industry insights

Electrical contractors generated record levels of revenue in 2023, according to data from one of the top industry publications.

The 2024 EC&M Top 50 Electrical Contractors – a ranking based on reported annual revenue – logged a record $51.737 billion in revenue in 2023, up nearly 18% from the $43.888 billion reported in 2022 by the 2023 EC&M Top 50.

According to EC&M, this is the sharpest year-over-year revenue increase on record for the cohort aside from the pandemic rebound in 2021.

“Recovery from the pandemic in the form of project resumption might have padded the revenue figure, but a strong-economy-fueled construction market was a clear contributor,” writes EC&M’s Tom Zind. “Despite ongoing construction labor challenges, stubborn inflation, elevated interest rates, supply chain glitches, and ample underlying worries about what lay around the bend, 2023 was a year of continued building in a resilient and seemingly robust U.S. economy.”

Each of the top 12 contractors on EC&M’s list generated over a million dollars in sales in 2023. The top 3 contractors were unchanged from the prior year’s rankings, with Houston, Texas-based Quanta Services retaining the top spot and generating $11,800,000,000 in revenue in 2023 – over $8,000,000,000 more than next closest contractor.

Norwalk, Connecticut’s Emcor made the largest leap of any electrical contractors on the list – they went from outside the Top 50 in the 2023 list to fourth in 2024 with $2,783,723,000 in revenue in 2023.

According to EC&M, nearly 87% of electrical firms rated the overall business climate in 2023 as “strong,” up 13 percentage points from last year. These firms cited a range of reasons for their optimism, including a solid enough underlying construction demand, continued evidence of electrical’s expanding profile in projects, and the steady emergence of broad “electrification” of the economy as an overarching trend.

“The construction industry, including electrical contracting, is in a relatively good place right now,” says Chuck Goodrich, CEO of Gaylor Electric (No. 25), Indianapolis. “We’ve seen the essential nature of this industry over the past several years, and the business climate looks promising, especially within the manufacturing and data markets. As we progress through 2024, we are seeing exceptional growth and potential.”

Greg Padalecki, CEO of San Antonio, Texas-based Alterman, Inc. (No. 32 on the list), told the publication that his company may be more selective in the year ahead with cost pressures rising in a demand-driven market.

“It’s a good time for the industry,” he said. “It’s now a lot about understanding when to say no. We’re regularly approached by customers that want to give us projects, but we have to look at resources available and make a responsible decision. We don’t want to overextend ourselves when it’s a constant challenge to maintain margins.”

According to EC&M’s data, contractors continue to view data centers, manufacturing, and health care as the hottest markets and private office, retail, and hospitality the slowest.

Jeff Thiede, president and CEO of Everus Construction Group (No. 5), says that data center work looks unstoppable and established utility clients are poised for a capital spending boom as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud storage, renewables, and electrification demands grow.

“These clients expect us to be a solutions provider, be proactive and a true partner, and we have highly skilled people ready to deliver,” he said.

GPRS supports the work of electrical contractors of all sizes through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology like ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and 3D laser scanning, we provide you with the accurate and complete, above & belowground infrastructure data you need to keep your projects on track. And all this data is at your fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

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 locate PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

Yes! Using ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning, we can locate all types of subsurface materials. And during those times when PVC piping does not provide an adequate signal for GPR scanning to properly locate, we can use alternative technologies such as electromagnetic (EM) locating to find the utility.

Can GPR be used to verify known measurements?

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

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.

The combined use of GPR and EM induction allows us to provide one of the most comprehensive and accurate conduits locating services available.

What deliverables can GPRS provide when conducting 3D laser scanning?

We can provide 3D modeling in many formats such as:

• Point Cloud Data (Raw Data)
• 2D CAD Drawings
• 3D Non-Intelligent Models
• 3D BIM Models
• JetStream Viewer

Customizable deliverables upon request include:

• Aerial Photogrammetry
• Comparative Analysis
• Deformation Analysis
• Digital Drawings of GPR Markings
• Floor Flatness Analysis/Contour Mapping
• New Construction Accuracy Analysis/Comparative Analysis
• Point Cloud Modeling Training Webinars
• Reconciliation of Clients 2D Design Drawings
• Reconciliation of Clients 3D Design Model
• Structural Steel Shape Probability Analysis
• Template Modeling
• Volume Calculations
• Wall Plumb Analysis

GPRS’ professional pipe inspection services recently helped an airport in Michigan ensure the integrity of its expansive stormwater system.

Project Manager Andy Jurski inspected and mapped roughly 60,000 linear feet of storm lines and related infrastructure at Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT), where officials were looking to gain an understanding of their system’s integrity prior to undertaking planned improvement projects.

“They had never had their lines expected, their storm lines,” Jurski explained. “They wanted to get eyes on their lines as they do have some projects coming up… Some of these lines could be close to 100 years old… [and] they’ve never had eyes inside the pipes.”

The airport had thankfully not experienced any major incidents related to the degradation of their stormwater system, but they had experienced sinkholes in a field near the runway caused by pipes separating and other issues commonly related to aging infrastructure.

“They wanted to [focus] on any line about 18” [in diameter] or bigger,” Jurski said.

GPRS has a comprehensive suite of sewer and stormwater line inspection services – including video pipe inspections (VPI), smoke testing, and dye tracing – to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure below your feet.

Jurski primarily deployed our VPI service at the airport. This inspection service uses industry-leading remote video (CCTV) cameras to assess conditions and prevent problems in water, sanitary and storm sewer, and lateral pipelines. Our NASSCO-certified Project Managers scope your sewers to locate clogs, identify cross bores, find structural defects & damages, and conduct lateral sewer line inspections.

Jurski began his inspection of the airport’s storm system by conducting a site walk. Then, over the next two months, he inspected and mapped the system, providing the airport and the engineering firm it had hired with updated drawings, maps, and video and photographic evidence of all defects within the lines.

“They even had a culvert going underneath a runway that was about 17’ tall by 32’ wide, that we were able to do an inspection with [our] equipment,” he said. “We provided inspection on all 60,000 LF that they were looking at and were able to map and update their drawings. There were several lines that they showed going a certain way that were not there or were capped off, or actually went another way.”

Jurski was also able to inspect and map the buried lines and valves that are part of the airport’s deicing system.

“When they de-ice planes, they’ve got to be able to have that de-icing solution go to deicing holding tanks,” he explained. “The site had that, but you’ve got to make sure the valves are working. We were able to see some of the valves had stuff stuck in them, so they were able to get them cleaned and then we were able to put the camera in there and see the valves were actually functioning as they should be. That way they guarantee the contaminants of the de-icing solution would not go out into creeks and rivers and waterways and contaminate groundwater.”

All the data Jurski collected on site was compiled into a detailed, NASSCO-compliant WinCan report. In this report, all defects and other issues identified within a storm or sewer system are geolocated, ranked by severity, and documented with both photo and video evidence.

“We found a lot of collapsed pipes, and joints separated,” Jurski said. “We didn’t find anything that would mean issues to the integrity, or affect air traffic as it is – thankfully, it’s all stuff that’s off to the sides – but it’s stuff that could be very concerning during normal maintenance on site like mowing the grass, animal control, things like that. We also found where stuff is seeping in. They’ve got encrustations building up on joints, stuff that’s more operational like they need to get the lines cleaned so that way they don’t have to worry about future build-ups on lines that could create like a dam inside there as debris goes down the line.”

Airport personnel and their contractors will be able to view all this data 24/7, from any computer, smartphone or tablet thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect assets and people.

With SiteMap^®, critical infrastructure data is accessible and securely shareable, allowing even the largest and most complex facilities and campuses to eliminate the costly and potentially dangerous mistakes caused by miscommunications.

Jurski said that officials at Flint Bishop International Airport recognized the importance of having all their site data in one single source of truth – especially when they learned that their long-time facility manager was going to be retiring and taking his decades of knowledge with him.

“This gentleman had been at this airport for, as we were joking, a lifetime,” Jurski explained. “So, the gentleman that knew where all the utilities were on site is now retired, and they’re going to have to rely on maps instead of calling up this guy and saying, ‘Hey, where’s this line at?’ Now they don’t have that opportunity, but with SiteMap^®… with this, they’re able to decipher which lines went to each outfall. So, if there’s an emergency on site, they know where to take and block off a line where they’ll know it won’t get into a creek, river, watersheds, anything like that.”

From storm 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?

Frequently Asked Questions

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting a video pipe inspection (VPI)?

GPRS is excited to offer WinCan reporting as a valuable resource for our Video Pipe Inspection clients. Effective sewer maintenance begins with a clear understanding of sewer conditions, and WinCan enables GPRS Project Managers to gather detailed, NASSCO-compliant inspection data. Beyond assessing the interior condition of sewer pipes, laterals, and manholes, GPRS Project Managers can also generate precise location maps. Additionally, the GPRS Mapping & Modeling Department provides comprehensive GPS overlays and CAD files. Our thorough WinCan/NASSCO reports include interior pipe condition screenshots and a video file for in-depth evaluation, documentation, or future reference.

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our NASSCO-certified Project Managers can inspect pipes from 2” in diameter and up.

Energy provider Duke Energy touted its self-healing grid technology, and other elements of its grid hardening strategy for helping reduce outage impacts and enable swift power restorations for customers in Florida in the wake of 2024’s record-tying hurricane season.

Three hurricanes – Debby, Helene, and Milton – struck the Sunshine State in 2024, tying the record for the most hurricanes to make landfall in Florida in a single season. In a press release following the landfall of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Duke said that its self-healing technology and other elements of its grid hardening strategy helped prevent more than 300,000 customer outages, saving those customers more than 300 million minutes of total outage time.

Comparable to a GPS navigation system that detects an accident and adjusts your route accordingly, self-healing grid technology swiftly identifies power outages and reroutes electricity to restore service more rapidly for customers when disruptions occur.

This technology can pinpoint the source of an outage and reduce the number of impacted customers by as much as 75%, frequently restoring power in under a minute. Duke says that about 77% of their customers currently benefit directly from self-healing grid technology.

“With storms increasing in frequency and intensity, Duke Energy Florida’s Storm Protection Plan, year-round infrastructure work and preparedness efforts are critical to our ability to respond quickly and safely,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We’re working around the clock to improve reliability for our customers, strengthen the grid against severe weather and enhance our response after a major storm.”

Self-healing grid technology is a component of the larger concept of grid hardening, which is a comprehensive method of protecting power grids from damages such as those that occur during natural disasters.

Other elements of grid hardening include:

• Improving the strength of power lines, poles, transformers, and substations
• Controlling the growth of trees and other vegetation around power lines
• Burying power lines to protect them from wind, ice, and other surface-level threats

Natural disasters pose significant threats to energy systems, often causing widespread outages and costly damages. Grid hardening mitigates these risks by:

• Reducing Outage Duration: Hardened grids are less susceptible to damage, enabling quicker restoration of power after a disruption. For instance, underground power lines are less vulnerable to wind and debris during hurricanes.
• Enhancing System Resilience: By building redundancy into the grid, utilities can maintain service continuity, ensuring that critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency shelters, and water treatment plants remain operational during disasters.
• Protecting Public Safety: Preventing power outages reduces the risk of secondary hazards, such as fires from downed lines or traffic accidents caused by non-functional signals.
• Minimizing Economic Impact: Power disruptions during natural disasters can lead to significant economic losses. Grid hardening helps maintain business operations and reduces the financial burden on affected communities.

While grid hardening offers numerous benefits, implementing these measures presents several challenges:

• High Costs: Upgrading infrastructure and deploying advanced technologies require significant financial investment. Utilities often seek funding through rate adjustments, which can be contentious.
• Time-Intensive Implementation: Comprehensive grid hardening efforts can take years to complete, delaying immediate benefits.
• Balancing Priorities: Utilities must carefully prioritize projects based on risk assessments and budget constraints, which can leave some areas vulnerable.
• Regulatory and Community Support: Securing regulatory approval and community buy-in is critical for successful implementation.

