industry insights

The opening of Boston Logan International Airport’s long-anticipated, multi-million-dollar expansion surprisingly flew under the radar.

The 320,000-square-foot, $640 million Terminal E expansion quietly debuted with a soft opening in August 2023. A grand opening ceremony followed in October, and the terminal fully opened in April of 2024.

The visually striking terminal was compared to a ruby-red intergalactic spaceship in the Boston Globe due to its prismatic red roof that subtly changes color depending on the light. Inside, the terminal features four additional gates, restaurants, a duty-free shop, and one of Delta Air Lines’ posh Sky Clubs: lounges exclusively for those flying first or business class on Delta or one of its partner airlines.

The building isn’t just aesthetically innovative; designed by AECOM and Luis Vidal + Architects, the expansion features green technologies such as photovoltaic glass – which converts ultraviolet and infrared light to electricity – and incorporates recycled materials to help minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Its critical infrastructure is elevated above the flood plain for resilience, its roof and envelope go beyond code minimums to withstand snow, ice, rainwater and high winds from a 500-year storm, and its overall shape was designed to serve as a noise barrier shielding the sound of planes and airport operations from the nearby East Boston.

According to a statement on AECOM’s website, the efforts to make the terminal energy-efficient resulted in a 25% reduction of qualified energy use above that required by the Massachusetts Energy Code.

“Massport (Massachusetts Port Authority) conceived the new Terminal E as a modern, iconic, international terminal that elevates Logan Airport’s reputation for providing an enhanced passenger experience,” AECOM Principal Architect and Senior Vice President Terry Rookard told Engineering News-Record.

The Terminal E project had to overcome numerous hurdles to reach completion. Some of those challenges – like pandemic-related delays – couldn’t be anticipated. Others – such as the fact that the airport remained active throughout construction – were expected, and, according to the project team, required heightened levels of collaboration, transparency and planning among stakeholders to conquer.

“The result is a bold, striking building designed with sustainable principles and focused on providing a unique, comfortable and healthy environment for passengers and workers alike,” Luis Vidal told ENR.

Keep Your Projects On Time, On Budget, and Safe

Whether you’re overseeing an expansion to an international airport, or installing fiber optic cable in a suburban neighborhood, the best way to keep your projects on track is to mitigate the risk of subsurface damage while digging and ensure seamless communication between all stakeholders from start to finish.

The top six root causes driving nearly 76% of all reported damages have remained consistent year-over-year, according to data found in the Common Ground Alliance’s 2022 DIRT Report. Those causes include “No notification made to 811 One-Call Center,” “Facility not marked due to locator error,” “Excavator failed to maintain clearance after verifying marks,” “Marked inaccurately due to locator error,” “Improper excavation practice not listed elsewhere,” and “Excavator dug prior to verifying marks by potholing.”

“This year’s insights underscore consistent priority action areas that will significantly reduce damages,” CGA President & CEO, Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, wrote in the report. “For facility owners, GIS-based mapping of assets and communication are urgently needed to improve locating timelines and accuracy. Construction, maintenance, installation and locating contracts must incentivize adherence to Best Practices and drive damage reductions. Excavators must double down on safe work practices and proper use of 811. Expanded enforcement and education programs are essential to motivate compliance…”

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are sustainable building practices?

Sustainable building practices involve designing, constructing, and operating buildings in a way that reduces their environmental impact. This includes using energy-efficient materials, reducing waste, conserving water, and incorporating renewable energy sources. The goal is to create buildings that are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and healthy for occupants.

What are the benefits of sustainable building practices?

The benefits of sustainable building practices include lower energy and water costs, reduced waste, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced occupant health and productivity. Additionally, sustainable buildings often have a smaller carbon footprint and contribute to the overall sustainability goals of a community or organization. These practices can also increase the market value of properties and provide a competitive advantage in the real estate market.

What are some common strategies used in sustainable building practices?

Common strategies include using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, implementing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, using sustainable materials like recycled or locally sourced products, and incorporating green roofs or walls. Additionally, sustainable building practices often involve water conservation techniques, such as low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting, as well as designing buildings to maximize natural light and ventilation.

Construction companies face a myriad of risks that can significantly impact their operations, profitability, and long-term viability.

From regulatory compliance and safety issues to financial and reputational risks, the landscape is fraught with challenges that require diligent risk management and mitigation strategies.

Regulatory and Compliance Risks

One of the most significant risks facing construction companies is the ever-changing landscape of regulations and compliance requirements. These include building codes, environmental regulations, labor laws, and safety standards. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, legal penalties, and project delays. To mitigate this risk, companies must stay updated with regulatory changes, invest in compliance training for employees, and implement robust monitoring systems to ensure adherence to all legal requirements.

Safety and Health Risks

Construction sites are inherently hazardous, with workers exposed to various dangers, including falls, equipment accidents, and exposure to harmful substances. The risk of workplace injuries and fatalities not only affects employee wellbeing, but can also lead to increased insurance premiums, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Effective risk management in this area involves rigorous safety training, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular safety audits, and fostering a culture of safety awareness among all employees.

Financial Risks

Financial risks in construction can arise from several sources, including cost overruns, project delays, and changes in market conditions. Mismanagement of finances can lead to liquidity issues, insolvency, and project abandonment. To mitigate financial risks, construction companies should implement stringent budgeting processes, use financial forecasting tools, and maintain a healthy cash reserve to buffer against unexpected expenses. Additionally, diversifying the client base and securing fixed-price contracts can provide financial stability.

Cybersecurity Risks

Cybersecurity has emerged as a paramount concern for construction companies. The increasing use of digital tools and technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and project management software, exposes companies to cyber threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing scams. To mitigate these risks, companies should invest in robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. Regular cybersecurity training for employees and developing an incident response plan are also crucial components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

Legal and Contractual Risks

Legal and contractual risks can arise from poorly drafted contracts, disputes over project scope, and litigation related to construction defects or delays. These risks can lead to costly legal battles and damage relationships with clients and subcontractors. To mitigate these risks, construction companies should ensure that contracts are clear, comprehensive, and legally sound. Employing experienced legal counsel, maintaining thorough documentation, and adopting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation or arbitration, can also help manage legal risks effectively.

Environmental Risks

Environmental risks, including natural disasters, extreme weather events, and environmental contamination, pose significant challenges for construction projects. These risks can lead to project delays, increased costs, and regulatory fines. To manage environmental risks, construction companies should conduct thorough site assessments, develop contingency plans, and implement sustainable construction practices. Additionally, obtaining appropriate insurance coverage, such as builders risk insurance, can provide financial protection against environmental hazards.

Market and Economic Risks

Market and economic fluctuations can significantly impact construction companies, affecting everything from material costs to project financing. Economic downturns, changes in interest rates, and fluctuations in demand for construction services can lead to financial instability. To mitigate these risks, companies should diversify their project portfolios, engage in market research, and establish strategic partnerships to ensure a steady pipeline of projects. Additionally, maintaining a flexible business model that can adapt to changing market conditions is essential for long-term resilience.

Reputational Risks

Reputational risks arise from negative publicity, project failures, and unethical business practices. A damaged reputation can result in loss of clients, decreased market share, and difficulty in attracting top talent. To protect their reputation, construction companies should prioritize quality workmanship, transparent communication with stakeholders, and ethical business practices. Implementing a robust risk management framework that includes crisis communication planning can also help mitigate reputational risks.

Supply Chain Risks

Supply chain disruptions, such as material shortages, delays in deliveries, and supplier bankruptcies, can significantly impact construction timelines and costs. To manage supply chain risks, construction companies should establish strong relationships with multiple suppliers, maintain an inventory of critical materials, and develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions. Adopting just-in-time inventory management and leveraging technology to track and manage supply chain operations can also enhance resilience.

GPRS Services Assist in Risk Mitigation

Construction companies operate in a complex and dynamic environment where various risks can threaten their success. Effective risk management and risk mitigation strategies are essential for navigating these challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability.

By staying informed about regulatory changes, prioritizing safety, implementing robust financial and cybersecurity measures, and maintaining a flexible and proactive approach to risk management, construction companies can mitigate the risks they face and build a foundation for continued growth and success.

GPRS is committed to helping you mitigate risk through our suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing condition documentation, and construction & facilities project management services.

Safety is always on our radar, which is why we offer free ground disturbance policy reviews and sponsor several safety education initiatives, including Construction Safety Week, Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week, and Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week.

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

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule your service or request a quote today!

Every project starts with a solid foundation – often beneath the surface. This foundation must be tailored to the job, specific to the location, construction needs, and features of the land. Similarly, site data and facility management require a strong foundation. Without understanding, properly visualizing, and interacting with the essential elements of a site, the rest of the project is vulnerable to failure. The intricate network of underground utilities, pipelines, and structures forms the lifeline of any construction endeavor. Without proper knowledge and management of these subterranean assets, projects can quickly face setbacks, delays, and safety hazards.

This is where GPRS steps in, offering comprehensive solutions for precision utility mapping and facility management, such as SiteMap^® (patent pending). Through the lens of SiteMap^®, the subsurface becomes clear.

Understanding the Landscape: Mapping Underground Utilities

Before breaking ground on any construction project, it’s essential to have a clear picture of what lies beneath. Traditional methods of utility mapping often involve outdated blueprints, incomplete records, and costly trial-and-error approaches. GPRS revolutionizes this process by using advanced technologies and training to penetrate the ground and create detailed, accurate maps of underground utilities.

GPRS employs groundbreaking technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic locators, CCTV video cameras, acoustic water leak locators, and other equipment to scan for subsurface utilities. These tools provide depth and GPS mapping, saving time, money, and even lives by avoiding utility strikes and protecting all site employees and contractors from potential damages. GPRS offers complimentary .KMZ files for all exterior utility locating projects. Their utility mapping services can create updated as-built drawings for your campus or facility. GPR services can also locate underground storage tanks (USTs), unknown utilities, and even manholes and wellheads.

When you hire GPRS, you receive a SiteMap® Personal account, allowing you to view and securely share your utility information with your team.

Why Precision Utility Mapping?

Precision utility mapping enables stakeholders to:

• Mitigate Risks: By accurately identifying the location of underground utilities, construction teams can avoid accidental damage during excavation, reducing the risk of costly repairs and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. 67% of facility managers report experiencing a utility strike or locating issue in the last five years. GPRS helps reduce this risk with a 99.8% accuracy rating across hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide.
• Optimize Planning: With precise data on utility locations, project managers can streamline planning processes, allocate resources more efficiently, and minimize disruptions to existing infrastructure. Effective planning is critical, as companies that effectively plan and execute their strategies are 2.5 times more likely to achieve their goals. GPRS and SiteMap^® make keeping everyone from investors to field team members updated easy and efficient.
• Enhance Decision Making: With real-time insights into underground assets, stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding project design, route optimization, and construction methodologies, ultimately improving project outcomes and reducing overall costs. GPRS maintains a consistent 99.8%+ accuracy rate in utility locating and concrete scanning & imaging to help keep your jobs on time, on budget, and safe.

SiteMap®: Empowering Stakeholders with Utility Mapping Software

As part of GPRS’ commitment to exceptional customer service, they created SiteMap^®: an advanced, easy-to-use infrastructure data management platform that stands out as a trailblazer in utility mapping software. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly interface, SiteMap^® offers a comprehensive array of visualizations and data points tailored to the unique needs of construction and facility management professionals. Much like any good foundation, SiteMap® helps you build upon the subsurface, utilizing the data of the world around you to construct a better tomorrow.

