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GPRS Locates Utilities for Gas Pipeline in Finley Pennsylvania

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems was recently called out to a project by a general contractor in Finley, Pa. The scope of work was to locate any underground utilities over a 6 mile stretch in the mountains of Finley, PA. The contractor needed to excavate 6 miles of land and dig a trench of equal length for a gas pipeline being installed. By using GPR, Radio Detection, and the duct hunter we were able to locate multiple lines such as gas, fiber, drain and power lines. The majority of these utilities were within the first 3’ of depth which is within the depth that the contractor needed to dig. GPRS located the utilities, and then painted them on the surface with depth indications.

The fiber line in particular was thought to be on one side of the road according to a drawing that the client was given. There was no tracer wire but there was an empty conduit that ran with the fiber in the quazite box. We used the duct hunter to fish it 150’ to the other side of the road which took us to a hidden quazite box that did have a tracer wire. We than were able to successfully tone the fiber line through the dig area and save our client a major headache and expenses. These utilities could have been hit if they were not located! GPR, Radio Detection and the use of the duct hunter is an accurate and effective way of locating underground utilities prior to excavation. Why dig not knowing where any utilities are when GPRS can locate and mark all utilities with depth indications for your safety!

The images below show equipment being used onsite including the Radar in the 1st picture and the radio detection in the second.

GPR Equipment Used:

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Below lists further details of the equipment used.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

GSSI SIR – 3000

  • GPRS uses a Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI) SIR-3000 Radar unit. This is the most advanced GPR available. It allows for onsite interpretation, as well as stores data for later processing. This equipment is self-calibrating, allowing more precise depth and location measurements.

400 MHz Antenna

  • This antenna typically allows data collection to a depth of approximately 4’- 6’, with a maximum capability up to 12’ depending on soil conditions. This specific antenna was created and calibrated specifically for locating underground utilities, UST’s, and other underground anomalies.

Radiofrequency Detection System (RD)

RD 7000+

  • This is an electro-magnetic tone locating device manufactured by Radio Detection. This specific model detects live power and RF signals underground, allowing us to locate electrical or telephone lines even if they are below the minimum size requirements to be detected by GPR. It also allows us to detect utilities via induction or conduction with an exposed or known surface of the utility.

For more information on how GPRS, Inc. can help you on your next project, please contact David Abdul at 330-815-7860 or by email at david.abdul@gp-radar.com. We also have the capabilities of locating conduits, rebar, and post tension cables in a concrete slab.