Here at Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Trinity was called to perform a full Utility Designation using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and a variety of Electromagnetic Locating Devices for a client who was planning to change a football field to artificial turf. While performing excavation on the field our client hit an irrigation line that began to leak water throughout the field. Our client asked Trinity to identify where the irrigation line was coming into the field so that they could clip it and shut it off. Trinity came to safely and accurately mark out the irrigation line as well as identify where the line was entering and exiting the field. While identifying the location, our GPR was able to detect the line being picked up as a metallic surface. The client was surprised the irrigation line would be running through anything other than PVC pipe. However, after pointing out that the line was cast iron or copper to our client, the excavation crew on site decided to begin digging on the marks to verify. Sure enough, after exposing the irrigation line, we were able to determine the irrigation line has a copper sleeve that eventually transfers into the PVC pipe only once entering the football field.

The client was satisfied with the timely communication, turnaround time, locate and accuracy provided by Trinity. We ensured the safety and quality for work to begin. The Electromagnetic Locating consisted of direct connection, clamping, and induction using both the Radio Detection Transmitter and the Receiver. Grid patterns were also performed in Passive Modes with the EM Receiver,specifically to detect subsurface metallic conduit, copper wiring, and live electrical lines (60 Hz). GPR Scans were performed in a similar grid pattern,purely detecting changes in density and discovering anomalies that are nonconductive to EML. The purpose of this Utility Scan was to detect Electric lines, Communications lines (Phone, Cable,FOC), Water lines, Gas lines, Sewer lines, and Force Mains. All findings were marked with spray paint and flagged according to the AWPA Uniform Color Code with periodic, approximate depths. We performed a walk through with the Project Manager on site before location designation began, as well as upon completion.We thoroughly enjoyed providing our services here at Chamberlain High School to ensure the safety and efficiency of all parties involved with this project, and we look forward to many more to come! At Trinity Subsurface, we can make sure any obstructions within the soil are found when performing an underground utility locate. Whether your project is to locate prior to directional boring, digging,potholing, or trenching, we will be able to locate all obstructions within all types of soils. These obstructions include water, gas, sewer, electric, fiber optic, and drain lines, irrigation, unknown pipes, and any other obstructions within the soil. We are also able to locate utilities that run directly below the concrete or asphalt. Using our state-of-the-art utility locating equipment,we can see up to 3-10 feet, depending on the makeup of the soil and the moisture within it. We will use several different types of equipment including radio detection, ground penetrating radar, sondes, split box, and several others depending on the project and what is needed to help you understand what’s underneath.  We can then provide a detailed written report for your project or mark it out on the surface of the ground with paint, stakes, or pinflags. 

Our training program for underground utility locates is very thorough and one of the best in the industry. When our technicians are on site, you can rest easy knowing that they have the best training and equipment for your utility locating project. Maintaining the safety of your people and the subcontractors working on your project is the number one priority of Trinity Subsurface. 

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