OSHA Recordable Incident Free

“SAFETY FIRST” IS “SAFETY ALWAYS.”
-CHARLES M. HAYES

Seattle TeamAfter two years, eight months and twenty-seven days Penhall’s Seattle branch has demonstrated what it means to be an industry leader. After recently being awarded 1,000 days OSHA Recordable Incident free work place, the branch already has its eyes set on the next milestone.

December 29th, 1970 President Richard Nixon signed into law the Occupational and Health Act of 1970 which was the precedent for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Also known as, OSHA, this administration set forth the standards for employers and employees to maintain a safe and healthful work environment.

At Penhall, we pride ourselves on putting safety at the forefront of all our projects. We have cultivated a culture of putting our team and customers’ safety first. By adhering to OSHA’s standards, and those of our own, our Seattle branch has triumphantly made it as a 1,000 days OSHA Recordable Incident free work place. An OSHA Recordable Incident is an incident in which an injury, illness or fatality that was directly caused by a work-related event occurs. What this means is that for almost three years, our Seattle branch maintained and executed industry leading safety standards every day, for every project, for every person. Accomplishments such as these cannot be reached without the dedication, implementation and hard work from the whole team; our drivers, field operators, technicians, administrators and managers.

Our Seattle branch is full service, providing everything from concrete cutting, scanning, utility locating, pavement reinforcement, highway and building trade services, and much more. We are led by our seasoned Branch Manager, Jim Wiltshire, who has been an integral part of the company’s success for over 25 years. Some highlights from Penhall’s Seattle branch include a management team with 100 combined years of experience, and recycling 100% of their spent water from sawing projects.

“SAFETY IS NOT AN ACCIDENT.” – ANONYMOUS

We cut concrete, not corners. Our employees make safety a habit. Maintaining one of the best safety records in the industry for over 60 years is no simple task. Penhall works vigorously day in and day out to educate, plan and implement the newest safety standards as the industry modernizes. Our annual safety conferences invites team members nationwide to come and share their values, ideas and accomplishments on safety. Led by Penhall’s President and CEO, Greg Rice, we encourage an open dialogue with our team members to improve upon our procedures. We also take this time to reward those branches who have demonstrated an incident free work environment. As well as our annual conferences, Penhall holds monthly safety meetings at both the branch level and the senior executive level. These meeting are used to communicate updates and notices company wide. Best practices, new technology, new strategies, safety concerns and much more are discussed.

In addition to safety meetings, Penhall has also implemented a mentorship program to further emphasize safety education. Penhall’s mentor program provides specially-trained, knowledgeable mentors to facilitate and guide new trainees. Mentors help to instill a strong foundation of experience and understanding in new hires to ensure mastery of required skills and safety. Penhall’s mentorship program’s goal is to educate trainees how to discover, learn, problem-solve, and develop their own natural strengths and potential while working safe. As we continue to grow and modernize Penhall, we do so knowing that we have gotten this far by the persistent insistence on what matters most, our team and customers’ safety.

Some words from Penhall’s President and CEO, Greg Rice, “This was not a milestone though a goal something that each one our Seattle employees achieved over those 1,000 days. Our next goal is to go 2,000 days, then so on and so on. These goals cannot be accomplished without working one job, one day, one week, one month, one-year incident free. It must start from your very next job. It can be done.”

References
(https://www.osha.gov/Publications/about-osha/3302-06N-2006-English.html)

The following is designed to provide some helpful tips and guidelines for safe and effective concrete cutting. It is not a substitute for comprehensive training or following manufacturers’ manuals for equipment operation.

