Overview
| Project No. | 249 |
|---|---|
| Contract No. | DTPH56-08-T-000017 |
| Research Award Recipient | Gas Technology Institute dba GTI Energy 1700 South Mount Prospect Road Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804 |
| AOR | Sam Hall |
| Researcher Contact Info | Alicia Farag P: 847-544-3492 F: 847-768-0569 Alicia.farag@gastechnology.org Chris Ziolkowski P: 847-768-0549 F: 847-768-0569 Chris.ziolkowski@gastechnology.org |
| Technology Demonstrated | Yes |
|---|---|
| Commercialized (in whole/part) | Yes |
| Commercial Partner | UtilAlert by Hydromax https://www.hydromaxusa.com http://www.utilalert.com |
| Net Improvement | The project demonstrations validated the capability of data collection during active construction activities could be utilized to reduce or eliminate damage from excavation activities. While the technology platform has changed from the original concept of Excavation Encroachment Notification (EEN) development, it was important to prove that it was possible to process location data from excavators and compare that to the underground gas system as a means to provide awareness to operators of equipment and other stakeholders in order to prevent and reduce the potential for digging into the gas system. The foundation of the GPS EEN system concept developed through the PHMSA project was a crucial component in identifying the technology that was ultimately utilized in what became the commercial product that was developed. The commercialized solution was licensed to HydromaxUSA under the product name UtilAlert having benefits to Minimize the cost of damages; Avoid delays to completion schedules; Enhance safety for workers and the general public; and Allows all stakeholders to benefit from enhancing situational awareness and reducing risk. |
| Project Status | Closed |
|---|---|
| Start Fiscal Year | 2008 (07/01/2008) |
| End Fiscal Year | 2012 (10/31/2011) |
| PHMSA $$ Budgeted | $390,601.00 |
Main Objective
The objective of this project is to develop, demonstrate and commercialize a system that utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to allow one-call centers and utility companies to ensure that excavation activity does not encroach upon underground facilities. The developed systems will be demonstrated in a pilot program with Virginia Utility Protection Services and NiSource to assess the costs, benefits and feasibility of the system. Trimble and Metrotech are commercial partners for this program.
Public Abstract
The objective of this program is to reduce excavation damage to underground facilities by developing a system that warns 1) inspectors of excavation activity that is occurring in an area without a valid One-Call ticket and 2) excavators and operators of the proximity of excavation equipment to underground facilities. This program will develop, demonstrate and commercialize a GPS-based system that provides an early warning of encroachment. The system will use GPS antennas to monitor the location of excavation equipment to be cross-referenced with valid One-Call tickets and the location of underground facilities. The GPS coordinates of valid One-Call tickets will be known from a GPS-enabled cell phone that calls the ticket in or from polygons on One-Call Center mapping systems. The GPS coordinates of underground facilities will be collected during the mark-out process. The system will notify inspectors of excavation activity that is occurring in an area without a valid One-Call ticket or excavation activity that is encroaching upon underground facilities.
Summary and Conclusions
The results of this project successfully demonstrated the ability to track excavation activity and report one-call violations and underground facility encroachment. User feedback supported the concept of the technology but also provided guidance on improvements to turn the technology into a commercial product with the potential for national adoption.
Relevant Files & Links
Final Report
GPS-Based EEN - Final Report (PHMSA) 2.pdf
Other Files
Success Story Summary