Key features of SiteMap^® include:

• Interactive Mapping: SiteMap’s intuitive mapping interface allows users to visualize underground utilities with customizable layers for enhanced clarity and precision. Your data is aggregated and stored for the lifetime of your project. Certain tiers may also have access to historical data, allowing you to switch between more layers and data points.
• Data Portability: Seamlessly blend your existing GIS data/system, CAD drawings, and survey information into SiteMap^®’s platform, or vice versa, ensuring a unified and holistic view of underground assets. GPRS’ in-house Mapping & Modeling Team offers everything you need to see the subsurface and your above-ground facilities and structures with startling accuracy and detail.
• Advanced Analytics: SiteMap^® goes beyond basic mapping functionalities, offering data that can be used for advanced analytics, trend analysis, predictive modeling, and scenario planning, empowering stakeholders to anticipate challenges and optimize project outcomes.
• Mobile Accessibility: With SiteMap’s mobile app, field technicians can access vital utility data on-site, enabling quick decision-making, collaborative problem-solving, and seamless communication across project teams. SiteMap^® was built with mobility in mind!

GPRS products like SiteMap^® are indispensable tools for navigating the complex landscape of facility management and construction site data. By utilizing the power of ground-penetrating radar technology, NASSCO-certified CCTV-pipe inspection, drone imagery, 3D laser scanning, and more, stakeholders can unlock new possibilities for efficiency, safety, and success.

Whether embarking on a new construction project or managing existing infrastructure, the ability to see your job site as a whole is crucial. From the subsurface and beyond, GPRS makes seeing and interacting with your job site simple.

GPRS SiteMap^® Team Members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demos. Click below to schedule yours today!

GPRS 3D laser scanned two retail spaces located at Two Bryant Park in Manhattan to develop a 3D BIM model so that IA Interior Architects could plan property renovations and revitalize the space. This mid-rise building in New York has undergone many renovations since its construction as an E-shaped six-story steel-framed masonry building in 1906. IA Interior Architects is repurposing the existing space for two new tenants. There is 14,000-square-foot of retail space in total at the property, which is being marketed by JLL and remains un-leased.

Founded in 1984, IA Interior Architects is a global architecture firm focused exclusively on building interiors. The firm provides strategic planning, interior architecture, and design services for corporations, businesses, and institutions.

They help clients make dynamic use of existing space with adaptive reuse, to reflect their brand, improve efficiency and productivity, increase employee satisfaction, and support sustainability.

To begin renovation design planning, the firm required digital as-built conditions of the two retail spaces (5,000 SF) and the basement below containing MEP systems (5,000 SF), approximately 10,000 sq ft in total. Accurate documentation was essential for assessing the current state of the building, information that was crucial for IA Interior Architects to plan renovations for this adaptive reuse project.

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3D Laser Scanning Captures As-Builts

GPRS 3D laser scanning services captured detailed as-built documentation of the existing space. The interior had been demolished, so GPRS collected precise data of the exposed columns and beams, floor, walls, windows, doors, ceilings, stairs, roof, piping, conduit, ducts, equipment footprints, electrical panels, and curtain wall.

3D laser scanners use cutting-edge LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to capture millions of three-dimensional data points of a space. Each data point is converted into a pixel with an XYZ coordinate, and processed into a point cloud, creating an accurate 3D as-built data set of the site. The technology delivers highly accurate digital layouts and dimensions for architects with 2-4 mm accuracy.

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3D BIM Model & 2D Floor Contours Delivered for Design Planning

Once the site was laser scanned, the GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team created a geometrically accurate 3D building information model (BIM) model of the site. IA Interior Architects requested a standard detail 3D BIM model of the building core and shell, exposed structural features, and MEP infrastructure, including piping, and ductwork.

GPRS also delivered 2D floor contours – 2-dimensional drawings of the space from a bird’s eye view – so the architectural firm has precise room details and measurements for design planning.

IA Interior Architects utilized the 3D model and 2D CAD drawing to integrate new tenant designs and preserve the key historical and architectural elements of the space. The digital twins can be used to help the architects incorporate architectural, structural and MEP modifications into the built environment.  

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Adaptive Reuse in Architecture

The firm practices adaptive reuse techniques to integrate innovative architectural designs and create new functions for the old space. Adaptive reuse preserves historical features and reduces the need for new construction materials.

According to IA Interior Architects’ website, “Advancements in technology have become transformative in architecture and branded environment design. The future of architectural design lies at the intersection of technology and user experience.”

And, GPRS delivers the technology to create interactive architectural designs, allowing tenants to visualize site layout and user experiences in their retail stores.

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LEED Certified Architect

IA Interior Architects has a team of LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP), demonstrating advanced knowledge of implementing green building practices and the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system.

A LEED Accredited Professional can utilize 3D laser scanning technology in various ways to support and enhance the LEED certification process for buildings. 3D scanning provides precise measurements that help in accurate material quantification, reduce excess ordering, and improve waste management practices. 3D BIM models can help LEED APs to simulate different energy-saving measures, such as improved insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and lighting strategies, ensuring the building meets energy performance criteria.

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Why Choose GPRS? The GPRS Difference.

Accurate data helps architects plan for renovations, make informed decisions, optimize building layout, and implement green building practices to deliver a great retail user experience.

GPRS 3D laser scanning services provide 2-4mm accurate existing conditions site documentation for efficient planning, design, and construction.

GPRS’ elite team of Project Managers efficiently 3D laser scans the exterior and interior of each site with professional-grade Leica laser scanners, capturing the exact layout, dimensions, and locations of your specific project requirements, such as architectural, structural, and MEP features, walls, windows, doors, stairs, roof, railings, exposed columns, beams, equipment, piping, ducts, and more.

Our Mapping & Modeling Team registers and processes the point cloud, removing noise and setting the coordinate system to provide the most precise measurements. Data is then compiled into custom 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models and delivered via SiteMap®. SiteMap® is a free cloud-based software that delivers point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models, all in one platform.

What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the theory of adaptive reuse?

Adaptive reuse in architecture is a sustainable design strategy that involves repurposing existing buildings for new functions, while retaining their historical, cultural, or architectural significance. This strategy promotes the conservation of resources, reduction of waste, and preservation of cultural heritage.

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How Do You Become a LEED Accredited Professional?

To become a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), you must pass a 100-question exam administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). The exam covers topics such as green building, a specific LEED rating system, and the certification process.

GPRS utility site maps helped Teichert Solar to successfully install a solar carport system at the Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California. The structural integrity of a solar carport relies on a proper foundation, and that requires accurate underground utility and sewer locations to be cleared before selecting and placing concrete piers.

The seminary planned to construct a solar parking structure enabled with electric vehicle charging on an existing parking lot. Teichert Solar, a division of Teichert Construction, was contracted to design and engineer the carport system.

A solar carport is designed to hold overhanging solar panels and serves the dual purpose of providing shelter and generating electricity from the sun to charge electric vehicles (EV).

Installing solar carports is a technically challenging project that requires careful engineering and a proper foundation to support the weight of the steel structure and solar panels. For ground-mounted carport system installation, such as the application for the seminary, concrete piers are poured into a cored hole around rebar, with the footing extending above ground level to support the solar parking structure and withstand vehicle collision. Installers then place and anchor the racking portion and solar panels on top of the concrete piers.

GPRS was called out to scan, locate, mark, and map utility and sewer locations: information that was critical to correctly plot and place the solar carport foundations to avoid clashes or utility strikes.

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Utility Mapping the Seven-Acre Site

In one day on site, Project Managers Vincent Lopez, Dillon Malang, and James Petersen, used GPR technology and EM locators to mark the precise locations of all underground utilities, collect GPS coordinates, and deliver a CAD utility site plan showing accurate vertical and horizontal positions.

For the seven-acre site, all subsurface electric, communication, water, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and irrigation lines were located and marked with depths. In addition to the utility locate, the team was required to account for any individual objects that may also be underground, such as a concrete pad or UST.

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Equipment Utilized to Locate Utilities

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology helped the team identify all underground utilities at the site. This technology is mounted on a stroller frame that rolls over the surface and features an antenna that uses frequencies ranging from 250 MHz to 450 MHz. Subsurface data is displayed on the screen and marked on the surface in real time. The total effective scan depth of GPR can be as much as eight feet and will vary throughout a site depending on factors such as surface type, surface conditions, soil type, and moisture content.

An electromagnetic (EM) locator was used to detect the electromagnetic signals from pipes and cables at the site. EM locators were used to actively trace conductive pipes and tracer wires, and passively detect power and radio signals traveling along conductive pipes and utilities. An electromagnetic radio frequency transmitter sends out a signal in a specific frequency, which transmits through the conductive material in an underground pipe or other piece of infrastructure.

A high-end GPS unit provided geospatial accuracy down to four inches using the satellite environment at the time of collection. GPS locations can be collected as points, lines, or areas and then exported as a KML/KMZ or overlaid on a CAD drawing.

After scanning was complete, Teichert Solar was able to quickly access 99.8% accurate field-verified GPS-enabled CAD utility site maps in PDF, KMZ, and SHP file format via SiteMap^®, GPRS’ cloud-based infrastructure visualization software.

GPRS Project Manager Vincent Lopez said, “There were so many utilities on this site. We scanned over 300,000 square feet in one day. With GPR and EM locators, we could see every utility line and sewer location.”

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Planning the Layout of Concrete Piers

When plotting and placing the concrete piers on site, the seminary did not want to disrupt the flow of traffic or eliminate any parking spaces. With a subsurface infrastructure map, Teichert Solar could design the layout and placement of the concrete pier foundation plan prior to construction, and securely share it with the solar canopy subcontractors and engineers to collaborate on installation and avoid utility strikes.

Accurate subsurface as-builts helped Teichart Solar identify the required excavation clearance before coring holes in the parking surface for the concrete foundation. GPRS experts recommend potholing or hand digging around marks, or to stay clear of marks by two feet when coring. GPRS subsurface data helped to avoid utility strikes and unexpected obstacles during placement of the concrete piers, minimizing delays, and reducing the need for project redesigns, ultimately leading to more efficient and cost-effective project management.

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Engineering of the Solar Carports

Solar carports must be designed to withstand environmental factors such as wind, snow, floods, storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. The design requires foundations that include ground mounting concrete piers at varying depths to hold heavy steel structures.

“Putting solar carports on proper footing is the first piece in the construction process, and it’s arguably the most important,” said Billy Ludt, Senior Editor of Solar Power World. According to his recent article in Solar Power World, a typical carport has foundations about every 30 ft., with holes dug between 10 ft. and 14 ft. deep, in average soil conditions.

The equipment contractors use to core holes for foundations varies depending on the surface conditions. Concrete saws can be used to cut through parking surfaces. A pressure digger or truck-mounted auger can be used for normal soil conditions. For sandy or loose soils, a temporary casing can be used to retain the sides of the borehole long enough for the concrete to be placed. Hammer drills can break up any rocks present in soil. Sump, suction, or additional pumps can be used to de-water water tables.

RBI Solar designs, engineers, manufactures and installs solar mounting systems for commercial and utility scale solar projects. Brad Fey, Senior Project Manager at RBI Solar, said in a recent Solar Power World article, “Foundations are the key to any canopy project, so there’s a lot of nuances to put them in there. It’s also making sure that you’re laid out correctly, making sure you have the right spacing, because all of your steel comes pre-punched. If you have a foundation that’s out of place, if it’s off by two inches or it’s moved in the wrong direction, you don’t have anchor rods that are in correctly, now you’re slowing down the steel install process too.”

“Once you get out of the ground, carports are easy,” Fey added. “It’s basically a giant erector set. You’re putting steel together, it’s all pre-punched, and everything bolts together. It’s the foundations that are the hardest part of any carport project.”

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Why GPRS? The GPRS Difference.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® for customers in almost every industry in the U.S. Our subsurface damage prevention and existing conditions documentation allows Project Managers to deliver the accurate locations of underground utilities so you can better plan and execute excavation and construction projects. GPRS is an industry leader with a proven 99.8%+ accuracy rate when locating utilities, scanning concrete and inspecting sewer and water pipes. We provide the highest level of information for underground facilities and pipelines during all phases of the construction process.

GPRS has built upon the foundation of consistency and excellence in the Renewable Energy sector. We have completed hundreds of wind (utility-scale) and solar projects in all stages of project development and construction. 

