Underground Utility Locating Services with GPR Archives

The Unseen Guardians: ACS Underground Solutions’ Expertise in Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) for Utility Locating

February 19, 2024 by Ian Beaver

In the intricate world of construction and infrastructure development, understanding the subsurface landscape is paramount to success. One of ACS Underground Solutions’ most sought-after services, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) for utility locating, stands as an invaluable tool in unraveling the mysteries beneath the surface. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the depths of ACS Underground Solutions’ GPR expertise, shedding light on how this cutting-edge technology transforms the way we approach underground utility mapping and construction.

The Essence of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground-Penetrating Radar is a non-intrusive geophysical method that utilizes radar pulses to image the subsurface. By emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves into the ground and recording the reflections, GPR provides a detailed and real-time representation of the subsurface layers. ACS Underground Solutions harnesses the power of GPR to precisely locate and map underground utilities, offering a level of accuracy and efficiency that traditional methods often struggle to achieve.

The Intricacies of Utility Locating with GPR

1. Penetration Depth and Resolution:

ACS Underground Solutions’ GPR technology excels in achieving an optimal balance between penetration depth and resolution. This means that even in challenging soil conditions, the radar can delve deep enough to detect utilities while maintaining a high level of detail in the imaging.

2. Versatility in Utility Detection:

GPR is a versatile technology capable of detecting a wide range of subsurface utilities, including water pipes, gas lines, electrical conduits, and communication cables. ACS Underground Solutions employs GPR for comprehensive utility locating, providing clients with a complete understanding of the subsurface environment.

3. Rapid Data Acquisition:

Traditional methods of utility locating can be time-consuming and may require significant excavation. ACS Underground Solutions’ GPR services stand out for their rapid data acquisition capabilities, allowing for quick and efficient mapping of subsurface utilities without disrupting the construction timeline.

4. Reduced Disruption and Increased Safety:

GPR is a non-destructive method, meaning that it eliminates the need for extensive excavation to identify underground utilities. This significantly reduces the risk of accidental damage to existing infrastructure, enhances worker safety, and minimizes disruptions to surrounding communities.

5. Precise Mapping and 3D Visualization:

ACS Underground Solutions takes utility mapping to the next level by employing advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. GPR data is transformed into detailed 3D visualizations and maps, providing clients with a comprehensive understanding of the spatial relationships between different utilities.

The ACS Advantage: Unleashing the Power of GPR

1. State-of-the-Art Equipment:

ACS Underground Solutions invests in the latest GPR equipment, ensuring that clients benefit from cutting-edge technology. This commitment to innovation allows for superior data collection and interpretation, setting ACS apart as a leader in the field.

2. Experienced and Skilled Team:

Beyond technology, ACS Underground Solutions boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals. Trained in the intricacies of GPR data interpretation, the team can navigate complex subsurface environments, providing clients with accurate and actionable information.

3. Customized Solutions for Every Project:

ACS Underground Solutions understands that each construction project is unique. Whether it’s a small-scale development or a large infrastructure initiative, the GPR services offered by ACS are tailored to meet the specific needs and challenges of each project.

Case Study: GPR in Action

Let’s delve into a real-world example to illustrate the impact of ACS Underground Solutions’ GPR services:

Project: Urban Redevelopment

A city planning to revitalize its downtown area faced the challenge of outdated utility maps and incomplete records. ACS Underground Solutions was called upon to conduct a comprehensive GPR survey to map the subsurface utilities accurately.

Using advanced GPR technology, ACS Underground Solutions successfully identified a network of forgotten utility lines, including water and gas pipes, that were not documented in existing records. The precise mapping provided by GPR allowed the city planners to adjust their construction plans, avoiding potential conflicts and ensuring the safety of the redevelopment project.

In the realm of utility locating, ACS Underground Solutions’ expertise in Ground-Penetrating Radar stands as a beacon of innovation and precision. The seamless integration of advanced technology, experienced professionals, and a commitment to customized solutions sets ACS apart in the industry. By choosing ACS Underground Solutions for GPR services, clients gain not only a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface but also a partner dedicated to the success and safety of their construction projects. The unseen guardians of the underground, ACS Underground Solutions’ GPR services pave the way for a future where subsurface exploration is as clear as the surface above. Contact ACS today to learn more.