The Future of Grid Hardening

The need for resilient energy infrastructure continues to grow. The future of grid hardening lies in:

• Integration with Renewable Energy: Hardening efforts will increasingly incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, ensuring that the transition to clean energy aligns with resilience goals.
• Enhanced Predictive Capabilities: Advances in AI and machine learning will improve utilities’ ability to predict and prevent failures before they occur.
• Expanded Use of Microgrids: Microgrids will play a pivotal role in enhancing local resilience, particularly in remote or disaster-prone areas.
• Collaborative Approaches: Utilities, governments, and communities will work together to fund and implement grid hardening measures, ensuring equitable access to resilient energy systems.

How GPRS Can Help with Your Infrastructure Projects

GPRS is the nation’s largest company offering above and below-ground existing conditions documentation. We Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

GPRS employs advanced technologies like ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating to locate utilities underground, as well as post tension cable, rebar, and conduits and more within concrete slabs.

We geolocate and digitize these findings and deliver them to you through SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

Available 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, SiteMap^® is a single source of truth for the critical data that allows you to protect your infrastructure from damage, whether you’re hardening a power grid or just conducting regular maintenance.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GPRS locate PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

Yes, our SIM-certified Project Managers utilize a suite of infrastructure visualization tools, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating, to find all types of subsurface materials. These tools compensate for each other’s weak points, allowing us to create an accurate, complete picture of your job site.

Will I need to mark out the utilities that GPRS locates?

No, our Project Managers locate and mark all utilities for you when conducting a utility locate. We have a variety of tools and markers we use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks (USTs), and other buried items.

Power grid upgrades and repairs are essential in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape to meet growing demands, integrate renewable energy sources, and enhance reliability.

These projects involve intricate processes, stringent regulations, and high stakes, making compliance a top priority. Digital Asset Management (DAM) has emerged as a vital solution to streamline operations and ensure adherence to regulatory standards.

Understanding Digital Asset Management in the Context of Power Grids

Digital Asset Management refers to the centralized organization, storage, and retrieval of digital assets, such as documents, images, videos, schematics, and other essential data. In the power grid sector, DAM systems manage assets like:

• Technical drawings and blueprints
• Maintenance records
• Equipment specifications
• Compliance documentation
• GIS (Geographic Information System) data
• Inspection photos and videos

A robust DAM system enables utilities and contractors to access accurate and up-to-date information, which is crucial for maintaining compliance throughout upgrade and repair projects.

The Importance of Compliance in Power Grid Operations

Power grid projects are governed by a complex web of regulations at local, state, and federal levels. These rules aim to ensure safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.

Key compliance areas include:

1. Safety Standards: Adhering to OSHA and industry-specific safety guidelines.
2. Environmental Regulations: Managing emissions, waste, and impacts on natural habitats.
3. Equipment Standards: Ensuring that all hardware meets regulatory and manufacturer specifications.
4. Documentation Requirements: Maintaining detailed records to demonstrate compliance during audits.

A DAM system helps power grid operators navigate these requirements efficiently, reducing risks and enhancing accountability.

How Digital Asset Management Ensures Compliance

Centralized Document Control

One of the primary challenges in power grid projects is managing vast amounts of documentation. A DAM system centralizes these assets, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the latest versions. This eliminates discrepancies, minimizes errors, and supports compliance audits.

For example, during an upgrade, technicians can instantly retrieve the most current wiring diagrams, subsurface data, and more, ensuring installations align with safety codes. Similarly, environmental reports can be easily accessed and shared with regulatory bodies, streamlining approval processes.

Enhanced Data Accuracy and Integrity

Inaccurate or outdated data can lead to compliance violations and project delays. DAM systems enforce version control and track changes, ensuring data integrity. This is particularly valuable during audits, where maintaining a clear chain of custody for documents is essential.

Additionally, DAM platforms often integrate with GIS and other software, enabling real-time updates. This ensures that critical data, such as equipment locations or inspection schedules, is always accurate.

Streamlined Reporting and Auditing

Regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, frequently require detailed reports to verify compliance. DAM systems simplify this process by providing pre-configured templates and automated reporting tools. These features reduce the administrative burden and ensure reports are consistent and comprehensive.

Moreover, DAM systems log user actions, creating an audit trail that demonstrates compliance with protocols and standards. This transparency fosters trust and facilitates smoother interactions with regulators.

Improved Collaboration and Communication

Power grid upgrades and repairs often involve multiple stakeholders, including utility companies, contractors, engineers, and regulatory agencies. DAM systems enhance collaboration by providing a single source of truth for all project-related information.

By enabling secure file sharing and real-time collaboration, DAM systems ensure that all parties remain aligned. This minimizes miscommunications and ensures compliance requirements are uniformly understood and implemented.

Risk Mitigation and Incident Management

A proactive approach to risk management is crucial for compliance. DAM systems support this by:

• Storing and organizing incident reports
• Facilitating root cause analysis
• Providing quick access to emergency procedures

In the event of an incident, having immediate access to relevant documents ensures swift corrective actions, minimizing compliance risks and project disruptions.

Benefits of Digital Asset Management in Compliance

Efficiency

DAM systems automate repetitive tasks, such as document retrieval and reporting, saving time and reducing labor costs. This efficiency allows teams to focus on high-value activities, such as strategic planning and quality assurance.

Enhanced Accountability

By tracking document access and edits, DAM systems hold individuals and teams accountable for their contributions. This accountability fosters a culture of responsibility and compliance.

Scalability and Adaptability

As power grids evolve to incorporate renewable energy sources and smart technologies, DAM systems can scale to manage new assets and adapt to changing regulatory landscapes.

Improved Decision-Making

Access to accurate and organized data enables informed decision-making. Whether it’s selecting equipment or planning maintenance schedules, DAM systems provide the insights needed to align operations with compliance goals.

Best Practices for Implementing DAM in Power Grid Projects

Assess Organizational Needs

Begin by identifying your organization’s specific compliance challenges and digital asset management requirements. Engage stakeholders to ensure the system addresses diverse needs.

Choose the Right Platform

Select a DAM solution tailored to the power grid industry. Key features to look for include:

• GIS integration
• Robust security protocols
• User-friendly interfaces
• Customizable workflows

Invest in Training

Effective implementation requires comprehensive training for all users. Ensure employees understand how to use the system and recognize its value in maintaining compliance.

Regularly Update and Audit the System

Keep your DAM system updated with the latest regulatory requirements and technological advancements. Conduct periodic audits to ensure data accuracy and system reliability.

Monitor Performance Metrics

Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the system’s impact on compliance and overall project efficiency. Use this data to refine processes and optimize outcomes.

How SiteMap^® Helps You Build Better

SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, is a Digital Asset Management solution that compiles all the accurate, field-verified data collected on your job site by our SIM and NASSCO-certified into one single source of truth. This data is accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, allowing you and your team to collaborate whenever and from wherever.

Click below to schedule your free, live SiteMap^® demonstration today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Inside a substation, can you mark out the underground utilities and the grounding grid?

GPRS utilizes multiple technologies and processes to help identify all utilities and assets onsite. Inside a substation, GPRS follows a standard operating procedure to help identify the grounding grid, duct banks, conduits or any other utilities that may be present. All this information can be relayed back to the customer in a .KMZ or CAD file.

Can you provide laser scanning and modeling for my project?

While GPRS is helping visualize the underground assets and utilities, we can also capture the existing above-ground conditions and features. With LiDAR scanners, GPRS can provide 2-4mm accuracy with its 3D laser scanning services, while processing all the data to generate point cloud files, 3D models, and more.

Can you work on projects over large and/or congested areas?

Yes! GPRS can work on any size project ranging from a couple hundred linear feet, up to multiple miles in length. Through a busy intersection for a new electrical duct bank or inside a power station, GPRS Project Managers locate and map all public, private, and abandoned utilities, as well as any other subsurface obstructions.

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. 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.

Does GPRS have badging requirements or site-specific training to access my site?

Yes, GPRS Project Managers all have OSHA 10 training, with some additional team members having OSHA 40 qualifications. Additionally, GPRS is approved and listed in multiple safety associations such as PowerSafe, Avetta, ISNet, etc. If there is job specific training or site training requirements, GPRS will ensure we have our team qualified and ready to access when the project is ready for execution.

Construction workers, stone fabricators, sandblasters, and others who have been diagnosed with silicosis are suing those they’ve deemed responsible for them conducting this deadly lung disease.

In September 2024, Los Angeles’ NBC affiliate, NBC4 reported on the case of Gustavo Reyez Gonzalez, who was diagnosed with silicosis after having worked with engineered stone slabs used in kitchen and bathroom countertops for nearly 20 years at local shops.

The 34-year-old Gonzalez, who received a life-saving lung transplant in 2023, won a lawsuit against several manufacturers of the engineered stone. A jury awarded him $52 million in damages in what is believed to be a landmark trial and verdict.

“I’m hoping that other workers won’t have to face the same illness and possible death during this time,” Wendy Torres, Gonzalez’s wife, told the news station. “It’s something that is killing other human beings, and hopefully it will stop, so that these workers will actually have a future with their families, and a future to live and be with their loved ones.  

Silicosis is an incurable, progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica, which is released when concrete or certain stones are cut, drilled, or ground.

Over 2.3 million U.S. workers are exposed to silica dust annually, with construction workers being at the highest risk, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Lawsuits like Gonzalez’s and the increasing number of silicosis cases stemming from the stone cutting industry have led to calls to ban some artificial stone products.

Australia was the first country in the world to implement a national ban on engineered stone, a ban which went into effect in July of 2024. Employers are forbidden from manufacturing, supplying, processing, or installing any engineered stone containing crystalline silica, which Monash University labeled as the “new asbestos” in an article on silicosis research published in February.

Back in California, local lawmakers told NBC4 that while a complete ban of artificial stone is not currently on the table, new standards for working with engineered stone slabs are expected.

Jeremy Buckingham, a member of parliament from New South Wales, Australia, was a stonemason before entering politics. He told NBC4 that he has a lung screening every year due to the high-risk exposure he experienced in his previous line of work.

Of course, banning artificial stone slabs won’t protect construction workers who contract silicosis from cutting, sawing, or drilling concrete.

Silica is found in concrete as a component of Portland cement, the most common type of cement in general use around the world. As demand for cement and concrete is only expected to increase due to the expanded need for infrastructure construction, it’s vital that employers and workers alike take all available precautions when working with this ever-present material to protect themselves and their peers from silica exposure.

Risk mitigation strategies include:

• Using Wet Cutting Techniques: Applying water at the source reduces airborne silica dust
• Ventilation and Dust Collection Systems: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) captures dust at its source
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure workers wear N95 respirators or other approved respiratory protection
• Training and Monitoring: Educate workers on the dangers of silica dust and monitor air quality on-site

Concrete cutting and coring involve inherent risks, but these can be greatly minimized through thorough planning, effective worker training, and strict adherence to safety protocols. By implementing industry best practices, general contractors can safeguard workers, ensure regulatory compliance, and prevent costly project delays.

Emphasizing worker safety is both a legal requirement and a moral duty, contributing to improved efficiency and successful project results.

GPRS sponsors Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week each January to help construction companies keep their teams safer. We bring our safety experts to you January 27-31, 2025. Click here to learn more about this complimentary concrete safety training and schedule your CSDSW talk.

Choosing the right delivery method for a construction project is one of the most critical decisions in the planning phase.

Design-build and design-bid-build are two common methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences between these approaches and assessing your project’s unique requirements can help you make the right choice.

Explaining Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build

• Design-Build: In this method, a single entity—often a firm or a team—is responsible for both designing and constructing the project. The design-build approach integrates these two phases into a seamless process, streamlining communication and reducing timelines.
• Design-Bid-Build: This traditional method separates the design and construction phases. First, an architect or engineer creates the project design. Then, contractors bid on the construction work based on these designs, and one is selected to complete the construction phase.

