning and managing sustainable development, helping to ensure that resources are used efficiently, and waste is minimized.

SiteMap^® Helps You Build Better

In an industry where efficiency and sustainability are increasingly critical, GIS technology offers construction professionals a powerful toolkit for enhancing decision-making and resource management.

SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, is a cloud-based infrastructure mapping application that incorporates GIS functionality and supports data portability with your preferred GIS platform. What distinguishes SiteMap^® from other GIS platforms is its foundation in precise data collected on-site by GPRS’ NASSCO and SIM-certified Project Managers. This data is then meticulously layered and modeled by our in-house Mapping & Modeling Department to meet your specific requirements.

Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced professional, SiteMap^® enhances communication across the board, helping to reduce risks and incidents on each project site.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demonstrations. Click below to schedule your demo today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of data can be analyzed using GIS technology?  

GIS can analyze various types of data, including spatial data (such as maps and satellite imagery), demographic data, environmental data (like soil composition and water quality), and infrastructure data (like utility networks). This diverse range of data allows for comprehensive analysis in construction projects.

2. How does GIS contribute to cost savings in construction?

By optimizing site selection, improving resource management, and enhancing communication among stakeholders, GIS helps reduce costs associated with redesigns, material waste, and delays. It also aids in efficient logistics planning, which can lower transportation costs.

3. Is GIS technology difficult to implement for construction companies?

While there may be a learning curve associated with adopting GIS technology, many user-friendly software options are available. Training programs and resources can help construction companies integrate GIS into their workflows effectively. Over time, the benefits gained from using GIS far outweigh the initial implementation challenges.

7 Questions to Consider Before You Request a Quote
for 3D Laser Scanning, CAD Drawings, BIM Models, or Digital Twins

Preparing the right information before you request a quote for 3D laser scanning services can bring huge benefits.

Tell your 3D laser scanning company everything they need to know about your project up front and you will speed up the quoting process, streamline the work, and save yourself a lot of time and money.

To give you a head start on gathering information for your provider, we reached out to Nate Baker, GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Service Line Leader, who is an elite technician with years of field experience. Here are the seven things – according to Baker - that you should know (or try to figure out) about your project before requesting a quote.

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Question 1: What will be your final use application of the data, drawing and/or model?

The 3D laser scan company will need to know what goal you want to achieve by obtaining a laser scan or a 3D model. Without that information, Baker says, a provider cannot advise you on the best possible approach to the project.
If you aren’t sure of your final use application, here are a few examples for reference:

• Obtaining an accurate record of a historical building
• Gathering window measurements
• Generating 2D floor plans of an office for space management
• Creating a detailed scan to BIM model of an industrial facility
• Performing clash detection as part of planning to move a large piece of equipment

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Question 2: What is the scope of work?

To give you an accurate quote, your 3D laser scanning service provider near you will need to know the details of the space you want them to capture.
Gather information like:

• How many square feet?
• How many levels?
• Is it occupied?
• Does the project cover the interior? Exterior? The roof? All three?
• Does the space include a lot of glass or other highly reflective surfaces such as stainless-steel piping?

PRO TIP: Don’t think that requesting 2D floor plans for your five-story building is going to save you money. Most service providers will create 2D floor plans using 3D models as guides, which means they are generating the 3D model anyway.

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Question 3: What file types are needed?

“It’s not enough for you to tell us to scan the building,” says Baker. “We need to know what files you want us to provide to you on the back end. Many people don’t think about this ahead of time, and I would say it’s absolutely critical for us to know that, in order to give our clients a quick turnaround.”
Gather information like:

• Should the point cloud be colorized or intensity map?
• Do you want the provider to create a 3D model?
• Do you also need 2D floor plans, elevations or reflected ceiling plans?

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Question 4: What level of detail is required for the 3D BIM model?

If you want a 3D BIM model as your final deliverable, your provider will need to know how much of the space you want modeled and how detailed you want the modeling to be for each feature. These details may sound unimportant to know so early in the 3D laser scanning process, but Baker explains that they can have a huge effect on how the provider scans your asset—and as a result, can change the price of your project drastically.
To figure out what level of detail you require, answer these questions:

• Do you want a true as-built model or digital twin, or are you looking for a design-intent model that shows plumb walls and 90° angles?
• Are you looking for a basic 3D model, with architectural elements like columns and beams only?
• Or are you looking for something more detailed, for instance a model that includes MEP?
• How detailed do you want your model? Do you want all pipes two inches and up modeled? Or all pipes ½ inch and up?
• Do you want elements in different rooms modeled at different levels of detail?

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Question 5: How do you want the data delivered?

Once you have decided on a set of final deliverables, Baker says, your provider will need to know how to get the data over to you. Since there are a wide variety of options, you’ll need to tell the provider which ones will work best for you.
Jot down some quick information, like:

• What software are you using?
• What version is the software?
• What file format would you like your data in?
• Do you want it mailed on a hard drive? Or shared online?

PRO TIP: Baker warns that you should be extra careful to verify your software specs. His team has dealt with cases in the past where a client has asked for files in a specific format—for example, they requested a Revit format—and then found out that they couldn’t open the file because their version of the software is a previous version.

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Question 6: What is the project timeline?

Your provider will also need to understand your project timeline. This information will help them work within your schedule and avoid disruption on the job site.
Think about:

• Do you need a purchase order to begin work?
• How long will it take to get approval?
• Is your timeline strict? For example, do you need the provider to capture an industrial facility on a single day during a planned outage?
• Is your timeline flexible? If you need the provider on-site next week, does the day matter?
• What is your budget for 3D laser scanning? Does laser scanning and modeling need to be completed at once? We can execute projects in multiple stages. For instance, some clients will ask us to 3D scan and model one area of a building in an initial phase and revisit the remainder of the building at a later date.
• When do you absolutely need the deliverable by?

PRO TIP: Budget enough time for your provider to turnaround the data and deliverables after capture. After scanning, point cloud data is imported and registered. Registration is crucial to the quality of the final product. Registration errors, if not mitigated and resolved, can easily propagate and multiply further down the process. 3D modeling is a far more precise process carried out by CAD technicians. A reputable provider will clearly communicate the project timeline.

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Question 7: How will the 3D laser scan company access the site?

Are you looking to scan a site that is restricted (like a processing plant) or one that can only be scanned at night (like an airport terminal)? Your provider will need to know your site access plan to complete their work.
Record information like:

• Is there security?
• Are there areas the provider will need security’s help to access?
• Will they need a manager to let them in?
• Will the manager or an escort need to be there for the scanning?
• Will they need to scan at night? If so, during what hours is the site open for scanning?
• Are there approvals, training, drug testing or other entry requirements before being allowed on-site?
• Will we need to work around staff, customers, etc. or will the building or space be vacant?

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Answer these questions to expedite 3D laser scanning & receipt of your drawings and models

Baker says that answering these seven questions ahead of time can speed up your 3D laser scanning and 3D BIM modeling projects significantly.

“There’s always going to be some back and forth,” he says. “A reputable 3D laser scanning service like GPRS can help you determine your needs, explain the benefits of one approach versus another, and even talk you down from buying something you don’t need. Answer these questions the best you can, and this will give you a head start. You can 100% save yourself money by gathering this information before requesting a quote.”

If you’re considering laser scanning and need help answering these questions or determining if laser scanning is right for you, contact GPRS today. Our team can assess your needs and help you determine the best course of action.

18 months ago, the largely vacant Flatiron Building, the iconic triangular skyscraper designed by Daniel Burnham, was in limbo. In March of 2023, the building was auctioned off, for what was considered by some the “bloated” price of $190 million. That purchase, however, was not finalized, as the winning bidder failed to fulfill the terms of the sale.

