Utility Maps Created to Plan the Route for Directional Boring
There are many potential hazards associated with directional boring, including damaging utility lines, electrocution, fire, and even explosions.
Barstow Community College required a subsurface utility map of its entire campus to predetermine the bore path for the installation of a new chilled-water system. Accurate subsurface utility maps help to avoid the dangers and problems associated with horizontal directional drilling.
Chris Knerr has been locating utilities since 1999. He was the lead Project Manager on a large-scale project at Barstow Community College, where the task was to locate all underground utilities and video inspect all sewer and drain lines. The campus spanned 118-acres, plus an additional 44 acres around the buildings and parking lots. Chris’s knowledge and expertise made him the right person to lead this job.
Barstow Community College was applying directional boring throughout campus to install new chilled-water lines to all the buildings. The campus had an extensive utility distribution system. Upgrading the chilled-water system with directional boring was going to be more challenging than the campus had anticipated.
Accurate subsurface utility maps helped this client predetermine the bore path to minimize utility damage or installation failure.
GPRS Area Managers David Henneman and James Peterson, and Project Managers Chris Knerr, Vincent Lopez and Mike Abel used advanced ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) imaging technology to identify the type and location of every underground utility across the campus. The team marked precise information about the type, location, depth, direction, and distance of buried utilities on the ground. They provided a site map of the findings in KMZ and PDF format that were delivered upon the completion of the scan.
Sebastian Rodriguez and Joe Whitaker performed Video Pipe (CCTV) Inspection to identify any sewer line defects, such as cross-bores, leaks, cracks, and blockages. Sewer defects can quickly be documented with NASSCO-certified reports, containing video and photographs of pipe defects, geolocated and ranked by severity. Sewer inspection reports allow Barstow Community College to review and share vital information about the sewer’s condition and functionality, allowing Barstow Community College to develop a maintenance plan.
All project information was uploaded to SiteMap®, GPRS' secure cloud-based software that houses a permanent record of the campus’ subsurface utility data and VPI findings for immediate use. SiteMap® allows access to real-time project data -- utility maps and VPI reports -- are easily accessible and shareable in this easy-to-use interface. All subsurface infrastructure data is aggregated, located, and cross-referenced to provide a single source of truth for the campus to reduce risk, damages, and miscommunications.
What a fantastic representation of how SiteMap® can provide the single source of truth for underground and above ground data. Well done! -- Rhett Teller – GPRS Market Segment Leader
Barstow Community College Project Details
Location: Barstow, California
Problem:
- Established in 1959, the 12-building campus, spanning 118 acres, did not have up-to-date subsurface utility maps or recent sewer inspections.
- Barstow Community College was applying directional boring throughout campus to install new chilled-water lines to all the buildings.
- The Director of Facilities, Maintenance & Operations required underground utility maps to determine the bore path and the identification of any sewer problems to begin repairs.
Solution:
- A team of GPRS Project Managers used advanced ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating technology to identify the type and location of every underground utility across the 118-acre site, plus 44 acres around the buildings and parking lots.
- The Mapping & Modeling Team expedited CAD work and quickly delivered KMZ files and PDF maps.
- Video Pipe (CCTV) Inspection identified any sewer line defects, such as cross-bores, leaks, cracks, and blockages, prior to the installation of the new chilled-water lines.
- The campus received NASSCO-certified reports with video and photographs of pipe defects, geolocated and ranked by severity.
- SiteMap® provided Barstow Community College a permanent record of their subsurface utility data, geolocated and layered, plus VPI findings in an easy-to-use interface.
Benefits:
- The obstructions on campus were extensive; utility mapping was necessary to plan the route for directional boring to bypass utility lines, minimizing costly and time-consuming repairs that would be caused by hitting a utility line.
- GPRS instantly delivered accurate utility maps via SiteMap® for the entire campus, giving Barstow Community College access to subsurface as-built data for decision-making.
- Pre-construction planning helps to ensure that the system is fully functional, and that the chiller piping meets regulatory standards.
- Accurate as-built data is imperative for the Director of Facilities to manage operations, manage contractors, direct routine maintenance, respond to emergencies, and manage risk.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chilled water system?
A chilled water system uses water instead of refrigerant to cool a building. The chiller is the heart of the system and is responsible for cooling the water down to 40°F. Once the temperature is low enough, the water runs through a network of chiller pipes throughout the facility. The chilled water passes through coils inside air-handling units, which blow cool air inside the space.
What is directional boring used for?
Directional boring, also referred to as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is a minimal impact trenchless method of installing underground utilities such as pipe, conduit, or cables in a relatively shallow arc or radius along a prescribed underground path using a surface-launched drilling rig.
How much does it cost to directional bore?
Directional boring costs $10 to $30 per linear foot. Underground directional boring or horizontal directional drilling prices depend on the project scope, location and ground conditions.
What is the difference between directional boring and trenching?
Trenching is a process where a trench is dug into the ground so the wires, pipes, etc. can be installed and then buried. Directional boring is when an auger is used to make a hole or tunnel so the wires or pipes can be inserted into the ground.
