In our modern world energy will always be a big commodity. Energy plants will forever have to keep up with our growing society, technology and population. With this growth energy plants must make frequent changes over time to keep up and to keep it clean.

A team from one of the largest energy providers in Orlando was recently in need to make some changes to their plant structure by adding a new building. The plan involved a fair amount of digging in areas where there are a lot of major utilities, including a fire protection line, gas supply, electrical supply and so on. Although they have drawings for this site the construction team was weary of the accuracy of the as-builts and knew there were additional utilities that were not on the drawings. Since they did not have a concrete clear picture of what was underground the team decided to call another team in that has plenty of experience locating underground utilities. They reached out to their contacts at Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc., also known as GPRS. GPRS is known for its ability and expertise in locating and identifying underground utilities and scanning concrete, among other things.

The project was a relatively simple utility locate but did require expertise as the client wanted depths for the utilities in the ground. Fortunately, GPRS is used to handling projects like this. The plan was to induce a signal by directly connecting onto all utilities with this capability and trace them using an EM pipe locator. After using this device, the GPRS team member used a GSSI manufactured radar antenna. This same technology is used to scan concrete for conduits, post-tension cables and structural steel rebar. The area in question was scanned and all findings were marked on the ground with flags and spray paint. After marking out the utilities the GPRS team member sent a job summary report to the client summarizing the findings and any limitations encountered. Each time a location is marked out a GPRS team member will send site photos and the JSR after the job is completed.

After a day of locating and reporting the team at the energy plant was able to start forming their plans to construct the building. They are currently still in the process of putting together their team for the construction of the building but are much more confident about where and how to dig when they begin the process. GPRS continues to work hard and provide safe work environments for construction companies, directional boring companies, core drilling teams, renovation teams and so on.

Below, you will see a picture depicting Nate Schmoe, of GPRS, Inc. scanning for underground utilities near the gravel road next to the scan area using a GSSI underground antenna. If you would like to receive a proposal for similar work, please visit the “Contact-Us” page at gp-radar.com.

GPRS does not provide geophysical, geological, land surveying or engineering services. If you need such services, please contact an appropriate professional.