With the recent expansion of the EV-charging network, we’ve worked with major companies such as Tesla, ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America to provide underground utility locates using the most reliable scanning technology available.  Every renewable energy project allows us to offer a comprehensive range of reporting options, from marks on the ground, to a basic field sketch, satellite image overlays, or an AutoCAD report that pinpoints buried electrical, water, gas, communication, sewer and storm drain lines.

SiteMap^® (patent pending) digitally stores your GPRS site & project data in a secure cloud-based software, accessible and shareable 24/7 from any laptop or mobile device. SiteMap^® is an invaluable tool for construction projects, providing precise location data that enhances safety, efficiency, cost management, accuracy and overall project coordination.

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What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is SiteMap?

SiteMap^®, powered by GPRS, enables users to interact with high-resolution, layered digital maps of underground utilities, leveraging GIS tools to accurately depict the location, depth, and type of utility lines. If GPRS collected the data, you’ll find it in SiteMap^®, backed by the 99.8% accurate hard data collected by our Project Managers. Detailed subsurface utility mapping helps stakeholders avoid conflicts, plan excavation activities, and reduce the risk of damage to underground infrastructure. SiteMap^® keeps an accurate record of utilities’ locations for future construction work.

Who is Teichert Solar?

Teichert Solar’s in-house design/build team has engineered and installed over 365 megawatt (MW) of solar in California, including solar carport canopies, garage tops, ground fixed tilt, single-axis trackers, and utility-scale energy storage projects. Teichert Construction, its' parent company, is headquartered in Sacramento, California and has been providing civil infrastructure since 1887.

Who is RBI Solar?

RBI Solar designs, engineers, manufactures and installs solar mounting systems for large commercial and utility scale projects in the United States. RBI Solar offers a broad range of solar racking systems, ground mount, roof mount, and specialty solar structures to support every PV module manufacturer. A PV module manufacturer, also known as a solar module manufacturer, makes and assembles photovoltaic (PV) panels and other components of solar energy systems.

What’s Your Personal Safety Plan?

This question is one our team at GPRS has asked tens of thousands of construction workers over the past five years during Construction Safety Week talks all across the country. Because every decision made on a job site determines the safety of those around us and the success of the project at hand.

At GPRS, safety is our top priority. That’s why we were so proud to sponsor Construction Safety Week 2024. This year, our fifth as a CSW sponsor, we were able to meet with some of the largest general contractors in the U.S. to discuss job site safety. These prominent industry partners included:

• Turner Construction,

• Skanska,

• DPR Construction,

• The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company,

• Balfour Beatty Construction,

• JE Dunn Construction,

• Hensel Phelps,

• Clark Construction,

• Swinerton

• Clayco and more.

Value Every Voice

This year’s main theme was to Value Every Voice, and how embracing every voice creates an environment where every team member feels valued and heard. The theme also emphasized how the safety and success of any construction project are determined by the individual decisions and actions of team members on site. Making educated decisions rooted in best practices allows each person to not only embrace the team’s safety culture, but also own their responsibility to take personal ownership for ensuring everyone can go home the way they came in at the end of the day.

Key areas that were focused on during presentations this year included:

- How to strengthen team culture to enhance safety

- Why the need to encourage & welcome new ideas is essential to project success

- How different strategies when digging or drilling can keep projects on budget, on time, and SAFE

- How to motivate team members to take ownership for safety on site

By The Numbers

With the conclusion of this year’s Construction Safety Week (CSW) 2024, we’re grateful to report massive numbers. Our team at GPRS had the privilege of engaging with over 14,500 workers at 193 different job sites all across the nation. At these talks, our team of safety experts imparted essential knowledge and best practices to help each team member on a job site develop a personal safety plan. Our safety experts also brought breakfast or lunch with them for the crews to help keep team members well-fed and engaged.

Since becoming a CSW sponsor in 2020, our team at GPRS has been able to help more than 52,000 workers develop personalized safety plans tailored to handle many scenarios they might encounter onsite.

Why It Matters

This initiative is more than just a week-long event; because safety day is every day in our industry. When you have safety on a job site, you have everything you need to get your workers home at the end of the day. Attendees were given the opportunity to cultivate and enhance pre-existing, robust safety cultures. Attendees’ personal safety plans revolved around:

• Underground utility strikes, and best practices to prevent them

• Heat related illnesses, and how to prevent them before they occur

• Wearing proper PPE when saw cutting, coring, or drilling through concrete

• Climate related risks on site

• The effects of workers mental health on safety and preparedness on the job

Looking Forward

With CSW 2024 behind us, our commitment to safety continues pushing forward. We offer complimentary toolbox talks and lunch & learn sessions throughout the year. Additionally, GPRS sponsors two other major safety events: Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week in the winter and Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week in the fall. Stay tuned for opportunities to increase your site safety by signing up early for either of these talks, today!

Join Us in Making Construction Safer

At GPRS, our mission is to help keep your projects on budget, on time, and safe through helping you Intelligently Visualize The Built World® on your job site. To learn how we can do just that, schedule a service or request a quote below.

The United States has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% from 2005 levels by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the scientific imperative to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Central to achieving this target is the Federal Sustainability Plan, which outlines a comprehensive strategy for cutting emissions across various sectors.

Existing infrastructure, however, needs to be located and accurately mapped before new solar, wind, and other environmentally-friendly infrastructure projects can be executed.

Key Components of the Federal Sustainability Plan

The Federal Sustainability Plan, introduced under President Biden's Executive Order 14057, sets forth a detailed roadmap for transitioning the U.S. to a cleaner future. The plan encompasses several critical areas:

Carbon Pollution-Free Electricity:

• ‍Goal: Achieve 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030, with at least 50% available on a 24/7 basis
• ‍Strategy: Invest in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Enhance grid infrastructure to ensure reliability and integration of clean energy

Zero-Emission Vehicle Acquisitions:

• Goal: Transition to 100% zero-emission vehicle acquisitions by 2035, with 100% light-duty acquisitions by 2027
• Strategy: Expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, incentivize EV production and purchase, and phase out internal combustion engine vehicles from the federal fleet

Net-Zero Emissions Buildings:

• Goal: Achieve net-zero emissions in federal buildings by 2045, with a 50% reduction by 2032
• Strategy: Retrofit existing buildings with energy-efficient technologies, adopt green building standards, and incorporate renewable energy sources

Net-Zero Emissions Procurement:

• Goal: Attain net-zero emissions in procurement processes by 2050
• Strategy: Prioritize purchasing from suppliers with low carbon footprints, promote sustainable materials, and enforce environmental standards in procurement contracts

Net-Zero Emissions Operations:

• Goal: Achieve net-zero emissions in federal operations by 2050, with a 65% reduction by 2030
• Strategy: Implement energy-efficient practices, optimize logistics and supply chains, and invest in clean technologies

Climate Resilient Infrastructure and Operations:

• Goal: Ensure all federal infrastructure and operations are resilient to the impacts of climate change
• Strategy: Conduct vulnerability assessments, enhance infrastructure design, and incorporate climate resilience into planning and development processes

Challenges and Strategies for Implementation

Achieving these goals requires overcoming several challenges, including technological limitations, financial constraints, and resistance to change. However, the plan outlines strategies to address these challenges:

Investment in Research and Development:

• The federal government is increasing funding for R&D in clean energy technologies. This investment aims to accelerate innovation and bring cost-effective solutions to market.

Public-Private Partnerships:

• Collaboration with the private sector is essential for scaling up clean energy projects and driving widespread adoption of sustainable practices.

Policy and Regulatory Support:

• The government is enacting policies and regulations to support the transition, such as tax incentives for renewable energy, stricter emissions standards, and mandates for energy efficiency.

Workforce Development:

• Developing a skilled workforce is critical for implementing and maintaining new technologies. Training programs and educational initiatives are being expanded to equip workers with the necessary skills.

Community Engagement and Environmental Justice:

• Ensuring that all communities, especially those disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, benefit from the transition to a sustainable future is a priority. This involves targeted investments in underserved areas and inclusive policy-making processes.

Progress and Outlook

The federal government has already made significant strides in implementing the Federal Sustainability Plan. Key achievements include:

• Increased Renewable Energy Capacity: Significant investments in wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources have expanded the nation’s clean energy capacity
• Electric Vehicle Adoption: The federal fleet is gradually transitioning to electric vehicles, with substantial investments in charging infrastructure
• Building Retrofits: Numerous federal buildings have undergone energy-efficient retrofits, reducing their carbon footprint and operational costs

While substantial progress has been made, ongoing efforts are crucial to meeting the 2030 and 2050 targets. Continuous monitoring, reporting, and adaptation of strategies based on emerging technologies and changing conditions are essential.

The United States’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% from 2005 levels by 2030 is a monumental step towards combating climate change. The Federal Sustainability Plan provides a comprehensive framework for achieving this goal, emphasizing clean energy, zero-emission vehicles, net-zero buildings, sustainable procurement, and resilient infrastructure.

Through collaborative efforts, innovative technologies, and steadfast commitment, the nation aims to lead by example in the global fight against climate change. And GPRS services are designed to support green construction projects, ensuring efficiency by mitigating the risks of subsurface damage on those projects.

Our precision concrete scanning and utility locating services utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating technologies to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure below-ground, and embedded within your concrete slabs. We’ve achieved and maintained an industry-leading 99.8%+ accuracy rating on the over 500,000 concrete scanning and utility locating jobs that our SIM-certified Project Managers have completed since our founding in 2001. So, when you hire GPRS, you’re getting a professional concrete scanning company that you can trust to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of concrete scanning?

Hiring a professional concrete scanning company like GPRS prior to cutting or coring through a concrete slab helps mitigate the risk of damaging any subsurface infrastructure when you do cut or core. This helps keep your project on time, on budget, and safe.

What is the difference between scanning an elevated concrete slab, and a concrete slab-on-grade?

Elevated concrete slab scanning involves detecting embedded electrical conduits, rebar, post tension cables, and other subsurface impediments before core drilling a hole through the slab. Performing precision concrete scanning on a concrete slab-on-grade typically involves scanning a trench line for conduits before conducting saw cutting and trenching to install a sanitary pipe, water line, or other, similar utility.

You can learn more here.

Post-tensioned concrete is widely used in construction due to its strength and efficiency in creating large spans without adding excessive weight.

Locating post tension cables within concrete is crucial for various reasons, including renovations, repairs, and safety inspections. Professional concrete scanning companies adhere to a set of methods and technologies to locate these cables accurately, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of buildings.

Understanding Post-Tensioning in Concrete

Post-tensioning is a technique in which steel cables (tendons) are tensioned after the concrete has been cast. This method allows for thinner slabs, longer spans, and fewer joints, making it a popular choice for commercial buildings, bridges, and parking structures. The tendons are housed within ducts or sleeves and are stressed using hydraulic jacks once the concrete has gained sufficient strength.

Given the critical role of these tendons in maintaining structural integrity, it is essential to know their exact location to avoid accidental damage during drilling, coring, or cutting operations.

Reasons for Locating Post Tension Cables

1. ‍Renovation and Retrofitting: During building modifications, it is necessary to locate post-tension cables to avoid damaging them, which could compromise structural stability.
2. ‍Maintenance and Repairs: Identifying the position of tendons is crucial when performing repairs, especially when the structure has developed cracks or other forms of distress.
3. ‍Safety Inspections: Regular inspections often require precise mapping of tendons to ensure they are intact and functioning as intended.

Techniques for Locating Post-Tension Cables

Several techniques are used to locate post tension cables, each with its advantages and limitations. Here are the most commonly employed methods:

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the most effective and widely used methods for locating post tension cables. It involves transmitting high-frequency radio waves into the concrete and analyzing the reflected signals.