  1. Safety: basic precautions must always be followed to reduce risk of injury or death
    1. Wear proper protective gear
      1. Safety glasses, safety footwear, ear protection, hard-hat and rubber boots if possible danger of electric shock. Also breathing protection or respirator in certain conditions
    2. Avoid openings and drop areas
      1. No matter how thick concrete slab is, the area has to be secure so as not to fall on anybody nearby
    3. Do not operate inside enclosed area that is not fully vented with a gasoline or diesel powered generator
      1. Due to carbon monoxide exposure
    4. Keep electrical connections dry and grounded to avoid electric shock and other injuries
    5. Do not cut into live electric or gas lines or operate in area that contains combustible materials or fumes
    6. Never stand in line with the blade and avoid all moving parts
    7. All operating equipment has to be correctly used
      1. Large cords are necessary to carry maximum current ratio
      2. Blade guard has to be in place
      3. Inspect flush-cut lade mounting screws daily
      4. Use proper lifting techniques because equipment is heavy
      5. Diamond blade should be inspected
        1. Don’t operate if it has core cracks, missing or broken segments, arbor hole damage, loss of blade tension
      6. Tighten blade shaft bolt to correct torque (50ft/lbs of torque for the AK-400M saw)
      7. Properly anchor equipment
      8. Maintain equipment properly
  2. Set Up: basic direction for set up of equipment must be followed, refer to diagram for further explanation
    1. Set the anchors completely and to the proper depth
    2. Mount the boots square to the cut line and proper distance away. Make sure they are tightly secure to the anchors
    3. Lay the track in the boots, and tighten in using the toe clamps. Make sure it’s completely secure
    4. Use the proper amount of boots for the length of track. (2 for 4 ft. track, 2 for 8 ft. track, but 3 for 10,12,20 ft. track). And if you are running a continuous track butt two tracks together in one double boot.
    5. Place the radial arm carriage onto the rack. Use the back roller handles to place in anywhere on track. Use the eccentric roller handles to secure the carriage.
    6. Install the blade and make sure it’s turning the proper direction. Re-installing the two belleville washers with the bolt when securing the blade is critical for safety.
    7. Install the motor with the spline shaft with the locking ears pointing away from motor and the male and female splines lined up. Close the locking ears when motor is secure.
    8. Install blade guard
    9. Plug all the necessary cords and controllers and make sure everything is off and in the correct mode until ready to begin cutting
      1. Male end of yellow cord into inverter
      2. Remote control into inverter
      3. Female end of incoming power cord into inverter
      4. Male end of incoming power cord into power source
      5. Start button on front panel of inverter should be pressed to turn both lights green
      6. Hook up and turn on water connections
  3. Cutting
    1. Always “up-cut” on first pass
    2. Always cut with the “rooster tails” trailing behind diamond blade. This means blade has to be taken off and flipped in reversed in direction
    3. When making a new pass, the blade has to enter gradually
    4. The first pass should not be deeper than 1in and therefore shallow
    5. The bigger the blade the slower it has to turn
    6. When cutting vertically always start at the top
    7. Last cut has to be vertical and secure to wall saw, preferably on the outside of opening, so it doesn’t move
  4. Tips
    1. Weather: cold
      1. Warm-up equipment and generator by starting it and keeping it running
      2. Bring extra water hose in case it freezes, and keep the water running, preferably have it be warm water
      3. Blow air out of all motors and saw to avoid frozen, expanded water ways damage
      4. Use antifreeze for equipment to avoid engine coolant from freezing

Dowel Bar Retrofit

Dowel Bar Retrofit (DBR) is a method of pavement repair that helps to re-establish a pavement’s load transfer integrity by placing steel, epoxy-coated dowels into already existing concrete across joints and cracks. The concrete is cut using a diamond-tipped blade and slots are created. Once the existing concrete has been removed, the dowels are placed in these slots, backfilled with a non-shrink grout, and the concrete is ground to ensure that the pavement remains smooth.

Slab Stabilization

Concrete is very often heavily trafficked and traveled. As a result, roads can become distressed, losing serviceability and support because there are spaces beneath concrete pavement slabs. These spaces are normally located around cracks or joints as a result of surface water that seeps into the pavement. Generally, voids are caused by pumping, subgrade failure, bridge approach failure, and consolidation. Slab stabilization solves the void issue without being destructive and is normally implemented in tandem with other concrete pavement restoration methods like diamond grinding or patching. This method fills the small spaces that are created underneath the concrete slabs and so restores support.

In this method, a cementious grout or polyurethane mixture is pumped into holes that are cored throughout the slab. The grout not only fills in the spaces underneath the slab, but also removes free water and continues to keep water from weakening the support once the slab stabilization has been completed. This process takes three basic steps once the voids have been found: drill holes, pump the slab with grout, and test the slabs post-stabilization.

While helpful, this method of concrete pavement restoration does not increase the design structural integrity, correct depressions, stop faulting, or eliminate erosion. However, it does restore the slab’s support and decreases deflections under heavy traffic. This should only be done where there are cracks and joints where support loss exists. The easiest way to find these spaces is simply visually: transverse joint faulting, shoulder drop off, corner breaks, and lines at or near joints and cracks are all indicators that repair is necessary. Although it is normally easiest to visually search for repair signs, another way to search for voids is by employing deflection testing. It is generally suggested that this testing be done at night.

Joint sealing

In concrete pavement, there exist joints by which random, uncontrolled cracking is minimized through a predetermined pattern. They are created by using a diamond blade or are manually input into the concrete. When the pavement is initially created, sealant is installed and once more after the sealant has expired and undergone a certain level of failure. Joint repair, or crack repair, is used to diminish the amount of surface water or other unwanted material that may infiltrate the joint system.

Joint sealants are also used in Concrete Pavement Restoration techniques to help diminish dowel bar corrosion. Resealing involves first removing the old sealant, shaping and cleaning the reservoir, and installing the rod before installing the sealant. In order to remove the sealant, one can saw, plow, cut, or even manually remove the old sealant and saws are often utilized in the shaping of the reservoir. It is important to be thorough when cleaning the reservoir: no traces of old sealant, dirt, or dust should remain and so it is suggested that water washing, sand-blasting, and air blowing the reservoir be done to remove any remaining particles. A double-wheeled, steel roller is used in backer rod installation when inserting the rod to the desired depth. Once the backer rod has been installed, the joint is filled with sealant which can be composed of numerous materials including silicone, preformed compression seals, and hot pour bituminous liquid.

