Utility Mapping Using Multichannel 3D GPR Array Technology

Utility designation and location procedures are critical tasks during excavation operations for construction projects. To avoid project delays and minimize cost overruns, fully identifying and locating all utilities early in the project planning and design process (preferably prior to excavation) is highly desirable. Utility excavation and test pits are tools extensively used to determine the exact horizontal and vertical location of existing utilities. These methods are expensive and require opening the surface of the pavement. Nondestructive techniques are readily available and minimize traffic disruption. Among these, electromagnetic methods are commonly used for this practice. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an electromagnetic method that has been used since the 1960s for utility detection. Initially, GPR systems included single antenna devices and required highly trained personnel and extensive expertise. Recent developments in the form of GPR array systems and user friendly analysis software have addressed some of GPR’s disadvantages. In this study a section of a municipal road in New Jersey was comprehensively evaluated with a high density GPR array system to identify existing utilities and other underground anomalies under the pavement surface. Particularly, the location of a large storm drain pipe within the limits of this project needed to be obtained. A total of 2,600 ft of road and more than 1,000 ft of sidewalks were investigated. The utility suspected of being the storm drain pipe was highlighted and more than three hundred utilities were found. After a cross-check with exiting utility base maps, it was concluded that about 90% of the utilities that were shown on the utility maps were found. Additional utilities that were not displayed on the base map were identified by the GPR array system.

• Record URL:
  http://www.highwaygeologysymposium.org/wp-content/uploads/67_HGS-OPT.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2016 Highway Geology Symposium (HGS). Abstract reprinted with permission of the HGS.
• Corporate Authors:

  Highway Geology Symposium

  ,   United States 
• Conference:
  • 67th Highway Geology Symposium
  • Location: Colorado Springs Colorado, United States
  • Date: 2016-7-11 to 2016-7-14
• Publication Date: 2016

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 117-131
• Monograph Title: Proceedings of the 67th Highway Geology Symposium (HGS 2016)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Drain pipe; Excavation; Ground penetrating radar; Mapping; Storm sewers; Underground utility lines
• Geographic Terms: New Jersey
• Subject Areas: Construction; Pipelines;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01627837
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 28 2017 9:04AM