When to Choose Design-Build

Fast-Tracked Projects

Design-build is ideal for projects with tight deadlines. Since the design and construction phases overlap, this method significantly reduces the overall project timeline. For example, a commercial developer needing a new facility operational within months may benefit from the speed of design-build

Simplified Communication

With design-build, all responsibility lies with a single entity. This reduces potential communication breakdowns between designers and contractors. Fewer intermediaries mean easier problem-solving during construction, and reduced risk of conflicts over scope or specifications.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

Design-build encourages collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors from the project’s inception. This fosters innovative solutions and can lead to better cost control and designs optimized for construction feasibility.

Owner Involvement Preferences

This method works well for owners who prefer a hands-off approach. The design-build team takes on much of the decision-making, allowing the owner to focus on high-level project outcomes.

When to Choose Design-Bid-Build

Well-Defined Projects

Design-bid-build is suitable for projects where the scope and requirements are clear from the outset. Detailed designs allow contractors to bid accurately, ensuring competitive pricing and reduced risk of change orders during construction.

Owners Seeking Greater Control

This method is ideal for owners who want more involvement in the design process. By selecting an independent designer, owners can:

- Customize the design to their specifications

- Ensure quality and functionality align with their vision

Regulatory or Funding Requirements

Some public or government-funded projects mandate the use of design-bid-build due to its transparency. The competitive bidding process ensures fair contractor selection, and compliance with procurement regulations.

Complex or Specialized Projects

For projects requiring highly specialized design elements, design-bid-build can provide more control over technical details. For example, infrastructure projects with stringent engineering standards may benefit from separate design and construction teams.

Factors to Consider When Deciding

Project Timeline

• Tight Deadlines: Opt for design-build to overlap design and construction phases
• Flexible Timelines: Design-bid-build allows more time for detailed design and competitive bidding

Budget Constraints

• Fixed Budgets: Design-bid-build often provides better cost certainty due to competitive bidding
• Cost Efficiency: Design-build may reduce costs by streamlining processes and minimizing delays

Risk Tolerance

• Lower Risk Preference: Design-bid-build divides responsibilities, reducing risk for the owner
• Integrated Risk Management: Design-build places accountability on a single entity, which may simplify risk management

Project Complexity

• Highly Complex Projects: Design-bid-build offers detailed oversight and specialized expertise
• Moderately Complex Projects: Design-build’s collaborative approach often meets the needs of moderately complex projects

Owner Involvement

• Hands-On Owners: Design-bid-build allows greater participation in design and contractor selection
• Hands-Off Owners: Design-build minimizes the need for detailed oversight

Advantages and Disadvantages

Design-Build

Advantages:

• Faster project delivery
• Streamlined communication
• Collaborative problem-solving

Disadvantages:

• Less transparency in cost breakdowns
• Limited owner control over design details

Design-Bid-Build

Advantages:

• Competitive bidding ensures fair pricing
• Greater owner control over design
• Clear separation of responsibilities

Disadvantages:

• Longer project timelines
• Higher risk of miscommunication between design and construction teams

GPRS provides accurate as-built site data to help design-build, and design-bid-build projects move seamlessly through the design and construction process.

Our utility locating, precision concrete scanning, pinpoint leak detection, and NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection services help you prevent subsurface damage and provide you with an accurate, complete picture of the subsurface infrastructure on your job site. And our 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry services, and SiteMap^® (patent pending) infrastructure mapping software provide existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services to help you plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

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.

The Biden-Harris Administration continued its robust investment in the nation’s energy infrastructure through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program as 2024 came to a close. The DOE announced the third round of GRIP funding last fall, committing an additional $2 billion to reinforce and modernize the electric grid. This substantial allocation builds on the $10.5 billion initially made available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, propelling projects aimed at creating a more resilient, secure, and clean energy system.

Addressing Grid Vulnerabilities

The GRIP program’s core objective is to fortify the nation’s power grid against increasing threats, including extreme weather events, cyberattacks, and aging infrastructure. Disasters like Hurricane Milton underscore the fragility of the grid, and demonstrate why funding is critical to ensure energy reliability and public safety. President Biden highlighted the urgency during his remarks following Hurricane Milton, emphasizing that “modernizing our power grid is not just about resilience but about saving lives and ensuring economic stability.”

GPRS works with power transmission and distribution providers and their contractors across the U.S. to provide accurate existing conditions documentation, interactive, layered, subsurface utility locating and mapping, and project and facility infrastructure management tools that can be tailored to capture and aggregate site data on jobs of any size. Learn more about how we help you capture and control your data, here.

Overview of GRIP Funding to Date

Since its inception, the GRIP program has distributed $7.6 billion through grants to state, tribal, and local governments, as well as private entities. The program is divided into three categories:

1. Grid Resilience Grants: Focused on reducing outages during severe weather and other emergencies
2. Smart Grid Grants: Supporting technologies that enhance grid flexibility and integrate renewable energy
3. Grid Innovation Partnerships: Driving collaborative projects to deploy innovative solutions for long-term grid transformation

In the first two funding rounds, the DOE approved over 200 projects across 40 states, including grid hardening efforts in hurricane-prone regions, wildfire mitigation in the West, and pilot programs for advanced grid technologies. The third round significantly broadens the scope and scale of supported initiatives while also funneling monies to repair and replace power distribution networks in states and communities affected by the hurricane.

Key Projects and Initiatives

The third round of funding prioritizes projects with far-reaching impacts, addressing both current vulnerabilities and future demands. Highlights include:

Transmission Expansion: High-capacity transmission lines to connect renewable energy hubs with urban centers. For example, grants have been awarded to projects linking offshore wind farms in New England to the grid.

Microgrid Deployment: Community-scale microgrids to provide reliable energy during outages. Tribes in Arizona and Alaska received funding to implement microgrids powered by solar and battery storage.

Cybersecurity Enhancements: Initiatives to fortify grid infrastructure against cyber threats, leveraging advanced monitoring and response systems.

The DOE’s press release offers comprehensive details on these projects, illustrating their technical and economic benefits.

Regional Impacts

GRIP funding addresses diverse regional challenges, reflecting the varied energy landscape of the U.S. In the Gulf Coast, grants support storm-resistant infrastructure, while Western states leverage funding for wildfire prevention through vegetation management and advanced monitoring systems. The Midwest, a key corridor for wind energy, benefits from transmission line upgrades essential for integrating renewable resources into the national grid.

Stakeholder Collaboration

A hallmark of the GRIP program is its emphasis on public-private partnerships. Collaborations with utilities, technology developers, and research institutions amplify the program’s impact. For instance, Pacific Gas and Electric is working with local governments in California to implement wildfire mitigation technologies, supported by federal grants.

The Broader Energy Transition

While the immediate focus of GRIP funding is resilience, the program aligns with broader clean/green energy goals. Grid modernization is pivotal to achieving the governments zero net carbon goals, enabling the integration of renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Smart grid technologies funded under GRIP enhance flexibility, allowing utilities to manage variable energy supply and demand effectively.

Challenges and Next Steps

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Grid expansion projects often face permitting delays and local opposition. The DOE is working to streamline approval processes and engage communities to build consensus around the benefits of grid modernization.

Looking ahead, the DOE plans to release additional funding opportunities under GRIP, leveraging insights from completed projects to refine its strategy. As the program evolves, it will play a crucial role in meeting the nation’s climate and energy resilience objectives.

By addressing vulnerabilities, fostering innovation, and enabling the clean energy transition, the program is laying the groundwork for a secure and prosperous energy future. For more information on GRIP and ongoing initiatives, visit the DOE’s GRIP program page and follow updates on related funding announcements.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® for power projects nationwide. What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does GPRS support power transmission and distribution projects?

GPRS supports power transmission and distribution projects by providing precise subsurface utility locating and mapping services. Utilizing advanced technologies such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating, GPRS identifies underground utilities, including electrical lines, conduits, and other critical infrastructure components. This ensures safe excavation and construction, preventing costly damages and service interruptions. Accurate subsurface utility maps are essential for planning and executing power infrastructure projects safely. See how we support energy infrastructure here.

How does GPRs maintain its 99.8% accuracy rate in utility locating and mapping & concrete scanning?

GPRS maintains its 99.8% accuracy rate in utility locating and mapping through a rigorous Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM). SIM encompasses comprehensive training, standardized procedures, and the utilization of state-of-the-art equipment. Project Managers undergo extensive mentorship and field training, applying systematic approaches with multiple technologies, including GPR and EM locators, to verify findings. This meticulous process ensures consistent, high-accuracy results across diverse projects nationwide. Learn more about how GPRS uses SIM, here.

How can GPRS help me store and reference my data for nationwide projects?

All GPRS utility locating customers receive a complimentary SiteMap® Personal subscription. SiteMap® is a cloud-based infrastructure tool for efficient data storage and management across nationwide projects. SiteMap® integrates 99.8% accurate utility data collected by GPRS professionals, providing an intuitive interface for accessing, visualizing, and sharing infrastructure information. It supports scalability, data portability, and security, enabling seamless collaboration and informed decision-making for large-scale power transmission and distribution endeavors.

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The level of detail an engineer needs to update mechanical and piping systems depends on the scope and complexity of the project. To properly design, prefabricate, and install system updates, many engineers require detailed diagrams of the current piping system, including pipe sizes, materials, and routing.

The Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio was updating one of its heat exchangers. This portion of the facility was packed with dense mechanical and piping systems.

GPRS was called to 3D laser scan the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant and render an LOD 300 BIM model of the three-level heat exchanger for ABC Piping Co. to update one of the systems.

ABC Piping Co., the mechanical contracting company, required a high-detail 3D BIM model to accurately visualize, design, modify, and manage the update of the heat exchanger system within the facility, enabling efficient updates and modifications without the need for extensive on-site measurements or manual drafting.

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What is the Wastewater Treatment Process?

Wastewater treatment is the process by which dirty water—sewage—is cleaned so that it may be safely released into freshwater resources like lakes and rivers. Treatment technologies vary, but most often, wastewater treatment consists of two major stages. The primary treatment phase separates sand, grit, and larger solids from the wastewater through a series of screens and large tanks, but organic solids remain. During the secondary treatment phase, a biological process removes those organic solids from the flow and completes a final disinfection to make the water safe for the environment.

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About the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant

Situated on 288 acres, Southerly is the largest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Northeast Ohio, serving 530,000 residents, with an average flow of 120 million gallons per day (MGD).  Infiltrator Water Technologies defines the average daily flow rate as the average 24-hour volume that is received by the wastewater system for a continuous 12-month period.

The Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country. The primary treatment phase sludge process used at the plant is similar to the process described above, like many other treatment plants around the world. However, the secondary treatment phase uses specialized bacteria to remove ammonia and nitrogen, two compounds which deplete oxygen in receiving waters (the fresh water that the treated water flows into). Plus, the facility completes a third step, where the flow passes through filters and is disinfected by a chlorination/dechlorination process.

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How Did GPRS Help the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant?

GPRS partnered with ABC Piping Co. to 3D laser scan and model the heat exchanger at the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant for upgrades. ABC Piping Co. is a comprehensive mechanical contracting company licensed by the State of Ohio for a range of services including HVAC, plumbing, hydronic systems, and fire protection.

Colton Carney, GPRS’ Project Manager for the Cleveland area, utilized the Leica RTC360 laser scanner to capture as-built conditions from 3 different floors around the existing heat exchangers. The Leica RTC360 laser scanner offers a high level of accuracy and fast reality capture speed, recording 2 million data points per second. Colton completed 108 laser scans with the RTC360 from different locations to capture the intricate details of this very dense mechanical facility.

“The Leica RTC360 can generate 3D point clouds in less than 2 minutes, delivering our clients quick data visualization for project planning,” stated Carney.

He added, “Also, the Leica RTC360 scans in color, which is useful when you need a true representation of a site in color detail. This will ensure a precise 3D BIM model.”

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What is the Function of a Heat Exchanger?