Our team is busy completing demolition work on the I-90 Bridge over Rainier Ave.

Stay tuned for the full story…

In the meantime, check out this short video highlighting our work thus far!

Are you wondering if you need to use private utility locating services? Here are the most common reasons why our clients hire us for their locating needs.

811 won’t do the utility location.

811 is a public utility locator. They can locate all utilities from the street to the meter. Any utilities in your private property would need to be located by a private utility locator, such as Penhall Technologies.

They already hit a utility.

Oftentimes, our customers will call us because they started excavating without scanning first and hit a utility line. Therefore, they want us to scan the rest of their property to prevent any further damage. Striking a utility line can be costly and can result in injury.

They called someone else and they were unsuccessful.

This scenario goes hand in hand with the reason previously mentioned. Sometimes our clients do scan. However, the company they selected didn’t provide accurate markings and the client struck a utility as a result. Our analysts complete extensive utility locating training. They are trained to properly mark your site, provide written reports, and to provide you with the best service.

Home improvements.

It is always important to locate all utilities before doing any projects that require digging or excavating. This includes, but is not limited to: landscaping, fencing, pool installation, installing a mailbox, deck installation, among others.

Water leaks.

A lot of our clients suspect that they are dealing with a water leak. While we can’t locate the water leak itself, we can help you locate the water line and look for signals of wet soil that may indicate the location of the leak.

If you would like to schedule private utility location, or need assistance determining if private utility location is right for your projcet, please give us a call at 1-800-736-4255 or fill out our contact form.

underground utility locating

Our South Carolina Analyst started the year with an interesting project, locating unmarked burial sites. A church wanted to know the location of all possible unmarked burials to update the information they have on available space.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a method of inspection that is highly useful for this type of project. Using GPR utility locating equipment, any buried objects would reflect on the screen as a parabola as they were passed over above ground. Our analysts are expertly trained to interpret this data, which enabled South Carolina analyst to mark where the graves were with flags in real time.

Our analyst scanned one half of the small cemetery, this totaled to approximately a half acre of land. He used the GSSI SIR 4000 with a 400 MHz antenna to image the subsurface within the cemetery. The analyst found a total of 57 unmarked graves.

The analyst’s expertise is key in differentiating between old and new graves. Main components to look for is soil and reflections of the objects on the equipment’s’ screen. When looking at a newer grave, the soil appears to be collapsing. This suggests that its relatively young compared to the other burial sites.

ground penetrating radar

Additionally, the strength of the reflections would be the second clue; the newer burial sites reflect back with very high amplitude. On the other hand, the older sites do not reflect back as strongly. Perhaps, the reason for this is that different burial techniques were in practice between the times the bodies were buried.

Penhall Technologies has the expertise to complete any kind of project. From utilities to unmarked graves, we have the knowledge and equipment to complete an array of jobs. Contact us with information about your project and we will identify an approach on how best to assist you.

X-ray scanner setup on site

You are ready to inspect the concrete for your project using digital concrete x-ray. However, you may have heard or read some information about the service before. This could make you hesitant or not fully confident in this state of the art service. We want to clear up any doubts and address the most common misconceptions about digital concrete x-ray.

Digital Concrete X-ray is dangerous

This service isn’t dangerous when performed by expertly trained operators and executed in accordance with state regulations. Our operators receive extensive training that covers safety parameters, proper setup, and how to operate the digital x-ray machine. This ensures that only the safest levels of radiation are emitted. The levels emitted with proper operation are far below state-level allowances. Because radiation is involved, we perform job walks to determine safety parameter zones for trades, employees, or bystanders on site.

Digital Concrete X-ray is better than GPR

These two services have the same purpose, but they are used very differently. While digital concrete x-ray may be the best choice for your project, GPR could be better for someone else’s project. A couple of things to ask yourself before pursuing digital x-ray are:

  • Do I have access to both sides of the slab?
  • Do I need an exact picture of what lies within the concrete? Or am I okay with an analyst interpreting GPR data that is collected?
  • Is my slab less than 12” thick?
  • Can I vacate a safety parameter zone near the x-ray site for a short period of time?
  • Do I suspect the slab to be highly congested?

For highly congested areas or where there is no room for data interpretation, we do recommend digital concrete x-ray. In some cases, we have used GPR and found the area to be too congested. After this, we suggest x-ray to our clients. This is just an example, but it is not always the case. Both are dependable methods of concrete inspection.

Results delivery can take a while

This misconception is very common. With digital concrete x-ray, the truth is very far from this. This service delivers a real time image. Picture the whole process as taking a picture of a landscape. Here, we do the same, but we image the interior of the concrete instead of the landscape. With this service, it is possible to know what is inside the concrete in a very fast manner; 5-10 seconds.

Currently, Penhall Technologies offers Digital Concrete X-ray services in San Francisco-Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. We have plans to expand into more areas soon.

