Utility Locating

Electromagnetic Utility Locating

Electromagnetic methods are the most frequently employed techniques to detect underground utilities made of or containing conductive materials e.g. steel, copper. Examples of these utilities include water, natural gas, fuel lines, electricity and telephone. In order to detect these utilities using electromagnetic survey techniques, a radio frequency is induced onto the utility. This signal is carried by the conductor along its length and is detected above ground with radio frequency antenna. Often, buried electrical and telephone utilities radiate their own electromagnetic field and can be readily detected using the radio frequency (RF) receiver without inducing a current. By detecting the maximum signal strength at several locations, the surface trace of an underground utility can be determined.

Non-metallic pipes do not accept, produce or transmit an electromagnetic frequency. If such a utility is found, i.e, a clay or plastic storm or sanitary sewer, a transmitter is inserted into the pipe and traced. This method can also provide depth readings to some degree of accuracy.

No single utility location instrument can detect all types of buried utilities. It is therefore imperative to utilize a variety of instruments which are uniquely suited to a few tasks.

Locating buried utilities is an art as well as a science. Experience, tenacity, and equipment are the most important factors for successful utility location. Using these methods, GeoTech Utility Locating successfully undertakes surveys on a daily basis.

GeoTech Utility Locating LLC. Addresses the increasing market of complete and accurate locating of utilities below:

Subsurface utility locating and surveying are required during the design and construction phase of a project in order to:

• Prevent existing utility damage
• Reduce the need for redesign in field
• Eliminate risk exposures for engineer, owner and contractor
• Identify utilities not shown on records
• Reduce contractor downtimes and claims
• Decrease overall project cost

GeoTech Utility Locating can address all these issues for our customers.