The primary function of a heat exchanger is to capture heat from the wastewater, which is usually warmer than the surrounding environment, even during colder months. By recovering this heat, wastewater treatment plants can reduce their overall energy consumption by utilizing waste heat for other purposes. The extracted heat can be used to preheat incoming wastewater, heat building spaces, or power a heat pump, ultimately reducing the energy needed to operate the plant.

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How is a Heat Exchanger Updated?

Updating a heat exchanger at a wastewater treatment plant typically involves replacing an old or inefficient heat exchanger with a new, more advanced model that can improve energy efficiency by recovering more heat from the wastewater. This often utilizes technologies like plate heat exchangers, designed to handle the unique characteristics of sewage sludge and effluent, while also considering factors like cleaning mechanisms to maintain optimal performance over time.

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What are the Key Considerations When Updating a Wastewater Treatment Plant Heat Exchanger?

Assessment of the Existing System

The first step in updating a wastewater treatment plant heat exchanger is conducting a thorough assessment of the current system. This involves analyzing the performance of the existing heat exchanger, identifying areas for improvement, and determining the most suitable updates based on factors like flow rate, temperature range, and the composition of the wastewater being processed.

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Choosing the Right Technology

Selecting the appropriate heat exchanger technology is critical for achieving optimal performance. Plate heat exchangers are a popular choice due to their high efficiency and ability to handle a variety of flow rates and fouling conditions. Alternatively, shell and tube heat exchangers may be used for specific applications, although they often require more frequent cleaning. Advanced features, such as automated cleaning mechanisms like "scraped surface" or "hydraulic cleaning," should also be considered to minimize fouling buildup and reduce maintenance requirements.

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Selecting Corrosion Resistant Materials

The choice of materials for the heat exchanger plays a vital role in ensuring durability and performance. Materials should be selected based on the characteristics of the wastewater, with a focus on corrosion resistance. For instance, stainless steel is often preferred in aggressive environments to withstand corrosive conditions and extend the lifespan of the equipment.

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Proper Installation

Proper installation is essential for the successful integration of a new heat exchanger into the wastewater treatment system. This includes seamless connections with existing piping to maintain wastewater flow. Additionally, available space within the treatment plant must be assessed to accommodate the new equipment, particularly in plants with limited room for expansion.

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Control System Integration

To optimize the heat transfer process, it is important to implement a control system that monitors and adjusts operational parameters in real time. This ensures that the heat exchanger operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and enhancing overall system performance.

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How Does 3D Laser Scanning Capture the As-Built Environment?

3D laser scanning captures the as-built environment by using advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to create a highly accurate and detailed digital representation of existing structures, spaces, and systems. The process involves emitting laser beams from the scanner, which then measures the time it takes for the beams to bounce back after hitting a surface. This time-of-flight data is used to calculate distances and create a dense point cloud of spatial coordinates.

The point cloud is a collection of millions of data points that collectively map the physical features of the scanned environment. It captures precise geometric details, including walls, floors, ceilings, piping, mechanical systems, and other structural or architectural elements.

This data is then processed using specialized software to clean and organize the point cloud, allowing for the creation of accurate 2D CAD drawings, and 3D Building Information Models (BIM).

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What are the Benefits of using a 3D BIM Model to Make System Updates?

A 3D BIM model provides a detailed and accurate representation of the existing heat exchangers within the facility, enabling engineers and designers to clearly understand the spatial relationships, constraints, and interdependencies between various components. This level of detail reduces the risk of errors and oversights during the planning and design stages.

MEP updates often require seamless integration with architectural and structural systems. A 3D BIM model will allow all disciplines to work within a shared platform, facilitating clash detection and resolution before construction begins. This proactive approach minimizes costly rework and project delays caused by on-site conflicts between systems such as ductwork, piping, and electrical conduits.

The use of 3D BIM models also improves efficiency in decision-making and project execution. This provides optimization of the heat exchanger systems before implementation, ensuring that updates align with performance goals and regulatory requirements.

“We are delivering an architectural/structural 3D BIM model and MEP 3D BIM model for design and engineering, providing a 3D space for all disciplines to work together to identify and resolve clashes before system integration begins, ensuring a smooth retrofit with minimal rework,” Belinda Thompson, GPRS CAD Technician stated.

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What are the Benefits of Updating a Wastewater Treatment Plant Heat Exchanger?

A wastewater treatment plant might update a heat exchanger for several practical and operational reasons, including:

Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern heat exchangers are often more energy-efficient, reducing operational costs by better transferring heat and minimizing energy losses.

Capacity Expansion: Increased wastewater volumes due to population growth or industrial activities may require a heat exchanger with greater capacity to handle higher thermal loads.

Enhanced Reliability: Old or deteriorated heat exchangers can lead to frequent maintenance and unexpected failures. Corrosion, scaling, or fouling in older units can degrade performance.  Upgrading ensures more reliable and efficient heat transfer and consistent performance, minimizing downtime.

Regulatory Compliance: Environmental regulations may require more advanced equipment to minimize energy use or greenhouse gas emissions. An updated heat exchanger helps meet these standards.

Integration with New Processes: New treatment technologies, such as anaerobic digestion or advanced thermal processes, may require upgraded heat exchangers for optimal operation.

Lower Maintenance Costs: Replacing an outdated heat exchanger can lower maintenance costs, energy consumption, and overall operational expenses in the long term.

Environmental Goals: Plants aiming to lower their carbon footprint or improve sustainability may update heat exchangers as part of broader energy efficiency initiatives.

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Why Choose GPRS?

GPRS 3D laser scanning services documents the exact architectural, structural, and MEP system layout and dimensions of existing water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants. We have captured as built site conditions from 40 MGD to 1 BGD, documenting the interior and exterior of buildings; foundations; structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing features; equipment, motors, conduit and piping down to ½ inch diameter.

GPRS is a leading provider of 3D laser scanning and BIM modeling services, delivering accurate as-built documentation of buildings, facilities, and sites. Laser scanning captures precise layout, dimensions, and locations of existing architectural, structural, MEP, FP, and HVAC system elements in a point cloud. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling team can transform point cloud data into 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models to aid system engineering. This ensures that system upgrades are designed to fit precisely within the existing structure, optimizing processes, minimizing errors and rework, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with evolving industry and environmental standards.

What can we help you visualize?

Submersible pumps play a crucial role in managing sewage systems, ensuring that wastewater is effectively transported to treatment facilities.

In prison environments, these pumps face a range of unique challenges that significantly complicate maintenance and clog elimination. Prisons generate a distinct blend of waste, and the confined, high-security setting adds further complexities to addressing pump clogs.

Waste Composition in Prisons

One of the most significant challenges in prison sewage systems is the atypical composition of waste. Unlike residential or commercial settings, prison sewage systems often contain non-flushable items intentionally or unintentionally introduced by inmates. Common culprits include:

• Clothing and fabric items: Socks, shirts, and other fabric materials are frequently flushed, either as acts of vandalism or to hide contraband
• Personal hygiene products: Items such as sanitary pads, tampons, and wipes, many of which are labeled as flushable but do not disintegrate effectively
• Contraband: Inmates may dispose of prohibited items like plastic wrappers, small electronics, or metal objects in toilets to avoid detection
• Improvised tools and weapons: Sharp objects can severely damage pump components if not removed promptly

The mix of organic waste with these non-biodegradable and often bulky items creates a high potential for clogs, leading to pump malfunctions.

Design and Accessibility Constraints

The design of sewage systems in prisons often complicates maintenance tasks. Submersible pumps are usually installed in confined spaces, such as underground lift stations, where accessibility is limited. Adding to this, prison environments necessitate stringent security measures, requiring specialized access protocols for maintenance crews. These constraints can lead to delayed responses and prolonged system downtime when clogs occur.

The layout of prison facilities also often does not prioritize easy access to infrastructure components. The retrofitting of older prisons with modern sewage systems is particularly challenging, as these structures were not originally designed with contemporary waste management needs in mind. Tight quarters, outdated piping, and lack of redundancy in pumping systems exacerbate the issue.

Security Considerations in Maintenance

Conducting maintenance in a prison setting requires careful planning and adherence to strict security protocols. Maintenance personnel must be supervised by corrections officers, and tools must be meticulously accounted for to prevent their misuse. These precautions can significantly extend the time needed to address clogs in submersible pumps.

Additionally, the presence of inmates during maintenance work poses risks to both personnel and equipment. To mitigate these risks, sewage system repairs are often scheduled during lockdown periods, which may not align with the urgency of the repair, prolonging downtime and increasing the likelihood of system backups.

High Frequency of Clogs and Operational Downtime

Given the unique waste profile in prisons, clogs occur more frequently than in typical sewage systems. The high incidence of blockages leads to repeated operational interruptions, causing strain on maintenance resources and increasing costs. Frequent clogs also pose environmental and health risks, as sewage backups can result in unsanitary conditions and potential contamination.

Strategies for Addressing Submersible Pump Clogs

To effectively manage and reduce submersible pump clogs in prisons, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Below are several strategies that can be implemented to address these challenges:

1. Upgraded Pump Technology: Investing in robust pumps designed for handling challenging waste streams is critical. Grinder pumps, for instance, can shred non-biodegradable materials into smaller, more manageable pieces, reducing the likelihood of clogs. Similarly, pumps with higher torque and advanced impeller designs can better handle the diverse waste materials encountered in prison settings.
2. Preventative Maintenance Programs: Proactive maintenance schedules can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate into full-scale clogs. Regular inspections of pump stations, combined with routine cleaning and component checks, can minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
3. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Educating inmates about the impact of flushing non-biodegradable items can reduce intentional misuse of the sewage system. Posters, informational videos, and incentives for compliance can promote better waste disposal habits.
4. Enhanced Waste Screening Systems: Installing screening systems at key points in the sewage network can intercept larger items before they reach the pumps. Bar screens and basket strainers are effective tools for capturing debris, although they require regular cleaning to maintain efficiency.
5. Integration of Smart Monitoring Technology: The use of IoT-enabled sensors and monitoring systems can provide real-time data on pump performance, enabling quicker responses to potential clogs. Alerts for abnormal pressure levels or flow rates can help maintenance teams address issues proactively.
6. Collaboration with Engineering Experts: Partnering with specialized engineers and contractors experienced in high-risk environments can lead to the development of customized solutions. For example, retrofitting older systems with bypass capabilities can facilitate quicker repairs without disrupting overall sewage flow.

Professional sewer inspection companies like GPRS also offer a suite of services to help you inspect and maintain your system.

Balancing Cost and Efficiency

Implementing these solutions often requires a significant upfront investment, which can be challenging given budget constraints in the corrections system. However, the long-term benefits — including reduced maintenance costs, fewer operational disruptions, and improved sanitation — justify the expense. Cost-benefit analyses can help prison administrators prioritize investments in the most impactful technologies and practices.

The Path Forward

Addressing submersible pump clogs in prison sewage systems is a complex but solvable challenge. By recognizing the unique factors at play and adopting a proactive, multi-pronged approach, corrections facilities can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of clogs. Collaboration among prison administrators, maintenance teams, engineers, and inmates is key to developing sustainable solutions that balance operational efficiency with security and safety considerations.

As technology continues to evolve, the adoption of smart systems and advanced pump designs will further enhance the resilience of prison sewage infrastructure. In the meantime, targeted investments in education, maintenance, and robust equipment will serve as the foundation for more effective waste management in these challenging environments.

GPRS offers an extensive suite of sewer inspection services to help you maintain your sewer system, whether you’re in charge of a high-security prison or a manufacturing facility.

Our Video Pipe Inspection service is a sewer inspection service that uses industry-leading remote video cameras to assess conditions and prevent problems in water, sanitary and storm sewer, and lateral pipelines. Our NASSCO-certified Project Managers scope your sewers to locate clogs, identify cross bores, find structural defects & damages, and conduct lateral sewer line inspections.

GPRS is the sewer inspection company you can trust to provide you with comprehensive, interactive reporting that details every inch of your pipes to help you plan repairs, maintain your system integrity, and mitigate risk.