FlexiTrace For Non Metallic Underground Utility Locating

September 9, 2019 by ACS Underground

ASC Underground Solutions can help you locate underground utilities including non metallic and non conductive pipes, with the FlexiTrace system. For commercial and residential utility locating services, we’re here to help.

How can non metallic underground utilities be found?

Non metallic pipes can be difficult to locate once buried, because unlike metallic pipes they’re non conductive and cannot carry a location transmitting signal using regular GPR technology (ground penetrating radar). Unless a tracer wire was attached to these non metallic pipes, our team at ACS Underground Solutions can utilize the FlexiTrace system.

What is the FlexiTrace system?

FlexiTrace is an underground utility detection system that uses a flexible rod with conducting wires throughout and a transmitting sonde at the end. The sonde works as a beacon that puts out signals that can be traced with a receiver. Surface access to the pipe or duct is required where the FlexiTrace can be inserted and pushed or pulled through. Once the FlexiTrace is inserted, signals can be transmitted and accurately tracked to help locate, trace the pipe, determine depth, pinpoint defects, and locate any blockages.

Where can FlexiTrace be used?

The underground utility locating system can be used for commercial and residential projects. FlexiTrace puts out its own frequency which a receiver tracks, making it possible to trace pipes, sewer lines, drains, and empty conduits that are non metallic and non conductive. At ACS Underground Solutions, we can help track your non metallic underground pipes and utilities in CT, NY, NJ. MA, and RI. Click to schedule a FlexiTrace scan.

Is FlexiTrace accurate for non metallic pipes and drains?

Yes, FlexiTrace can accurately locate and trace underground pipes that are non metallic. The FlexiTrace has a flexible rod that can bend easily and can fit into tight spots; the sonde then emits its own frequency that can be tracked.

Fun Fact – We used the FlexiTrace for the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge in New York which connects the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx via Randall’s and Ward’s Islands. We were contracted to conduct an underground utility location scan which was critical to preventing issues during construction and for avoiding traffic interruptions. The FlexiTrace helped with the non metallic utilities underground. Click to learn more.

ACS UNDERGROUND SOLUTIONS | UTILITY LOCATING SERVICES WITH FLEXITRACE

ACS Underground Solutions can help you locate, trace, and find blockages in your non metallic and non conductive pipes and drains using FlexiTrace. Don’t worry if your pipes are not metallic and can’t use regular GPR technology. The FlexiTrace underground utility locating service is accurate and cost effective. Click to schedule a FlexiTrace scan for your commercial or residential property.

ACS Underground Solutions has been serving commercial and residential clients since 1997 and can accurately and precisely scan pipes, utilities, and conduits that are made of different materials – including non metallic and metallic. In addition to our FlexiTrace System in CT, NY, NJ, MA, and RI, we offer Underground Utility Locating with GPR, Concrete Imaging & Scanning, Infrared Thermal Imaging Services, Underground Storage Tank (UST) Locating, Video Pipe Inspection, and Leak Detection.

Areas served include Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Contact us online or call us at 203-544-7190 to learn more about our services.

What Is Underground Utility Locating?

August 14, 2017 by ACS Underground

What Is Underground Utility Locating?

Underground Utility Locating is the process of identifying and labeling private and public utility mains that are underground. These mains may include lines for telecommunication, electricity distribution, natural gas, cable television, fiber optics, traffic lights, street lights, storm drains, water mains, and wastewater pipes.

What Does A Utility Locator Service Do?

Utility locator services determine where underground utilities (such as telephone, gas and power lines) should be placed and where existing utilities are located. They often work for utility, consulting and construction companies.

Why Do I Need Underground Utility Locating Services?

There are millions of miles of buried utilities beneath the surface of the earth that are vital to everyday living like water, electricity and natural gas. It’s of vital importance to protect yourself and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines. Hitting one could cause a lot of damage not to mention causing your construction project to be delayed. Learn more about some of our project work on Underground Utility Locating Services

What Is The Benefit Of Underground Utility Locating?

Underground Utility Locating Services eliminates or reduces the disruption of critical utilities, such as fiber optic systems, medical gas, steam, chilled water, and water, gas, and electrical systems. Without underground utility services, there is a potential for loss of life and damage to a property just by digging a hole. It’s important to have this service done before any construction starts as it provides crucial information for the engineers and architects in their planning. Underground utilities remain intact, avoiding any costly surprises.

Before you start any project that requires deep digging you should call ACS Underground Solutions to ensure your project will be done right with no surprises that could be costly.

