Featured: ELA Sport Incorporates New Survey Technology to Evaluate Base Construction of Various Sports Venues

To ensure high quality finished surfacing, determining the acceptability of the base construction is a crucial step in the construction of synthetic turf athletic fields, running tracks, tennis courts, and sport courts. So, how do you assure that the base course has been properly installed in accordance with the tolerances specified for the athletic venue? In short…via field quality control measurements.

Historically, field quality control measurements have taken three forms: straight edge, string line, and field survey. Even when all three are employed simultaneously, human judgment, visual interpretation, and the “grid” spacing for field surveying can lead to areas of non-compliance that can easily be missed, leading to a substandard installation of the base course. For example, areas of undulation, depressions, or other surface deficiencies may still exist between the field survey shots comprising the grid, even at a ten (10) foot grid interval. Moreover, traditional “as-built” surveying can result in time delays relating to scheduling and completing the field work, downloading the survey data to prepare a scale drawing for review, and interpreting the data for compliance.

As a leader in the planning and implementation of athletic venues, ELA Sport recognizes that innovative technologies can overcome the above “technology lag” of traditional visual observation and surveying methodologies. Working with our subsidiary surveying company, Land Grant Surveyors (LGS), we have been able to measure the precise tolerances and acceptable variances required for aggregate and paving base construction for athletic facility surfacing in real time, by the use of 3D Scanning and High-Definition Surveying.

ELA Sport and LGS successfully employed Leica ScanStation laser scanners to verify as-built aggregate sub-base and pavement base for synthetic turf athletic fields and running tracks on several projects, beginning in June 2010. As a significant advance over popular “total station” survey instrumentation, the ScanStation includes a laser scanner for as-built topographic surveys. The advanced capabilities provide up to a maximum 50,000 points per second instantaneous scan rate with elevation accuracy of 6 mm and distance accuracy of 4 mm for all scan points.

When applied to quality control verification of athletic facility base construction, the laser scan technology provides the following advantages over traditional verification methods:

• The scanning technology provides digital terrain modeling as opposed to point-by-point elevation data. The terrain model creates a detailed record of the actual surface as opposed to point-by-point information. Consequently, judgment, interpretation, and interpolation are removed from the evaluation process and are replaced by quantitative data.


• Data acquisition time is reduced by over 75% as compared to traditional field surveying. Due to the instantaneous scan rate available with the ScanStation, thousands of points can be scanned instantaneously as opposed to surveying each point in the field individually.


• When connected in the field to a laptop computer, almost instantaneous feedback can be provided to the venue’s Owner, athletic facility consultant, and contractor. Delays associated with downloading survey data, preparing scaled drawings, and “in-office” evaluation can be virtually eliminated.


• Within 24-hours, the field data can be presented in a color-coded 3D topographic model that can easily be compared to the design profile for the athletic facility surface, allowing for ready comparison of the as-built condition versus the specified design. Areas of deficiency requiring correction can be readily identified and the volume/area of material required for correction can be quickly determined.


• With the real time ability to correct base course issues and by eliminating “data gaps” common in visual or traditional survey verification, corrections requiring cutting and patching of the finished synthetic turf or running track surface can virtually be eliminated.


• The time for data collection, visual field verification, and data analysis can be dramatically reduced resulting in cost savings for the quality verification process all while providing more accurate and relevant results. Further, considering the reduction in post surface installation repairs, overall project costs and construction delays can be eliminated and a higher quality finished surface can be provided.

ELA Sport continues to work with LGS, field and facility contractors, and our clients on the application of 3D laser scanning for as-built base course verification for a variety of athletic facility surfaces.

ELA Sport has employed this new technology on several of our athletic field and track projects during the summer 2010 construction period with positive results and feedback from our clients and athletic facility builders. Notable projects included survey of the resilient base layer at Villanova University, aggregate base surveys at Crispin Stadium for the Berwick Area School District, Seth Grove Field at Shippensburg University, and the new stadium field at Warwick High School.

ELA Sport continues to incorporate this advanced survey technology as part of our construction review process and is working to make the highest standard of base quality evaluation both easily available and cost effective, for venues ranging from the professional facility level to youth recreational sports facilities.