All this crucial infrastructure data is at your fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS.

SiteMap^® is a project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets & people. Accessible from any computer, tablet or smartphone, it allows you and your team to plan, design, and manage infrastructure projects from anywhere – reducing the number of trips you must make to your facility.

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?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GPRS offer lateral launch services?

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

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting a VPI?

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.

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

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

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.

Natural gas is a cornerstone of the United States' energy infrastructure, providing fuel for power generation, industrial processes, heating, and even transportation.

But the extensive network of pipelines that delivers natural gas across the country faces challenges that could hinder its efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. Addressing these challenges presents a range of opportunities to optimize the network, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable energy future.

Current State of the U.S. Natural Gas Pipeline Network

The U.S. natural gas pipeline system is one of the most expansive and complex in the world. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, this network has about 3 million miles of mainline and other pipelines that link natural gas production areas and storage facilities with consumers. In 2022, this network delivered about 29.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas to about 78.3 million consumers.

Despite its size and critical role, the network is aging, with some pipelines dating back to the early 20th century. Additionally, variations in regulatory oversight, technological adoption, and operational practices have led to inefficiencies that warrant immediate attention.

Key issues currently affecting the efficiency of the pipeline network include:

• Aging Infrastructure: Older pipelines often lack modern materials and technologies, leading to higher risks of leaks and failures
• Methane Emissions: Natural gas, primarily composed of methane, is a potent greenhouse gas. Fugitive emissions during production, transmission, and distribution contribute significantly to the U.S. greenhouse gas inventory
• Bottlenecks and Capacity Constraints: Some regions experience insufficient pipeline capacity, resulting in delays, higher costs, and restricted natural gas availability
• Operational Inefficiencies: Variations in maintenance practices, outdated compressor stations, and suboptimal routing further reduce efficiency
• Regulatory Fragmentation: Diverse regulatory frameworks across states complicate coordinated efforts to improve efficiency and safety

Technological Advancements for Efficiency Improvements

Innovative technologies offer significant potential to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the natural gas pipeline network. Below are several key areas where technology can make an impact:

Advanced Leak Detection Systems

Modern leak detection technologies, such as optical gas imaging, laser-based sensors, and drone-mounted detection systems, can help identify and address methane leaks more rapidly and accurately. Deploying these tools across the pipeline network could significantly reduce methane emissions and improve safety.

Pipeline Materials and Coatings

Replacing aging pipelines with advanced materials, such as high-strength steel and corrosion-resistant coatings, can improve durability and reduce maintenance needs. These materials also enhance the pipeline's capacity to withstand extreme weather and other stressors.

Smart Sensors and Monitoring

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and real-time monitoring systems allows operators to collect and analyze data on pressure, flow rates, and temperature. These insights enable proactive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of failures and optimizing operational efficiency.

Compressor Station Modernization

Compressor stations play a critical role in maintaining pressure throughout the pipeline network. Upgrading to more energy-efficient compressors, combined with advanced control systems, can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Predictive Maintenance Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI-powered predictive maintenance tools can analyze historical and real-time data to forecast potential issues before they occur. This approach minimizes downtime, extends the lifespan of pipeline components, and lowers maintenance costs.

Policy and Regulatory Opportunities

While technology plays a vital role, policy and regulatory measures are equally important in driving efficiency improvements. A coordinated approach at the federal, state, and local levels can help streamline efforts and ensure consistent progress.

1. Incentivizing Modernization Projects: Federal and state governments can offer financial incentives, such as tax credits or grants, to encourage pipeline operators to invest in modernization efforts. These incentives can accelerate the adoption of advanced materials, leak detection systems, and other efficiency-enhancing technologies.
2. Standardizing Regulations: Harmonizing regulatory frameworks across states can simplify compliance and promote uniform standards for safety and efficiency. Standardization can also foster innovation by creating a predictable environment for technology development and deployment.
3. Emissions Reduction Mandates: Establishing clear and enforceable methane emission reduction targets for pipeline operators can drive investment in leak detection and repair technologies. Such mandates could be complemented by public reporting requirements to enhance transparency and accountability.
4. Encouraging Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Integration: Promoting the use of RNG—a low-carbon alternative to traditional natural gas—can reduce the overall carbon footprint of the pipeline network. Policies that support RNG production and integration, such as subsidies or renewable fuel standards, can help achieve this goal.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and research institutions can accelerate the development and deployment of innovative solutions. Public-private partnerships can also help address funding gaps and ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

Economic and Environmental Benefits of Efficiency Improvements

Investing in efficiency improvements offers a dual benefit: enhancing economic performance while mitigating environmental impacts. Below are some key advantages:

1. Cost Savings: Reducing methane emissions and operational inefficiencies can lower costs for pipeline operators, which may translate into savings for consumers. Additionally, advanced technologies can extend the lifespan of pipeline assets, reducing the need for costly replacements.
2. Enhanced Reliability: A more efficient pipeline network is less prone to disruptions, ensuring a stable and reliable supply of natural gas. This reliability is particularly crucial during periods of high demand, such as extreme weather events.
3. Job Creation: Modernization projects and the deployment of new technologies can create jobs in engineering, construction, and manufacturing. These opportunities contribute to economic growth while addressing critical infrastructure needs.
4. Environmental Protection: Reducing methane emissions and integrating renewable natural gas into the pipeline network can significantly lower the sector's carbon footprint. These efforts align with broader climate goals and improve public health by reducing air pollution.

Challenges to Implementation

Despite the clear benefits, several challenges could impede efforts to improve efficiency in the natural gas pipeline network:

1. High Upfront Costs: Modernizing infrastructure and deploying advanced technologies require significant capital investment. Securing funding for these projects can be challenging, particularly for smaller operators.
2. Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating complex and sometimes conflicting regulations can delay projects and increase compliance costs. Streamlining regulatory processes is essential to overcome this barrier.
3. Public Perception: While efficiency improvements are beneficial, public concerns about natural gas—particularly its role in climate change—may complicate efforts to secure support for pipeline modernization projects.
4. Technological Integration: Integrating new technologies into existing systems requires careful planning and execution. Operators must address compatibility issues and ensure that staff are adequately trained to use new tools and systems.

How GPRS Helps You with Pipeline Upgrades & Replacements

GPRS helps ensure the safety and efficiency of your natural gas pipeline upgrades and replacements through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services.

Our 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and concrete scanning services mitigate the risk of subsurface damage when you must break ground. We use 3D laser scanning to capture these markings, as well as all above-ground details for future use. And our in-house Mapping & Modeling Department can use this data to create complete, accurate as-built drawings and 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM).

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

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 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.

Will I need to mark out the utilities GPRS locates?

No, GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks and whatever else may be hiding.

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.

The power transmission and distribution (T&D) industry forms the backbone of modern energy systems, ensuring electricity generated at power plants is efficiently and reliably delivered to homes, businesses, and industries.

As global energy demands grow and sustainability becomes a top priority, advanced technologies are transforming how power is transmitted and distributed. Several cutting-edge technologies are shaping the T&D sector, which has massive implications for reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

Smart Grids

One of the most transformative advancements in the T&D industry is the smart grid. Unlike traditional grids, which operate unidirectionally, smart grids integrate digital communication technologies to enable two-way flows of electricity and data. This system provides real-time insights into grid performance, making it possible to optimize energy usage, predict failures, and quickly restore power after outages.

Key components of smart grids include:

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Smart meters provide detailed, real-time energy consumption data, empowering consumers to monitor and manage their usage effectively
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): SCADA systems gather real-time data from sensors across the grid, enabling operators to monitor and control operations remotely
• Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): Integration of DERs, such as solar panels and wind turbines, allows for localized energy generation and consumption, reducing dependency on centralized power plants

High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission

HVDC technology is increasingly being used to transmit electricity over long distances with minimal losses. Unlike traditional alternating current (AC) systems, HVDC systems are more efficient for long-distance power transfer and are particularly useful for connecting renewable energy sources located far from urban centers.

Advantages of HVDC systems include:

• Reduced Transmission Losses: HVDC lines experience lower power losses compared to AC lines over equivalent distances
• Enhanced Grid Stability: HVDC systems can help stabilize grids by controlling power flows and integrating diverse energy sources
• Interconnection of Grids: HVDC technology enables the seamless connection of different grid systems, enhancing cross-border electricity trade

Advanced Conductors

The use of advanced conductor materials and designs is improving the efficiency and capacity of power transmission lines. High-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors, for example, allow for increased current carrying capacity without significant line sag, even under high thermal loads.

These advanced conductors:

• Increase Capacity: Facilitate higher power transmission without requiring new infrastructure
• Enhance Durability: Are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring long-term reliability
• Support Renewable Integration: Accommodate the variable output of renewable energy sources by providing enhanced flexibility

Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is playing a critical role in modernizing power transmission and distribution. IoT devices equipped with sensors and communication capabilities are embedded throughout the grid to collect and transmit data in real time. This connectivity enables predictive maintenance, load forecasting, and fault detection.

Key applications of IoT in T&D include:

• Asset Monitoring: Sensors monitor the health of transformers, circuit breakers, and other critical equipment, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime
• Demand Response: IoT devices facilitate dynamic load balancing by adjusting power distribution based on real-time demand
• Grid Automation: IoT-driven automation minimizes human intervention and enhances operational efficiency

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML technologies are revolutionizing decision-making processes in the T&D industry. By analyzing vast amounts of data, these technologies enable grid operators to optimize performance, enhance reliability, and predict potential issues before they occur.

Applications of AI and ML include:

• Fault Prediction: Machine learning algorithms analyze historical data to predict equipment failures, allowing for timely interventions
• Load Forecasting: AI systems improve demand forecasting accuracy, ensuring balanced supply and demand
• Energy Optimization: AI optimizes energy distribution by analyzing real-time conditions and adjusting power flows accordingly

Energy Storage Systems

Energy storage systems, particularly battery technologies, are becoming integral to the T&D landscape. These systems store excess energy generated during periods of low demand and release it during peak demand, ensuring grid stability.

Popular energy storage technologies include:

• Lithium-Ion Batteries: Widely used due to their high energy density, efficiency, and scalability
• Flow Batteries: Known for their long cycle life and suitability for large-scale applications
• Pumped Hydro Storage: A mature technology that uses gravitational potential energy to store and release power

Energy storage enhances grid performance by:

• Smoothing Renewable Integration: Mitigating the intermittency of solar and wind energy
• Providing Backup Power: Ensuring reliable electricity supply during outages or emergencies
• Reducing Transmission Congestion: Alleviating bottlenecks by storing energy closer to demand centers

Advanced Protection and Control Systems

Modern protection and control systems are critical for maintaining grid reliability and security. These systems detect faults, isolate affected areas, and restore power with minimal disruption.

Technological advancements in this area include:

• Digital Relays: These provide faster and more accurate fault detection compared to traditional electromechanical relays
• Wide-Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS): Utilize phasor measurement units (PMUs) to monitor grid stability in real time
• Self-Healing Networks: Automated systems that identify faults and reconfigure the grid to restore power quickly

Renewable Energy Integration Technologies

The transition to renewable energy is reshaping the T&D industry. Advanced technologies are enabling the seamless integration of renewable sources into the grid.

Key solutions include:

• Power Electronics: Devices like inverters and converters manage the variable output of renewables, ensuring compatibility with grid standards
• Dynamic Line Rating (DLR): Adjusts the capacity of transmission lines based on real-time environmental conditions, maximizing renewable energy utilization
• Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): Aggregate distributed energy resources to act as a single power plant, providing flexibility and resilience

Cybersecurity Measures

As grids become more digitized and interconnected, cybersecurity is a top concern. Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats is essential to ensuring reliable power delivery.

Technologies enhancing grid cybersecurity include:

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitor network traffic for suspicious activities
• Blockchain: Provides secure, tamper-proof records for transactions and data exchanges
• AI-Driven Security: Detects and responds to threats in real time by analyzing patterns and anomalies

Since 2001, GPRS has supported power transmission and distribution, and renewable energy projects through our suite of infrastructure visualization services.