Did we answer all your questions or concerns? If not, contact us at gpr@penhall.com, or give us a call at 707-363-9822.

concrete scanning for rebar

A lot of underground hazards lie beneath the surface you will be working on. It is essential to scan first to avoid all of the following scenarios we will touch on.

Hitting a utility line

Hitting a utility line during any type of excavation can result in great costs for those involved. To start, it can cut out the utility service for you and/or your community. According to a CBS News article, you could face fines from local regulators. Moreover, all repair costs, from fixing the damaged utility line to any damages done to neighboring homes or businesses, can fall on you.

You can also encounter physical injury costs for you or the workers performing the excavating. Some utilities can be dangerous for the person working, such as steam, gas, propane, and electricity, and communication lines.

Striking a post tension cable

If scanning is not performed before construction, you risk the chance of cutting into post tension cable. In a FLCAJ article, Richard Slider of Slider Engineering mentions that post tension cable release can cause structural damage to a building, as well as injury to workers. They also mentioned that the cost of a single cable repair ranges from $800 to $1,200. This does not include the cost of other repairs of areas affected by the release.

If a worker accidentally cuts into post tension cable, the cable reacts by snapping. In the past, workers have been badly injured or even killed due to this release.

Cutting into rebar

During construction, you also run the risk of damaging rebar. According to BNProducts, cutting into rebar can have serious consequences for your project. First of all, you can expect injuries for your workers. Sometimes, when you drill and hit into rebar, pieces of debris can fly out and strike workers. In addition, cutting into rebar can lead to extensive repairs that can keep your project behind schedule.

It is also important to be aware that cutting into rebar can cause serious damage to the structural integrity of the concrete. This can make your site too unstable to work on and further delay the completion date.

“Now many industry experts recognize that cutting into these hazard types can be devastating if people do not scan first. GPR technology is a real game-changer for safety,” said Penhall Technologies President, Simon James. If you want a safe and timely construction project, contact us for our concrete scanning and underground utility locating services.

scanning concrete on boom lift

Our Santa Clara office performed concrete scanning services for a local overpass project. The bridge needed a new water pipe installed. This pipe had to be installed on the side of the bridge due to seismic regulations. To ensure safety for everyone involved, the client requested Penhall Technologies to scan the concrete beforehand.

The scanning was done from a vehicle mounted boom lift. This type of boom lift is not commonly available, the one used on this project was brought in from Oregon. The vehicle was set on the bridge. With the boom lift on it, our analysts performed the scanning overhead.

concrete scanningThis system worked in a very particular way. The truck had a camera and a microphone that allowed the analysts and the driver to communicate. Depending on the required scan areas, the driver moved the boom lift accordingly. The entire scan job was done using this unique mobile system.

Our Santa Clara analysts scanned 18″ × 24″ areas in two phases. For phase one, they scanned 26 areas. For the following phase, they scanned 20 areas. The concrete scanning itself took a week to complete. Our analysts found rebar in the slab, but no conduits or cables were present.

For Penhall, as well as for our client, safety was the main priority. Our analysts regularly attend safety trainings that involve boom lifts. This particular project was done over water. Our analysts had morning and evenings safety briefings, as well as very thorough walk out inspections. Moreover, the vehicle mounted boom lift was inspected both in the morning and after their regular lunch break. As a result, the analysts completed the scan safely.

After the scanning was completed, Penhall Company performed the core drilling without striking any rebar. This confirms our analysts’ accurate findings and markings done on this project.

Our analysts are expertly trained to handle any construction project, such as this one, and bring you precise results that will keep your project safe.

Anaheim demolition

Construction has begun for a new luxury Westin hotel in Anaheim, CA. The project is taking place at the previous location of the Anabella Hotel, which Penhall took down to make room for the $245 million project. The project is expected to be completed by 2020.

Penhall Company worked in the early stages of demolition for the Anabella Hotel. In addition, we are performing hazardous material abatement, structural demolition, removal of all of the pools and flatwork, and clearing and grubbing the site for trees, roots, etc. Essentially, we are clearing the entire 10 acre site down to dirt for the new hotel.

Once completed, the hotel will meet all requirements for a four diamond rating. Currently, Anaheim only has two luxury hotels – both in Disney’s property

Anaheim demolition

The hotel totals 42,000 square feet, including 613 rooms, 101 suites, three restaurants, a pool, roof-top lounge, and 11 meeting rooms. The hotel will generate jobs for 600 people, 450 of those will be full-time positions.

Demolition has always been a core competency of Penhall. We make it our business to supply safe, scalable demolition services for a wide variety of applications. With every structural demolition project, Penhall’s priorities are to minimize risks, maximize productivity, and ensure zero lost time.

concrete scanning terms

Concrete scanning and underground utility locating are a must when performing any excavating, coring, drilling on concrete or on any other surface. If you are still deciding whether or not to utilize this service, this list will help you understand our blogs and information easily.

GPR: This stands for Ground Penetrating Radar. GPR is a method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. A GPR system is made up of three main components: a control unit, an antenna, and a power supply.

Subsurface object: These are objects that the GPR system can find. For example, rebar, post tension cable, wire mesh, utility lines, among others.