For more information about Land Grant Surveyors, please visit them at landgrantsurveyors.com

Hailed as an economic driver and as a possible answer to our country’s dependence on foreign oil for decades to come, Marcellus Shale Gas does conjure images of the Gold Rush that led to western migration of the United States. With this unprecedented influx of industrial investment and economic development come challenges, challenges that ELA Group, Inc. (ELA) can help both the natural gas industry and affected communities to mitigate.

Impact on Infrastructure

• Transportation systems within the Marcellus Shale region are becoming heavily used, especially by quarry trucks and water tankers. On one hand, this causes congestion as well as deleterious impacts on the roadway surfaces themselves; on the other, many companies have invested heavily to repair, restore, and bond public roads impacted by the increase in industry-related vehicles. ELA can assist the industry and the affected communities alike to assure that sufficient roadway capacity is available, along with assuring the safety of the motoring public.


• Development of well pads and pipelines calls for a balance between the industry’s needs and the long-term impact on the surrounding communities. Well-pad site development and pipeline routing are often complicated by the isolated nature and the rugged terrain that are indicative of the Marcellus Shale region. ELA can work with the industry and communities to formulate strategies that seek to limit the footprint of pad sites, their grading/earthmoving, and the access to them; the visual and sound impact of drilling operations; and, the long-term implications of scattered well sites connected by a virtual web of pipelines.

Community Development

• Community investment/reinvestment has and will continue to follow the industry. Already, the communities of the Marcellus Shale region have seen large, multi-national companies become corporate citizens and next-door neighbors. Some of these companies have assisted counties in completely overhauling their record-keeping systems and recorder-of-deeds offices. Meanwhile, the small towns and villages of Towanda, Wellsboro, and Mansfield have seen an increase in the demand for public services.


• Community planning can help appropriately guide community investment and reinvestment. Working with the industry and host communities, opportunities should be sought to work cooperatively in preserving the scenic resources and the rural and small-town appeal of the region. Strategies could and should include heritage and cultural conservation, the preservation of tourism, the advancement of Main Street and Elm Street programs, the appropriate expansion of public services, and the preparation of comprehensive plans and resulting zoning and development ordinances. ELA is adept at working with multiple stakeholders to accomplish these tasks.

Affordable Housing and Industrial/Commercial and Institutional Development

• Affordable housing has become a pressing need in the region. Due to demands caused by the industry’s workforce, many longtime residents of the region have had to seek alternative housing because of the increased demand for and higher-cost of housing. Industrial/commercial and institutional development needs are also on the rise. The gas industry requires office space and storage yards, quarry materials and water supply. Ancillary demands include opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Furthermore, with the influx of industry workers comes the need for schools, houses of worship, and senior living communities for related family members.

While these types of development are all familiar to ELA Group, Inc., we are also aware of and equipped to address the sustainability of this development activity long after the Marcellus Shale Gas industry has reached its zenith. Whether it is in the development of new mixed-use communities themselves or in the creation of ordinances that enable such development, ELA Group, Inc. is capable of assisting the industry and the affected communities alike.

Related Websites:

On July 6, 2010 Governor Rendell signed The Pennsylvania Permit Extension Act, Act 46 of 2010 into law. The primary purpose of this Act is to grant the automatic extension of certain development permits and other approvals issued by state and local governments. This extension is meant to provide relief to builders and developers who, with current economic conditions, have been unable to proceed with development projects.

This Act has been looked upon both favorably and unfavorably depending on the sector of the industry that is impacated, public or private. Since the Act is relatively new, it is unclear how it will exactly be applied. If you need clarification of the implications regarding a specific project or procedure you should seek advice from your legal counsel. In the meantime, highlights of the Act include:

• Any expiration date for approvals by the Commonwealth, government agencies or municipalities that would have fallen between December 31, 2008 and July 2, 2013, whether they were approved before or after December 31, 2008, are automatically extended until July 2, 2013.


• Any permits issued during an "extension period" beginning December 31, 2008 and ending before July 2, 2013, will be automatically extended until July 2, 2013.

What this Act applies to:

• The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, including a subdivision or land development as defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code;


• The construction, reconstruction or demolition of a building or other structure;


• Site preparation, including grading, earth moving activities, clearance, excavation, landfill and moving, depositing or storing soil, rock or earth materials;


• A use or change in the use of a building or other structure or change in land use; and


• The right to convert convertible real estate or withdraw able real estate pursuant to 68 Pa. C.S. Pt. II Supt. B (relating to condominiums) or 68 Pa. C.S. Pt. II Subpt. D (relating to planned communities).