Our SIM-certified Project Managers use industry-leading utility locating and precision concrete scanning technologies to provide an immediate and accurate report of subsurface utilities, allowing you to safely and successfully complete your projects. We provide 3D laser scanning services to capture and create a permanent record of our concrete scanning and utility locating markings, as well your site’s aboveground features to create accurate existing condition documentation for not just your current project, but future operations & maintenance (O&M).

All this field-verified data is at your fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ cloud-based infrastructure mapping software solution. Accessible via computer, tablet, or smartphone, SiteMap^® allows for easy, yet secure viewing and sharing of your vital infrastructure data whenever and wherever you need it.

To further support the Power Transmission Distribution Industry, GPRS created our Partnership Plus program, which includes priority scheduling to ensure we get on site with you as quickly as possible.

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

What can we help you visualize?

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.

Is GPRS able to distinguish between each type of underground utility located?

In most situations, we can identify the utility in question without any problems, although it is not always possible to determine what type of utility is present. When this happens, we attempt to trace the utility to a valve, meter, control box, or other signifying markers to determine the type of utility buried.

Architecture, engineering, and construction projects require precise as-built data, meticulous planning, and seamless coordination. GPRS can deliver a 3D BIM model in phases, allowing our clients to concentrate on one section of the project at a time and ensure a high-quality design before progressing to the next phase.

At GPRS, after 3D laser scanning a site, we create a 3D BIM model using specialized BIM software like Autodesk Revit. Autodesk Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software that allows users to design and document buildings and infrastructure in 3D.

We were extremely impressed with GPRS in your timeliness on responding to our request, to having crew on site to complete the scan, and in your communication with us through the process. The 3D model your team created was outstanding. We were very impressed with the level of detail and quality of the model, the speed in which your team was able to create it, and all aspects of communication during the process. Seth G. – Sr. Project Engineer

How is a 3D BIM Model Created?

After working with our client to define the BIM modeling scope of work, our Mapping & Modeling team digitally recreates the scanned structure by placing walls, floors, ceilings, and other elements, and assigning detailed information like materials, dimensions, and properties to each component. Our team delivers a comprehensive, intelligent 3D BIM model that clients can use across different stages of the building lifecycle, from initial design to renovation and maintenance. To learn more about 3D BIM modeling, click here.

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What are the Overall Benefits of Delivering a BIM Model in Phases?

Delivering a BIM model in phases can be highly advantageous for architects, engineers, general contractors, and facility managers. Focused model delivery reduces information overload, enabling clients to concentrate on the current phase of construction without being distracted by future stages.

It enables seamless collaboration among project stakeholders, supports informed decision-making at each stage, and ensures efficient handling of complex projects. Phased delivery also helps address potential construction challenges earlier in the process, which is critical for large or intricate buildings, where providing the complete model at once could lead to errors and inefficiencies.

Receiving the model in stages helps clients to identify potential challenges or conflicts in smaller, manageable sections, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or delays. Also, phased delivery enables cost assessments and adjustments to be made early in the process, helping to manage budgets more effectively.

Why Would a Client Request a BIM Model in Phases?

A 3D BIM model can be delivered in phases, and there are many reasons why this would benefit a project. A client might request a BIM model in phases to optimize construction planning, coordination, and execution. By requesting a phased BIM model, clients can enhance planning, design, scheduling, trade coordination, resource management, and mitigate risks. This approach ensures efficient use of resources, reduces the likelihood of costly rework, and improves the overall success of the project.

1. Preconstruction planning

A BIM model provides clients essential project details right away, allowing them to define the project's objectives, deliverables, and constraints.

2. Design feedback

Breaking down the model into phases reduces the complexity of managing a large BIM file and allows clients to immediately begin design planning. Designers can create and test ideas quickly and improve the design, plus solicit contractor feedback to see how the design fits within the existing site conditions. Stakeholders can provide design input early in the process and identify construction challenges or conflicts.

The model has been working great so far, the Recap and Revit tips and tricks you showed have been very helpful in getting the best use out of the files. Di G. – Project Architect

3. Construction scheduling

Phased BIM models support scheduling by providing the necessary details for each construction phase, ensuring alignment with project timelines.

4. Trade coordination

Delivering portions of the model, such as structural or MEP systems, allows the contractor to identify and resolve clashes incrementally, ensuring smoother integration across trades. A phased model enables contractors to coordinate the workflows for specific trades, such as foundation, framing, or mechanical installations, at the appropriate times.

5. Resource management

By breaking down the model, and thus the project, into manageable phases, clients can allocate materials, equipment, and labor more effectively and prevent over-allocation or underutilization during critical construction phases.

6. Control change orders

Identifying potential design issues early in the design process can help clients mitigate costly change orders later in the construction phase.

7. Coordinate large-scale projects

For large-scale projects, a phased approach allows for focused attention on specific areas and better management of intricate details.

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This (3D model) looks great! Just reviewed with my engineering team and they were extremely impressed with your work! “Best laser model we have ever received” was their exact words. We will certainly be using your team on future projects. Timeliness, quality, and customer service was impeccable. Chris D. – Project Manager

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How Much Does 3D BIM Modeling Cost?

A significant portion of the project cost can be in 3D BIM modeling, but it doesn't always have to be. Often clients tell service providers that they want “everything” 3D modeled when they only need a small area or certain specific feature modeled. For example, there is no reason to model every piece of steel in a building or every ½” pipe and conduit when the client may only need the steel of a particular platform or no conduit at all and only pipes that are greater than 2”. Some minor tweaks to the scope of the modeling can radically change the price of our BIM modeling services. Our Mapping and Modeling team can customize 3D BIM models to your specific project needs.

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Do I Need a 3D Model for Every Project?

Some projects may not need a 3D model. In fact, some deliverables, such as clash detection, floor flatness analysis, prefabrication, wall plumbness, and orthoimages--are extracted directly from the point cloud. In addition, some 2D CAD drawings (floorplans, elevations, framing plans, and reflective ceiling plans) can also use the point cloud directly instead of needing to do line work by plotting the point cloud directly on the drawing, and it can even be used to create construction documents.

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How Can GPRS Help You?

GPRS is a leading provider of 3D laser scanning services and BIM modeling services in the United States, delivering accurate as-builts, point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models to expedite project planning. Our elite team of Project Managers utilize state-of-the-art equipment, software, and processes to document architectural, structural, and MEP system layout and dimensions for existing buildings, facilities, and sites.

To learn more about 2D CAD Drawings, click here.

To learn more about 3D BIM models, click here.

For 3D laser scanning and 3D BIM modeling pricing call 419-843-7226 or email Laser@gprsinc.com.

What can we help you visualize?

Pre-construction risk assessments are a critical part of any construction project.

These evaluations help identify potential hazards, streamline project planning, and ensure the safety of workers, stakeholders, and the surrounding community.

Failing to conduct a thorough risk assessment can lead to costly delays, safety incidents, and legal challenges.

Why Pre-Construction Risk Assessments Are Essential

Before breaking ground on a construction project, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with the site, the design, and the construction process itself. Pre-construction risk assessments serve several key purposes:

1. Ensuring Worker Safety: Identifying hazards in advance helps implement measures to protect workers and reduce accidents.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Risk assessments ensure that projects meet local, state, and federal safety standards.
3. Cost and Time Management: By identifying risks early, teams can plan for contingencies, avoiding unexpected delays and budget overruns.
4. Preserving Community and Environmental Health: Understanding environmental impacts and community concerns minimizes negative effects and builds trust with stakeholders.
5. Improving Project Outcomes: Proactively managing risks contributes to smoother project execution and higher-quality results.

Key Steps in Conducting Pre-Construction Risk Assessments

Define the Scope of the Assessment

Begin by clearly defining the scope of the assessment. This involves identifying:

• The type and size of the project
• Key stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, and clients
• The location and its specific challenges, such as urban, rural, or environmentally sensitive areas

By understanding the scope, you can tailor the risk assessment to address the unique aspects of the project.

Assemble a Qualified Team

Risk assessments require input from a multidisciplinary team, including:

• Project managers
• Safety officers
• Engineers and architects
• Environmental consultants
• Legal advisors

Each member brings valuable expertise to identify and address risks from different perspectives.

Conduct Site Inspections

Visiting the project site is essential to identify physical hazards. During the inspection, look for:

• Uneven terrain, sinkholes, or unstable soil conditions
• Proximity to utilities, such as power lines or gas pipelines
• Environmental concerns, including wetlands, wildlife, or hazardous materials
• Accessibility challenges for equipment and personnel

Document all observations and collect relevant data to inform your risk analysis.

GPRS Project Managers take a collaborative approach to your projects, which includes conducting pre- and post-job walks to ensure clear communication of both your needs and our deliverables. Click here to learn more.

Analyze Design and Engineering Plans

Review architectural and engineering plans to identify potential risks. Consider:

• Structural integrity: Are the materials and designs suitable for the intended purpose?
• Fire safety: Does the design include appropriate fire suppression systems?
• Accessibility: Are provisions made for safe entry, exit, and movement on-site?
• Load capacity: Will the site and structures support the intended loads?

Collaborate with design professionals to address any issues early.

Identify Regulatory and Legal Requirements

Understanding and adhering to relevant laws and regulations is critical. Research:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines
• Local zoning and permitting requirements

Non-compliance can result in fines, delays, or project shutdowns.

Engage Stakeholders

Involving stakeholders early ensures that their concerns are addressed and that they’re invested in the project’s success. Key steps include:

• Conducting meetings with local authorities and community members
• Sharing risk assessment findings transparently
• Addressing concerns proactively, such as noise, traffic, or environmental impacts

This collaboration fosters goodwill and reduces opposition.

Evaluate Potential Risks

Identify and categorize risks into the following categories:

• Health and Safety Risks: Falls, equipment accidents, chemical exposures, etc.
• Environmental Risks: Soil erosion, pollution, impact on local ecosystems
• Financial Risks: Budget overruns, contractor insolvency
• Operational Risks: Delays due to weather, labor shortages, or supply chain disruptions

Use tools like risk matrices or software solutions to rank risks by likelihood and severity.

Develop Risk Mitigation Strategies

Once risks are identified, create strategies to mitigate them. Examples include:

• Implementing engineering controls, such as barriers or ventilation systems
• Developing safety protocols, including worker training and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• Establishing contingency plans, such as backup suppliers or alternative schedules
• Allocating resources, including budgets and personnel, to address high-priority risks

Document the Assessment

A comprehensive risk assessment report is an essential deliverable. It should include:

• An executive summary of key findings and recommendations
• Detailed descriptions of identified risks
• Mitigation strategies and implementation plans
• Documentation of stakeholder consultations and regulatory compliance

This report serves as a reference throughout the project lifecycle.

Implement and Monitor Mitigation Measures

Risk mitigation doesn’t end with planning; it requires ongoing implementation and monitoring. Key actions include:

• Regular safety audits to ensure compliance
• Monitoring environmental impacts during construction
• Adjusting plans based on new information or changing conditions

Effective communication and accountability are crucial to maintaining risk management efforts.

Best Practices for Effective Risk Assessments

• Start Early: Conduct risk assessments as soon as possible during the planning phase
• Utilize Technology: Leverage software tools for data collection, risk analysis, and reporting
• Train Personnel: Ensure that everyone involved in the project understands the importance of risk management and their role in it
• Foster a Safety Culture: Encourage open communication about risks and solutions among all team members
• Review and Update Regularly: Reassess risks at key project milestones and whenever significant changes occur

Challenges in Conducting Pre-Construction Risk Assessments

While critical, pre-construction risk assessments come with challenges, including:

• Incomplete Data: Limited site information or historical records can hinder analysis
• Stakeholder Disputes: Conflicting priorities among stakeholders can delay decision-making
• Dynamic Conditions: Weather, market fluctuations, and unforeseen events can impact risk evaluations

Addressing these challenges requires flexibility, proactive communication, and a commitment to thoroughness.

