Locating of Utilities using GPR in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A private utility locating project was completed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The customer was concerned about damaging private utility lines when directional boring to install conduit for a new generator. Sunshine 811 had been contacted to mark out the public utilities running into the property. A private utility locating company is then hired to locate the private lines on site. Private utility lines can consist of electrical,irrigation, site lighting, security cameras, water lines, gas lines leading from the meter, storm drains and sewer lines. The chance for utility damage is greatly reduced by using both ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic induction with a utility wand and transmitter.

The utility locate was completed using a 400MHz GPR antenna manufactured by GSSI. The typical depth range when locating with GPR is 8’-10’ in Florida. The GPR results are dependent upon the soil condition and type of soil. The utility scanning is completed in a grid pattern, scanning both north-south and east-west. The ground penetrating radar service is partnered with a utility wand and transmitter to ensure complete coverage. The utility wand can locate live electrical power along with other radio frequency signals. When used with the transmitter, the transmitter emits a unique frequency tone to exposed metallic pipes or wires which can be detected and located by the wand when connected directly.

During the GPR and EM scanning, the technician marks the utility findings on the surface with spray paint along with flags. Approximate depths to the top of the located utilities are marked on the surface for informational purposes. GPR Scanning Services, LLC provides utility locating services to the following cities in Aventura, Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Lake Worth, Miami, Miami Beach, Naples and West Palm Beach. GPRSS offers hourly pricing, please call today for your next utility locating project.