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ESE Method Statement Underground Utility Survey Rev3
ESE Method Statement Underground Utility Survey Rev3
METHOD STATEMENT:
METHODOLOGY AND EXECUTION PLAN
For Geophysical Scanning and Data Collection of Different
Types of Underground Utility Services Utilizing
Geophysical Ground Penetration Radar
Revision History
Rev Date Details Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By
B 27.05.2020 Initial Issue. Jameel Y. Vijith K. Ljubica B.
This document remains the property of PHB Weserhutte. Its contents are confidential and shall not be reproduced,
destroyed, or used without written permission of PHB Weserhutte. The electronic version of this document in IMS location
on designated server(s) is the Master Copy and a controlled document. Unless specifically noted thereon, other copies of
this document whether electronic or printed are uncontrolled.
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: .......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.0 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF GROUND PENETRATION RADAR SURVEY ............................................ 4
2.1 BASIC PRINCIPLE ..................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 APPLICATIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4 DEPTH OF INVESTIGATION .................................................................................................................... 6
3.0 APPARATUS /EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................................................... 7
4.0 SURVEY AND FIELD PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................ 9
4.1 INITIAL SET-UP PROCEDURES............................................................................................................... 9
4.2 DATA ACQUISITION.................................................................................................................................. 9
4.3.1 QUALITY OF THE FIELD MEASUREMENTS ......................................................................................... 10
4.3 ACQUISITION METHODS ....................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.1 TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY ................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.2 GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) .............................................................................................. 11
5.0 DATA PROCESSING AND INVERSION ..................................................................................................... 11
6.0 REPORTING ................................................................................................................................................ 13
7.0 LODGED INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................ 14
7.1 LEGEND KEY........................................................................................................................................... 14
7.2 NORTH POINT ......................................................................................................................................... 14
7.3 DELIVERABLES....................................................................................................................................... 14
8.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL ........................................................................................ 16
8.1 HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................................................................................................ 16
8.2 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ..................................................................................................................... 17
8.3 RISK ASSESSMENT................................................................................................................................ 17
8.4 WORKING WITHIN THE ROAD RESERVE ............................................................................................ 18
8.5 REDUCING RISK .................................................................................................................................... 19
9.0 ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 19
9.1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND IMPACTS ....................................................................................... 19
9.2 NOC AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................... 20
10.0 CONTACT US .................................................................................................................................................. 20
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This statement of compliance with the scope items describes the proposed methods and procedures for
the required geophysical study (Underground Utility Survey) along the Dibba Bulk Handling Terminal.
The main objective of the geophysical GPR Scanning is to evaluate, detection, data collection and
exact demarcation of all types of underground utility services along the proposed Route guiding the
future excavation works to prevent damaging the existing utility pipelines.
The survey tests will be conducted using GSSI GPR utility DF Scanner with dual frequency (300 & 800
Mhz) antennas manufactured in the USA. Radan (7) will be used to invert the raw data, producing plots
of 2D radar images as functions of depth and distance along the survey lines.
A sensitive detector will be used to record weak radio waves reflected from objects and other
underground ‘contact points’, such as differences between high- and poor-quality concrete conditions.
Measurements will be made at many points over the existing concrete to ensure an accurate
representation of the area being examined. Then the GPR data will be transformed into an image on a
high specification computer. By employing GPR in this way, engineers can safely and cost-effectively
examine daily long-distances on the proposed route.
The ability to see through, below, and into subsurface materials using non-invasive techniques has
important applications in a variety of fields where investigations may otherwise require intrusive or
destructive methods. Ground penetrating radar can provide continuous high-resolution profiling of
subsurface features and can locate objects and horizons at a variety of scales. The GPR technique is
finding applications in fields as diverse as architecture, engineering, environmental management, and
mineral prospecting.
GPR survey provides an effective and efficient means to obtain general information about shallow
subsurface in the two dimensions of depth and horizontal distance. In order to find the location and
depth of buried subsurface utilities, various types of GPR equipment are used to collect the data. The
type of GPR equipment required is dependent on the depth and size of the target to be located.
The radar unit emits and receives reflected signals up to a thousand times per second. These signals
are viewed by the field operator on location immediate analysis and are also stored in the system and
downloaded to a computer for further data analysis if required. Standard Guide for Using the Surface
Ground Penetrating Radar Method for Subsurface Investigation refer ASTM D6432.
The main purpose of the study is to detect and identify the underground subsurface buried in the soil for
in Dibba Bulk Handling Terminal – Package 2 area, UAE. The survey will define such areas down to a
depth between 0.5m and 3 below ground surface.
