Electricity, water, and gas lines are spread out all over the United States. Anyone working on a construction job needs to know where the utility lines are.
Damage to certain utility networks can shut down businesses, slow down traffic on city streets, or make homes unsafe to live in. Even if you use a utility line detection service, you’ll still want to know the different ways to find lines on your own.
Fortunately, some of the best radar and underground metal detection methods exist. Keep reading to learn more about finding service lines.
Electromagnetic Induction (EMI)
EMI is an effective surveying technique that uses electromagnetic fields to detect metallic elements. This includes electricity cables, pipelines, and telecom antennas.
The primary current is induced into infinite coils. Then, the secondary current generated from the surrounding conductive material is measured.
This allows for the source and presence of infrastructure lines to be accurately located without digging or rods in the ground. This makes EMI the safest and least intrusive way to detect infrastructure lines with minimal disruption to service. Additionally, it helps establish the exact position and depth of the utilities.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a way to map buried items and find underground utility lines. GPR is a non-invasive, safe, and cost-effective way to find underground services like underground wires, pipes, storage tanks, and other voids below the Earth’s surface.
The echoes that come back from any item are turned into pictures. This is done by sending a quick burst of electronic waves that go as deep as 20 feet into the ground. These pictures can tell you exactly where the power line is and how deep it is.
GPR also gives exact images of the ground below, which can be used to figure out how thick a service line is and other things about it. GPR has proven to be a valuable tool for detecting utility lines. It is the best way to scan service lines because it is reliable, accurate, and quick.
Sonde Transmitters
A sonde transmitter is placed into a borehole and sends a signal underground that bounces off any present service lines. The signal is picked up by a receiver and can be used to map and analyze the surrounding area.
This method of detection is popular because it is cost-effective. There are refurbished transmitters linked here that cost way less than brand-new ones. They are also effective in any terrain and non-destructive to existing infrastructure.
Additionally, the transmitter and receiver are lightweight and easily portable, meaning they can survey a large area. Sonde transmitters are an invaluable tool for any construction site. They can help surveyors accurately detect dangerous utility infrastructure and keep workers safe.
Magnetic Locators
This method is based on being able to understand and respond to changes in the magnetic field of the Earth. A magnetic finder is a handheld tool that measures slight changes in the Earth’s magnetic field to help find underground utility lines.
The device can also be used to find metal lines that have been mislabeled or aren’t marked at all. The accuracy of the locator depends on how strong the magnetic field is at the probe of the locator. This is usually affected by the type of dirt, the service line’s depth, and the line’s size.
Radio Frequency (RF) Detection
RF detection works by sending radio waves down to underground wires and lines to pick up signals from utility pipes. Radio Frequency waves precisely target the cables and wires and can figure out the exact shape and depth of the service lines.
Once the signal is received, a specialized receiver can detect the presence of power lines. This method is highly effective in that it can detect the presence of power lines with minimal interference from other onsite power sources.
Also, RF detection is a non-invasive way to find things, so it doesn’t cause the trouble and delay that other detection methods do. Because of these things, RF detection is a great way to find utility wires.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal Imaging uses the heat-sensing capabilities of cameras to detect non-metallic ducts in construction. They can determine temperature differences around fences and locate surface features and their depths. This is especially useful for utility line detection, as it can detect below-surface issues such as broken and shorted wires.
Additionally, thermal imaging can be used to detect and trace levels of electricity. It can also detect moisture and measure heat loss from cooling and heating systems. Thermal imaging is a safe, non-invasive, cost-effective, and efficient solution for locating and analyzing utility lines.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection means physically looking around the area for signs of utility lines, like poles, markings, or utility boxes that stick out of the ground. It can find metal pipes, cables, and other underground structures made of metal.
As the name suggests, a visual check is done by a person looking at the ground directly. This isn’t too expensive and is especially useful in cities where it might be hard to get to the ground.
It needs trained inspectors who can find the utilities and figure out what the markings on the ground mean. Visual checks can be done faster and more accurately with the help of modern tools like cameras, GPS, and sonar devices.
Utility Records and Mapping
Utility lines have also been mapped using methods like overhead mapping and digging. These methods make it possible to find power lines and add new ones accurately.
Building plans, as-built drawings, or Geographic Information System (GIS) data may be available. Even though it’s not a straightforward way to find something, it’s an excellent way to find and confirm utility infrastructures.
This information can be used to confirm if the service lines are mapped correctly. In the event of a utility line emergency, these methods and the records that are kept today can help find the exact spot of a broken line quickly and accurately.
Prevent Damage to Utility Lines by Trying These Methods
Utility line detection methods provide many solutions to the challenges of locating, inspecting, and maintaining buried utilities. Using any of these is a great way to ensure safety and accuracy. They are cost-effective and require minimal manpower.
With various available methods, it’s essential to assess the job at hand and determine the best option for the job. With the proper technique and equipment, this task can be completed safely.
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