Which left up in the air the fate of a building so unique it is as immediately recognizable as the Empire State or Chrysler buildings.

The “bizarre saga,” as it was called by The New York Times, seems to have finally come to an end, as the Brodsky Organization, a major property developer, became part of a joint venture deal that acquired a stake in the skyscraper. The joint venture, which also includes GFP Real Estate and the Sorgente Group, has filed rezoning applications with the city of New York stating that it plans a mixed-use development that includes 60 residential condominium units for the building.  

The ground floor will also include a 5,000 sq. ft. retail space. The one long-time tenant of the Flatiron Building, Macmillan Publishing, departed for new digs at the Beyer Blinder Belle restored, Ernest Graham designed Equitable Building in the Finance District in 2019. The sole remaining tenant at Flatiron, a T-Mobile store on the ground floor, will also depart. Some reporting states that there is room to expand to as many as 100 condos in the building, but current plans call for 60, which is up from the 40 units initially planned when the JV stake was announced.

What Are Brodsky’s Plans for Taking the Flatiron Building Residential?

The first, and arguably most important, thing you should know is that there “won’t be significant notable changes” to Burnham’s iconic façade. According to reporting in The Real Deal, “Façade alterations will be minor,” and “the property won’t be demolished or expanded.”

The average condo size is expected to be 2,000 s.f. However, that figure is based on a 100-unit layout, rather than the 60 currently specified in official filings.  

If the development follows most of the luxury apartments and condos in New York City, you should expect a mixed-use development with restaurants, commercial, and/or retail space on the ground floor, condos above, and amenities like a gym, common/party areas, and perhaps, even a residents-only bar. Other high-end residences in The Brodsky Portfolio include City Tower and the Enclave at the Cathedral, which include amenities like a basketball court, game room, theatre, gallery, sky deck, terrace, and lounge, along with the – now almost requisite – fitness center.

The current development plans give an expected completion date of sometime by 2026.

The History of The Flatiron Building

"Over its 121-year history, the Flatiron Building became as identified with Manhattan as the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building.”  – The New York Times

While many people think the building’s name comes from its unusual shape, the building’s name is actually taken from the neighborhood itself. The triangular piece of land bordered by Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 22nd & 23rd Streets had long been known as the Flat Iron when mining magnates, the Newhouse brothers, purchased it in 1899.

Their idea was to capitalize on and take part in the establishment of a new business district outside of the Wall Street financial sector. Sam and Mott Newhouse joined a syndicate with the George A. Fuller Company’s Harry S. Black (in a business structure not unlike the current joint venture that recently purchased the building), and filed their intentions to build a 20-story skyscraper on the triangle of land in 1901. That 20-story estimate flew in the face of the accepted wisdom that any building constructed on the Flat Iron could not physically exceed 12 stories.

The lead architect tapped to create their unusual structure was Daniel Burnham, of the well-known Chicago school of architecture. Burnham, along with his associate, Frederick P. Dinkelberg, designed a structure that was not only unusual in its overall shape, but in its foundational structure. Flying in the face of traditional wisdom for skyscraper construction, Burnham’s steel-frame design shunned the heavy block pediments that were considered essential to the base of a skyscraper. Instead, his building’s Beaux-Arts façade, inspired by French and Italian Renaissance architecture, rose straight from the street. Not only did this ensure his building would immediately gain attention, it caused many in the construction community to dub it “Burnham’s Folly,” because they were certain a steel-framed structure of such height would topple over if not supported by a thick pediment base.

Burnham was happy to prove them wrong. The building was completed in 1902, but the rest of the Flat Iron district did not build up to create that longed-for new business sector. The building housed the Fuller Company until 1929, after which it was auctioned off during The Great Depression. In 1969, a division of Macmillan Publishing leased part of the building, and the publisher eventually occupied almost all of it. In 1983, Thomas McCormack, then the president of MacMillan’s St. Martin’s Press, said of the unique structure,

“It’s the only office I know of where you can stand in one place and see the East River, the Hudson, and Central Park without moving.”

In fact, it is the unusually large number of windows – far more than most skyscrapers – that makes the Flatiron a great adaptive reuse candidate. Installing sufficient windows is often among the most expensive line items in a building conversion budget.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that the iconic building itself became such an architectural draw for the neighborhood that it spawned the development of restaurants, shopping, and tourism and the “Flatiron District” was finally born. Now, it’s considered one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.  

And now, the new JV developing team plan to utilize adaptive reuse protocols to bring upscale housing in to match the neighborhood’s feel. Dean Amro, a principal at the Brodsky Organization, said that the project is a reflection of the organization’s belief that, “[O]ur confidence in New York coming back stronger than before.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does it Take to Convert a Historic Building via Adaptive Reuse?

Here are several articles that explain the concept of adaptive reuse, and how it’s bringing historical office and manufacturing structures back to life as residential spaces.

https://www.gp-radar.com/article/what-is-adaptive-reuse-in-architecture

https://www.gp-radar.com/article/how-one-architect-used-gprs-3d-bim-model-to-plan-retail-renovations

https://www.gp-radar.com/article/how-new-adaptive-reuse-trends-are-changing-multifamily-conversions

https://www.gp-radar.com/article/adaptive-reuse-partnership-leads-the-charge-for-la2028-olympic-games

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GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® for customers nationwide.

What can we help you visualize?

Three Mile Island is coming back online to supply carbon-free energy for Microsoft’s growing arsenal of data centers.

Constellation Energy Corp. announced on Friday, September 20, the signing of a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft that will pave the way for the launch of the Crane Clean Energy Center (CCEC) and restart of the Unit 1 reactor at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania.

“Powering industries critical to our nation’s global economic and technological competitiveness, including data centers, requires an abundance of energy that is carbon-free and reliable every hour of every day, and nuclear plants are the only energy sources that can consistently deliver on that promise,” Joe Dominguez, president and CEO of Constellation, said in a press release. “Before it was prematurely shuttered due to poor economics, this plant was among the safest and most reliable nuclear plants on the grid, and we look forward to bringing it back with a new name and a renewed mission to serve as an economic engine for Pennsylvania. We are especially honored to name this new plant after our former CEO Chris Crane, who was a fierce advocate for our business, devoting his entire career to the safe, reliable operation of our nation’s nuclear fleet, and we will continue that legacy at the Crane Clean Energy Center.”

The History of Three Mile Island

Three Mile Island had been in operation for about five years when, at 4 a.m. on March 28, 1979, a pressure valve in the Unit 2 reactor failed to close.

Irradiated cooling water drained from the open valve into adjoining buildings, and the reactor’s core began to overheat. Emergency cooling pumps automatically kicked in, and it is believed that they could have prevented the situation from escalating had they been left alone. However, human operators in the control room reportedly misread confusing and contradictory readings and shut off the emergency system.

The reactor was also shut down, but temperatures and pressure within its core continued to rise due to the residual heat released by the fission process. In a few short hours, the core had heated to over 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit – within 1,000 degrees of meltdown temperature.

Operators were able to get the emergency pumps restarted around 8 p.m., and temperatures and pressure within the reactor slowly dropped through the night. It’s believed the reactor came within an hour of a complete meltdown, which would have exposed the surrounding community to harmful levels of radiation. While plant workers were exposed to unhealthy levels of radiation during the height of the crisis, no injuries, deaths, or direct health effects were caused by the incident.

Cleanup efforts at Unit 2 continued until 1990, but the reactor was too damaged to resume operation. Utah-based EnergySolutions acquired the unit from FirstEnergy in December 2020. The decades-long decommissioning project of the reactor moved into a new phase as crews were able to begin removing core debris.