The work to be undertaken is centered on Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scanning and Radio
Detector. Survey lines will be spaced at between 1.0m to 2.0 m
The basic principle of GPR is the transmission of a short electromagnetic pulse, with a specified
frequency down into the ground and the recording of reflected energy as a function of time, amplitude
and phase. The specified central frequency is controlled by the transmitter and receiver antennae
length. The Ground penetrating radar basically used to locate utilities, cavities and loose materials in
near surface; it has a reflection technique in which source and receiver positions are almost the same.
We are using latest GSSI dual frequency (300-800 MHz) Utility Scan TM DF which ideally suited for
geotechnical, geophysical and environmental applications, as well as archaeological investigations.
A GPR system consists of a few components, as shown in Fig. (1) That emit an electromagnetic wave
into the ground and receive the response. If there is a change in electric properties in the ground or if
there is an anomaly that has different electric properties than the surrounding media, a part of the
electromagnetic wave is reflected to the receiver. The system scans the ground to collect the data at
various locations. Then a GPR profile can be constructed by plotting the amplitude of the received
signals as a function of time and position, representing a vertical slice of the subsurface. The time axis
can be converted to depth by assuming a velocity for the electromagnetic wave in the subsurface soil.
Picture 2 “General Description of Ground Penetrating Radar “
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2.2 Applications
Locate buried services and utilities (including their position and depth).
Determination of buried voids, cavities, archaeology, unmarked graves, cables, pipes.
Mapping geologic strata.
Finds buried underground storage tanks (USTs), anchors and drums.
In environmental remediation, GPR is used to define landfills, contaminant plumes, and other
remediation sites
Military applications of ground-penetrating radar include detection of unexploded ordnance and
detecting tunnels.
Provides a 2D cross-section.
2.3 Limitations
GPR is Non-Destructive technique able to detect underground anomalies, in perfect conditions the
full utility survey is capable to locate up to 80% of the anomalies, according to the British
Standards for Utility Mapping.
Ground conditions characterized by high clay or salt content or high salt content are not suitable
for the application of GPR, the wave will be absorbed, or the energy highly will be spread away,
respectively.
The energy reduces with depth. Therefore, deeper anomalies are more difficult to detect.
Small diameter pipes, especially PVC pipes are harder to locate, comparing to metal pipes or
anomalies.
If case of future drilling, Electra will not be responsible if any cable or pipe is broken or damage.
The job will be postponed in case of eventual rain or severe weather conditions (ex.: sandstorm).
This proposal supersedes any previous reports, whether written or oral.
In order to generate an "image" of a buried object, a GPR profile must be obtained. A GPR profile
is generated when the antenna is moved along the surface. This can be done by hand, by vehicle,
or even by air.
GPR antenna has to be moved over the area to be investigated, the search area has to be
physically accessible. Heavily wooded sites or areas containing cars, debris piles, sharp inclines,
etc. all limit the accessibility of GPR data acquisition. The desired search area has to be clear
enough so that you could push a shopping cart through it."
The type of antenna used will depend on the targets-of-concern.
The 300/800 MHz dual-frequency antenna is GSSI’s first digital antenna. The combination of two
frequencies allows users to locate targets at depths of minimum 3m and maximum 5m ideal for
utility, archaeological and environmental survey (Frequencies 300 and 800 MHz Typical Range 4
m / 12 ft Maximum Range 6 m / 18 ft Antenna Weight 12 lbs (5 kg) Dimensions 13.2x12.2x5.9 in
(33.5x31x15 cm) Model D50300/800).
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3.0 APPARATUS /EQUIPMENT
We perform scanning utilizing 300/800 MHz dual-frequency antenna it’s consisted following parts.
A Panasonic Toughbook(R) H2
Data storage
Internal memory 128 GB SSD
Processor Intel(R) Core i5- 255M Pro,
Enhanced 10.1 XGA sunlight-readable LED, 1024 x 768 Dual Touch Display
2 USB ports Ethernet and serial
Operating temperature -28oC to 60oC (20oF to 140oF) Drop specification MIL-STD-810G
Environmental IP65
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Data cable:
2.0-meter weather resistant control cables that connect monitor and antenna.
Survey Cart:
The field work will be performed according to the following typical procedure:
Unpack the control unit, Data cable, dual-frequency smart antenna, 4-wheel compact survey cart.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the instruments.
Make sure all batteries are fully charged.
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4.3.1 QUALITY OF THE FIELD MEASUREMENTS
During the survey, every precaution shall be taken to avoid any error and improve the quality of the
field data as follows:
The antenna and cable shall be set-up and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
As a part of quality control, the antenna test will be checked daily before starting the field
measurements utilizing soil type.
The signal/noise levels will be monitored at each line, and any higher than normal levels will be noted
in the field notebook.