Advantages:

• Non-Destructive: GPR does not damage the concrete or the embedded tendons
• Accurate Depth Measurement: It provides precise information about the depth and position of the cables
• Real-Time Results: Instantaneous data allows for on-the-spot decision-making

Limitations:

• Skill-Dependent: Requires trained operators to interpret the data accurately
• Material Interference: Highly conductive materials within the concrete can affect the accuracy of the results

X-Ray Imaging

Concrete X-ray imaging, or radiography, involves using X-rays to create an image of the interior of the concrete structure. This method is particularly useful for detailed inspection and locating tendons.

Advantages:

• High Resolution: Provides a clear and detailed image of the post-tension cables
• Depth Penetration: Effective for deep scans where GPR might not be sufficient

Limitations:

• ‍Safety Concerns: Requires strict safety protocols due to the use of ionizing radiation
• ‍Access and Setup: Needs access to both sides of the concrete structure, which can be challenging

Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques involve using electromagnetic fields to detect metallic objects within the concrete. These methods are particularly useful for detecting the presence of steel tendons.

Advantages:

• ‍Non-Destructive: Does not harm the concrete or the cables
• ‍Quick and Portable: Equipment is typically easy to transport and use

Limitations:

• Limited Depth: Less effective for deep tendons compared to GPR or X-ray
• Interference: Can be affected by the presence of other metallic objects

Concrete Scanning with Ultrasound

Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal features of the concrete. This method can help locate voids, cracks, and tendons.

Advantages:

• ‍Non-Destructive: Safe for both the concrete and the embedded cables
• ‍Detailed Analysis: Can provide detailed information about the internal structure

Limitations:

• ‍Complex Interpretation: Requires skilled technicians to analyze the data
• ‍Surface Condition: The effectiveness can be influenced by the condition of the concrete surface

Best Practices for Locating Post Tension Cables

To ensure accurate and effective location of post-tension cables, consider the following best practices:

• Combine Methods: Using a combination of GPR and electromagnetic induction, for example, can enhance accuracy and reliability
• Training and Certification: Ensure that operators are adequately trained and certified to use the equipment and interpret the results
• Regular Calibration: Regularly calibrate equipment to maintain accuracy and reliability
• Comprehensive Scanning: Perform thorough scans across the entire area to avoid missing any tendons
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all scans and findings for future reference and compliance purposes

GPRS Offers 99.8%+ Accurate Concrete Scanning Services

Locating post tension cables in concrete is a critical task in many construction, renovation, and maintenance projects.

GPRS offers unmatched precision concrete scanning services, utilizing GPR to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of post tension cables and other infrastructure embedded within your concrete slabs. We’ve achieved and maintain an industry-leading 99.8%+ accuracy rating on the over 500,000 concrete scanning and utility locating jobs that our SIM-certified Project Managers have completed since our founding in 2001.

We’re so confident in the accuracy of our concrete scanning services that we introduced the Green Box Guarantee. This industry-leading, proprietary program provides you the necessary assurance of safety when drilling, cutting, or coring through an elevated concrete deck.

Simply put, when GPRS places a Green Box within a layout before cutting or coring concrete, we guarantee it will be free of obstruction.

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

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

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Why do I need concrete scanning?

When you’re excavating for a new structure or renovating an old building, there are countless subsurface hazards that need to be accounted for prior to excavation, core drilling or saw cutting.

Hiring a professional concrete scanning company like GPRS helps you avoid subsurface damage, keeping your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

The 1990 cinematic adventure and camp movie classic Tremors would have been a completely different story if the location had been properly mapped.

Imagine if every sand worm had been annotated and aggregated from tail to tail. In the 21st century, we’ve proven that although our built world conceals a complex network of underground utilities, there are thankfully no giant worm-like monsters. Miles of water and sewer lines, electrical cables, and telecommunications networks lie beneath our feet. These vital assets support our daily lives, and when they are mis-mapped or struck accidentally, they can be as destructive as giant sand monsters.

Managing and maintaining underground utilities can be just as challenging as wrangling those worms. SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, offers a cutting-edge solution that is revolutionizing the field of underground utility mapping software.

The Complex Task of Underground Utility Mapping

Accurately mapping underground utilities is daunting due to numerous challenges. The underground environment is dynamic, with utilities constantly being installed, repaired, and replaced. Organizations often struggle to maintain up-to-date and reliable records of underground infrastructure, leading to inefficiencies, safety hazards, and service disruptions.

GPRS Utility Mapping Services

GPRS offers a range of services to assist various fields in their subsurface exploration:

• Private Utility Locating: About 65% of on-site utilities for construction projects or facilities are private, and 811 One Call services cannot locate them. GPRS provides comprehensive digital .KMZ files and PDF utility maps, including depths, for all utilities on-site, public or private. This ensures seamless communication and collaboration on any project.
• Facility Mapping: Comprehensive above and below ground facility and infrastructure mapping for industries such as construction, facility management, engineering, architecture, and manufacturing.
• Utility As-Built Creation: GPRS provides a complimentary PDF, .KMZ file, and SiteMap^® Personal subscription with every outdoor utility locate. Project Managers create digital, layered utility maps inside SiteMap^®, and the in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can offer TruBuilt plan views and 3D BIM or Conceptual Site Models (CSM) for better project or facility management.
• Soil Boring Clearance: Environmental consultants need soil borings for property transfer due diligence or investigating environmental hazards. Knowing what utilities and features exist underground before drilling helps mitigate additional risks.
• Directional Drilling Clearance: When installing fiber and telecom lines, knowing where to drill to avoid striking existing underground utilities is crucial. Pre and post-installation cross bore inspections ensure the safety of your work.
• Environmental Due Diligence: GPRS aids in Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) by accurately locating utilities and mapping preferential pathways for contaminants, providing detailed 3D site visualizations.
• One Call Locating Services: One Call cannot locate private utility lines on site or provide depths for public utility lines. GPRS locates both, providing accurate field markings and digital and PDF utility maps.
• UST Locating: Finding underground storage tanks (USTs) before excavation is crucial for risk mitigation. GPRS Project Managers can comprehensively map abandoned tanks and lines.

SiteMap^®: Enhancing Underground Utility Mapping

SiteMap^® offers a unique and comprehensive solution for underground utility mapping, leveraging advanced technology and innovative features:

• High-Resolution Mapping: SiteMap® enables interaction with detailed, geolocated, and layered maps of underground utilities, minimizing the risk of utility strikes and service disruptions.
• 99.8% Accuracy: Our equipment, training, and methodology consistently deliver high-quality results. GPRS uses various collection devices like ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic induction, CCTV crawler cameras, LiDAR, and acoustic leak detectors to gather data. This data is compiled into deliverables by the in-house mapping and modeling team.
• Expanding Technologies: GPRS continuously pursues advanced technologies and methodologies to maintain industry-leading accuracy.
• Share With Ease: Customized communication reinforces team objectives with geographically segmented data, accessible 24/7 from any computer or mobile device.

Benefits of SiteMap^®: Enhanced Underground Utility Mapping

SiteMap^®-enhanced underground utility mapping offers numerous benefits across various sectors:

• Improved Accuracy: Accurate and up-to-date mapping reduces errors, utility strikes, and service disruptions.
• Enhanced Safety: GPRS prioritizes safety through extensive training and certification programs.
• Cost Savings: Avoiding utility strikes leads to significant cost savings over time.
• Operational Efficiency: Proactive maintenance and minimized downtime improve operational efficiency.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements, reducing risks of fines and legal liabilities.

SiteMap^® offers a comprehensive solution for managing underground infrastructure. From water utility mapping software to utility mapping services and underground mapping, SiteMap^® empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of underground infrastructure with confidence.

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

Managing infrastructure assets has never been more critical.

Organizations across sectors such as utilities, transportation, telecommunications, and energy rely on effective asset management for their infrastructure networks. As the demand for smarter and more efficient infrastructure grows, strategic investments in innovative software solutions like SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, are set to shape the future of infrastructure asset management.

The Evolution of Infrastructure Asset Software

Traditionally, infrastructure asset management relied on manual processes and paper-based records, making it challenging to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about asset inventory, condition, and performance. However, with the advent of GIS technology, organizations have increasingly turned to software solutions to streamline their asset management processes and unlock new opportunities for optimization and innovation.

Transformations in Infrastructure Asset Software

• ‍Easily Shared: Assets and facilities, both above and below ground, are now more easily accessed and shared with teams. SiteMap^® simplifies secure data sharing with just a few clicks.
• ‍Easily Stored: Infrastructure asset information is stored in the cloud, accessible anytime and anywhere.
• ‍Visualized In-Depth: View data in new and interactive ways with SiteMap’s Digital Map Room, allowing detailed exploration of each layer of infrastructure.
• ‍Easily Understood: SiteMap^®’s MapViewer presents data in an intuitive format, requiring no formal training to understand.
• ‍Safely Stored: Modern software like SiteMap^® ensures data is safely stored, preventing both physical and digital breaches, keeping your data and worksite secure.

SiteMap^®: A Game-Changer in Infrastructure Asset Software

SiteMap^® stands out as a leading solution in infrastructure asset software, offering advanced capabilities for underground utilities mapping, utility mapping services, and more. Here’s how SiteMap^® is transforming the future of infrastructure asset management:

• ‍Underground Utilities Mapping: Locator errors cause nearly 34,000 underground utility strikes each year. SiteMap® provides comprehensive, 99.8% accurate data supplied by GPRS that maps all underground utilities, allowing organizations to accurately see the location, depth, and type of underground infrastructure. This minimizes the risk of utility strikes, service disruptions, and costly repairs.
• ‍Boost in Accuracy: SiteMap^® leverages advanced technology and expertise to deliver highly accurate and reliable results. Backed by GPRS, a leader in ground-penetrating radar technology, SiteMap^® offers a 99.8% accuracy rating, the highest in the country. GPRS captures entire sites or facilities, providing accurate as-builts, utility maps, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D photogrammetry and Building Information Models (BIM).

New Technologies, Methodologies, & Services

• ‍Private Utility Locating Services: 65% of on-site utilities are private and not located by 811 One Call services. GPRS provides comprehensive maps of all utilities on-site, including depths, for seamless communication and collaboration.
• ‍Facility Mapping Services: Comprehensive mapping of above and below ground facilities for industries like construction, facility management, engineering, and manufacturing.
• ‍Directional Drilling Clearance: Accurate pre and post-installation cross bore inspections to avoid striking existing underground utilities during fiber and telecom line installation.
• ‍CCTV Video Pipe Inspection: Using remote video cameras, GPRS provides sewer inspection services to assess conditions and prevent problems in pipelines. NASSCO-certified technicians provide comprehensive reports for repair planning and system integrity maintenance.
• ‍3D Laser Scanning: Accurate measurements with 2-4mm precision, capturing 2 million data points per second, translated into 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models for efficient planning, design, and construction.
• ‍Virtual Tours: WalkThru 3D captures and updates existing conditions documentation for sites or facilities, allowing stakeholders to visualize projects remotely and accurately measure within the image.

Strategic Investments in SiteMap^®: Key Considerations

When evaluating solutions like SiteMap^®, organizations should consider:

• ‍Scalability: SiteMap^® meets the needs of organizations of all sizes, from small municipalities to large utilities and engineering firms.
• ‍Ease of Use: Despite its advanced capabilities, SiteMap^® is user-friendly and intuitive, requiring no extra training or technical expertise.
• ‍Data Portability: Seamless data portability with existing GIS systems and tools allows organizations to leverage their data and workflows efficiently.
• ‍Data Security: SiteMap^® ensures sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access, tampering, or loss.
• ‍Customer Support: Dedicated customer support and resources help organizations maximize their investment in infrastructure asset software.

SiteMap^® offers advanced capabilities in underground utilities mapping and more, shaping the future of infrastructure asset management. By leveraging SiteMap^®'s intuitive tools, scalable infrastructure, and robust security features, organizations can streamline their asset management processes, minimize risks, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. SiteMap^® makes the subsurface simply accessible.

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

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently introduced a new rule designed to ensure the transmission grid can meet the nation’s growing demand for reliable electricity.