EnergySolutions says it will take about six years to remove these components, and then another seven or eight years to completely dismantle the structure.  

The unharmed Unit 1 reactor was shut down during the crisis, and it did not resume operation until 1985. It operated without incident until noon on September 20, 2019, when it was taken offline with the expectation that it would be decommissioned.

There is, however, a renewed interest in nuclear power, mostly due to the escalating energy needs of data centers and artificial intelligence technology.

Constellation anticipates the CCEC to be online in 2028. The re-starting of the reactor will require U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval following a comprehensive safety and environmental review, as well as permits from relevant state and local agencies. Constellation says the project will add approximately 835 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the grid to service Microsoft’s energy needs and will create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs and deliver more than $3 billion in state and federal taxes.

"This agreement is a major milestone in Microsoft's efforts to help decarbonize the grid in support of our commitment to become carbon negative. Microsoft continues to collaborate with energy providers to develop carbon-free energy sources to help meet the grids' capacity and reliability needs," said Bobby Hollis, VP of Energy, Microsoft.  

Industrial facilities such as nuclear reactors have operators who are responsible for the repairs and updates on the mechanical and electrical equipment that keep those facilities operating safely and efficiently.

GPRS’ SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers provide industry-leading results when conducting private utility locates, precision concrete scanning, video (CCTV) pipe inspections, pinpoint-accurate leak detection, and 2-4mm accurate 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry services.

We have successfully completed as-built utility update projects at many power generation facilities across the United States. With our comprehensive range of reporting options, from marks on the ground, to a basic field sketch, or a detailed CAD report or satellite image overlay, our energy clients have the peace of mind of knowing that they have the most reliable scanning and reporting technology on their job site. 

All the accurate, field-verified data we collect on your site is at your team’s fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

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?

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.

Construction is well under way on a $550 million theme park in Frisco, Texas that is designed specifically for families with young children.

Longtime GPRS safety partner, Balfour Beatty is overseeing construction, and Architecture firm Gensler helped design Universal Kids Resort – Universal Destinations & Experiences’ first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children.

Located off the Dallas North Tollway, the park will feature “immersive themed lands that celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun...” as well as a “300-room themed hotel giving families a place to stay and to play following their day of adventure,” according to a press release issued by Universal.

Groundbreaking occurred in November 2023, and construction is expected to be complete by May 2026.

Universal Kids is designed to be significantly smaller than Universal’s other theme parks across the globe. The feel and scale of this new park is designed with younger children and their families in mind, including family-friendly attractions, interactive shows, and character meet and greets.

"Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery and most importantly – play," said Molly Murphy, President, Universal Creative. "We're designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters."

Universal says that the resort will create thousands of jobs, including more than 2,500 new construction jobs. The City of Frisco expects the company to invest at least $550 million to build the new resort, according to an Axios report.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the city of Frisco and Mayor Cheney as we work to bring this innovative, new concept to life designed specifically for a younger generation of Universal fans,” Page Thompson, President, New Ventures, Universal Parks & Resorts, said in a press release issued by the City of Frisco. “We think North Texas is the perfect place to launch this unique park for families given its growing popularity within this part of the country.”

While Universal Kids Resort is not as big as Universal’s other offerings around the world, the construction of a brand-new theme park of any size is a monumental undertaking that requires careful planning and design – and equally careful attention to detail when excavating.

“Project teams must work safely around tight timelines with rigid deadlines, manage a diverse group of stakeholders and grapple with evolving technology. All the while, they must align with the sponsor's ultimate goal: to deliver thrills that keep crowds coming back for more,” reports the Project Management Institute on theme parks.

The more accurate the as-built information created while a theme park or attraction is under construction, the greater chance of mitigating subsurface damage during construction, and any future operations & maintenance or renovations.

GPRS offers a comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services designed to keep projects of any shape or size on time, on budget, and safe.

We utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, remote-controlled sewer scope rovers, acoustic leak detection equipment and leak detection correlators to protect your buried utilities from the dangers of subsurface damage – and inspect that infrastructure for defects in the process. And our 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry services help you plan intelligently without even having to be physically on site.

All this accurate, field-verified data is available to you 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ facility & project management application that provides existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

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?

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get when I hire GPRS to perform 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 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. 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.

Can you find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

Can GPR verify known measurements?

We are able to use GPR to cross-check the measured depth and location of a located utility with existing as-built plans in order to verify the accuracy of plans.

As the backbone of public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability, America’s water infrastructure is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of national well-being.

Unfortunately, much of this infrastructure is aging and in need of urgent attention.

The State of Our Water Infrastructure

Approximately 250,000 water main breaks occur each year in the United States, according to the American Water Works Association (AWWA). These breaks lead not only to wasted water but also to significant economic costs, including emergency repairs and disruptions in service. Much of this infrastructure, including pipes, treatment plants, and storage facilities, was installed decades ago and is reaching the end of its useful life.

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 2021 Infrastructure Report Card gave America’s drinking water infrastructure a “C-,” emphasizing the need for major investments. This grade reflects a combination of deteriorating pipes, outdated treatment technologies, and insufficient funding for maintenance and upgrades.

Funding Shortfalls

One of the main challenges facing water infrastructure is the lack of adequate funding. The AWWA estimates that over the next two decades, utilities will need to invest around $1 trillion to improve and maintain water infrastructure. However, many local and state governments struggle to secure the necessary funds. This shortfall is exacerbated by rising operational costs and declining federal investment.

Many water systems rely heavily on revenue from water sales and property taxes, which can fluctuate with economic conditions. This creates a vicious cycle: when economic downturns occur, revenues decrease, leaving utilities with less money to invest in necessary repairs and upgrades.

The Impact of Climate Change

Climate change is another critical factor affecting America’s water infrastructure. Increasingly severe weather events, such as floods and droughts, strain systems that were not designed to cope with such variability. These changes can lead to increased demand on water supplies and higher costs for treatment and delivery.

Moreover, aging infrastructure is less resilient to climate change impacts. For example, pipes made of outdated materials, such as lead and asbestos, can exacerbate public health risks, particularly in low-income communities that often lack the resources for necessary upgrades. Nearly 6 million lead service lines remain in use across the country, posing significant health risks.

Public Health Risks

The deterioration of water infrastructure directly affects public health. Aging pipes can lead to contamination from pathogens, heavy metals, and other harmful substances. The crisis in Flint, Michigan, is a stark reminder of what can happen when infrastructure fails. Lead leached into the drinking water due to corroded pipes, resulting in long-term health issues for residents, particularly children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even low levels of lead exposure can lead to developmental delays and cognitive impairments in children. Investing in modernizing water systems is crucial to ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans.

The Role of Technology

Emerging technologies offer promising solutions to address some of the challenges posed by aging water infrastructure. Advanced monitoring systems, including smart sensors and data analytics, can help utilities detect leaks and assess the condition of pipes in real-time. These technologies enable more efficient use of resources and can extend the lifespan of existing infrastructure.

The use of innovative materials is also gaining traction. For example, trenchless technologies allow for the replacement of aging pipes without extensive excavation, minimizing disruption to communities. These methods can reduce cost and lead to faster repairs.

Community Engagement and Policy Solutions

Addressing the aging water infrastructure crisis requires a collaborative approach that involves federal, state, and local governments, as well as community stakeholders. The ASCE advocates for policies that prioritize water infrastructure investment, including increased federal funding and more robust grant programs for local utilities.

Community engagement is also crucial. Residents must understand the importance of water infrastructure and be willing to support funding initiatives. Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about the challenges facing their local water systems and the necessity for investment in upgrades and maintenance.

