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Project Details
Haskell used RodRadar's Live Dig Radar (LDR) Technology in the construction of an NFL training facility in Jacksonville, FL. Implementation of LDR involved pre-mapping the area to understand the utilities' layout and depth, although the exsiting maps were often outdated or inaccurate. Use of LDR's real-time detection capability significantly enhanced the safety measures on-site, as it alerted operators during ecavation if a utility was detected, which mimimizes the risk of strikes.
Objectives
Haskell needed a solution that could reduce the risk of utility strikes, allowing them to work safely and accurately.
- Before the integration of new technologies, Haskell faced several challenges in its excavation and construction processes. The primary issue was the frequent utility strikes during excavation, which not only posed safety risks but also led to significant financial losses and project delays. Every time they encounter a utility strike, it affected their bottom line significantly in terms of money, time, and employee morale.
- The challenges were compounded by the soil type and environment in Jacksonville, which is characterized by sandy soil and a high-water table, making underground utility detection even more complex. The site’s urban setting added another layer of complexity due to the dense network of utilities.
Outcomes
While the project is still ongoing, the results so far have exceeded expectations - use RodRadar's LDR solution has avoided utility strikes completely.
- Additionally, the technology revealed several utilities that were not documented in the existing maps, some live and others abandoned. This allowed Haskell operators to avoid potential hazards and further project delays.
- The value for money and time savings when using the LDR Excavate digging bucket was undeniable, making it a vital tool in their construction processes.
Next Steps & Future Use
The RodRadar LDR Excavate is still in use at the site and continues to be an essential part of the excavation toolkit. RodRadar and Haskell are currently discussing further adoption opportunities, inlcuding deploying additional systems deployment and training with more teams.
BuiltWorlds Analysis
The Control Ground Alliance's Annual Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report analyzes trends in the damage prevention industry. The latest report, released in September 2023, noted that excavation/construction stakeholders were the leading source of damage reports for the first time. Additionally, the report noted that contractors were involved in more than half of damages while completing telecommunications and natural gas work.
A key finding from the September report was the increase in damages per million dollars of construction spending, up 12.35% from 2021 to 2022. The report further notes that increased construction spending consistently correlates with more damages. Increased infrasturcture spending could place an even larger burden on the system, leading to more damages in the coming years without significant changes.
Solutions like RodRadar's LDR technology are game changers to the industry because of their ability to detect and alert on underground utilities in real-time. The technology works across all types of excavation work, and can sense underground utilities related to power, communications, fiber, water, oil and gas in all types of environments.