Engineering

GPRS is a Trusted Partner to Engineers

GPRS delivers accurate and high-quality existing conditions information to help engineers collaborate, optimize efficiency, improve decision making, and ensure safety throughout the lifecycle of a project. Capturing and sharing as-built data before engineering and construction begins will help to ensure a successful project.

GPRS is the only company in the U.S. that can capture a building, facility, or site, above and below-ground, to provide you with accurate as-builts, private and public utility maps, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, virtual tours, and more documenting architectural, structural, MEP, and subsurface utility existing conditions, and instantly deliver data via SiteMap^®, GPRS’ cloud-based digital storage software and app.

Utility Locating Services

GPRS utility locating services utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating technology to locate, mark, and map existing underground infrastructure such as power lines, gas lines, pipelines, water lines, sewer lines, potential voids, and additional buried facilities and utility lines. This information is critical for projects where construction or excavation activities are planned to mitigate accidental utility strikes, plus keep your team and facility safe. GPRS delivers complimentary CAD utility site maps in PDF, KMZ, and SHP file formats, and can export your utility data into a wide variety of drawings, maps, and models to advance communication and collaboration on your project. All clients receive instant access to complete and aggregated site records in Sitemap^®, GPRS’ digital storage software and app, where data is geolocated, layered, and securely shareable.

Concrete Scanning Services

Concrete scanning is a non-destructive method to assess concrete using GPR to locate, identify, and mark utilities and objects such as rebar, post tension cables, beams, conduits, and piping embedded within concrete slabs and structures prior to anchoring, cutting, coring, and drilling. Concrete scanning ensures the safety of workers and prevents accidents by identifying potential hazards before any work occurs. Concrete markings can be 3D laser scanned to create a permanent record of the site, and data can be delivered in 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, and virtual site tours.

3D Laser Scanning Services

3D laser scanning technology helps those working on historical buildings and sites to capture delicate details and precise measurements in a non-invasive manner. GPRS takes every project from inception to completion with accurate and easy to understand data integration to ensure smooth communication and avoid cost overruns and delays. GPRS 3D laser scanning services document the exact architectural, structural, and MEP system layout and dimensions of existing buildings and sites. GPRS Project Managers use industry-leading Leica survey-grade laser scanners to capture 2-4 millimeter accurate existing site conditions in the form of a point cloud. Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can transform those point clouds into customized 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D mesh models, TruViews, and 3D virtual tours at any level of detail for visualization, analysis, design, construction, renovation, prefabrication, and facility modifications.

Video Pipe Inspection Services

GPRS video pipe inspection services deploy robotic crawler CCTV cameras, lateral launch cameras, and push cameras to inspect and document water, sewer lines, and lateral pipelines to locate clogs, investigate cross bores, find structural faults and damage, and conduct lateral sewer line inspections. GPRS Project Managers deliver NASSCO-certified WinCan reports with the exact location, video, and photo of each defect, ranked by severity so you can plan for maintenance and repairs.

Leak Detection Services

GPRS specializes in all types of leak detection services, including municipal, industrial, and residential. Our Project Managers are leak detection specialists who utilize multiple technologies to locate your leak and have the expertise to map and provide many other insights into your water distribution and fire suppression systems. GPRS does this by utilizing a variety of equipment paired with our industry-leading SIM (Subsurface Investigation Methodology) processes. The equipment and methods used include acoustic leak detectors, leak noise correlators, video pipe inspection (CCTV) cameras & sondes, ground penetrating radar, and electromagnetic locating, among others.

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GPRS Advanced Engineering Support — GPRS is the only company in the U.S. that can capture your building, facility, or site, above and below-ground, to provide you with accurate as-builts, private and public utility maps, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, virtual tours, and more documenting architectural, structural, MEP, and subsurface utility existing conditions.

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How is 3D Scanning Used in Engineering?

3D laser scan technology allows professionals to complete advanced analysis and off-site visualization to plan for upcoming work. It can be used to tackle extremely technical engineering challenges.

3D laser scanning removes human error from the data collection process and provides quantitative and definitive measurement data. The exact dimensions and locations of complex project details can be recorded with 2–4-millimeter accuracy. The millions of data points gathered from 3D laser scanning can be used to create information-rich deliverables for advanced analysis. Clients have requested dimensional comparisons, floor surface contours, bolt hole locations, and precise measurements for prefabrication, to name a few. Read more about point clouds here.