Learn How to Protect Your Water Infrastructure During WSDAW

America’s aging water infrastructure presents a formidable challenge that affects public health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing funding, embracing innovative technologies, and engaging communities, we can work towards a more resilient and reliable water infrastructure that ensures safe and clean drinking water for all Americans.

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week, sponsored by GPRS, is a safety initiative designed to help water and wastewater system operators take a more proactive approach to maintaining their infrastructure. From October 21-25, 2024, GPRS’ safety experts will travel across the country delivering free safety presentations to municipalities, engineers, facility managers, property management groups, and anyone else who is ready to regain control of their fresh and wastewater infrastructure.

Click here to schedule your free WSDAW presentation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles of pipe can GPRS test for leaks in one day?

Our expertly trained Project Managers (PMs) can test up to 10 miles of pipe a day on a metallic system (Cast Iron/Ductile). Experienced Leak Detectors can test a contact point (Hydrant/Valve) within a minute before moving on to the next one. GPRS can work efficiently because our PMs are trained to hear the specific tone that a leak produces compared to any other number of noises a general environment makes.

Can you determine the size of the leak you locate?

After analyzing thousands of previous leaks detected, we asked clients to send us pictures of the remediation. This information has helped us compare our final leak signal detected with the results of the actual leak. We determine the size of the leak by how far the leak signal travels between contact points and the pitch of the tone received. However, we do not produce formal leak estimations.

Why don’t I see any water where you’ve located a leak?

Water finds the path of least resistance. Water can run through cracks in subsurface rock or make its way into storm, sanitary, and conduit piping. If the subsurface contains a high volume of sand, it will naturally flow farther down. There is no water visible on the surface in more than 99% of the leaks we locate.

The deadline is fast approaching for all Community Water Systems (CWS) and Non-Transient, Non-Community Water Systems (NTNCWSs) in the U.S. to submit an initial inventory of their service line materials as part of a nationwide effort to address lead in drinking water.

Communities have until October 16, 2024, to complete this initial step in the federal government’s ambitious lead service line replacement program, which is part of the broader Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).

This initiative aims to eradicate lead service lines and reduce the risk of lead contamination in drinking water.

Lead contamination in drinking water has been a persistent public health issue in the United States for decades.

The dangers of lead exposure, especially to children and pregnant women, are well-documented. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, stunting development and leading to behavioral and learning problems. Despite the significant risk, lead service lines (LSLs) are still present in millions of homes across the country. These aging pipes pose a major threat to the quality of drinking water and the health of those who consume it.

Background: The Scope of the Problem

Lead service lines are the primary source of lead contamination in drinking water. These pipes, which connect water mains to individual homes, were installed extensively in the early-to-mid 20th century, before the dangers of lead became widely recognized. Estimates suggest that there are still between 6 to 10 million lead service lines in use across the United States, with the highest concentrations in older urban areas such as Chicago, Newark, and Washington D.C.

Although the use of lead pipes for plumbing was banned in 1986, and the Safe Drinking Water Act amendments of 1991 set strict limits on lead content in drinking water, many homes still rely on outdated infrastructure. Even a small amount of lead in drinking water can be harmful. For this reason, replacing LSLs has become a top priority for public health advocates and government agencies alike.

Legislative and Regulatory Efforts

The Biden administration has set a goal of replacing all lead service lines within the next decade. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in November 2021 earmarked $15 billion specifically for lead service line replacement. This funding, distributed through the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, has accelerated efforts across the country. However, $15 billion is only a fraction of the estimated $45-$60 billion needed to replace all lead service lines.

The EPA’s updated Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, which came into effect in December 2021, introduced new requirements for utilities and municipalities. These include:

1. Lead Service Line Inventories: Water systems must develop an inventory of lead service lines within their service areas by 2024. This inventory is crucial for understanding the full scope of the problem and prioritizing replacement efforts.
2. Replacement Requirements: The rule mandates a minimum annual replacement rate for lead service lines and establishes a new “trigger level” of 10 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in drinking water, which requires additional actions to reduce lead levels.
3. Customer Communication and Education: Water utilities must notify residents within 24 hours if elevated lead levels are detected and provide clear information on the risks of lead exposure and how to mitigate it.

Progress to Date

Since the announcement of these initiatives, several states and municipalities have made significant progress in planning and executing lead service line replacements. As of 2024, notable achievements include:

• Illinois: Illinois passed a statewide lead service line replacement mandate in 2021, which requires all lead service lines to be removed within 40 years. Cities such as Chicago, which is believed to have the most lead service lines of any city in the U.S., have initiated large-scale replacement programs, prioritizing neighborhoods with the highest levels of vulnerability.
• Michigan: Following the Flint water crisis, Michigan implemented one of the most stringent lead service line replacement rules in the country. As of 2024, the state has replaced over 20,000 lead service lines and aims to complete replacement for all known lines by 2041.
• New Jersey: Newark and Trenton have been at the forefront of LSL replacement in New Jersey. Newark, which faced high-profile lead contamination issues in recent years, successfully replaced more than 18,000 lead service lines in less than three years.
• Ohio: In Columbus and Cleveland, LSL inventories and partial replacement programs have been expanded. The state is leveraging federal funds to provide subsidies to low-income households to cover the cost of LSL replacement.

Despite these successes, the pace of replacement varies significantly among states and municipalities. Some areas, particularly those with fewer resources, have struggled to meet inventory and replacement requirements. Many rural communities face unique challenges due to the dispersed nature of their water systems and limited funding.

Challenges and Barriers

Several challenges continue to hinder the progress of the lead service line replacement program:

1. Funding Gaps: While the federal government has provided substantial funding, it is not sufficient to cover the entire cost of nationwide replacement. States and municipalities are often required to supplement federal funds with their own resources, which can be a significant barrier for less affluent areas.
2. Inadequate Data: Many water systems lack complete and accurate data on the location and composition of lead service lines. This complicates efforts to prioritize replacements and comply with federal requirements.
3. Coordination and Communication: The replacement process often involves multiple stakeholders, including water utilities, local governments, contractors, and homeowners. Ensuring effective coordination and communication can be difficult, especially in large urban areas.
4. Disruption and Logistics: Replacing lead service lines is a disruptive process that involves digging up streets, sidewalks, and potentially private property. Managing these logistics, while minimizing inconvenience to residents, requires careful planning and execution.
5. Equity Considerations: Lead exposure disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities. Ensuring that LSL replacements are conducted equitably—without burdening homeowners with costs—is a key priority but also a major challenge.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. lead service line replacement program is at a pivotal moment. With increased funding and regulatory pressure, there is real momentum behind efforts to eliminate lead from drinking water infrastructure. However, achieving this goal will require sustained investment, innovative approaches, and strong partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies.

Technological advancements, such as improved methods for detecting lead pipes and more cost-effective replacement techniques, are also expected to play a role in speeding up the process. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives will be crucial in building trust and ensuring that residents are informed and supportive of these efforts.

In the next few years, it is anticipated that more states will adopt stricter regulations and implement comprehensive replacement programs. The EPA is also expected to continue refining the Lead and Copper Rule based on feedback from states and municipalities, with the possibility of further tightening the allowable lead levels in drinking water.

The success of the lead service line replacement program will ultimately depend on the ability of the federal government to sustain funding, the commitment of states and municipalities to meet or exceed regulatory requirements, and the participation of communities in supporting these vital public health efforts.

GPRS Services Help with Lead Service Line Removal

The first step in removing a lead service line (LSL) is to identify its existence, which requires accurately mapping your water system infrastructure. Both pressurized drinking water lines and sewer lines (including sanitary and storm sewers) must be precisely located and mapped before daylighting potential lead lines and proceeding with excavation and replacement.