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

We help general contractors like you Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® with 99.8% accurate utility locating and concrete scanning, NASSCO-certified video pipe inspections, pinpoint-accurate leak detection, and 2-4mm accurate 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. And all this data is at your fingertips with SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

We provide additional site safety support through our series of safety events, including Safety Tour of America, Construction Safety Week, Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week, and Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week. At GPRS, safety is always on our radar because we want you and your team to leave the job site in the same condition in which you arrived.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is as-built documentation?

As-built documentation is an accurate set of drawings for a project. They reflect all changes made in during the construction process and show the exact dimensions, geometry, and location of all elements of the work.

Will I need to mark out the utilities that GPRS locates?

No, GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks and whatever else may be hiding.

Can GPR determine the difference between rebar and electrical conduit?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) 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.

The combined use of GPR and EM induction allows us to provide one of the most comprehensive and accurate conduits locating services available.

Excavation work is a fundamental part of many construction projects, but it’s also one of the most hazardous activities on-site.

Without proper precautions, excavation mistakes can lead to serious injuries, costly delays, and even fatalities. By understanding and addressing the most common safety pitfalls, construction teams can significantly reduce risks and create a safer work environment.

1. Inadequate Soil Analysis

Failing to assess soil conditions is a critical oversight in excavation projects. Different soil types, such as sandy, clayey, or cohesive soils, respond differently under load or when excavated. Without proper analysis, trenches can collapse unexpectedly, endangering workers.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Conduct a thorough geotechnical survey before excavation begins
• Classify the soil according to OSHA standards (Type A, B, or C)
• Reassess soil conditions periodically, especially after rain or weather changes

A detailed understanding of soil stability and behavior allows teams to design excavation plans that minimize collapse risks.

2. Ignoring Proper Shoring and Shielding Requirements

One of the leading causes of excavation accidents is the failure to use protective systems such as shoring, shielding, or sloping. Trenches deeper than 5 feet generally require protective measures unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Use trench boxes or shields to protect workers from cave-ins
• Install shoring systems to support unstable soil walls
• Design slopes or benching based on the soil type and trench depth

By implementing these systems, teams can prevent cave-ins and ensure the safety of workers inside the excavation.

3. Failure to Locate Underground Utilities

Excavating without identifying underground utilities can result in serious accidents, such as gas leaks, electrical shocks, or water main breaks. These incidents not only endanger workers but can also disrupt nearby communities and delay the project.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Contact local utility companies to mark underground lines before digging
• Hire a professional private utility locating company with the technology, specifications, and training to provide you with a complete and accurate map of all buried infrastructure on your site
• Train workers to recognize utility markings and follow safe digging practices

Clear communication and accurate utility mapping reduce the likelihood of dangerous encounters during excavation.

4. Inadequate Access and Egress

Workers often face difficulty entering and exiting trenches safely. Inadequate access and egress can lead to slips, trips, and falls, especially in deeper trenches. Lack of proper exits can also delay emergency response in case of an accident.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Provide ladders, ramps, or stairways for trenches deeper than 4 feet
• Position access points no more than 25 feet away from any worker in the trench
• Inspect access points regularly to ensure they remain secure and unobstructed

Accessible and well-maintained entry and exit systems are essential for worker safety and emergency preparedness.

5. Overlooking Site-Specific Hazards

Every excavation site has unique hazards that can be easily overlooked without a comprehensive risk assessment. These may include adjacent structures, water accumulation, or heavy equipment movement near the trench.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Perform a site-specific hazard analysis before starting excavation
• Monitor for water seepage and use pumps to keep trenches dry
• Establish a clear perimeter around the excavation zone to prevent equipment from coming too close

Adapting safety measures to the specific conditions of the site ensures a more controlled and hazard-free environment.

General Best Practices for Excavation Safety

In addition to avoiding the top five mistakes, adopting these best practices can further enhance safety:

• Training and Awareness: Educate workers about excavation risks and safe practices
• Daily Inspections: Assign a properly trained team member to inspect trenches and protective systems daily
• Emergency Planning: Develop and communicate an emergency response plan for trench collapses or other incidents
• Use of PPE: Ensure all workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing

GPRS Helps You Take a Safety-First Approach

Excavation safety is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about protecting lives and maintaining the integrity of the project.

GPRS offers a suite of products and services designed to keep your projects safe, and on time and budget. From 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and concrete scanning, to pinpoint accurate leak detection, 2-4mm accurate 3D laser scanning, and NASSCO-certified sewer pipe inspections, we help you Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® while eliminating the costly and potentially dangerous mistakes caused by miscommunications.

Additionally, we sponsor several safety initiatives intended to arm you and your team with the tools and resources you need to leave the job site each day the same way you arrived.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with OSHA standards on a construction site?

The responsibility for ensuring compliance with OSHA standards lies with the employer or construction site contractor. Employers must provide a safe work environment, offer necessary training, and ensure that all safety measures and equipment are in place. Workers also have a role in following safety protocols and using the provided PPE to prevent accidents.

What are the penalties for violating OSHA standards on a construction site?

Penalties for violating OSHA standards can range from fines to more serious legal consequences, depending on the severity of the violation. For instance, serious violations can result in fines up to $15,000 per violation. Willful violations can carry even higher fines, and in extreme cases, criminal charges may be brought against employers who willfully endanger worker safety. Regular inspections and reporting can help avoid violations and ensure ongoing compliance.

Microsoft intends to invest approximately $80 billion in fiscal 2025 building out AI-enabled data centers to train AI models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications globally, the company announced in a recent blog post.

More than half of this total investment will be in the United States, which Microsoft says reflects their “commitment to this country and our confidence in the American economy.”

“As we look into the future, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is poised to become a world-changing GPT (General-Purpose Technology),” Microsoft’s Vice Chair & President, Brad Smith, wrote in the blog post. “AI promises to drive innovation and boost productivity in every sector of the economy. The United States is poised to stand at the forefront of this new technology wave, especially if it doubles down on its strengths and effectively partners internationally.”

Smith said that Microsoft sees a three-part vision for America’s technology success. He said it starts with advances and investments in world-leading American AI technology and infrastructure, but that the U.S. also needs to champion skilling programs that will enable widespread AI adoption and enhanced career opportunities across the economy and focus on exporting American AI to ally countries to bolster the domestic economy and ensure that other countries benefit from AI advancements.

“…Achieving this vision will require a partnership that unites leaders from government, the private sector, and the country’s educational and non-profit institutions,” Smith wrote. “At Microsoft, we are excited to take part in this journey.”

Microsoft is the primary investor in startup tech company OpenAI, which kicked off an artificial intelligence arms race when it launched ChatGPT in 2022.

The tech giant has invested billions of dollars into the startup – and billions more into enhancing its own AI infrastructure, including a network of data centers designed to support this technology.

These data centers provide the crucial computing power required by AI.

The U.S. is home to more data centers than any other country on Earth. There were 5,381 data centers operating in the U.S. as of March 2024 – 4,860 more than Germany, the country home to the second-most data centers in the world.

The demand for larger, more powerful data centers is driving advancements in construction and design. As highlighted in a recent Propmodo article, energy needs for new data centers are surging alongside increased investment in their development. Fueled by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence technologies, tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon Web Services are pushing energy grids to their limits.

“Hyperscale data centers have grown over the past several years from dozens of megawatts to hundreds, and some tech firms are looking for sites to power more than a gigawatt of capacity,” wrote Propmodo’s Nick Pipitone. “To put that into perspective, one gigawatt is sufficient to provide a full year of energy to about 900,000 households, about the size of a major U.S. city.”

Data centers accounted for 19 gigawatts of power usage in the U.S. in 2023, and that’s expected to climb to 25 gigawatts by 2026 – about 6% of the country’s power usage.

Tech firms and their data center developers are getting creative to solve their power and cooling problems, including exploring nuclear solutions.

GPRS helps ensure data centers stay on schedule by offering a full range of services for subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction and facility project management.

Our services include concrete scanning, utility locating, video pipe inspection, and leak detection — crucial for preventing subsurface damage during excavation or when drilling and cutting through concrete. We employ advanced technologies such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and remotely operated sewer pipe inspection rovers. Our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers (PMs) provide detailed insights into your site’s subsurface structures.

For precise above-ground documentation and to capture our PMs’ findings, our 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry services deliver data accurate to 2-4 mm, supporting project design as well as future operations and maintenance (O&M) efforts. Our Mapping & Modeling Department can customize this data into any format or software as needed.

SiteMap^® (patent pending), our cloud-based platform for project and facility management, provides 24/7 access to this field-verified data, improving asset protection and team collaboration.

With SiteMap^®, you and your team can securely access and share critical data from any computer, tablet, or mobile device, ensuring smooth, real-time collaboration anytime, anywhere.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you 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.

Can GPRS locate PVC piping and other non-conductive buried 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.

Among the many lessons American business learned from the pandemic lockdown, the need for more flexibility in facilities management is right near the top. Not only do employees appreciate, and in some cases now demand, remote or hybrid (part remote, part in-office) positions, companies worldwide have begun to realize that what they once considered a fixed, per square foot cost for facilities may in fact be a way to gain/retain top talent, enhance productivity, and further the mission of an organization while zeroing in on budgetary bloat to maximize ROI.

The term coined to describe this emerging flexible facility trend is adaptive facilities management, and it invites a holistic appraisal of organizational needs that is rooted in actual usage and existing conditions data rather than a static FTE/occupant cost or square footage metric.

Whether your goals include sustainability and ESG, providing healthier buildings for your team, or finding new ways to reduce costs while increasing buy-in from your employees, data-driven decision making at the highest levels cast facilities managers (FMs) in a new light as integral to employee wellbeing and institutional growth. Enacting adaptive facilities management strategies can provide everything from significant utility savings to strengthening the bond/buy-in among employees.

At its root, adaptive facilities management invites an organization to assess facilities as a value add for the company, rather than strictly by its functionality, to help meet mission goals.

Data collection, sharing, and collaboration across often siloed teams and providers drives the efforts, and the most successful early adopters have reported surprising results. For instance, research conducted in 2023 by the Real Estate Board of New York found that peak office attendance had returned to just 73% of pre-lockdown levels at midweek, and on Fridays dropped precipitously to 43%. A facilities and procurement team, armed with that data, could make serious inroads toward savings.

Beyond mere attendance and occupant density in a facility, tracking energy & water consumption with smart sensors and scheduling regular usage assessments (like GPRS’ water loss surveys and video pipe inspection reports) can save up to 20% by showing exactly where waste can be cut. And these are just the tip of the iceberg of how capturing accurate existing conditions and usage data can help facility managers.

When you translate that data into creating adaptive partnerships with your service providers and vendors, the savings can be significantly more.

The Building Blocks of Adaptive Facilities Management

Below is a list of some of the processes that can be used to create a comprehensive adaptive facilities management strategy and process:

Define your CRE and company goals/mission; then create facilities management strategies to address it. One size does not fit all, and many organizations find that a hybridized approach that creates a portfolio of vendors and service providers working in partnership with the FM team allows them the greatest agility.

Understand the fluid and fluctuating demands of your end users’ needs from the facility. If only 43% of the workforce is in office on Fridays, are they concentrated in specific departments or buildings? How could you provide for their needs while reducing energy consumption for the buildings as a whole due to reduced demand?

Assess internal FM strengths and where outsourcing could be beneficial from the standpoint of the value-add, employee engagement approach. Very few organizations have the ability to handle the majority of the facilities workload without significant vendor support. Just make sure that support supports your mission.

Identify what components of your FM strategy are variable cost depending on usage/demand and track them to bridge the knowledge gap among teams, vendors, and stakeholders. Further, what and where can you monitor needs and usage to provide additional data points?

Increase focus on, or build, your procurement team. They should be experienced, expert operators from various disciplines who can leverage their specializations to give your FM strategy the holistic flexibility it needs. An unexpected upside of a multifaceted procurement team is that they may impact your ability to create highly specialized, situation and KPI-based RFPs that focus on solving problems rather than merely ordering a service.  

