The traditional methods of locating existing utilities consist of potholing all known utilities while survey crews identify depths and locations, but these traditional methods of locating, are not able to locate all existing utilities unless the utility is physically uncovered. With the limitations of utilizing traditional methods alone to locate existing utilities, we augment these methods by integrating Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Radio Detection (RD) for detection depending on the scope of work, utilities being located, depth and cover (soil type, cement, asphalt). 

 

GPR and RD both utilize electromagnetic scanning that is a non-invasive method to detect existing underground utilities. Utilizing GPR and RD as needed and without any previous knowledge of existing utilities, our certified technicians can locate known and previously unknown existing utilities to provide both accurate horizontal and vertical mapped locations. When potholing is still necessary, we minimize the disturbance area by using a Vacuum excavation method which is faster, safer, and more efficient than traditional alternatives. Since the location of the pipes is accurately located beforehand, the pothole footprint is minimal as the pothole is targeted directly over the existing utility for a single pothole to document necessary information.