GPRS boasts a 99.8%+ accuracy rate in utility line location and mapping, the highest in the industry. By incorporating our state-of-the-art, NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection (VPI) services into a standard utility locate, you can accurately map all storm and sanitary sewer lines, laterals, and detect cross bores caused by trenchless technology like directional drilling. This comprehensive approach enables you to create a detailed map of your entire drinking and wastewater systems, making the process of identifying and replacing LSLs much faster and easier.

Additionally, every GPRS customer gains access to our new SiteMap^® infrastructure visualization software. This tool provides layered, interactive utility maps and NASSCO WinCan reports in a secure, cloud-based platform, allowing you to manage the quality of your water infrastructure data and control who has access to it. SiteMap^® ensures that the right information reaches the right people at the right time.

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?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is a pipe that connects the water main under the street to a home or building. These pipes are made of lead and were commonly used for plumbing in the early 20th century. Because lead is highly toxic, these pipes can contaminate drinking water if they corrode or break down over time.

2. How do I know if my home has a lead service line?

To determine if your home has a lead service line, check with your local water utility or health department. They may have information on the presence of lead pipes in your area. You can also hire a professional plumber to inspect your service line or look for clues such as the color and material of the pipe where it enters your home.

3. Who is responsible for replacing lead service lines?

Responsibility for replacing lead service lines varies by location. In some areas, the water utility covers the cost of replacement, while in others, homeowners may be required to share in the cost. Recent federal and state initiatives aim to reduce the financial burden on homeowners, particularly in low-income communities, by providing subsidies and grants for lead service line replacement.

The lead service line replacement program is an essential step toward ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans. As efforts continue to ramp up, the hope is that lead contamination in drinking water will soon be a thing of the past.

The construction industry in the United States is facing a critical challenge: a severe labor shortage exacerbated by an aging workforce and the loss of institutional knowledge when experienced workers retire.

This workforce dilemma threatens the industry’s ability to meet growing demand, and the stability and sustainability of construction companies as they grapple with finding new, qualified workers to fill the gap.

As of 2022, the median age of workers in construction and extraction occupations was 41.2 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Approximately 45% of all construction workers were 45 years old or older, signaling that a large portion of the workforce is approaching retirement age. While the aging population is a trend seen across many industries—the median age of workers in the U.S. was 42.3 in 2022—construction has been disproportionately affected by this demographic shift.

The Roots of the Problem

The causes of this workforce aging problem are complex and multifaceted. One key factor is the lingering impact of the Great Recession (2007-2009), which led to a massive slowdown in construction activity and drove many skilled workers to leave the industry for more stable and predictable jobs elsewhere. Even as construction rebounded in the following years, the perception of the industry as volatile and lacking job security has persisted, making it difficult to attract younger talent.

Moreover, construction has struggled to compete with other industries that offer more attractive working conditions. Seasonal work, long hours, and physically demanding tasks make the profession less appealing to younger generations, who often prioritize work-life balance and job stability.

“As many members of the senior workforce retire from construction, there aren’t enough qualified, experienced folks to take their place,” Marianne Monte, Chief People and Administration Officer for Shawmut Design and Construction, told industry publication Construction Dive.

The Impact of the Labor Shortage

The shortage of skilled workers is already having tangible effects on the industry. A smaller talent pool has forced some contractors to turn down new projects due to a lack of staffing, resulting in delayed timelines and increased costs. This has been particularly problematic in the face of high demand for construction projects, which include new housing developments, infrastructure upgrades, and commercial expansions.

Kris Manning, Chief Operating Officer of Clark Construction, told Construction Dive that despite high demand, many contractors simply cannot take on additional work without the necessary manpower. This situation can create a vicious cycle where fewer projects lead to fewer opportunities for newcomers to gain experience, further exacerbating the industry’s labor challenges.

Additionally, the retirement of experienced workers has led to a loss of institutional knowledge—skills and insights that are not easily transferable through training or manuals.

Efforts to Attract and Retain Workers

To address these challenges, industry leaders and experts are calling for more proactive recruitment and retention strategies, including:

1. Early Outreach and Education: Engaging with students at younger ages is critical to changing perceptions of the construction industry and presenting it as a viable and rewarding career path. This involves introducing skilled trades as early as elementary and middle school and investing in vocational programs at high schools and community colleges.
2. Enhanced Diversity and Inclusion Efforts: The construction workforce has historically been dominated by older, white males, which has created a narrow view of who is a fit for the industry. To break this stereotype, companies are placing a greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to attract women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups. Once recruited, retaining a diverse workforce requires creating an inclusive environment that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by these groups and offers support such as childcare and flexible working arrangements.
3. Technology and Innovation: Leveraging new technologies can also play a pivotal role in attracting younger generations. Digital twins, artificial intelligence (AI), and other innovations can help reduce some of the physical and repetitive aspects of construction work, making the industry more appealing to tech-savvy individuals.

The Cost of Inaction

The implications of not addressing the labor shortage extend beyond individual companies. The construction industry is a critical pillar of the U.S. economy, providing the infrastructure necessary for housing, transportation, and commerce. As more experienced workers retire without adequate replacements, the industry could face a productivity crisis, making it increasingly difficult to meet demand and keep up with new projects.

Without new blood entering the field, companies will have to contend with a continuous cycle of project delays, rising costs, and quality issues, further damaging the industry’s reputation and ability to attract talent.

The Path Forward

Addressing the labor crisis will require a multi-faceted approach that includes:

1. Investment in Training and Development: Establishing more apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities can help bridge the skills gap. Partnerships between construction firms and educational institutions are vital for creating a pipeline of skilled workers.
2. Reshaping the Industry’s Image: Public perception of construction as “dirty, dangerous, and dead-end” must change. Marketing campaigns and outreach programs that highlight the technological innovations, career growth opportunities, and benefits of working in construction can help shift attitudes.
3. Retention Through Benefits and Work-Life Balance: Implementing policies such as flexible scheduling, additional vacation days, and mental health support can make the industry more appealing. Companies like Skiles Group, which have adopted unlimited vacation policies, are already seeing positive results in reducing burnout and increasing employee satisfaction.
4. Harnessing Technology to Transfer Knowledge: Digital tools and platforms that capture the experiential knowledge of retiring workers can help preserve valuable insights and best practices. AI-driven solutions can assist in training new workers and maintaining a high standard of quality even as the workforce transitions.

In the long run, a more diverse, technologically savvy, and well-supported workforce will be better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. With the right strategies in place, the construction industry can not only overcome its current labor shortage but also emerge stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive.

GPRS is seeking a variety of talents to grow in our industry. Click here for a list of current job openings.

We’re also doing our part to ensure that the institutional knowledge of your workers stays with you and your company when those individuals retire.

SiteMap^® (patent pending), is GPRS’ facility and project management application designed to provide existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people. It’s powered by the accurate, complete, and field-verified data collected by our nationwide team of SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers, and available to you 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

SiteMap^® enables you to knock down the communication silos that lead to costly mistakes, change orders, and delays, allowing you to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal demos. Click below to schedule yours today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of jobs are available in the construction industry?

The construction industry offers a wide range of job opportunities, from skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work to project management, engineering, and architectural design. There are also opportunities in specialized fields such as demolition, heavy equipment operation, and green building.

2. What skills do I need to work in construction?

Skills required vary by role. For skilled trades, technical skills and knowledge of tools and materials are essential. For management and design roles, problem-solving, project management, and computer skills are critical. Many jobs require physical stamina and a strong understanding of safety procedures.

3. How can I get started in a construction career?

Consider enrolling in a trade school, community college, or apprenticeship program to gain foundational skills. Networking with industry professionals and joining organizations like the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for career advancement.