Order No. 1920 outlines how to plan and pay for the transmission facilities that regions of the country will need to keep the lights on and power the American economy through the 21^st Century, according to a press release on the FERC’s website. The rule requires transmission operators to conduct and periodically update long-term transmission planning over a 20-year time horizon to anticipate future needs. Additionally, it provides for cost-effective expansion of transmission that is being replaced, when needed, known as “right-sizing” transmission facilities, and expressly provides for the states’ pivotal tole throughout the process of planning, selecting, and determining how to pay for transmission lines.

“Our country is facing an unprecedented surge in demand for affordable electricity while confronting extreme weather threats to the reliability of our grid and trying to stay one step ahead of the massive technological changes we are seeing in our society,” said FERC Chairman Willie Phillips. “Our nation needs a new foundation to get badly needed new transmission planned, paid for and build. With this new rule, that starts today.”

The rule represents the first time in more than a decade that FERC has addressed regional transmission policy – and the first time it has ever directly addressed the need for long-term transmission planning.

“We need to seize this moment,” Phillips said. “Over the last dozen years, FERC has worked on five after-action reports on lessons learned from extreme weather events that caused outages that cost hundreds of lives and millions of dollars. We must get beyond these after-action reports and start planning to maintain a reliable grid that powers our entire way of life. The grid cannot wait. Our communities cannot wait. Our nation cannot wait.”

The FERC approved the rule by a 2-1 vote, with Phillips and Commissioner Allison Clements voting ‘yes.’ Commissioner Mark Christie, the lone ‘no’ vote, told the New York Times that the rule would allow states that want more renewable energy to unfairly pass on the costs of the necessary grid upgrades to their neighbors.

“This rule utterly fails to protect consumers,” he said. “[It] was intended to facilitate a massive transfer of wealth from consumers to for-profit, special interests, particularly wind and solar developers.”

Phillips and Clements issued a joint concurrence statement directly addressing Christie’s concerns.

“When it comes to the critical question of “who pays,” we are providing transmission planners with the maximum flexibility we can legally allow in order to facilitate negotiated, regionally appropriate solutions,” the statement reads. “And, as part of a multi-pronged approach to protecting customers, we are requiring transmission planners to reevaluate any previously selected Long-Term Regional Transmission Facility when the actual or projected costs of that facility significantly exceed the cost estimates used during selection. Finally, we are providing states with unprecedented, expanded opportunities to work with transmission providers to shape the cost allocation approaches of their regions, while meeting the beneficiary pays requirement that is the foundation of cost causation under the FPA’s just and reasonable standard.”

The rule could take years to have an effect, and in the meantime the commission could face legal challenges from state’s that share Christie’s concerns.

GPRS Services Support Power Projects

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.

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? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current state of America's energy infrastructure?

America's energy infrastructure consists of a vast network of power plants, transmission lines, pipelines, and distribution systems. This infrastructure supports the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, natural gas, and petroleum products. Many parts of the infrastructure are aging and require significant upgrades or replacements. There has been a growing shift towards renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, which necessitates the integration of new technologies and the modernization of the grid.

What are the primary challenges facing America's energy infrastructure today?

The primary challenges include:

• Aging Infrastructure: Much of the energy infrastructure was built decades ago and is now outdated, leading to inefficiencies and increased vulnerability to failures.
• Grid Modernization: The existing grid needs to be upgraded to handle the variable nature of renewable energy sources and to improve resilience against cyber-attacks and extreme weather events.
• Energy Transition: There is a need to balance the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources while ensuring energy reliability and affordability.
• Regulatory and Policy Hurdles: Navigating the complex regulatory environment and securing the necessary funding and investments for infrastructure projects can be challenging.

What steps are being taken to address these challenges?

Efforts to address these challenges include:

• Investment in Modernization: Federal and state governments, along with private companies, are investing in the modernization of the grid, including the development of smart grids and energy storage solutions.
• Policy Initiatives: Policies are being implemented to support renewable energy development, such as tax incentives for renewable energy projects and regulations promoting energy efficiency.
• Infrastructure Legislation: Recent infrastructure bills have allocated significant funds to upgrade and expand the energy infrastructure, including support for clean energy technologies and resilience improvements.
• Research and Development: Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on advancing technologies that can enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the energy infrastructure.

Concrete is the second-most massively consumed material in the world behind only water.

Cement is one of the primary ingredients in concrete, and it accounts for about 7% of total greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions – one of the largest sectoral carbon footprints on the planet.

More than 140 countries, including China, the United States, India, and the European Union, have set a target year to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, but experts say bold, immediate steps are required to reach the international community’s stated goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

So, how do you decarbonize concrete when its main ingredient has one of the largest carbon footprints of any known substance?

As you read this, industry thought leaders are seeking to answer that question. And already today, buildings are being constructed using greener concrete production methods.

The Science Behind the Problem

Today, concrete is typically created by mixing cement and water to make a paste, then mixing that paste with aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone.

Cement – sometimes called Portland cement – is the main culprit for the global CO₂ emissions attributed to concrete. Most of those emissions, however, result from the creation of the cement, rather than the concrete itself.

A primary ingredient of cement is clinker, a material created by heating limestone and silica (shale and sand) to high temperatures (around 1,400 degrees Celsius) in a kiln to cause a chemical reaction. 90% of emissions from cement making are a result of this process, and 60% of those emissions are process emissions – coming from the chemical decomposition of limestone in the kiln. The rest are a result of the combustion of fossil fuels necessary to reach the high temperatures required for the process.

According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), tackling the challenge of decarbonizing the cement industry will require research and development in the areas of next-generation cement/concrete formulations and production routes, low-carbon fuels, and carbon-capture technologies.

“Demand for cement and concrete is likely to continue to increase due to the expanding need for infrastructure construction, including to provide a strong foundation to withstand the severe weather events that are predicted due to changes in climate,” EERE wrote on its website.

Overcoming Hurdles

A recent Bloomberg Quicktake video highlighted Boston, Massachusetts-based start-up, Sublime Systems’ efforts to develop new technology to make low-carbon cement that requires no limestone and no fossil fuels.

Instead, Sublime uses an electrochemical approach that extracts calcium from minerals at ambient temperature.

“There’s a number of different, calcium-bearing minerals that we can digest and process electrochemically to make a cement powder that ultimately goes to make the same hardened concrete that we’ve been using for a millennia,” explained Sublime Systems CEO & Co-Founder, Leah Ellis. “Sublime cement is designed to be a form-fit-function replacement for Portland cement. So, it comes as a powder, just like today’s Portland cement you add water to it in the same ratios that you use today, mix it, and it has the same strength, set time, flow, and durability as today’s cement.”

Sublime still must prove their two-step cement can work at scale. And as the Bloomberg video highlights, anyone looking to decarbonize concrete and cement must figure out how to convince the infamously change-adverse construction industry to adopt a new, unproven replacement to an affordable, easy-to-obtain, and time-tested building material.

“The biggest hurdle for Sublime Systems will be the time and money needed to scale up,” Ellis said. “So, we measure our impact in the amount of cement produced and sold and replacing the carbon-intensive version that’s out there today. That is a massive undertaking... We’re going to need time to get to that scale, and then also money. The cost of cement is very important. Today’s cement is very inexpensive with an average price of around $130 a ton. We have to achieve that cost if we’re going to have that swift and massive impact.”

Other companies are exploring less drastic solutions to cement and concrete’s carbon problem.

As detailed in a May 2023 article in Architectural Record, Halifax, Nova Scotia-based CarbonCure Technologies has commercialized a process for using concrete to store CO₂. Their process involves injecting waste CO₂ from industrial gas suppliers into raw concrete, where it chemically bonds with cement and creates limestone, increasing the mix’s compressive strength and, as a result, reducing the total amount of cement needed.

“On average, the technique cuts CO₂ by 25 pounds per cubic yard of concrete, according to CarbonCure,” the article reads. “To date, the company has licensed its technology to more than 700 customers in more than 30 countries.”

About 90% of the concrete used in Amazon’s new headquarters in Virginia, which was designed by architectural firm ZGF, incorporates CarbonCure’s process.

“Introducing waste CO₂ into the mix achieves a modest reduction, but combine it with other approaches, and the benefits all add up,” Michael Cropper, a vice president at Thornton Tomasetti, the project’s structural engineer, told Architectural Record.

GPRS Provides Precision Concrete Scanning & Imaging

No matter how cement and concrete are produced, GPRS will be there to help prevent subsurface damage when you need to cut or core it.

Our precision concrete scanning services utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating technologies to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure embedded within your concrete slabs. We’ve achieved and maintained an industry-leading 99.8%+ accuracy rating on the over 500,000 concrete scanning and utility locating jobs that our SIM-certified Project Managers have completed since our founding in 2001. So, when you hire GPRS, you’re getting a professional concrete scanning company that you can trust to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of concrete scanning?

Hiring a professional concrete scanning company like GPRS prior to cutting or coring through a concrete slab helps mitigate the risk of damaging any subsurface infrastructure when you do cut or core. This helps keep your project on time, on budget, and safe.

What is the difference between scanning an elevated concrete slab, and a concrete slab-on-grade?

Elevated concrete slab scanning involves detecting embedded electrical conduits, rebar, post tension cables, and other subsurface impediments before core drilling a hole through the slab. Performing precision concrete scanning on a concrete slab-on-grade typically involves scanning a trench line for conduits before conducting saw cutting and trenching to install a sanitary pipe, water line, or other, similar utility.

You can learn more here.

GPRS Video Pipe Inspection Services uncovered a completely collapsed sewer pipe while assisting the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as it works to overhaul its aging wastewater infrastructure.

GPRS Project Manager Nate Johnson is investigating and mapping 70,000 linear feet of small-diameter, combined sanitary and storm sewer pipes across the city for a contractor tasked with replacing the current infrastructure with separate wastewater and stormwater systems. Johnson explained that the existing lines range in age from 50 to 120 years old, and the only existing records of the system are similarly out-of-date.

“All we have are maps to go on, and a lot of the maps are not right because they are from the early 1900s,” Johnson said. “So, we’re correcting the maps… [and] we’re inspecting all these sewer lines for rehabilitation, so they know where and how to fix them.”

GPRS Video Pipe Inspections utilize CCTV camera-equipped, remote-controlled rovers and push-fed scopes to investigate sewer and stormwater pipes for clogs, cross bores, and other structural defects & damages. Our NASSCO-certified Project Managers provide comprehensive, interactive reporting that details every inch of your pipes to help you plan repairs, maintain your system integrity, and mitigate risk.

As we’re investigating your sewer system, we can also map it for future operations & maintenance (O&M) purposes. Our rovers and push-fed scopes are equipped with sondes: instrument probes that we detect from the surface using electromagnetic (EM) locators to map your system while we’re searching for faults.

All this field-verified data is at your fingertips 24/7, from any computer, tablet or smartphone, thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ cloud-based infrastructure mapping software solution that provides accurate existing condition documentation to protect your assets & people.

“Obviously, SiteMap^® is a huge thing for this site,” Johnson said. “We can give the contractor the map, and that way the city can update their own maps and have more accurate information.”

Most of Pittsburgh’s system consists of vitrified clay pipe, a type of pipe made from a blend of clay and shale that has been converted into a glassy substance (vitrified) through heat and fusion.

Vitrified clay pipe is like clay pottery in that it’s hard to crush, but it will snap when not properly supported or when placed under extreme pressure from an external source such as a tree root or another buried utility. That’s exactly the situation Johnson discovered in Pittsburgh, as you can see below:

“No one had any idea that pipe was like that,” Johnson said. “The pipe was completely blocked due to the collapse… [Vitrified clay pipes] are very susceptible to breaking if you get close to them. They’ll pretty much last forever if they’re not disturbed, but if a project occurs near or around them and it doesn’t go as planned, and they get too close, then they’re really susceptible to cracking, and breaking, and collapsing.”

Johnson said that the wastewater and stormwater that leaked out of this broken pipe likely compromised the integrity of the surrounding soil.