ACS Underground Solutions is private family owned consulting company with decades of experience and deep expertise in virtually all types of utility locating such as Leak Detection, Underground Utility Locating with GPR, Underground Storage Tank, Concrete Imaging & Scanning, Video Pipe Inspection and Infrared Thermal Imaging Services. ACS Underground Solutions serve Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

CALL ACS AT 203.544.7190 OR Email ACS Underground Solutions TO LEARN MORE.

Underground Utility Locating | CT, NY, NJ, MA and RI.

UTILITY LOCATING WITH GPR PROJECT

July 26, 2017 by ACS Underground

ACS Underground Solutions located in Georgetown CT provides Underground Utility Locating Services that include:

• Underground Utility Locating
• Concrete Imaging
• UST Locates
• Leak Detection
• Thermal Imaging
• Video Pipe Inspection

Many of the projects we work on come from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Indiana, Missouri and Virginia. One project in particular was for the Giants/Jets Stadium in East Ruthford, NJ

HERE’S WHAT WE DID:

Skanska USA was awarded the design-build contract of the New Meadowlands Stadium, a technologically advanced open-air sports and entertainment venue. The structure has spectator seating for 82,000, including 217 luxury suite boxes. The new stadium is the home field for the New York Giants and the New York Jets—the first facility built specifically to accommodate two National Football League teams.

ACS Underground Solutions had prior knowledge of this site. We had successfully located and marked out utilities in and around the older stadium on the same site in 2004-2005. Our experience and expertise kept ACS on the top of the contract list for the new stadium. Skanksa USA awarded ACS Underground Solutions the contract—to survey and locate the fiber optic communication, sewer, water, gas, and electrical lines for the new construction.

5,000 PILES
The project required driving more than 5,000 piles into the ground for the new construction. That presented ACS with a huge workload for several technicians working full time for months. The old stadium’s existing utilities were still operating and had to be protected at all costs.

We faced many challenges with the factory preset frequencies used in underground utility locating instruments. Our utility
locating technicians had to come up with several different frequencies to complete the project. We selected very low frequencies to avoid “bleeding off” onto opposing utilities. Because the new stadium was loaded with utilities and many different frequencies, finding any one utility was a challenge. The system recommended by Ian Beaver, president of ACS Underground Solutions, worked perfectly.

Once the utility location system was in place, piles were approved and driven. ACS cleared approximately 6-8 piles a day. We also used GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) on the site to verify any lines at depths of 15 feet. We began by using 500 khz in wet clay but that was such an incredible challenge we switched to 250 khz to improve the site conditions and clearance.

ACS Underground Solutions is private family owned consulting company with decades of experience and deep expertise in virtually all types of utility locating such as Leak Detection, Undergroud Utility Locating with GPR, Underground Storage Tank, Concrete Imaging & Scanning, Video Pipe Inspection and Infrared Thermal Imaging Services. We serve Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for Underground Utility Locating Services.

CALL US AT 203.544.7190 OR EMAIL US TO LEARN MORE.

Underground Utility Locating Services with GPR

July 20, 2017 by ACS Underground

LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD WEST SIDE YARD TEST BORE PROJECT

ACS Underground Solutions had the task of working at the busiest train tracks in New York City during the relocation of the New York Jets stadium. The project was to clear over 200 test bores in and around the railroad tracks during the massive redevelopment of the site. ACS made sure all electric, water, gas, sewer, and communication utility lines stayed intact
and running during this project.

The most challenging and dangerous task was working with DC power from the tracks. The electrical power generated from the third rail track made locating and marking out some utilities quite difficult. To prepare for the work, ACS technicians underwent third rail safety training. The training covered all the possible hazards of moving trains with high voltage tracks. We learned and implemented all safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury.

VECTOR BAR TO ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE
ACS Underground Solutions continued locating utilities at LIRR West Side Yard until the test bores needed clearing on the tracks. This task created some problems due to the third rail and DC power supply. Our specialized technicians used GPR (ground penetrating radar) when they could. However, the railroad ties were blocking signals for the GPR in most areas. So ACS Underground Solutions had to bring in specialized equipment to eliminate the interference from the DC and the third rail.

We used a vector bar to eliminate all interference. Vector bars locate utilities at a very low frequency with high output from the transmitter. Test holes excavated on site proved the accuracy of the ACS technicians’ utility mark outs. This enabled LIRR West Side Yard to expose utilities, verify the mark outs, and proceed with confidence and without risks.