Traffic congestion is a problem that affects millions of Americans every day. Whether it's long commutes to work, getting stuck in rush-hour traffic, or delays when running errands, the time and money wasted due to congestion add up quickly.

How much does it really cost, and what are cities doing to solve this issue?

The Cost of Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion is more than just a nuisance—it’s a costly problem. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the average American driver spends about 54 hours a year stuck in traffic. That’s more than two full days just sitting in a car, not going anywhere!

But the wasted time is just one part of the problem. Traffic congestion also costs money. Drivers spend more on gas when they’re idling or moving slowly, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per year. And when goods take longer to be delivered due to traffic, companies raise their prices, which means we all pay more for everyday items like groceries and clothes.

A study by INRIX, a traffic data company, found that in 2022, the average American driver lost around $900 due to traffic congestion. This amount includes not only the cost of wasted fuel but also the lost time that could have been used for work or leisure activities. Across the entire country, the total cost of traffic congestion reaches billions of dollars each year.

Traffic also affects air quality. When cars are stuck on the road, they release more pollutants into the air. These pollutants can harm our health, contributing to respiratory problems and increasing the risk of heart disease.

Why Does Traffic Congestion Happen?

There are several reasons why traffic congestion is so common in American cities. Here are a few of the most important ones:

1. Too Many Cars on the Road: One of the main reasons for traffic congestion is simply that there are too many vehicles on the road. The number of cars has increased over the years, while the capacity of roads has not kept up.
2. Outdated Infrastructure: Many roads and highways were built decades ago, and they were not designed to handle the amount of traffic we see today. Bridges, tunnels, and intersections can become choke points, slowing down the flow of vehicles.
3. Lack of Public Transportation Options: In many cities, people rely on cars because there aren’t enough public transportation options like buses, trains, or subways. This leads to more people using cars, adding to congestion.
4. Urban Sprawl: As cities grow and expand, people move farther away from the city center to find affordable housing. This results in longer commutes and more traffic, especially during peak hours.

Efforts to Alleviate Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion is a complex problem, but cities and states are working on solutions to help reduce it. Some of these efforts include building new infrastructure, improving public transportation, and using technology to manage traffic better. Let’s look at a few of these strategies:

Investing in Public Transportation

One of the best ways to reduce traffic is to encourage people to use public transportation. Many cities are expanding their bus and train networks to make it easier for people to get around without a car. Los Angeles has invested billions of dollars in expanding its Metro system, adding new subway and light rail lines. The goal is to provide more reliable and convenient options for commuters, which can help reduce the number of cars on the road.

Similarly, New York City has introduced new bus routes and increased the frequency of trains to encourage more people to use public transportation instead of driving. These improvements can make public transportation a faster and more attractive option, reducing the overall number of cars on the road.

Building and Expanding Roadways

While building more roads may seem like an obvious solution, it’s not always the best long-term fix because more roads can sometimes lead to more cars and traffic. However, in areas with severe congestion, adding new lanes or building new highways can help reduce bottlenecks.

Cities like Houston and Atlanta have expanded their roadways to accommodate more traffic. While these projects can be expensive and time-consuming, they can help reduce congestion in the short term, especially in fast-growing areas.

Implementing Smart Traffic Management Systems

Technology is playing a bigger role in managing traffic. Many cities have started using “smart traffic” systems to monitor and control the flow of vehicles. For example, traffic cameras and sensors can track congestion in real-time, allowing traffic lights to adjust their timing based on the number of cars on the road. This technology helps reduce the amount of time drivers spend waiting at red lights and can help traffic move more smoothly.

Some cities have also introduced “smart” parking systems. These systems use sensors to tell drivers where there are open parking spaces. This reduces the time spent driving around looking for a spot, which helps reduce congestion.

Congestion Pricing

Congestion pricing is a strategy where drivers are charged a fee for using certain roads during peak traffic times. This approach has been used successfully in cities like London and Singapore, and now some U.S. cities are considering it. New York City, for example, plans to introduce congestion pricing in Manhattan, charging drivers a fee to enter certain busy areas.

The goal is to discourage unnecessary trips and encourage people to use public transportation instead. The money collected from congestion pricing can then be used to fund public transportation projects and road maintenance.

Promoting Carpooling and Remote Work

Another way to reduce traffic is to have fewer cars on the road during peak hours. Some companies are encouraging employees to carpool or use ride-sharing services. Other businesses are allowing employees to work from home more often, which has become more common since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cities are also creating carpool lanes on highways. These lanes are reserved for vehicles with multiple passengers, which encourages people to share rides and helps reduce the total number of cars on the road.

The Road Ahead

Traffic congestion is a problem that won’t go away overnight. It requires a combination of solutions, including better public transportation, smarter road management, and changes in how people think about transportation. While the cost of congestion is high, the benefits of reducing it are clear: less time wasted, lower expenses, and a healthier environment.

By investing in these solutions now, cities can make commuting faster and more enjoyable for everyone. It’s a challenging problem, but with the right strategies, there’s hope that traffic congestion in America can be significantly reduced.

When it’s time to remodel or replace transportation infrastructure, GPRS is there to ensure those projects can stay on time, on budget, and safe. Our subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services are designed to help you avoid costly and potentially dangerous utility strikes, avoid mistakes caused by miscommunications, and plan efficiently even when you’re not able to physically visit the job site.

What can we help you visualize?

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.

America’s telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our modern society. It’s what enables us to make phone calls, access the internet, watch TV, and stay connected in countless ways.

But despite its critical role, the telecommunications infrastructure in the United States is facing challenges that could impact how effectively it serves the public. As technology advances and the demand for faster and more reliable connections increases, America must address existing issues and modernize its infrastructure to keep up.

What Is Telecommunications Infrastructure?

Telecommunications infrastructure refers to the physical and digital networks that make communication possible. It includes telephone lines, fiber-optic cables, cellular towers, satellite systems, and data centers that allow people and businesses to connect through voice, data, and video.

America’s telecommunications infrastructure is vast and complex. It serves a diverse range of needs, from basic phone services in rural areas to high-speed internet in urban centers. The infrastructure also supports emergency services, public safety communications, and the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT), which includes everything from smart appliances to connected vehicles.

Current State of Telecommunications in the U.S.

The U.S. has one of the largest telecommunications networks in the world. However, there are notable disparities in terms of access, speed, and reliability across different regions. While major cities and metropolitan areas generally enjoy fast and reliable internet and mobile services, many rural and underserved communities still struggle with outdated infrastructure and lack of access to high-speed internet.

1. Internet Connectivity and Speed

In recent years, the U.S. has made progress in expanding broadband access. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), about 95% of Americans have access to high-speed internet (defined as download speeds of at least 25 Mbps). However, access to reliable, high-speed broadband remains a problem in rural and remote areas, where the cost of laying fiber-optic cables or installing new wireless towers can be prohibitively high.

These rural areas are often served by older technologies like DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or satellite internet, which offer slower speeds and higher latency compared to fiber-optic and cable networks. This digital divide leaves many Americans without the connectivity needed for remote work, online education, or telemedicine.

2. 5G Rollout

The rollout of 5G, the fifth generation of cellular technology, is one of the biggest developments in telecommunications in recent years. 5G promises faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect a vast number of devices simultaneously. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have been investing heavily in building 5G networks, focusing on both urban and suburban areas.

However, the deployment of 5G has not been without challenges. The technology relies on small cells—smaller, more numerous towers placed closer together than traditional cell towers. This means that densely populated areas, like city centers, see 5G coverage sooner, while rural areas may not see significant 5G development for several more years.