“Any liquid takes the path of least resistance,” he explained. “This isn’t a new break – it’s been there for a long time, so there’s potential for large voids in the soil around it, which could cause sinkholes.”

The best way to prevent collapsed sewer pipes and other defects from compromising your system is to hire a professional sewer inspection service to conduct sewer pipe inspections both before and after any excavation work occurs around a wastewater system.

“In a lot of the breaks that we find, it’s maybe a water line was fixed on top of it, or a new gas line was put in on top of it and the vitrified clay pipe gets crushed from the machinery or [the new line],” Johnson explained.

Combined vs. Separate Sewers

Most U.S. communities today have separate sanitary sewer systems, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One set of pipes collects wastewater from homes and businesses and carries it to a wastewater treatment plant through sanitary sewers, while a separate set collects stormwater from drains at the end of driveways, around parking lots, and along streets and carries it to a local waterway through municipal separate storm sewer systems.

In a combined sewer system, both wastewater and stormwater flow through the same pipes. In dry weather, all wastewater flows to a wastewater treatment plant where it is treated before being discharged to a waterbody. During wet weather, however, stormwater enters the system.

The combined flow of wastewater and stormwater can overwhelm a combined sewer system, which is why permitted outfalls are located throughout the system to act as relief points during wet weather. These outfalls discharge untreated or partially treated stormwater and wastewater into nearby waterbodies. These discharges are called combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges, and they are a major water pollution and public health concern because they can contain bacteria, debris, and other hazardous substances that can be harmful to people, pets, and wildlife.

According to the EPA, there are approximately 700 communities in the United States that have combined sewer systems and experience combined sewer overflow discharges. Most of these communities are located in the northeast and around the Great Lakes – the source of drinking water for more than 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada, and home for more than 3,500 plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires communities with CSOs to put controls in place to address these concerns. But the best way a municipality can mitigate the dangers of CSOs is to follow in Pittsburgh’s footsteps and overhaul their wastewater infrastructure to separate wastewater and stormwater flow.

“We help with a lot of projects like this, where [a municipality] is trying to get their wastewater and stormwater systems separated,” Johnson said.

GPRS Keeps Your Infrastructure Working for You

Hiring a professional sewer scope inspection service is a crucial step toward ensuring the success of any wastewater infrastructure improvement project. GPRS provides industry-leading sewer scope inspection services along with a suite of other infrastructure visualization services and products designed to keep your infrastructure working for you.

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

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our elite Video Pipe Inspection 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: 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 while they’re evaluating them for defects.

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.

As telecommunications and fiber optic networks expand to encompass the entire United States, they require additional infrastructure support. Whether you’re installing a new small cell network to tackle capacity and density issues, or erecting freestanding cellular towers to support more antennas and bandwidth, there are important safety issues you have to take into account.

For example, while small cell sites bring coverage to areas with line of sight or data density issues, their dependence on fiber optic lines also brings serious concerns regarding directional drilling usage and safety.

Erecting additional large cell towers is a necessity to ensure nationwide data coverage. Erecting those towers safely, and maintaining them, create their own concerns. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 147 people have perished while working on cellular towers between 2003 and 2022.

However, in virtually every major natural disaster, and sometimes just from the perils of age, cellular towers degrade, crumple, and collapse (fail), taking down what has become a critical piece of national communications infrastructure. To help cellular tower operators keep the network up and running, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a Fact Sheet in 2022 for Communication Towers, Masts, and Antennas, stating that its goal is to “improve the resilience of communications towers, masts and antennas that support vital communications functions.”

What is the first mitigation source listed in FEMA’s table? An Anchor. Adding bracing & guy wires is number two.

In the three decades since cellular phones became viable, their network has exploded to 142,100 large cell towers, and 452,200 small cell sites in the U.S. (as of 2022). A majority of those 142,100 large cellular towers require a sturdy foundation, guy wires, and anchors to keep them upright and safe. They also require inspection and certification at least once every three years to be sure the anchors and guy wires are intact, free of rust, and corrosion.

What Are Guy Wire Anchors?

A guy wire anchor is a metal anchor that provides a point of contact and stabilization for the attachment of a guy wire from structures like telecom towers. While there are a variety of anchors available, and some companies prefer what’s known as an “earth anchor” to support their structure, guy wire anchors are most often set into a concrete anchor block and buried into the soil outside the tower compound.

Why is Concrete Used for Anchor Blocks?

The short answer is protection.

Electricity and chemical reactions among the metal, soil, and air all lead to guy wire and anchor corrosion. Corrosion is an electrochemical process that breaks down refined steel. For corrosion to take place, it requires an anode, cathode, electrolyte, and a pathway for electricity to travel. In the case of guy wire anchors, the anchor shaft acts as the anode, the tower’s ground rod acts as the cathode, the soil becomes the electrolyte, and the electricity travels the path of least resistance.

When an anchor is installed directly into the soil, it is immediately subject to corrosion. Depending on the variety of the soil and its resistivity, that corrosion can be very swift.

The soil’s moisture, its pH level, stray electrical currents, and how closely the anchor is located to dissimilar metals all contribute to corrosion.

Soil resistivity – the ability for the soil to resist instead of conduct corrosive chemical reactions – is very important when considering tower and guy wire anchor installations.

• Very corrosive soil structure would include peat and clay soils in wet climate conditions
• Moderately corrosive soil, often called silts or silty soils, are made up of loose sedimentary material (usually quartz or particulate rock)
• Mildly corrosive soils are usually found in dry climate conditions and are composed of sands and/or rocks

So, protecting the anchor shaft from direct contact with the soil – and the corrosion that follows – is very important. That’s where concrete comes into play. Concrete has extremely high electrical resistivity, insulating the anchor shaft from the anode/cathode relationship required for corrosion to take place. Plus, in locations without a rock or bedrock area in which to anchor, the concrete anchor block can provide additional reinforcement.

The other popular corrosion insulator for guy wire anchors is epoxy, which can certainly be applied to the soil-submerged area of the anchor shaft that is not encased in concrete, and is used to coat earth anchors. However, according to the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE), any inconsistencies in the application, or even in the transportation of the epoxy, can leave openings through which corrosion can gain entry.

How Deep Do You Need to Bury a Concrete Guy Wire Anchor Block?

Guy wires are generally installed at a 45-degree angle from the tower and at intervals of 120 degrees apart outside of the tower compound. The height and weight of the tower are utilized in some basic geometric calculations to determine the depth at which the guy wire anchor needs to be installed. In most cases, that depth is 90 feet or greater. It is inefficient to encase the entire anchor shaft in concrete at that depth, so the remaining anchor that will come in contact with the surrounding soil is usually epoxy coated to retard corrosion.

What Are the Risks to Burying Guy Wire Anchors?

Regardless of the anchor type, sinking any piece of metal 90 feet into the ground comes with inherent risk. As mentioned above, the overarching risks include time and corrosion, but there is another, more immediate and dangerous risk to anchoring cellular tower guy wires – underground utility strikes.

While it is true that the utility infrastructure outside the tower compound is less crowded than the utilities inside, it is crucial to identify every subsurface feature you can prior to anchoring. That way, you can be sure you avoid severing another critical piece of utility infrastructure, which could not only cause expensive damages, but could endanger workers with a potential gas line explosion or electrocution.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes the Built World® for the telecom industry. Our 99.8% accurate subsurface utility locating & mapping help customers avoid mistakes and utility strikes when installing towers, and we provide pre and post-cross bore inspections for small cell site fiber optic line installations to ensure your directional boring installations don’t compromise existing utilities. All your utility maps and inspection reports are digitally delivered via SiteMap®, our infrastructure management platform. Every GPRS customer receives a complimentary SiteMap® Personal subscription, so you can access your data from anywhere 24/7 via your computer or our SiteMap® mobile app.

What can we help you visualize?

Sanitary sewer overflows are a significant public health and environmental concern, posing severe risks to communities and ecosystems.

The recent incident in Valdosta, Georgia, where a sewer line collapse released 100,000 gallons of sewage into the Withlacoochee River, underscores the urgent need for addressing aging infrastructure and implementing effective management strategies to prevent such occurrences.

The Incident in Valdosta

On January 10, 2024, utility personnel in Valdosta were dispatched to investigate an overflowing sanitary sewer manhole at 213 Knob Hill Drive. The overflow was traced back to a significant sewer line collapse on Williamsburg Drive.

This collapse caused an uncontrolled release of approximately 100,000 gallons of untreated sewage into a drainage ditch, which eventually flowed into the Withlacoochee River, one of the few undammed rivers left in the United States and a key tourism destination for kayakers and other water recreation enthusiasts. The emergency response involved the rapid installation of a bypass pump system, allowing for temporary redirection of the sewage and enabling repairs. The overflow was halted in the early hours of January 12, 2024.

The Dangers of Sanitary Sewer Overflows

Public Health Risks

Sanitary sewer overflows can have dire consequences for public health. The release of untreated sewage into the environment exposes communities to harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These pathogens can cause a range of illnesses, from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe diseases like hepatitis and cholera. Ingesting or coming into contact with contaminated water poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of sanitary sewer overflows is profound. Untreated sewage contains not only pathogens but also nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to eutrophication of water bodies. This process depletes oxygen levels in the water, causing fish kills and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the presence of chemicals and heavy metals in sewage can contaminate soil and water, posing long-term ecological threats. In the Valdosta incident, the Withlacoochee River, an essential waterway, faced potential degradation due to the massive influx of contaminants.

Economic Consequences

The economic ramifications of sanitary sewer overflows are substantial. Cleanup efforts are costly, involving not only the removal of sewage and contaminated materials but also the restoration of affected areas. Sanitary sewer overflows can also lead to regulatory fines and increased scrutiny from environmental agencies, placing financial strain on municipalities. Furthermore, the degradation of natural resources, such as fisheries and recreational areas, can impact local economies dependent on these assets.

Addressing Aging Infrastructure

The Valdosta incident highlights a critical issue faced by many cities: aging infrastructure. Many sewer systems in the United States are decades old and have not been adequately maintained or upgraded to meet current demands. Aging pipes are prone to cracks, blockages, and collapses, leading to sanitary sewer overflows. The need for investment in infrastructure is paramount. Municipalities must allocate resources to inspect, repair, and replace deteriorating sewer lines. Implementing modern technologies, such as trenchless pipe repair methods, can reduce costs and minimize disruptions during maintenance.

In a press release issued a few days after the sewer overflow occurred, the City of Valdosta Utilities Department said that it is “currently updating aging infrastructure, managing various programs, and developing new action plans to limit and prevent sanitary sewer overflows in Valdosta.”

“The City of Valdosta continues to dedicate significant resources into preventing Sanitary Sewer overflows,” the city said in the release, via Valdosta Today. “Currently the Utilities department is not only updating aging infrastructure, but also managing a multitude of programs and developing new plans of action to limit and prevent Sanitary Sewer overflows in the City of Valdosta…”

Effective Management Programs

To prevent sanitary sewer overflows, cities must develop and implement comprehensive management programs. These programs should include regular maintenance schedules, prompt response protocols for potential overflows, and robust monitoring systems. The use of advanced monitoring technologies, such as real-time sensors and data analytics, can help detect early signs of sewer line issues and prevent overflows before they occur. Training utility personnel and ensuring they have the necessary resources to respond swiftly to emergencies is also crucial.

Developing New Action Plans

The Valdosta incident underscores the necessity for new action plans to address the challenges of maintaining a reliable sewage system. These plans should focus on:

• ‍Risk Assessment: Identifying high-risk areas within the sewer network and prioritizing them for inspection and maintenance.
• ‍Investment in Technology: Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies for monitoring, maintenance, and repair of sewer lines.
• ‍Community Engagement: Educating the public about the causes and consequences of SSOs and encouraging practices that reduce the risk of blockages, such as proper disposal of fats, oils, and greases.
• ‍Emergency Response Preparedness: Developing and regularly updating emergency response plans to ensure quick and effective action in the event of an overflow.