Raw data will be visually inspection by the on –site geophysicist to determine if adequate change
required reading scanning.
Save many files for each line to improve the quality of data operation.
Start and end points of each profile have been marked precisely in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Electra with the latest GPS GNSS Trimble technology with R track, delivers unmatched power,
accuracy and performance in a rugged, can achieve the required less than 0.05-meter accuracy.
The Trimble GNSS supports a wide range of satellite signals, including GPS L2C and L5 and
GLONASS L1/L2 signals. The topography survey is required for setting out and defining the
boundaries of the area of investigation, in addition to setting out all the GPR lines along the Horse
Track area according to the coordinates of start and end points and spacing of intermediate point.
All of the surveyor work shall be tied to benchmark approved by client and described in the
topographical method statement.
The location of each survey line shall be defined by coordinates of the first and end points for each
profile according to WGS84 coordinate system.
Profile lines shall be normally straight, small deviations to meet local terrain conditions may be
necessary
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4.3.2 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
GPR is a remote sensing technique, it is non-invasive, non-destructive, relatively quick and efficient
and highly accurate when used in appropriate situations.
GPR will be used to map any object capable of being penetrated by radio waves, just as X-rays
image the internal structure of the body.
A sensitive detector is used to record weak radio waves reflected from objects and other underground
‘contact points’, such as differences between soil layers.
Measurements will be made at many points to ensure an accurate representation of the buried
unknown objects beneath the surface.
Hyperbola (arches) displayed on GPR images, indicate the placement and depth of objects (e.g.
Pipes) in the survey area.
The collected GPR data will be processed and analysed using GPRSoft for Windows Version 1.7.74
developed by Geoscanner AB, Sweden and Radan version 7 Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.
USA. The data processing steps were performed as follows:
Static correction to the first crossing; surface reflection interface was set to zero depth.
Background removal filter to eliminate temporally consistent flat noise bands from the whole record
making signals previously covered by this noise visible.
Subtracting average filter to provide a more rigorous background removal. This eliminated temporally
consistent flat noise bands from the portions of the record at a time making anomalies of amplitude
and shape stand out stronger in the record.
Adjust the colour palette for signal amplitudes to improve the contrast of phase changes and signal
variation.
The outputs final 2D – Cross Section, the X – axis shows the distance along the survey line in
meters and Y – Axis show the depth in meters. Picture. (10)
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Picture. 10. A GPR profile. The signal amplitude is plotted as a function of time (or depth) and
position, showing a strong indication of presence of potable water pipelines network and live power
cables crossing this area.
Picture. 11. A GPR profile. The signal amplitude is plotted as a function of time (or depth) and
position, showing power cables crossing this area
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Picture. 12. Samples data flies generated by GPR Software
6.0 REPORTING
The final report will be submitted to the client upon the completion of the field work stages. The report
shall incorporate the following:
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7.0 LODGED INFORMATION
The following items must be lodged with the nominated to Survey Representative.
(Documents which need to be provided by Client)
Each plan will include a legend key identifying the colours used and the services located.
The colours used in the Legend must match the colours used in the plot and the field.
The legend and sketch should be used to identify features that are not clearly identified in the
code list.
7.3 DELIVERABLES
2D Data – Open in AutoCAD or an AutoCAD Civil 3D (utility drawing for the investigation area)
And Utility Information
Site Images
Final Survey Report in electronic files and PDF files
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Stage-1: Surface Geophysical Survey
Field
Step No Details Total Time Required
Work/Day
Step-1: Identify marks along the proposed
Topography Survey lines for GPR Parallel with the field work Step-2
Final Report Submitted final report and as built cad drawings according 7 days after completion the field
the requirements and specifications of client. work
Resources
PhD, Geophysical
2 Dr.Mohammed H. 37 years Technical Manager
Engineering
MSc Geophysical
3 Eng. Bijeesh K 8 years Manager
Engineering
MSc Geodetic
4 Mr. Jameel Y 3 years Surveyor Engineer
Engineer
BScs Mathematics
5 Mr. Engin G. 5 years Surveyor Engineer
and Physics
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8.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL
Electra strictly believes and follows the five basic steps to ensure quality and outstanding client service
in surveying and mapping. These steps may be defined as:
ELECTRA SURVEYING is committed to managing health and safety effectively to protect our
employees and other persons with whom we interact because we recognize that we have not only a
moral and legal duty but also that our employees are our greatest asset.
Our Health and Safety Policy Statement sets out our commitment and the objectives we aspire to in
managing health and safety. It is signed by the most senior person in our organization to demonstrate
that our commitment is led from the top.