Create collaborative, partnership-based service agreements with your vendors that allow you to scale upwards or downwards, and up your communication game with your providers so that they expect and are prepared for fluctuations.

Start thinking of your vendors and service providers as a portfolio: each should be exceptional at what they do and bring you the best ROI, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach that just paying one entity one time is easier. It may be easier, but it will likely not be more cost effective.

Consider attaching KPIs to your vendor partnership agreements so that if the providers buy-in and help you meet your goals, they are rewarded.  You can even get so granular as to add sourcing controls into your agreements to help avoid incurring costs by requiring providers to utilize specific technologies.

Drawbacks to Implementing Adaptive Facilities Management Strategies

Retooling how we think of FM’s role requires buy-in from the top down, so being able to demonstrate the processes of adaptive facilities management on the myriad of factors it can impact can help managers gain stakeholder support. Once you can show the cost savings of implementing collaborative service level agreements and a portfolio approach to vendors and service providers that is backed up by data, you may find it easier to get senior leadership on board.

Like most of the building-centric industries, facilities management providers still operate with a traditional cost per square foot mindset, so they may need to be sold on the advantages to them of seeing your more flexible vision through.

Organizational size and scope can impact the math for agreements and what is available to leverage for partnerships. It’s important to remember that smaller organizations/facilities will likely require more vendor outsourcing than less.

Regardless of size, the adaptive approach to facilities management may require more oversight which is why you need a multidimensional team that is committed to a common goal. It is also why software solutions that allow you to aggregate your data into a single source of truth that can be referenced by various departments are gaining importance, like GPRS’ SiteMap® for existing conditions documentation and layered infrastructure mapping.

Plan for pushback, both from the investment standpoint and perhaps a “we’ve always done it this way” point of view from senior personnel. When you achieve top-down clarity about why and how data-driven collaboration and adaptive facilities management are integral to talent retention, growth, and sustainability, the data-controlled, adaptive facilities management strategy may help you bring your organization fully into the twenty first century.

GPRS' mission is to Intelligently Visualize The Built World® for clients nationwide. What can we help you visualize?

It’s hard to imagine that anyone managing a facility – be it a college campus, a healthcare center, a commercial manufacturing plant, or a government building – still resorting to paper to track environmental, health, and safety (EHS) reporting. However, at least 20% of facility managers do not utilize digital EHS solutions for their regulatory compliance, tracking, and employee safety concerns.

Instead, they use a self-constructed, hybrid set of reporting techniques that may include everything from paper files to massive digital spreadsheets and store each portion of those records separately, in an average of four different locations, according to research conducted by Finch for GPRS. Not only does this D-I-Y approach to EHS create more work for employees and the facility managers themselves, it leaves stakeholders and the facility at risk.

Here are just a few of the sobering statistics about the risk involved:

• The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), issued a huge $132.3 million in fines in 2023 alone – a 30% increase over 2022, as the federal agency added staff and increased inspections

• In 2017, the first year after Great Britain enacted new health and safety guidelines, fines issues by authorities more than doubled, from £35 million to over £73 million, due to lack of ESH compliance

• 62% of facility managers report experiencing a utility strike between 2015-2020 and 50% of managers cited inaccurate data and miscommunication as the primary cause of the damages

• The average cost of a utility strike is $56,000 and as much as six weeks of downtime as reported by Finch for GPRS in 2020

And for those managers who are trying to keep it all straight in Excel…

• 88-90% of all spreadsheets contain “significant errors,” according to research conducted by Professor Ray Panko at the University of Hawaii. The “vast majority” of those errors are human mistakes.

So, how do you choose the right digital solutions for your facility ESH reporting?

The first step is to assess the needs of your facility’s infrastructure, workforce, and production.

Do you need to streamline your EHS program elements with segmented trainings, contractor onboarding, and documentation version control?

How much automation do you need? Do you want to be notified the moment a non-compliant event is logged, reminders to complete remediation measures and compliance deadlines?

What level of accessibility, sharing, and security do you require? Do you need a mobile application with a SaaS platform? How many integrations of other software, like GIS and inventory applications need to be supported?

And then there are the questions you have to answer to justify the return on investment for your company’s stakeholders:

• How will this software help solve our problems?

• How much will it cost?

• What are the features we need?

• What happens if it doesn’t reduce incidents?

The National Safety Council released a paper on how to unravel the tech-speak and assess EHS software on a direct comparison basis. It also looked at the increasing trend of machine learning (AI). Predictive analytic algorithms were rightly expected to explode by 67% of EHS professionals they polled.

The paper, part of the NSC’s “Work to Zero” initiative, designed to reduce workplace fatalities, looks at the “use of EHS software and mobile applications for reducing injury and fatality risk, and managing incidents in the workplace” with a focus on industrial operations.

Their methodology was simple:

• Identify case studies and suitable applications for EHS software

• Develop a market landscape “shortlist” of vendors to help facility safety managers

The NSC looked at large-scale enterprise software (on premise) and SaaS (software as a service) cloud-based platforms to provide the widest variety of alternatives to users. It also took into account the differences between customized and off-the-shelf software, their benefits, and their limitations.

How Will You Use the Software?

Knowing your use case will help determine what features you require. The NSC broke their findings into four specific use case scenarios:

1. Hazard Identification & Risk Management (HIRA)

2. Permit Management (Permit to Work/PtW)

3. Incident Management

4. Safey Audit Management

Other sources invite you to consider functionality, workforce buy-in/engagement, ease of implementation & training, privacy & security, compliance, support quality, scalability, and the ability to integrate with other necessary software as qualifying factors.

What About Data Quality?

One of the toughest realizations for any FM is coming to terms with the fact that the data held in any system is only as good as the quality of its collection. Nowhere is that more evident than with facility and site infrastructure. Even the most advanced integrated GIS platform still requires you – the manager, or your team – to input the data, meaning that just like those spreadsheets, there will be errors.

That is why so many FMs are excited about the automating qualities of an algorithmic approach to forecasting and notifications, to help monitor data quality. However, even the most sophisticated software cannot accurately capture your above and below-ground physical infrastructure.

Accuracy above and below-ground requires expertise in multiple technologies, an understanding of the purpose of the data, and the ability to instantly upload findings in a digital format that offers data portability to other GIS and EHS platforms.

Which is why GPRS created SiteMap®. SiteMap® helps to ensure your facility infrastructure data – from your buried utilities to your rooftop – are up-to-date, version-sorted, accurate, and construction-grade. Because GPRS collects and uploads the data for you. And, in the case of utility locating and concrete scanning and imaging – 99.8% accurate.

In most cases, your facility’s layered, geolocated, and 99.8% accurate utility maps are available in SiteMap® within five minutes of completion, ensuring you have the data you need to dig safely at your fingertips, from anywhere, 24/7. Our in-house CAD team can turn your utility, concrete imaging, video pipe inspection reporting, and 3D laser scans into a wide variety of deliverables that can all also be accessed easily inside SiteMap®. They include FLRPLN, which you can use to quickly delineate escape routes in case of emergency, and Walkthru 3D, that provides an individualized guided 3D tour of an escape route based on its point of origin. Both are powerful tools in a facility manager’s risk mitigation arsenal.

Leveraging EHS and GIS software – when it’s the right software to meet your specific facility needs – protects the safety of your team, gives you deeper insights into emerging trends, ensures your regulatory compliance, untethers you from the office or site, and safeguards your reputation, all while reducing mistakes and keeping insurance premiums lower.

GPRS helps facility managers nationwide to Intelligently Visualize The Built World®.

What can we help you visualize?

A repeated lack of fall protection and failure to protect workers from trench collapses led to some of the largest fines levied by the U.S. Department of Labor and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in Q1 2024.

Construction Dive recently summarized OSHA’s published information about the highest fines it levied to employers for failing to comply with safety requirements. According to the article, the fines are published as a “means of highlighting standards.”

The highlighted cases often involve builders on residential projects, frequently involving failure to provide fall protection. In the cases where OSHA sees the same companies repeatedly failing to adhere to its standards, citation amounts will increase.

Companies can contest their initial fine amounts, so the numbers listed in OSHA’s published report will not always reflect the total amount they collect, if any fine is collected at all.

Of the six incidents Construction Dive highlights in its reporting, four were for contractors failing to provide their employees with proper fall protection and/or training, and the remaining two were for companies failing to ensure proper protection from trench collapses.

In total, the six incidents netted the respective offenders more than $2,337,000 in fines. Two of the six citations were being contested by their respective contractors at the time of Construction Dive’s reporting.

Fall hazards account for 36.5% of construction-related deaths, which is why they are the top item in OSHA’s “Fatal Four” categories of hazards that cause construction industry fatalities.

OSHA requires the use of fall protection when construction workers are working at heights of six feet or greater above a lower level, and at heights of less than six feet when working near dangerous equipment such as machinery with open drive belts, pulleys or gears, or opened vats of degreasing agents or acid. The agency also identifies certain other areas and activities where fall protection or falling object protection may be needed, such as if a worker is on a ramp, runway or another walkway, at the edge of an excavation, in a hoist area, on a steep roof, near wall openings, etc.

While trenching is not explicitly listed amongst OSHA’s Fatal Four, the agency implemented “Enhanced Enforcement” measures in the wake of what they referred to as an “alarming rise in trench-related fatalities” in 2022.

Those measures appear to be working. National reporting by federal and state OSHA programs show worker deaths in trench collapses declined nearly 70 percent from a high of 39 in 2022 to 15 in 2023 and, according to partial data, 12 in 2024.

OSHA’s trenching standards require protective systems on trenches deeper than five feet and soil and other materials kept at least two feet from the edge of a trench. Additionally, trenches must be inspected by a knowledgeable person, be free of standing water and atmospheric hazards and have a safe means of entering and exiting prior to allowing a worker to enter.

"OSHA stands ready to assist any employer who needs help to comply with our trenching and excavation requirements," Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Doug Parker, said when OSHA launched its enhanced enforcement measures in 2022. "We will conduct outreach programs, including safety summits, in all of our 10 regions to help ensure any employer who wants assistance gets it. The stakes are too important."

GPRS was founded on the idea of being a safety partner to construction companies across the United States. Safety is always on our radar, which is why in addition to offering services such as subsurface damage prevention and existing conditions documentation designed to protect you and your workers from dangerous mistakes, we also sponsor numerous safety initiatives intended to arm you and your team with the tools and resources you need to leave the job site each day the same way you arrived.

During Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week, our safety experts will come to any of your job sites or meet at your office to perform a presentation on the best ways to safely work with and around concrete.

Construction Safety Week sees us come to you to talk about the safety topics most relevant to your work and your people, from slips, trips & falls to mental health.

And during Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week, we meet with municipalities, engineers, facility managers, and other stakeholders in the water and wastewater management spaces to help them ensure this vital infrastructure continues to function as intended.

Click the links above to schedule your free GPRS safety presentations today, or click here to learn more about all of GPRS’ safety partnerships and initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are OSHA standards for construction sites?

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for construction sites are regulations designed to ensure the safety and health of workers. These standards cover a wide range of topics, including fall protection, scaffolding, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, and machinery safety. Compliance with these standards helps prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities on construction sites.

Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with OSHA standards on a construction site?

The responsibility for ensuring compliance with OSHA standards lies with the employer or construction site contractor. Employers must provide a safe work environment, offer necessary training, and ensure that all safety measures and equipment are in place. Workers also have a role in following safety protocols and using the provided PPE to prevent accidents.

What are the penalties for violating OSHA standards on a construction site?

Penalties for violating OSHA standards can range from fines to more serious legal consequences, depending on the severity of the violation. For instance, serious violations can result in fines up to $15,000 per violation. Willful violations can carry even higher fines, and in extreme cases, criminal charges may be brought against employers who willfully endanger worker safety. Regular inspections and reporting can help avoid violations and ensure ongoing compliance.