Sanitary sewer overflows pose serious health, environmental, and economic risks. The recent incident in Valdosta serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our sewer infrastructure and the urgent need for proactive measures.

By investing in aging infrastructure, implementing effective management programs, and developing comprehensive action plans, cities can mitigate the dangers of sanitary sewer overflows and protect their communities and environments from the detrimental effects of untreated sewage. As we move forward, it is imperative that municipalities prioritize the maintenance and modernization of their sewer systems to prevent future incidents and ensure a safe and healthy living environment for all residents.

Let GPRS Help You Prevent Sanitary Sewer Overflows

GPRS’ Video Pipe Inspection Services help prevent sanitary sewer overflows by using industry-leading, remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers and push-fed scopes equipped with CCTV cameras and sondes: instrument probes that allow for the mapping of buried infrastructure using electromagnetic (EM) locating.

Our NASSCO-certified technicians scope your sewers to locate clogs, identify cross bores, find structural defects & damages, and conduct lateral sewer line inspections. GPRS provides comprehensive, interactive reporting that details every inch of your pipes to help you plan repairs, maintain your system integrity, and mitigate risk.

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? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Video Pipe Inspection (VPI)?

Video Pipe Inspection or VPI is a sewer inspection service provided by GPRS that utilizes CCTV camera-equipped, remote-controlled rovers and push-fed scopes to mitigate or prevent infrastructure damage by inspecting underground sewer and lateral pipelines. GPRS’ NASSCO-certified Project Managers can locate clogs, investigate cross bores, find structural faults and damages, and conduct lateral sewer line inspections.

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our 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: instrument probes that allow them to ascertain the location of underground utilities using electromagnetic (EM) locating. This means we can map your sewer system at the same time we’re evaluating it for defects.

Applications for 3D Laser Scanning

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Laser scanning is applicable in many industries due to its precision, efficiency, and versatility. By employing this 3D technology at the onset of a project, AEC professionals can capture and access precise data, drawings, and models to minimize conflicts and expedite design planning, prefabrication, asset management, and facility modifications. Below are ten useful applications for 3D laser scanning.

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1. Building Renovations

3D laser scanning documents the as-built details of a building, capturing the exact layout, dimensions, and locations of architectural, structural, MEP features, walls, windows, doors, stairs, roof, railings, exposed columns, beams, equipment, piping, ducts, and more. The technology delivers contractors and engineers precise point clouds that can be exported and crafted into 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models to ensure that planned renovations seamlessly integrate with the building's existing structure.

By overlaying proposed renovation plans onto the 3D scan data, potential conflicts or clashes can be identified and addressed early in the planning phase. Whether you’re renovating a stadium, theatre, historic building, church, school, etc., 3D laser scanning provides comprehensive as-built data for any site, adding value to the planning, design, and execution phases of any renovation project.

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2. Architectural Design

3D laser scanning aids in the architectural design process by delivering accurate existing conditions to create design models, monitor construction progress, and verify as-built accuracy. 3D laser scanning quickly and accurately provides comprehensive as-built documentation of a building or site unmatched by other technologies. In most cases, point clouds are accurate to 2-4mm, and the as-builts created from those LiDAR scans are accurate to 6mm.

From walls and windows to HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing features, 3D laser scanning can accurately identify and document all visible elements of a structure. 3D laser scanning lets your architectural team focus on design rather than capturing and modeling existing conditions.

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3. Maintenance, Retrofitting, or Expansion of a Power Plant

As power plants evolve to meet changing regulatory requirements or adopt new technologies, retrofitting existing infrastructure is often necessary. 3D laser scanning provides highly detailed and accurate representations of the plant's as-built conditions, including structural components, equipment, piping, boilers, generators, turbines, pumps, condensers, heat exchangers, and more.

This comprehensive documentation serves as a reliable reference for maintenance, retrofitting, and future expansion projects. Precise 2D CAD drawings and 3D building information models (BIM) provide data for engineers to plan new designs around existing infrastructure, mitigating potential clashes and interferences. 3D laser scanning allows engineers and maintenance personnel to conduct virtual walkthroughs of the plant without physically entering hazardous areas. Also, by identifying areas prone to corrosion, wear, or structural degradation, proactive maintenance schedules can be developed to prevent unplanned downtime and extend the lifespan of critical components.

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4. Modifications, Expansion, or Maintenance of a Manufacturing Plant

As-built data of existing structures, equipment, piping, or manufacturing processes can be precisely captured with 3D laser scanning for facility modifications, expansions, and maintenance. Intelligent 3D models can be created from the point cloud data for planning, fabrication, and clash-detection. Verified accurate measurements will aid in production, machinery, or process changes to optimize plant layouts. Virtual fit-outs guarantee installations will integrate seamlessly with existing conditions, comply with safety regulations, and reduce risk.

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5. Measure Floor Flatness and Floor Levelness

3D laser scanning is the best way to measure floor flatness (FF) and floor levelness (FL) with precision, efficiency, and accuracy. Highly detailed point cloud data from 3D laser scanning can be used to determine FF and FL values on concrete floor and flatwork.

Color elevation maps can be quickly produced from the point cloud data to visualize floor flatness and identify the high and low points in concrete and calculate the boundaries of any areas that need to be adjusted. The data points collected maintain their coordinates and can be easily communicated to the project team. Fast and accurate cut and fill calculations can be computed.

Contractors can fix elevation discrepancies with speed and accuracy. Laser scanning produces a colorized elevation map of the entire floor. This way if questions arise, stakeholders can be educated on the standards and the project is validated with data.

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6. Create a Digital Twin 3D Model

A digital twin is a 3D model that accurately represents a building or site’s existing physical space, assets, and processes. It is a real-time, accurate digital representation of the existing conditions of every component and system, including architectural, structural, and MEP features, walls, windows, doors, stairs, roof, railings, exposed columns, beams, equipment, piping, ducts, utility and concrete locate markings, and more. Clients can virtually walk-through a project site to plan for building improvements, increase efficiencies, and optimize workflows.

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7. Retrofitting Pipes and Equipment into an Existing Facility

When plants retrofit new piping, equipment, vessels, valves, and flanges, etc., into an existing facility, it’s important they have accurate existing conditions data to complete virtual interference checks and ensure there are no clashes. The infrastructure of agricultural facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities, energy and utility companies, oil and gas facilities, government and defense facilities, telecom companies, etc., can be captured with 2–4-millimeter accuracy. With careful planning and the as-built data, 2D CAD drawings and 3D models created from 3D laser scan data, new designs can be precisely engineered, minimizing installation delays, rework, change orders, and costs.

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8. Obtain 2D CAD Drawings for a Building Permit

To get a building permit, you will need to submit a set of construction documents that show the details and specifications of your design. 3D laser scanning captures 2-4mm accurate layout, dimensions, and locations of your project requirements in the form of a point cloud. Point clouds can be transformed into custom deliverables such as 2D CAD drawings, site plans, plan views, floor plans, elevations, sections, details, isometric drawings, and reflected ceiling plans to obtain a building permit.

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9. Obtain a 3D Mesh Model

3D mesh models are highly detailed and realistic renderings of buildings, objects, or sites and are often used in areas where high image quality and accuracy are required, such as in the film and video game industry, architectural visualization, or product design. The point cloud from 3D laser scanning can be used to create a volumetrically accurate, high density and high resolution .fbx, .stl, .obj, and .ply mesh model. Meshes allow users to view the object’s geometry inside a CAD environment without having to navigate a point cloud. Meshes capture the fine elements and spatial details of objects, such as airplanes, cars, boats, monuments, and statues that can be difficult to reproduce in CAD. Mesh files of stadiums and arenas have been used to develop mixed reality experiences during sporting events.

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10. Update P&IDs

A piping and instrumentation diagram, or P&ID, is a schematic drawing of instruments, control systems, and pipelines used in any process development plant. It depicts the connection between piping, equipment, vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, instruments, valves, and process components. P&IDs are applied to industrial and engineering projects, such as steam and electric boilers, and display piping components, such as valves and equipment. 3D laser scanning can accurately capture the as-built conditions of a plant and create a 2D CAD drawing or 3D BIM model to document the existing P&ID equipment, piping, and the flow of control and control devices. It can be used for referencing the process plant and is also used for modification and maintenance.

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The GPRS Difference. Why Choose GPRS?

Accurate measurements help you avoid expensive mistakes, reworks, and change orders. GPRS 3D laser scanning services provide 2-4mm accurate existing conditions site documentation for efficient planning, design, and construction.

GPRS’ elite team of Project Managers efficiently 3D laser scans the exterior and interior of each site with professional-grade Leica laser scanners, capturing the exact layout, dimensions, and locations of your specific project requirements, such as architectural, structural, and MEP features, walls, windows, doors, stairs, roof, railings, exposed columns, beams, equipment, piping, ducts, and more.

Our Mapping & Modeling Team registers and processes the point cloud, removing noise and setting the coordinate system to provide the most precise measurements. Data is then compiled into custom 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models and delivered via SiteMap®. SiteMap® is a free cloud-based software that delivers point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models, all in one platform.

What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is BIM?

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and is more than just a 3D model. 3D BIM scanning gives engineers the ability to manage the building data throughout its whole life-cycle. It provides accurate spatial relationships and manufacturer details, as well as geographic information and other pertinent aspects of a building or site.

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What is a Digital Twin?

A digital twin is highly complex virtual model that is the exact counterpart (or twin) of a physical space. GPRS uses 3D laser scanners to collect real-time data for a building or facility and create a digital duplicate. Data can be easily visualized, measured, and analyzed. Digital twins can be used to improve efficiencies, optimize workflows, and detect problems before they occur.

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What is Floor Flatness and Floor Levelness?

Floor flatness refers to the smoothness of the concrete surface. It measures the degree to which a floor is free of bumps and dips over a small area. The flatness is quantified using the Floor Flatness Number (FF), which is calculated based on the variation in elevation over a certain distance. A higher FF number indicates a smoother floor. Floor levelness, on the other hand, pertains to the extent to which a floor conforms to a horizontal plane over a larger area. It measures the overall slope and waviness of the floor. The levelness is quantified using the Floor Levelness Number (FL), which is calculated based on the floor's deviation from a horizontal plane over longer distances. A higher FL number indicates a more level floor.

Concrete is a fundamental material in construction, known for its durability and strength. However, over time, concrete can develop various issues such as voids, cracks, spalling, and honeycombing, which can compromise the structural integrity of a building. Detecting these problems early is crucial for maintenance and safety. Among the various techniques available for this purpose, ground penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV)/Tomography, and X-Ray imaging are prominent. This article explores these methods in detail, comparing their effectiveness in locating voids in concrete, and considering the various reinforcements present in different types of concrete slabs.

Understanding Concrete Deterioration & Defects

Before delving into the detection methods, it's essential to understand the most common types of concrete defects and deterioration, their causes, and their effect on concrete imaging and structural analysis:

Voids: These are air pockets or gaps within the concrete that occur during the pouring process. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s office of Administration Research & Technology, they are defined as “an empty space, other than a crack, in the cement paste that contains nothing but air.” While in some instances, under specific calculations (i.e., hybrid concrete construction – HCC), they can be desirable, for the most part, voids can weaken the structural integrity and serve as initiation points for cracks.

Cracks: Cracks can develop due to thermal expansion, shrinkage, or external loads. They can range from hairline cracks to significant fissures that threaten the stability of the structure. Often, they are readily apparent on the surface, but that surface crack usually does not tell the whole story. Cracks allow water to enter the cured concrete, increasing deterioration, corrosion & rust (in reinforced slabs), and trapping mold.

Spalling: This refers to the flaking (delaminating) of concrete from its substrate, often caused by freeze-thaw cycles, corrosion of embedded reinforcements, or chemical reactions. Concrete cancer refers to the interior corrosion of concrete that is often not observable to the naked eye until the rust and deterioration are advanced and the structure at risk.  