Conductivity: Conductivity defines a material’s ability to conduct electricity. The differences in the conductivity of materials determines what shows on the equipment screen.

Hyperbola: When an analysts is scanning and he/she finds a buried object in the ground or concrete, it will show up as a hyperbola on the equipment’s screen.

Antenna: Component of the GPR system. The antenna captures the pulses emitted into the ground to reveal a real time image of subsurface objects found.

Electromagnetic field: Used for utility locating, an electromagnetic field occurs when a current is running through a transmitting line. This could be an electrical cable or communication line. The analyst could artificially create an electromagnetic field by using the equipment if the utility does not have an active current.

Public utility locator: 811 is a locating company that identifies all public utilities (utilities that go from the street to the meter). They are the federally designated call before you dig company that helps homeowners and professionals avoid damaging vital utilities when digging or excavating.

Private utility locator: Contrary to 811, a private utility locator will scan all underground utilities on private property. For example, a backyard or a driveway. Penhall Technologies is a private utility locator.

Utility markings: After scanning, the analyst will mark the utilities found with chalk, tape, or keel. These are utility markings and serve as a guideline for your project.

APWA color chart: Each utility marking has a designated color. This depends on what type of line the analyst is marking. This is the official color chart from the American Public Works Association.

 

Want to learn more about concrete scanning and underground utility locating? Review our in depth slides on LinkedIn’s Slideshare.

Texas utility locating
The Use of Utility Locating Services in Hurricane Harvey’s Relief Efforts

Last week, Penhall Technologies had the opportunity to participate in the efforts for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. We performed our services at the NRG Center in Houston, which hosts the largest emergency shelter in the city.

First of all, the FDNY Incident Management Team called our Houston office for utility locating services. The New York Fire Department hired them to set up a 40’ x 100’ tent. This tent would function as the main location to serve meals to truck drivers delivering supplies for the emergency shelter itself. The NRG stadium expected over 250 truck drivers coming into Houston to deliver these supplies.

Before installing the tent, they decided to scan the proposed location for it. This was about 85,000 square feet. The scan would ensure that the client could install the tent safely, without striking any subsurface hazards. The location for the scanning took place in the parking lot.

Two of our local Houston analysts scanned for all utilities under the asphalt. They used Ground Penetrating Radar with the SIR 4000 antenna and electromagnetic detection technology through the use of the RD 7100 wand. Then, they found and marked out two utility lines. These were a sewer line and a power line.

These lines did not present any issues for the client. The analysts advised to stay a minimum of 3 feet away from the marked utilities. Due to this, the client had plenty of room left to drive the tent’s posts into the ground away from the marked lines.

Harvey utility locating

“Being able to help my community here in Houston is beyond rewarding. Helping with the utility locate at NRG makes me feel as if I’m having a direct effect on the city that I grew up in. The fact that I can give back and aid my fellow Houstonians in a time of adversity is indescribable,” said GPR analyst Jacob Paddock.

The FDNY Incident Management Team was pleased with the locating services. Since then, we have performed another locate for them in Rosharon, Texas before the installation of more tents. Their needs change daily. Therefore, they have been in constant contact with Penhall Technologies.

As a team, we are proud that our services played a role in the relief efforts. In addition, Penhall will continue to assist in any efforts that aid Texas’ recovery. To donate to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, click here.

concrete scanning

Four Reasons Why Concrete Scanning is Essential for Your Project

In construction and renovation, hitting an unforeseen obstacle buried within concrete isn’t just an inconvenience. It can be a critical failure that can jeopardize safety, finances, and the entire project timeline. This is where concrete scanning, particularly utilizing advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology, becomes an important pre-construction measure.

What Is Concrete Scanning? 

Concrete scanning is a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method that uses radar pulses to create a detailed, real-time image of what lies beneath the concrete surface. Before you drill, saw, or core, a GPR scan reveals hidden hazards like:

  • Rebar and wire mesh
  • Post-tension cables
  • Electrical conduits and live wires
  • Water, gas, or sewer pipes
  • Voids, delamination, and subsurface anomalies

Why Is Concrete Scanning Required?

Concrete scanning is an important step in the construction process that helps facilitate enhanced safety, project efficiency and time savings, cost savings and accuracy. While some might view scanning as an added step, the reality is that it offers a massive return on investment. Let’s look into each of these reasons why concrete scanning is essential. 

concrete scanning markings

Enhanced Safety

Safety is a primary reason for concrete scanning. When workers cut into concrete without prior knowledge, they are quite literally playing a guessing game with potentially catastrophic consequences.

  • The Danger of Electrocution: Striking a live electrical conduit or cable can result in severe injury or death for the worker and can cause a power outage, impacting the entire facility.
  • The Blowout Hazard of Post-Tension Cables: Post-tension (PT) cables are high-strength steel strands anchored and tensioned within concrete slabs to provide structural support. If a PT cable is cut, the immense stored energy can be released in a violent blowout, causing the cable to snap, whip, or expand out of the concrete, severely injuring anyone nearby and compromising the structural integrity of the slab.
  • Avoiding Utility Breaches: Cutting into gas, water, or chemical lines can lead to explosions, flooding, or exposure to hazardous materials. Scanning proactively identifies these high-risk areas, allowing work to be performed safely or the design to be modified to avoid them.