Data can be assessed on a computer in a 3D space, allowing clients to get a real view of the site without actually having to physically be there. Data is accurate, measurable, sharable, and editable. Custom deliverables, such as 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models can be created to bring clarity and resolution to projects. Read more about laser scanning deliverables, here.

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Point cloud detail showing plane and vertices.

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GPRS Partners with Engineers

GPRS is a leader in the field of 3D laser scanning and BIM modeling. Our team is highly educated and possesses the technical expertise to provide the precise data needed to solve complex engineering challenges. We have extensive experience partnering with engineers.

What are the Specialized Applications for Laser Scanning?

GPRS utilizes tripod-mounted high accuracy long-range LiDAR laser scanners for data capture from Leica Geosystems. The millimeter accurate point cloud data gathered by laser scanning is a powerful tool for solving complex engineering challenges. We deliver custom data analysis and calculations with high precision.

Michelle Colella, Post-Processing Technical Manager, states, “we try to provide easy to read, intuitive formats that can be easily understood by clients with different industry backgrounds.”

Advanced Analysis Dimensional Drawings and Models Can Be Created For:

Comparative Analysis (ex: difference between design and as-built)
Deviation/Deformation Analysis
Digital Drawings of GPR Markings
Floor Flatness & Levelness Analysis/Contour Mapping
Drawings & Analysis to Support Prefabrication, (ex: panels, stairs, elevator shafts)
New Construction Verification
Reconciliation of Clients 2D Design Drawings & 3D Design Models
Structural Steel Shape Probability Analysis
Volume Calculations
Wall Plumb Analysis
Tank Analysis
Forensic Analysis

Engineering Software

Our team works in industry-standard engineering software packages such as Autodesk and MicroStation, and additional specialized software, providing a vast amount of file types. Our team’s expert software knowledge expedites drawings (plans, elevations, end views, sectional views, etc.) and models (3D mesh, 3D BIM).

Point cloud file format: .lfm, .pts, .e57, .rcs, .rcp, .las, .lgs, .ptg
2D drawing file format: .rvt, .dwg, .dgn, .pdf
3D mesh file format: .stl, .ply, .fbx, .obj,
3D model file format: .dwg, .stp, .rvt, .ifc,
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Viewing point cloud and model with Cintoo Cloud software.

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Partnering to Complete Projects

Our team works closely with each client, building a strong relationship to solve their complex engineering problems. Constant communication with precise data facilitates that relationship.

“I am 100% confident that we can partner to solve any engineering or construction project,” says Nate Baker, the Director for GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services. “We lead the industry with what we are able to do with point clouds and laser scanning. We aren’t looking to industry norms to dictate what we do. Our goal is to widen the gap between our work and the industry standard.”

GPRS is a Technical Partner

As a technical partner, GPRS can help you determine the best solution based on the problem you are trying to solve. Aaron Hunt says, “We work closely with each client to understand their project scope and provide innovative engineering solutions.”

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Clients can detail new steel and piping with a Revit 3D model.

“The first question we ask clients is ‘what are you really trying to get done?’ We concentrate our efforts with the given budget to solve that problem,” adds Michelle Colella.

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GPRS utilizes best-in-class technology from market leaders such as Leica Geosystems and Autodesk to deliver incredible data with trouble-free integration. GPRS laser scanning solutions improve productivity and expedite fieldwork, thereby reducing change orders, delays, and costs.

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Examples of Advanced Analysis from 3D Laser Scanning

Prefabrication of ACM Panels at LaGuardia Airport

A client was installing ACM panels to the canopy of a newly constructed terminal at LaGuardia Airport using an overhead lift 80 feet in the air. The construction plans did not match the existing conditions at the site. The installation process needed to be precisely planned to avoid rework. GPRS 3D laser scanned the canopy and curtain wall façade with the Leica ScanStation P50 to capture accurate as-built data and generate 2D drawings and a 3D model to prefabricate panels and expedite installation.

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Concrete Formwork of a Wind Turbine Deck

In this project, the concrete formwork of a wind turbine deck was 3D laser scanned. The objective was to compare the formwork to the design requirements, and this was a complicated shape. After providing the client 2D drawings and analysis, modifications were made to the forms to better fit the design documents. After the adjustments were completed, 3D laser scanning was completed again to update the dimensions.

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Power Stack Bracket Analysis

One of Georgia’s largest power supply cooperatives requested technical expertise for one of its power stacks. The client wanted to verify all brackets were correctly aligned before installing baffles and determine if the guides needed to be moved to accommodate for thermal growth. The power stack was 3D laser scanned with the Leica ScanStation P50 and the Leica RTC360 laser scanner. Our engineering team delivered intensity map point cloud files, 2D drawings, and an AutoCAD Revit LOD 200 model. The deliverables were used to help define which brackets needed adjustment.