Cold Joints: These occur when there is a delay between successive pours of concrete, where one layer has begun to cure before the next is added, leading to weak or nonexistent bonding between the layers. However, cold joints can also form merely from insufficient consolidation of concrete materials.

Honeycombing: Honeycombing is a condition where hardened concrete seems porous, with evident holes (voids or cavities) that resembling a honeycomb. This defect can be seen by the naked eye as pitting when occurring on the surface, or by ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) or tomographic imaging below it. Improper compaction or inadequate vibration during the pouring process cause this issue. Honeycombing not only affects the aesthetic appeal but also reduces the strength and durability of the concrete.

Reinforcement Issues: As previously mentioned, depending on the slab type, reinforcements such as post-tension cables, rebar, steel mesh, pan decking, or reinforced prefabricated slabs can all complicate void creation, internal concrete deterioration, and assessment, with internal corrosion/rust that can expedite the structural failure of a slab.

How Do You Find Voids in Concrete?

There are various methods of internal concrete slab assessment. Each has its own strengths and limitations, so it is important to choose the correct technology and tools for the job at hand. For instance, X-ray technology may provide clarity in an area where there is no concern about radiation or worker safety, but UPV, or the “heat map” qualities of tomography, might benefit a contractor, engineer, or architect concerned about structural stability.

While GPRS does not guarantee void location, we are often asked to assess concrete for potential voids and enjoy a high rate of success because of the exceptional training and experience of our Project Managers in the field.  

The most common tools to assess potential concrete voids are ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning and imaging, ultrasonic pulse velocity testing, tomography, and X-ray imaging.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

GPR is a non-destructive testing method that uses electromagnetic waves to image the subsurface.

A GPR device emits high-frequency radio waves into the concrete. These waves “bounce” back to the surface when they encounter a boundary between different materials (e.g., air and concrete). These “bounces” are captured on a mobile device screen as hyperbolas. Various types of materials create variations in thickness, frequency, and color of the hyperbolas which can only be interpreted correctly by a highly experienced subsurface concrete scanning professional. The variations can indicate the presence of potential voids, cracks, or other anomalies, as well as providing precise locations of concrete reinforcements and embedments like conduit, MPE features, rebar, and post tension cables.

Advantages

Non-Invasive: GPR does not require drilling or cutting into the concrete to “see” its interior.

Safety: Unlike X-ray imaging, there is no health or material risk from radiation because it is a non-destructive assessment tool.

Versatility: Ground penetrating radar can be used to detect a wide range of issues and features, including potential voids, and can more accurately find a wide variety of concrete reinforcements and subsurface features.

Speed & Accuracy: GPR surveys can be conducted relatively quickly, providing immediate results via field markings. GPR is most often used to find appropriate clearances for cutting, sawing, or drilling concrete, and those markings can be captured via 3D photogrammetry or laser scanning to create 2D CAD drawings or 3D models of the interior of a concrete slab for planning, design, and construction engineering purposes.

Limitations

Signal Interpretation: The accuracy of GPR depends on the operator's expertise in interpreting the signals. That’s why all 500 of GPRS’ seasoned Project Managers must complete SIM certification before working in the field. SIM stands for Subsurface Investigation Methodology, and is the most exacting standard in the industry, requiring 80 hours of classroom instruction and 320 hours of mentored field work for level 101 certification.

Depth Limitations: The depth of penetration is limited by the frequency of the radar waves, with higher frequencies providing better resolution but shallower penetration.

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Tomography

UPV involves sending ultrasonic waves through the concrete and measuring the travel time to determine the concrete's integrity. Tomography extends this concept by creating a detailed image of the internal structure.

To conduct a UPV assessment, ultrasonic transducers are placed on the concrete surface. One transducer emits pulses, and the other receives the transmitted waves. The travel time of the pulses is measured to create an image of the interior of the slab. Longer travel times indicate the presence of voids, cracks, honeycombing, or other defects that slow down the wave propagation. Reading and interpreting UPV technology outputs requires advanced training and experience that most concrete imaging companies simply do not have.

Advantages

Detailed Imaging: Tomography provides a detailed, three-dimensional image of the concrete's internal structure. It is sometimes described as a “heat map” of the concrete’s interior, where color and intensity provide data on the stability of the slab.

Accuracy: UPV is effective in detecting voids, cracks, honeycombing, and other defects.

Safety: UPV and Tomography are both non-destructive assessment techniques and do not pose a risk to the technicians or workers in the area of its use.

Limitations

Access: Both sides of the concrete element are typically required for accurate measurements, which may not always be feasible.

Training & Availability: As previously noted, applying and interpreting the results of these technologies requires advanced training and experience. Because of its specialized requirements, it may be difficult to locate a professional structural analysis tester who utilizes UPV.

X-Ray Imaging

X-Ray imaging uses radiation to create detailed images of the concrete's internal structure. An X-ray source and detector are placed on opposite sides of the concrete. The X-rays pass through the concrete, and variations in density are captured on the detector. While this method does create a more nuanced image, much like we see in medicine, it is cumbersome to execute, brings with it nuclear radiation and the risks associated with it, and requires more time to receive your results.

The resulting images show variances in shades of gray, indicating areas of varying density. Voids, cracks, honeycombing, and reinforcements can be clearly visualized, as can reinforcements and embedments.

Advantages

High Resolution: X-Ray imaging provides high-resolution images that can clearly show voids, cracks, honeycombing, and reinforcements.

Precision: It is highly accurate in detecting and characterizing internal defects.

Limitations

Safety Concerns: While X-ray is technically non-destructive, it involves exposure to radiation, necessitating strict safety protocols for both workers and sensitive materials.

Cost, Time, and Equipment: The equipment is expensive and requires specialized operators, and developing the X-ray images takes more time than the almost instant outputs received from GPR or UPV.

The Role of Concrete Reinforcements

The presence of reinforcements in concrete slabs are designed to strengthen the material and give it longer life. However, the presence of moisture within the concrete, leeching in from cracks, cold joints, voids, or even from the openings surrounding the reinforcements themselves can significantly impact the speed of concrete deterioration. Let's consider three common types of reinforced slabs:

1. Post-Tensioned Slabs: These post tension (PT) slabs contain tensioned cables that provide additional strength The cables are generally deployed in plastic sleeves to reduce their corrosive impact. The high density of the cables make them easy for GPR and other imaging devices to see, which can make it challenging to detect voids near the cables. UPV and X-Ray imaging are less affected by the presence of cables but still require careful interpretation.

2. Pan Decking: This type of reinforced slab involves a metal deck that serves as a formwork for the poured concrete. The metal can shows up easily on GPR and X-ray imaging. UPV is less affected, but the presence of metal can still complicate a void assessment.

3. Prefabricated Slabs: These are manufactured off-site and contain reinforcements already embedded, like rebar. The uniformity of these slabs can make it easier for GPR and UPV to detect anomalies, but X-ray imaging remains the most effective due to its high resolution. However, its safety drawbacks, cost, and delayed results weigh against it.

Outcome

Choosing the right method for locating potential voids in concrete depends on various factors, including the type of deterioration, the presence of reinforcements and their condition, and the specific requirements of the project. Ground penetrating radar is versatile and fast, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, though it requires expert interpretation. UPV and Tomography provide detailed images, but can be labor-intensive and require unimpeded access to both sides of the concrete. X-Ray imaging offers high precision, but involves significant safety and time considerations, and costs.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each method, engineers and construction professionals can make informed decisions to ensure the longevity and safety of concrete structures.

GPRS specializes in Intelligently Visualizing The Built World® for our customers. What can we help you visualize?

Imagine you’re on the job, working with sharp or hazardous materials, in gloves that are two sizes too big. Or, what if you were sawing into concrete and the respirator you’re required to wear won’t even fit over your head? If you’re like most of the construction workforce, you’d be tempted to ditch the PPE and get the work done.

For about 10% of the construction industry, ill-fitting Personal Protective Equipment is an everyday occurrence, leading to accidents, injuries, and cementing the idea that your employer is not committed to your personal safety.

That’s why in 2023, The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its intent to clarify its rules for Personal Protective Equipment for General Industry Standard.

Specifically, they are clarifying the rules change first proposed in 2016 to the Standards Improvement Project IV (SIP-IV) to explicitly state that PPE must fit properly.

While language regarding the proper fit of PPE exists in current 29 CFR 1926.95 requirements, it states that “PPE be provided by an employer in a reliable condition, that employee-owned PPE be adequate, and that PPE be of safe design,” but does not explicitly state that the adequacy of the PPE includes fitting properly.

The rules change is being undertaken to ensure that “the requirement is clear and more understandable for the industry to ensure workers of all sizes have appropriate PPE.”

OSHA does single out the increase in women in construction as part of their description of “smaller construction workers” for whom the one-size-fits-all PPE approach puts at risk. However, it’s important to note that proper PPE fit is not limited to smaller workers, although they are the ones expected to reap the most benefit from the rule clarification.

A public comment period on the clarification was held through September 18, 2023. Stakeholders, specifically OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH), recommended the rule clarification. Industry publication Construction Dive wrote about the need for proper PPE fit in support of the effort, and construction advocates like The Safety Rack and North America’s Building Trades Union (NABTU) supported the proposal.

“This minor regulation clarification means that construction workers will be afforded PPE that fits their various sizes and will improve safety for all workers in our industry. This is a huge positive change for tradeswomen and other trade professional workers who wear different sizes,” Sean McGarvey of NABTU told Construction Dive.

The Safety Rack’s mission is “PPE Equity for Women” to “Ensure Safety for Women in the Workplace.” To that end, they’ve pioneered the #mybodymyppe campaign, which held a week-long awareness-raising event that began April 29, 2024. Their founder, Amy Roosa, weighed in on the rule in July of 2023, saying, “My initial reaction is that this is very positive. That’s the biggest struggle we’re seeing is [PPE] properly fitting women in the construction industry, and this rule proposal has the potential to change that for us.”

What Will PPE That Fits Cost?

The rules proposal from OSHA puts the transitional expense to the construction industry at $545,000. That is arguably a drop in the bucket compared to the annual cost of accidents and PPE failures industry-wide, which are approximately $11.5 billion according to the National Institutes of Health, and the rule clarification cost could impact that larger figure by limiting accidents and injuries caused by ill-fitting equipment.

That $545,000 is considered by OSHA as a one-time expense, whereas the cost of construction injuries in the billions is annual, with $7 billion in non-fatal injuries and $4 billion calculated as the cost of accident-related construction deaths.

Valuing Every Voice in Safety

2024’s Construction Safety Week theme was Value Every Voice, to urge employers, safety directors, and industry leaders to listen and engage with their workers. GPRS is a long-time Construction Safety Week sponsor, and has conducted more than 200 educational sessions on jobsites across the nation in 2024 alone, focusing on personal responsibility as a key driver of construction safety.

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There is nothing more personal to a construction worker than the equipment that keeps them safe. So, making sure their PPE fits and protects them properly is perhaps the most valuable tool for keeping jobsites safe, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of PPE are commonly used in construction?

Common types of PPE in construction include:

• ‍Hard hats/Safety Helmets: Protect the head from falling objects and impact‍
• Safety Glasses and Face Shields: Protect the eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes‍
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against loud noise‍
• Gloves: Protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure‍
• Safety Boots: Steel-toed boots to protect feet from crushing injuries and punctures‍
• High-Visibility Clothing: Enhances visibility to prevent accidents, especially in low-light conditions‍
• Respirators: Protect against inhaling hazardous dust, fumes, and chemicals

Who is responsible for providing PPE on a construction site?

Employers are generally responsible for providing PPE to their workers at no cost. They must also ensure that the PPE is properly maintained and replaced as needed. Workers are responsible for using PPE correctly and reporting any damage or deficiencies.

Can PPE be shared among workers?

PPE that comes into direct contact with the skin, such as gloves and respirators, should not be shared. If PPE must be shared, it should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between uses to prevent the spread of contaminants and ensure proper hygiene.

Schedule a Safety Week or Toolbox Talk with GPRS and we’ll bring the education to you.