Project Efficiency and Time Savings

Time is valuable on any construction site, and striking a subsurface object is the fastest way to bring a project to a screeching halt.

If a contractor hits a critical line or structural element, the project immediately shifts from construction to crisis management. This introduces significant, unpredictable downtime for:

  1. Assessing the Damage: Stopping all work in the affected area and waiting for a structural engineer or utility expert to inspect the damage.
  2. Repair and Rerouting: Spending hours or days repairing the conduit, patching the hole, or determining a new path for the intended cut or core.
  3. Waiting for Approvals: Obtaining revised permits or approvals for structural changes.

By investing a small amount of time in GPR scanning up front, project managers can ensure that every single cut, core, or trench proceeds smoothly and without incident, keeping the entire project on its scheduled trajectory.

Significant Cost Savings

How much does scanning cost? While concrete scanning services represent an initial investment, they deliver profound cost savings by preventing exponentially more expensive problems.

Consider the financial implications of a single strike:

  • Expensive Repairs: Structural repairs, especially those involving PT cables, are complex and costly, requiring specialized labor and materials. Repairing a severed electrical conduit or ruptured pipe can involve plumbing, electrical, and concrete patching specialists.
  • Delay Costs (Liquidated Damages): When projects are delayed, contractors may face financial penalties known as liquidated damages. Avoiding a delay saves money not just in repair costs but in penalties and extended overhead (equipment rental, supervisory labor).
  • Injury and Liability: The costs associated with an on-site injury—medical bills, potential lawsuits, and increased insurance premiums—far outweigh the cost of a pre-work scan.

Scanning shifts the budget from “unforeseen incident repair” to “proactive risk mitigation,” offering a clear financial advantage.

Accuracy and Structural Integrity

One of the most significant benefits of concrete scanning is accuracy. And ultimately, concrete scanning provides the accuracy needed to protect the structural integrity of the building.

The ability to look inside the slab allows analysts to mark the precise location of structural supports like rebar mats and post-tension systems. This enables a contractor to:

  • Confirm Clearances: Ensure that the proposed location for a new opening, anchor, or penetration is entirely free of critical elements before making the first cut.
  • Maintain Structural Soundness: Avoid cutting vital reinforcing steel that ensures the slab’s load-bearing capacity. If too much rebar is cut, it can lead to long-term cracking, deflection, and catastrophic structural failure.
  • Optimize Placement: When multiple hazards exist, GPR allows the project team to choose the safest, most structurally optimal location for coring or cutting, ensuring the new installation integrates flawlessly with the existing structure.

Concrete scanning is about guiding work with precision and confidence, not just about avoiding hazards.

In modern construction, knowledge is power, and when dealing with concrete, that power is delivered by GPR. By making concrete scanning a standard operating procedure, construction teams move beyond guesswork. They are able to guarantee the safety of their personnel, preserve the structural integrity of the building, and keep their projects on time and budget.

concrete scanning

Deciding to scan concrete for your project was a smart decision for many reasons. It saves you time by knowing where to exactly cut, drill, or core. It saves money by preventing damages. And, most importantly, it keeps your project safe. Now that you want to move forward with our scanning services, here is what you should expect.

One of our expertly trained GPR analysts will arrive at the jobsite. Before they start scanning, they will meet with you to discuss the areas that you want scanned. You would need to provide a layout for the analyst to scan.

After this, the analyst is ready to scan. GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) is safe to use during regular business hours. This means that any trades on the jobsite can continue with their job while the scanning takes place.

The analyst might use different types of equipment depending on the job itself. Our analysts carry the GSSI Mini XT. This equipment is ideal for locating rebar, conduits, post-tension cables, voids, and real time determination of concrete slab thickness. They also use the GSSI 2000 MHz palm antenna. This equipment works in small spaces, approximately 2” from the wall. In addition to the GPR equipment used, all analysts are also equipped with an RD 7100 unit. This unit is ideal for locating live conduits within walls, slabs, or ceilings.

concrete scanning marks

While the scan takes place, the data shows up in real time. Our analysts can interpret the data and from there he/she can mark any objects directly on the concrete surface with tape, chalk, keel, or markers (as pictured above). Then, the analyst would communicate their findings with you.

Sometimes, the proposed layouts are clear and ready for coring or drilling. Some other times, the analyst finds post tension cable, rebar, or other objects in the area where the coring or drilling is proposed. If this is the case for your project, you can propose a second layout location. The analyst will then proceed to scan that area to make sure that it is clear and safe.

After the scanning, a summarized written field report of the findings will be provided you. With this piece of information, in addition to your field markings, you can make decisions as to where to cut, core, or drill. Additional electronic reports are also available upon request, including pictures and 3D scans. These reports take additional time and will be completed off-site and will be emailed to you.