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Installing Large-Scale Exterior Signage

A new construction sports stadium was installing large-scale exterior signage. Our client needed to verify the centerlines of the structural steel framework where the signage would be fitted to. The value of our services was recognized almost immediately on this project. Upon reviewing the data, the client noticed that the steel on the north and south ends of the stadium did not align with the design plans. As a result, our client and the project’s general contractor made arrangements for the steel in these areas to be corrected.

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3D Mesh of Studio Stage and LED Panels

LED panels have replaced green screens, and are now being used to create sets and backgrounds for immersive 3D virtual reality experiences. A film studio’s stage and LED panels were modeled into a .obj 3D mesh. The client wanted virtual data and an accurate representation of the stage and each LED panel to tie into a virtual reality experience during filming.

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Floor Flatness

A general contractor needed to measure the floor flatness of this building to ensure it was a suitable surface for the operation of materials handling equipment. 3D laser scanning is the best way to measure floor flatness and floor levelness with precision, efficiency, and accuracy. Highly detailed point cloud data is used to determine FF and FL values on concrete floor/flatwork. Color elevation maps can be quickly produced to identify the high and low points in concrete and calculate the boundaries of any areas that need to be adjusted.

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Floor Surface Contours and Spot Elevations

A solar power plant in Arizona requested floor surface contours, plus a radial grid of spot elevations at specific locations. Aaron Hunt, GPRS's Lead Technical Manager, describes how this was completed. “We have standards setup specific to their needs, so we repeat the process on many of their tanks that are the same layout and dimensions. This is completed when they build new tanks or refurbish. In addition, they asked us to provide wall contours. This is completed by fitting a perfect cylinder to the walls and then conducting a unique analysis. Point cloud data is collected for the walls as a cylinder. The variation between the two is plotted on a horizontal plane, and contours are created from this. We actually "split" the circular walls and flatten them out to this 2D plane to document on drawings.”

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3D Laser Scanning Pricing

The cost of 3D laser scanning can vary widely depending on your project scope. GPRS customizes every quote specific to your project’s needs. GPRS Project Managers use 3D laser scanners to capture every detail of your site, delivering building dimensions, locations, and layout with millimeter accuracy. This can include the aboveground structural, architectural, and MEP features, plus underground utility and concrete markings. Our Mapping & Modeling Team can deliver point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D Mesh models, TruViews, and Virtual Tours at any level of detail.

For more information on GPRS 3D laser scanning services, click here.

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CUSTOM SERVICE PLANS

Rather than send a rigid rate sheet to prospective clients, GPRS can create a customized service plan. We take into account our industry experience, national footprint, and operational/scheduling capacity to craft a customized plan just for you.

Scheduling

With one single point of contact for your company, GPRS can schedule underground utility locating, 3D laser scanning, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, and void detection services for your site with a simple phone call. There is no need to call multiple service providers across a region or nationally. GPRS has Project Managers in every major market in the US and our single point of contact will simplify your scheduling process.

Pricing

GPRS understands that clear, understandable, and consistent pricing is a big deal. Our nationwide footprint allows us to streamline our costs on a nationwide basis. We are sure to craft a cost structure that makes sense for the scope of work. Rather than send a blanket rate sheet, we consultatively compose pricing plans for each project.

Approach

Every campus, site, and facility pose different challenges. Since our inception, GPRS has completed hundreds of thousands of projects and relies on that experience when crafting a site-specific plan for safety, scanning, and reporting. With the SIM Specification as our guide, we will craft an individualized approach to each and every project. We Intelligently Visualize The Built World™ from facility mapping to utility locating prior to excavation, and will perform the right service for your scope of work.

Mapping and modeling - GPRS - Ground Penetrating Radar

mapping & Modeling

GPRS improves project planning and communication by providing clear and understandable maps and models to help you Visualize The Built World™ and share your vision with subcontractors, designers, engineers, and others, easily.

GPRS delivers the most up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive site data possible in the format required for your project. We provide complimentary KMZ and PDF maps with every utility locate we perform. Our Mapping & Modeling Team can create a wide variety of customizable maps and models, from a simple GPS-enabled map of your utility locate, to highly-detailed 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models, depending on your needs.