3. Fiber-Optic Expansion

Fiber-optic cables, which transmit data as light through thin strands of glass or plastic, are considered the gold standard for high-speed internet. Fiber networks offer superior speed and reliability compared to traditional copper lines or coaxial cables. Many companies, including Google Fiber and local internet service providers, have been working to expand fiber-optic networks to reach more communities.

However, the expansion of fiber is expensive and labor-intensive. Laying new cables involves digging trenches, navigating complex permitting processes, and coordinating with local governments. As a result, fiber-optic networks tend to be concentrated in urban areas, while rural communities lag behind.

Challenges Facing the Telecommunications Infrastructure

While the U.S. has a robust telecommunications network, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure the infrastructure can meet future demands.

1. The Digital Divide

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to reliable, high-speed internet and those who do not. In the U.S., this divide is often seen between urban and rural areas. According to a report from the Pew Research Center, about 24% of rural Americans say access to high-speed internet is a major problem in their area.

This lack of access has significant implications for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this issue when many students and workers were forced to go online, only to find that their internet connections were inadequate for video conferencing or accessing digital resources.

2. Outdated Technology in Some Areas

While fiber-optic networks and 5G technology are being deployed in many regions, other parts of the country still rely on outdated technology. Many rural and low-income areas are still served by DSL or even dial-up connections, which are not suitable for modern data demands.

Upgrading these systems requires significant investment, but there is often a lack of financial incentive for private companies to expand to areas with lower population density or limited profitability. Government subsidies and public-private partnerships are essential to closing these gaps.

3. Cybersecurity Threats

As telecommunications infrastructure becomes more complex and interconnected, it also becomes more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Cyberattacks targeting telecommunications networks can disrupt service, steal data, and pose a threat to national security. Ensuring the safety and resilience of these networks requires continuous investment in cybersecurity measures and the adoption of best practices across the industry.

Efforts to Improve the Telecommunications Infrastructure

Recognizing the importance of closing the digital divide and modernizing the telecommunications network, both government and private sector entities have been making efforts to improve the infrastructure.

1. Government Initiatives

The federal government has taken several steps to promote better telecommunications infrastructure. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to allocate $42.5 billion to expand broadband access to underserved areas. This funding is intended to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that every American has access to high-speed internet.

In addition, the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) is providing billions of dollars to internet service providers to expand networks in rural and underserved areas. These efforts aim to support the deployment of fiber-optic networks and other high-speed internet solutions.

2. Private Sector Investments

Telecom companies are also making significant investments in network expansion and technology upgrades. Companies like Verizon and AT&T are investing billions of dollars in 5G infrastructure, while Google Fiber and other providers are expanding their fiber-optic networks.

Collaborative efforts between telecom companies and technology firms are also helping to accelerate the deployment of new technologies like low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which offer internet connectivity to remote areas that are difficult to reach with traditional infrastructure.

The Road Ahead

America’s telecommunications infrastructure has made significant strides in recent years, but there is still much work to be done. Bridging the digital divide, upgrading outdated networks, and ensuring cybersecurity will be critical to meeting the demands of an increasingly digital society. As both government and private sector entities continue to invest in the future of telecommunications, the hope is that all Americans—regardless of where they live—will have access to reliable, high-speed communication services.

With over 500 Project Managers stationed in every major market across the United States, GPRS has an unmatched nationwide utility mapping & utility locating service network. It is quick and easy to find an expert Project Manager near you. GPRS ensures we can reach your location within 24 to 48 hours of contact to solve all your utility locating & mapping needs.

Accurate, up to date as-built drawings and facility maps are a key to success for any construction project. The planning phase of a project relies heavily on the accuracy of the information obtained in the existing facility maps, which details the site’s underground infrastructure.

With our facility mapping and modeling services, the GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team can update existing or create new as-built drawings that portray actual site conditions – including any variations, renovations, or unknown pipes. They can also export your utility locates & concrete scans, 3D laser & photogrammetry data, and video pipe inspection reports to create accurate existing condition as-builts – above and below ground – to give you the accurate information you need in a format you can easily work with and share to keep your project on time, on budget, and safe.

SiteMap^® is powered by GPRS, meaning you get the same level of quality and accuracy. In the realm of telecommunications, this is crucial, especially as our thirst for an electric existence continues to saturate the market, creating a demand for larger, better, faster, and well-maintained telecommunications infrastructure.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demonstrations. Click below to schedule your demo, and see how SiteMap^® can help you plan, design, manage, dig, and build better today!

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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.

Urban flooding isn’t anything like an “average” flood. Urban flooding, also sometimes referred to as “urban inundation,” is a chronic water flow issue caused by increasingly urbanized/built-up landscapes that lack the capacity to absorb otherwise average rainfall. And its devastation rivals that of major flooding events in the communities that are affected.

What are the Characteristics of Urban Flooding?

Flooding caused by impeded water flow in cities is not just a regular flood. And while its cause is different, it is every bit as devastating as the major flood events you may see on the news, causing millions of dollars in damage.

Unlike natural disaster events, like hurricanes or major storms, even “normal” rainfall can cause urban flooding: flooding basements and backing up sanitary and storm sewers throughout a community.

The problem, as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is that these chronic flood events are characterized by “the inundation of property in a built environment, particularly in more densely populated areas, caused by rain falling on increased amounts of impervious surfaces and overwhelming the capacity of drainage systems.”

“Impervious surfaces” refers to any pavement, building, and/or edifice that does not allow water to flow into/through it back into the ground. The planners of these cities built in storm drainage to accommodate the overflow, but as cities continue to sprawl, the amount of rainfall being routed into the storm sewer system can quickly overwhelm it.

Beyond sprawl, shifts in ground soil, pipe settlement, sag, and sediment inside storm sewer lines can change expected/recorded pipe inclinations to impede the flow of water, which can impact urban flood models. Verifying sewer line inclination is actually one of the simpler solutions available to wastewater managers, which will be covered in more detail below.

The Cost of Urban Flooding

Examples of urban flooding abound. Often hidden in data as “torrential rains” or mere floods (without a major named storm attached), “On average, 1.9 significant flood or torrential rain events occur each year, and $362 million of losses to insured property are incurred each year from such events… In 2016, the total paid losses (approximately $2.9 billion) were dominated by severe storms and flooding in Louisiana, which caused more than $2.2 billion in losses.”

It is important to note that in 2016, “Louisiana was spared from damage by any tropical storms or hurricanes for the fourth straight year [in a row],” and that the 15 named storms including seven hurricanes, made landfall in regions other than Louisiana. Yet, Louisiana accounted for $2.2 billion in losses due to torrential rainfall, according to insurance records.

A joint study and paper by the University of Maryland and Texas A&M University, Galveston set out to find and identify what caused urban inundation, define its extent and consequences, and look for mitigation solutions.

They found that “urban flooding is… a growing source of significant economic loss, social disruption, and housing inequality. Extensive suburban development that creates higher flood flows into urban areas, aging, and frequently undersized infrastructure in older centers of communities, an inability to maintain existing drainage systems, increases in intense rainfall events, and uncoordinated watershed management all contribute to these increases…”

The study also concluded that “Many of the urban wastewater and stormwater systems that provide the backbone of urban flood mitigation are in poor condition and – in some locations – are inadequate and in need of strong support.” And among its 10 conclusions, the paper stated that Data… are not easily available or shared with local decision-makers, researchers, and the residents themselves. More accessibility and availability of data is critical to effective response, recovery, and long-term mitigation of flood events.”

The greater cost, cited by the National Resources Defense Council, is the “cascade of effects on affected individuals and communities.” The authors of the joint Maryland and Texas study found that lower-income residents are the most affected, and that’s before accounting for the health impacts of chronic floods. The Center for Neighborhood Technology found that 84% of those who suffered with urban flooding in the Chicago area were under stress, with 13% citing their health or the health of someone in their household being affected. Asthma resulting from exposure to flood-caused molds is an increasing concern for those populations.