Now you know what to expect when hiring Penhall Technologies for our concrete scanning services. When our analysts arrive on site, you will find that you have gained a trusted partner who will undoubtedly add value to your project. Regardless of the project scale, our analysts always come prepared and ready.

private utility locator
GPR analyst using the RD-7000 for utility locating

When conducting underground utility locating services, Penhall Technologies uses two types of technology: Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic detection (EM). Both of these are great resources for locating underground utilities.

GPR locates underground utilities by emitting radar waves into the ground. These waves pass through the substrate and reflect off of objects that vary in dielectric from that of the surrounding earth. Ground penetrating radar works best when you need to locate: buried pipes, cables, underground storage tanks, etc.

On the other hand, electromagnetic induction detects electromagnetic fields. A magnetic field occurs when a current is running through a transmitting line such as an electrical cable or communication line. The EM unit can detect both passive and active signals.

A passive signal is when a utility, such as an electrical line, is currently turned on and is generating an electromagnetic field. An active signal is when a line is not turned on, and a temporary tone is induced into it. This creates a temporary electromagnetic field. The, the EM unit can detect this field.

Recently, our analyst put to use both technologies for a utility locating job. An electrical company contacted us for a project at a medical facility in the city of Seattle, Washington. The electrical company was in charge of rerouting electrical lines through the parking lot of the medical facility.

utility locating
Analyst marking underground utilities

The analyst initiated the scanning and set a dielectric based on the known soil conditions of the area. He conducted GPR first, utilizing the GSSI SIR3000/400MHz antenna combo. The analyst knew that once he completed the locate , the cut and excavation performed by Penhall Company would not go any deeper than three feet. The survey covered not only the requested area, but a much larger area as well to confirm the location of all subsurface hazards.

The analyst marked out several suspected utilities and an area of shallow root systems, despite needing to work around parked vehicles, tight quarters, and raised landscaping beds.

The analyst used electromagnetic detection equipment after the scan. He swept the area with the RD-7000 to ensure maximum accuracy. From this, the analyst located one additional electrical utility. This particular utility was either too small or too deep to see with the GPR equipment. This is why we provide our analysts with both technologies. It makes us the ideal private utility locator.

Penhall Technologies employs multiple technologies for your utility locating needs, making sure that you finish your projects safely and on time.

Additional Links:
https://electricalschool.org/
GPR - ground penetrating radar service
GPR analyst on a concrete scanning job

 

Now that you have decided to scan first, you might be wondering what suits your project’s needs: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or digital X-Ray? Penhall Technologies offers GPR services nationwide, and X-Ray services in Seattle, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Both concrete scanning methods help you locate subsurface objects and hazards. However, they are both unique, and have different uses.

More often than not, GPR would be the first step to locate any subsurface objects in concrete. GPR analysts start by marking the desired area, which the customer provides a layout of. Then, the analyst proceeds to scan with a handheld device (see picture above). Based on the collected and analyzed data, the analyst would mark the objects found with chalk, keel, or tape. This process goes smoothly under ideal concrete circumstances.

There are a few factors to consider when seeking GPR or digital X-ray services. First, what concrete structure or structural components are being scanned. Digital x-ray is not an adequate option for your project when you are looking to identify objects or hazards in a slab on grade. Digital X-ray requires both sides of the location in question, such as a slab, column, or beam.

The second factor to consider is the location of the project.  If patrons, occupants, or employees are present at the jobsite, GPR scanning can be done during regular business hours. People don’t need to vacate the area. This is ideal for projects and renovations in sites such as hospitals or hotels, where people may be regularly coming and going.

Penhall's GPR analysts
Penhall Technologies’ analysts demonstrating digital x-ray

Sometimes, after completing GPR concrete scanning, the results may show a highly congested area. This means that the analyst collected data that may be extremely difficult to interpret. This leads to inconclusive labels for field markings. This is when digital X-Ray comes in.

Digital X-ray shows a clearer depiction when it comes to imaging the interior contents of an area that’s congested. For this reason, this method is preferred under these circumstances.

Digital X-Ray is not always a service that follows GPR concrete scanning. We recommend pursing digital x-ray as an option when the jobsite in question is highly congested with structural components such as rebar, wire mesh, and tension cables. Or when you simply want a clear precise image of the area.

Both GPR and X-ray can provide valuable information prior to cutting, sawing, or drilling. It will also keep your project on time, on budget, and most importantly- safe! For more information regarding GPR and digital x-ray scanning services, give us a call at 844-211-5300.

worker running ground penetrating radar rig
Our analyst performing underground utility locating services

When you started your home project, you didn’t imagine that you would need our private underground utility locating services. To ensure that you don’t hit any utility lines, it is important to scan the area first. Damaging utility lines can result in loss of that particular utility. It can also cause injuries for you or the workers hired to do the cutting, trenching, or digging.

Homeowners need private utility locating where 811’s utility locating services don’t apply.

