Without utilizing the most advanced technology, utility locating would be a dangerous and expensive process that could further lead to unnecessary damage to infrastructures, especially during excavation. In this light, the ground penetrating radar offers the ultimate solution in locating both conductive and nonconductive utilities that all utility locators should take advantage of.

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What is a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?

 

Ground penetrating radar |(GPR) was developed in the 1930s to measure glacier thickness and predict the sea level rise with optimum accuracy. However, in the middle of the 1980s, the GPR became not only technologically advanced but also more affordable, and more industries are utilizing GPR for a plethora of different functions. Utility locating is one of the processes that can most benefit from GPR since mapping buried utilities is one of the most challenging tasks, especially when working on complex areas. Without disturbing the ground, a GPR can locate all types of subsurface materials using electromagnetic radar pulses, allowing the locators to pinpoint the exact location of underground utilities.

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The Benefits of Using GPR in Utility Locating:

 

Accessibility

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GPR in utility locating does not require digging or any disruption above ground to map the location of conductive and nonconductive utilities buried in the site. It is a non-invasive approach to obtaining the exact location of all utilities with the best access possible and available

 

On-time Performance

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The best thing about GPR is that it allows locators to process the acquired data in real time, which offers optimum on-time performance and increased productivity.

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Cost Efficiency

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GPR is not only more effective but also more affordable than other utility locating techniques available.

 

 

No Infrastructure Damage

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Aside from the affordability of the service, GPR effectively protects underground assets by accurately mapping all the utilities and aiding in deliberate planning when digging.

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Safety

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Damage to buried or underground utilities when digging can lead to disaster, and a GPR is a helpful tool that enhances safety on the site by eliminating the risk of utility strikes.

 

What does GPR do to Underground Utilities?

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By transmitting high-frequency radio waves below the surface, a GPR can capture images of buried utilities in real time and store the collected data to aid locators in accurately mapping all the existing utilities without disrupting the ground.

 

Why Utility Locators Use GPR?

 

Compared to the one-call locating system or other utility locating technology available today, GPR offers a more advanced and accurate utility locating method that's unparalleled. Utility locators use the GPR as it provides better imaging than any other methods and pinpoint the locations of both metallic and nonmetallic lines, which is only possible using advanced ground penetrating radar technology.
 

Since its discovery in the 1930s, the GPR technology has proven to be highly beneficial to many industries, including construction and its different sectors. Utility locating is now easier than ever, and opting for GPR is an obvious decision that locator makes to take advantage of its plethora of benefits. From accessibility to safety, ground-penetrating radar is the ultimate solution that will not only preserve the integrity of any infrastructure but also delivers maximum results without compromising the safety of every worker on the site.

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Whether you're ready to get a quote or just seeking additional information, we're eager to hear from you. Partner with us at Safe Site Damage Prevention LLC and experience the future of utility management today.