Our approach to managing health and safety will be pragmatic and proportionate and will be prioritized
according to risk with the objective of maintaining continuous improvement. We accept that we cannot
eliminate risk from everything we do but we can manage risk in such a way that exposure to hazards is
controlled as far as is reasonably practical.
Our success in managing health and safety will be measurable and we look to establish performance
standards against which we can monitor our progress to identify future actions to go into our
improvement programme.
The Management Team have the ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of Electra Surveying
Engineering but discharges this responsibility through the individual managers, supervisors and
employees.
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8.2 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
First Aid
Electra is committed to providing sufficient provision for first aid to deal with accidents and injuries that
arise can at work. First aid will refer to the emergency care provided when a person is injured or ill until
full medical treatment is available. For minor conditions, first aid care is enough.
First Aid Boxes
First aid boxes will be provided within the workplace to ensure there are adequate supplies for the
nature of the hazards involved.
Portable First Aid Kits
Portable first aid kits will be available for staff members required to work away from the normal
workplace, where access to facilities may be restricted, such as work with potentially dangerous tools
and machinery away from base location, a basic first aid kit may contain: plasters in a variety of
different sizes and shapes. small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings. at least 2 sterile eye
dressings.
Risk assessment is a systematic examination of what within our business can cause harm to people and
it helps us determine whether we are doing enough or further actions are required to reduce the
likelihood of injury or ill health.
Our policy is to complete a general risk assessment of all our known and reasonably foreseeable health
and safety hazards covering all our premises, equipment and activities in order to plan and priorities the
implementation of the identified control measures.
More detailed specific risk assessments will also be carried out as determined by the general
assessment to address those premises, equipment, people or activities to comply with specific
legislation or to proactively manage health and safety risks. We will ensure that:
Assessments are carried out and records are kept
Control measures introduced as a result of assessments are implemented and followed
Employees are informed of the relevant results and provided with necessary training
Any injuries or incidents lead to a review of relevant assessments
NOTE: We may be controlling risks in various ways, determining the effectiveness of those controls is part of our
risk assessment process.
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8.4 WORKING WITHIN THE ROAD RESERVE
Anyone carrying out operations on a road and open to any traffic, has a duty of care under common
law to take all reasonable measures to prevent accident or injury to workers, damage to assets owned
by client & other utility providers and to maintain existing environment.
Conducting a risk assessment analysis is essential before doing any Underground Utilities Survey, as it
would minimise any potential risk that may arise before, during and after the surveying. Below is a list of
potential risk and the method chosen to address them.
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8.5 Reducing risk
Electra Surveying engineers even working in in this kind of areas all employees will have professional
and respected manner.
They can see and be seen by the other people and traffic, can estimate appropriate safe gaps, set off
only when a safe gap is present, walk straight across the area, carry equipment in a way that does not
obstruct their view, avoid running or zig zagging between roads and park, carry signs and equipment
in a way which minimises the risk of dropping them, including reducing their resistance to the wind,
move to a position of safety after crossing.
Surveyors should keep in mind that many local agencies and/or individuals might have an involvement
in the project. Their questions should always be referred to the Project Manager for an explanation.
Courtesy, patience, attentive listening, accuracy, truthfulness, and even legal driving practices are all
responsibilities of a surveyor when in the public eye. Members of the survey crew should maintain
discretion in all conversations.
9.0 ENVIRONMENT
Electra Surveying Engineering (ESE) provides a mechanism for environmental management throughout
all areas and departments. The environmental management system is designed to cover environmental
aspects which the facility can control and directly manage, and those it does not control or directly
manage but can be expected to have an influence.
Electra Surveying Engineering has established and will maintain a procedure for internal and external
communications regarding environmental aspects.
Electra Surveying Engineering (ESE) will provide the necessary resources to establish, implement,
maintain and continually improve an environmental management system committed to compliance with
applicable environmental laws, regulations, policies, procedures and other adopted requirements. All
Electra Surveying Engineering (ESE) employees are accountable and have a personal and corporate
responsibility to ensure that this commitment is incorporated into daily activities and functions.
We strive to improve our environmental performance by:
Communicating our commitment to everyone working for or on behalf of Electra
Developing and periodically evaluating environmental objectives and targets that
Prevent pollution, minimize waste, improve service reliability and promote energy
Efficiency and cost savings
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9.2 NOC AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
NOC has to be provided by PHB to Electra in order to carry out the required works
In addition, another NOC will be required from the end client “Fujairah Port” to Electra in order to
carry out the required works.
All existing documents and drawings to be submitted to Electra prior to start with the work
10.0 CONTACT US
Electra is looking forward to working with you on this project. Should you have any difficulties in
understanding any part of this document, please feel free contact us at any time.
Electra Surveying Engineering
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