For home owners, utility locating can be a first and only experience. This means that it can be hard to know exactly how to proceed. The first step would be to contact 811‘s Call Before You Dig service, the nationwide public utility locating service. They can locate all public utility lines, from the street to the meter only. If they can’t locate what you need, that’s when we, a private utility locator, come in.

Other reasons for needing private utility location include:

  • Already hit a utility. 811 is a public utility locator. They can locate all utilities from the street to the meter. Any utilities in your private property would need to be located by a private utility locator.
  • Previous scan attempt was unsuccessful. This scenario goes hand in hand with the reason previously mentioned. Sometimes our clients do scan. However, the company they selected didn’t provide accurate markings and the client struck a utility as a result. Our analysts complete extensive utility locating training. They are trained to properly mark your site, provide written reports, and to provide you with the best service.
  • Home improvements. It is always important to locate all utilities before doing any projects that require digging or excavating. This includes, but is not limited to: landscaping, fencing, pool installation, installing a mailbox, deck installation, among others.
  • Water leaks. A lot of our clients suspect that they are dealing with a water leak. While we can’t locate the water leak itself, we can help you locate the water line and look for signals of wet soil that may indicate the location of the leak.

What should you expect when you call a private utility location service?

When you call Penhall Technologies or request to quote, it is best to be prepared with essential information regarding the project. This will allow us to provide the best service and accurate pricing. It is important to know the measurements of the area, the type of surface (dirt, asphalt, concrete), and the location (indoors or outdoors). If possible, provide the utilities we may be looking for (water, gas, electrical, sewer) and how many utilities may be running through the area. We will also ask how many locations you need scanned, and what is the private line locating in preparation for.

North Carolina GPR project
Example of utility markings at a home

Once the analyst arrives at your home, they will be up to date with the needs and specifications of your project. They will bring two types of equipment to offer you the most accurate reading. A benefit of choosing Penhall Technologies as your private utility locator is that we carry various types of equipment. This is in case one method is not enough to find underground lines. In rare cases, the reading can be inconclusive and show highly congested results.

After the analyst completes the scan, he/she will mark the approximate utility locations with varying colors of spray paint, flags, or both to highlight that location.

GSSI
Equipment screen showing utility locating data

Before the analyst marks the utilities, the display screen of the equipment won’t mean much to the common eye. Our expert analysts will be able to identify lines and to differentiate between them based on the data and on physical cues, such as a meter. Now with the analyst’s markings and field report, you can make an informed decision of where to cut, trench, or dig. By deciding to scan first, you will safeguard that your home project is completed safely.

GPR equipment

At Penhall Technologies, our analysts use several types of equipment for optimum accuracy for our underground utility locating services.  The following are a couple of the tools that an analyst may use on any given jobsite.

 

RD 7000 Series – Electromagnetic Detection

GPR scanner The RD 7000+ Pipe and Utility Locator is the backbone of utility locating services.  It can transmit multiple frequencies, has several power modes, and possesses both passive and active systems.  This makes the RD system the most appropriate tool to start locating underground utilities.

Simply put, the RD system works by sending a signal or electromagnetic frequency through the transmitter to the metal pipe, valve, or tracer wire. Then, the system uses the receiver to trace that signal down the length of the pipe or wire.How Electromagnetic Detection Works

There are several ways to obtain a signal from a line.  The two most common ways are to connect directly to the wire within the line, or to connect the wire or meter of the line to surround it with the signal.  These are the ideal approaches to ensure that we are attaching to the correct line when there are several in the area.

 

GSSI Cart with 400MHz Antenna – Ground Penetrating Radar

Utility Locating Device with GPR technoloy Unlike traditional technologies such as electromagnetic detection, GPR can detect plastic, concrete, and metal pipes. This makes it an ideal system to locate underground utilities of any kind and more. This is a great partner to our electromagnetic systems to ensure that we are covering all bases in our utility locating services.

GPR technology works by sending a flash of energy into a surface, such as concrete or ground soil, via a special antenna.  Each unit is equipped with both an antenna and a receiver, as well as a computer system. The computer, also known as the brain unit, can register any reflected signal into an image. This is done by measuring the time and strength it takes for the signal to be transmitted and returned.  These reflections are produced by several objects, such as conduit or pipes.

 

How GPR Helps with Underground Utility Locating

The GSSI utility cart with the 400 MHz antenna can locate utilities to a maximum depth of about 9 feet.  The GPR penetration and resolution of images depends on soil conditions.  To learn more about the factors that affect GPR findings, read here.

Despite the limitations, GPR is often the best way to detect abandoned lines, utilities with no surface valves, PVC, clay pipe, or similar non-metallic utilities.  It is also a good way to determine the approximate depth of the utilities.

Overall, at Penhall Technologies, we stay up to date with the latest and greatest technologies to better serve our customers. Our analysts are not only equipped with top of the line equipment, but have the experience and training necessary to interpret the data methodically and efficiently.

 

For further questions or to receive a quote:

Call or email us at:

844-211-5300

gpr@penhall.com

Or visit our website:

https://www.penhall.com/utility-locating/