What this Act does not apply to:

• Approvals issued to comply with Federal law, which includes National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits;


• Administrative consent order or other enforcement action relating to an approval that is subject to the Extension Period;


• Approval or benefit under the Keystone Opportunity Zone, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone and Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone Act;


• PA One-Call determination or response pursuant to the Underground Utility Line Protection Law;


• Approvals issued by Penn DOT, except for highway occupancy permits upon submission of an application throughout the Extension Period for one-year intervals, subject to modifications based on changed circumstances; and


• Approvals issued by PA DEP in connection with discharges to surface waters or wetlands classified as “high-quality waters” or “exceptional value waters” during construction activities.

For additional information on this Act, please visit the following websites:

Based on this previous evaluation, ELA has worked with the Lancaster County Transportation Committee to design the traffic signal timing and coordination plans for four of the above corridors and the work has been successfully completed. The improved corridors include: Lititz Pike, Centerville Road, Rohrerstown Road, and Columbia Avenue.

Improvements to these four corridors include:

• Timing adjustments to traffic signals


• Replacing traffic signal equipment, making all intersections compatible with each other


• Enabling communications between each master controller and the main computer

These improvements yield a state-of-the-art “closed-loop” Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) operation, the benefits of which include:

• Two-way communication between each intersection, the main computer, and ITS operator


• Real-time data transfer between the intersection and on-street controllers that can be analyzed to determine if the traffic signals are operating at optimal conditions


• Complete ability of the ITS operator to upload and download information to each intersection or on-street master controller in order to improve the ITS operation in real-time

Instituting ITS operation improvements (by updating traffic signal timing and coordination plans and interconnecting and coordinating traffic signals) is the most cost-effective method of addressing traffic congestion. ITS operation improvements are also far less costly and disruptive than adding travel lanes. Meanwhile, the benefits of improved systems operation include lessened travel times, reduced delays and stoppages, increased fuel mileage, improved air quality, and decreased driver frustration.

Based on the proven success of the above corridor improvements, ELA is beginning to design the improvements to the other five corridors, improvements that will be similar to those in the first four.

Meanwhile, ELA has also completed several similar projects for:

• Lancaster City (Lancaster County, PA): retiming all 90 traffic signals in the City and replacing 20-miles of interconnect wire with fiber-optic communications cable


• Route 30 Corridor (East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, PA): retiming 13 intersections (with 4 different time-of-day timing plans) and replacing all intersection controllers


• Lititz Borough (Lancaster County, PA): retiming 8 traffic signals (with 5 different time-of-day timing plans) and replacing all intersection controllers


• Ephrata Borough (Lancaster County, PA): retiming 20 traffic signals (with 5 different time-of-day timing plans) and replacing all intersection controllerss


• Route 61 (Leesport, Berks County, PA): installing 2 new traffic signals, updating 3 traffic signals, and coordinating the timing of all 5 traffic signals

If your municipality has congestion issues, they could be addressed in a similar fashion by traffic signal retiming, interconnection and/or coordination. Our experienced traffic department can fulfill all aspects of a traffic signalization project from determining the need for a new traffic signal, to retiming, interconnection, coordination, analysis, implementation and follow-up observation. Please call ELA Group at 717.626.7271 or email Doug Plank Director of Transportation Services, for more information.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) also known as intelligent vehicle highway systems, utilize advanced and emerging technology in such fields as computer technology, information technology, electronic communication and control, artificial intelligence, and electronics. Innovations in traveler information, traffic management, and vehicle control can make possible changes in the way that highway systems and vehicles interact. ITS utitlize synergistic technologies and systems engineering concepts to develop and improve transportation systems of all kinds.

Here are some useful Traffic Signal/Intelligent Transportation Systems links:

• Institute of Transportation Engineers -- ITE Traffic signal retiming
• Benefits of Retiming Traffic Signals
• FHWA Announces Video Telling Benefits of Traffic Signal Retiming
• Benefits of Retiming Traffic Signals
• Managing Traffic Flow Through Signals
• Intelligent Transportation Systems Independent group focusing on all aspects of intelligent transportation systems sponsored by the US Department of Transportation.
• Intelligent Transportation Society of America Advocacy group for intelligent transportation systems. Site has news releases, membership information, and descriptions of activities.