Using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and other utility mapping technology to find underground utility lines is a useful way of finding and inspecting pipes, cables, and other structures. This technology helps us locate and identify these objects without the need to physically enter them, and in some cases, it can help prevent damage to properties.
At Reveal Underground Services, we provide numerous underground mapping services. These can greatly assist in keeping your work site and workers safe and your project within budget. There is far less risk of damaging underground utilities or making other costly errors when one can see below the surface.
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Using ground-penetrating radar, you can determine the location of underground utilities. For example, you can locate water lines, sewer lines, and duct bank utilities. This technology is highly versatile and can be applied in a variety of settings. To properly use this technology, you need to be familiar with the process of scanning and recording GPR data. This requires a lot of experience. Our skilled utility locating technicians can accurately and effectively scan an area and provide building owners with more detailed information.
The frequency of the antenna is one of the main factors in the ability to find underground utilities. In addition to choosing the right frequency, you need to consider the type of soil or ground surface that you are going to be working with. For instance, clay-rich soils can inhibit electromagnetic signal penetration. Depending on the type of soil, the penetration depth can range from just a few feet to over 100 feet.
Some typical singularities that can be detected with GPR are voids, buried objects, and hollow cavities. Smaller objects can’t be seen at greater depths since they can’t be reflected by the ground.
Different types of materials have different conductive and dielectric properties. Because of this, GPR will not be as effective in high-conductivity materials.
Electromagnetic Location (EMI)
EMI is a method used to locate buried utilities. In this technique, a transmitter transmits an alternating electrical current, which induces a primary magnetic field. The field is then detected by a receiver. Depending on the type of utility, a variety of techniques are used to detect it.
Typically, EMI is deployed along with GPS to locate underground utilities. However, the accuracy of EMI is dependent on the type of soil, the distance between the utility and the surface, and the amount of metal-to-metal contact between the tracer wire and the utility. EMI cannot be used to find plastic pipes, fiberglass tanks, or buried barrels.
Conventional EMI locators use a model of the magnetic field to determine the horizontal position of the object. Moreover, these methods do not consider the effects of the surrounding environment.
EMI can be used to trace buried services, including water, gas, sewer, electric, and fibre optics. It can also locate unexploded ordnance. It can identify zones of interest over large areas. It can help locate underground works, landfill boundaries, and contamination plumes. It can also be used to determine the depth of buried services.
Electromagnetic location is not only a good tool for locating buried utilities, but it can also be used as a single source for geophysical surveys. For example, EMI data can be overlaid on Google Earth.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Using building information modeling (BIM) for underground utility mapping can have an impact on construction and engineering projects. This technology enables designers to visualize the results of an analysis process, thereby saving time and effort. The result is a more efficient design process. In addition, BIM models can be used to assess environmental impacts.
Detailed maps of subsurface infrastructure are essential for professionals working in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. These maps help professionals make more informed decisions and reduce risk during congested utility scenarios.
BIM is a critical technology for the construction and engineering industries. It can produce an accurate 3D model of underground infrastructure. This visual representation of the environment can be applied to construction site management, emergency management, and building performance analysis.
How Can We Help?
If you are planning a construction project, either as a contractor or a private individual, knowing what lies beneath your build site is critically important. Reveal Underground Services can assist in clearly visualising your construction site to avoid any costly or dangerous run-ins with underground utilities or other hazards.
To learn more about our services, please have a look here.
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