AS BUILT DRAWINGS

Existing drawings don't always show the current conditions of a site. Drawings that are produced in the design phase of a project don't always reflect the exact location of the underground utilities and current as built site conditions. Renovations, repairs, and additions can all render as built drawings out of date. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team can deliver up-to-date as built drawings that reflect the actual vertical and horizontal position of underground facilities & features, and structural, architectural, and MEP site details.

2D MAPS & 3D MODELS

Utility locates, concrete scanning, and 3D laser scan data can be processed into up-to-date 2D maps and 3D models to ensure that your team has all the information you need to get the job done right. These maps and models provide an accurate record of utility locations and as-builts for project planning.

The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team will deliver point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D meshes, TruViews, and virtual tours produced with the highest quality standards. We provide high-precision custom analysis and calculations such as dimensional callouts, tank calibration analysis, floor flatness and levelness analysis, deviation analysis, deformation analysis, volume calculations, wall plumb analysis, and more.

Maps, models, and analyses are produced and hosted for your use at any level of detail in a variety of formats such as Revit, AutoCAD, ReCap, Navisworks, Civil 3D, BIM360, A360, Bentley, Leica Cyclone, Cintoo, NavVis Ivion, and more. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team has optimized workflows for importing data, registration, creating maps and models, quality checks, and transferring data to clients. We deliver the data you need in the format you need to access up-to-date and accurate facility and infrastructure information.

SITEMAP^® MOBILE APP

When we conduct an underground utility locate, GPRS stores all subsurface infrastructure data in SiteMap^®, a secure digital platform that houses all your utility locate PDF and KMZ files. You can access your data from any laptop or mobile device and securely share it with your team. Within your files, you will find interactive subsurface maps, annotations, and more, where you can toggle layers and lines on or off to streamline information and communicate only the data you need. You can even measure site features and segment maps geographically to drill down to specific project points for prefabrication or excavation needs.
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GPRS Project Managers can complete multiple mobilizations to a jobsite – before, during and after construction – to record subsurface and as built data in real-time. The data captured can be tied together into living maps and models and saved into a database for reference.

How can GPRS can help you streamline your next project to Intelligently Visualize Your Built World™?

One Call Program

GPRS exceed industry performance when it comes to the accuracy of our utility locating. Our team of Project Managers can continue the support of your project by crafting a one-call program from when your project transitions to the O&M phase.

Public Property

Damage prevention is critical when excavating in a public right-of-way. Using the 811, call before you dig system, is an essential step to take when trying to avoid underground utility strikes. It's the law! GPRS is able to contract and perform one-call type utility locating for your underground assets.

Private Property

A utility locate on private property is not complete until a private utility locator like GPRS has been called to comprehensively locate the entire campus. GPRS can create a one-call type program for your facility or campus in the case that you have utilities that lie within public property.

Embedment

Our highly trained Project Managers have extensive experience locating conduits, rebar, cables, pipes, ducts, sleeves, and other hazards embedded in concrete slabs and other structures with ground penetrating radar technology. Cutting, coring, or drilling into these objects can cause damage to utilities and jeopardize the health and safety of workers on site.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will you be able to work with my schedule to avoid disrupting business operations?

Yes! GPRS tailors our services to meet your needs, and that includes working nights and weekends to help limit disruptions to normal business operations. The equipment that GPRS uses is battery operated, emits less radiation than a cell phone, and less noise than a household vacuum cleaner, allowing us to work discreetly.

Can you provide services quickly?

Yes! Our nationwide presence means that a GPRS ProjectManager will be on your jobsite as quickly as 24 hours after initial contact.

Do you have enough manpower to cover multiple stores/sites at one time?

Yes! With over 500 Project Managers strategically stationed across every major market in the U.S., we can respond rapidly to as many sites as needed.

What do I get when you conduct a service for me?

GPRS provides a Job Summary report with basic project information for very project we complete. We also provide complimentary KMZ and PDF maps with every utility locate we perform. And, when we perform a utility locate for you, you receive a complimentary Personal subscription to SiteMap®, our industry-leading, cloud-based infrastructure management platform where you can access, view, and securely share your digitized, layered utility maps 24/7. Beyond that, our Mapping & Modeling Team can create anything from a simple, GPS-enabled locating map of your utility locate, to highly detailed, 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models, depending on your needs.

Can you complete your work without my team on site?

Yes, GPRS Project Managers have the capability to complete work with, or without your team present on site, as long as access is granted to the work area. Details of our findings will be communicated to your team immediately upon completion of each project.