How Can You Plan for & Mitigate Urban Flooding?

New information published in Nature in 2024 suggests that water/wastewater planning utilizing an urban mean-flow theory, considering the layout of “urban forms,” which are described as a “complex system much akin to granular media, disordered porous solids, glassy systems, and complex fluids,” among others are the key to overcoming the impervious surface problem.

And, when it comes to predicting how urban floodwaters will behave, one-dimensional and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) models and statistical simulations are the go-to for municipal water and wastewater managers, urban planners, and insurers.

The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is one of the most common models for predicting flood drainage for municipalities, particularly in urban environments. However, some researchers posit that the 1D model, with its focus on pipe nodes, is incomplete, in no small part because it does not allow for how water will flow through an urban landscape.

They argue that a coupled 1D and 2D model, a “dynamic 1D-2D model” is more effective at mapping surface inundation.

What are 1D and 2D Hydraulic Models & What’s The Difference?

A 1D (one-dimensional) hydraulic model allows for water flowing along a specific path, in one direction, like a river. A 2D (two-dimensional) model deals with water than can flow throughout an entire area with multi-directional flow.

1D refers to the mathematical output from the model, which delivers as a single water level, a single velocity, and a single flow rate for each node (pipe node).

These models utilize “Saint-Venant” equations, also called shallow water equations, to calculate expected flow. 1D models are great for providing a cross-sectioned average of the surface elevation of the water and its velocity, but can only calculate flow either forward or backward. Engineers will utilize equations like continuity and momentum to factor variables, and computer models that are programmed with these and other equations make the computations much simpler.

2D models, by contrast, allow for the creation of a grid that spans the floodplain. It creates a series of connected spaces for hydraulic calculations, and when those calculations are combined, the grids allow for a more accurate flood map over any given plane. 2D models can calculate flow forwards, backwards, and left and right, indicating multiple potential flow directions. The finer the grid pattern, the more options for flow calculations, and the closer the model gets to the reality of urban flooding.  

More and more urban planners and water and wastewater managers are opting for the combination of the 1D and 2D model approaches: modeling rivers, sewers, and other flowing water systems in 1D, and everything else in 2D, to create the most accurate and easy to read predictions for urban water flow. There are several software programs that are able to run these hybrid 1D and 2D flow models, which can be very helpful.

Storm & Sanitary Sewer Inclination – A Missing Piece of the Computational Puzzle

No matter the model type being used, it will be flawed unless the accurate existing pipe inclinations are used when calculating storm and sanitary sewer system flow rates. Sediment, settling, and other impediments can drastically affect flow rates, and even bring them to a standstill. And without an updated inclination report, the flow cannot be accurately predicted, which will throw off the effectiveness of any model.

What is an Inclination Report?

In general, sewer scope reports, like the highly detailed NASSCO video pipe inspection (VPI) reports by GPRS, do not track inclination in and of itself. Inclination reports, also known as pipe slope or grade reports, provide an important data set for any wastewater system. The inclination report will include information on:

• Pipe Alignment
• Sag
• Irregularities
• Settlement

These reports can find areas that are not seen on record drawings/as-builts because they have developed over time as the pipes and ground around them have moved, and sediment may have built up. All of the factors above can impact flow direction and rate and impact existing models.

The good news is that inclination reporting can be added onto a GPRS NASSCO VPI report from the start to provide municipal managers and insurers with more detailed and accurate information on flow direction and rates.

GPRS specializes in visualization services for water & wastewater managers, nationwide. We Intelligently Visualize The Built World® for customers across the U.S. What can we help you visualize?

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week

If you are a wastewater or municipal manager in need of tools to mitigate flood or contamination risk for your systems, GPRS offers complimentary safety training for your systems via Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW).

This year, WSDAW takes place October 21-25, 2024. If you would like a GPRS wastewater and sewer expert to give your team tools and strategies to help mitigate inflow/infiltration and other water and wastewater issues, click here to register for your free WSDAW talk.

GPRS Project Managers get emotionally invested in every job they undertake, because they are dedicated to keeping you and your projects on time, on budget, and most importantly, safe.

But few jobs get as personal as GPRS Project Manager, Daniel Sperduti’s utility locating and mapping at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Sperduti used electromagnetic (EM) locating and ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning to locate and map all utilities inside and around the 82-year-old ballpark, which has sat vacant since the Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate moved to Worcester in 2020.

The stadium will soon be demolished to make way for Pawtucket’s new high school.

Sperduti, like countless other Pawtucket natives, has decades of memories inside McCoy Stadium.

“As a kid, I used to go there all the time with my friends,” he said. “You could get a cheap ticket, just like a general admission ticket and go get something to eat and drink, and it was just a cool place to go with friends. My mom actually, every year, would get like box seats right on the field near the dugout for her work. So, I’d always look forward to going as a kid there, and you could get signatures from players, and they’d sign a ball or stuff like that, and yeah… Just had a lot of fun memories and stuff like that there.”

It was a surreal experience for Sperduti to find himself locating buried utilities in the park’s abandoned center field.

“I went out in the field and just walked around,” he said. “Said my goodbyes.”

Nostalgia aside, Sperduti had a job to do. The existing as-built documents for the stadium were not accurate or complete – which is common with a facility this old.

As the city prepares to demolish the stadium and erect its new school, knowing what’s underground will be critical to mitigating the risk of costly and potentially dangerous subsurface damage. While everything above ground will soon meet the wrecking ball, what’s below can still lead to tens of thousands of dollars in damage, and dangerous consequences such as sinkholes and gas or water main breaks.

“They just wanted to have an idea where things are coming in and leaving the stadium, just for when they tear that down and build [the high school],” Sperduti said. “Now they’ll have a good idea, a good map of where everything is.”

EM locators detect the electromagnetic signals radiating from metallic pipes and cables. These signals can be created by the locator’s transmitter applying current to the pipe, or from current flow in a live electrical cable. They can also result from a conductive pipe acting as an antenna and re-radiating signals from stray electrical fields (detected by the EM locator functioning in Power Mode) and communications transmissions (Radio Mode).

Signals are created by the current flowing from the transmitter which travels along the conductor (line/cable/pipe) and back to the transmitter. The current typically uses a ground to complete the current. A ground stake is used to complete the circuit through the ground.

GPRS deploys ground penetrating radar to compliment EM locating. GPR scanners emit radio waves into the ground or a concrete surface, and then detect the interactions between those waves and any buried objects like conduit, post tension cable, or rebar. These interactions are displayed in a GPR readout as a series of hyperbolas varying in size and shape depending on what type of material has been located.

GPRS Project Managers are specially trained to interpret the data provided by EM locators and GPR scanners to provide you with 99.8%+ accurate utility maps.

To locate and map McCoy’s wastewater infrastructure, GPRS utilized remote-controlled sewer inspection rovers equipped with sondes: instrument probes that are detectable from the surface using EM locating.

“There were 10-foot sewer lines that go right underneath the baseball field,” Sperduti said. “So, we used the camera to go inside those lines and find those.”

We created SiteMap^® (patent pending) to make sure you and your entire team have 24/7, secure access to all this field-verified data. This facility and project management application provides existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people, and is accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

“This client, I’ve worked with them before and they actually do have surveyors that come out and they map everything out also,” Sperduti said. “But they definitely use our maps, our KMZs and SiteMap® for future planning and projects. So even if a different company comes in to build the school or something like that, we can work with them through SiteMap^® and they can use that map too, so they know where things are when they’re about to build. That might be a few years down the road, but whenever that is, they’ll still have access to that info.”

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?

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.