What is GPR Scanning?

Before starting a construction project, it's important to ascertain what is contained within the concrete structure to ensure critical items embedded within the concrete remain undisturbed.

GPR Scanning also known as Ground Penetrating Radar, or slab scanning refers to the use of equipment that sends electromagnetic waves into the surface being scanned in order to identify variations within the materials which are then deciphered to determine what they represent.

The data can be collected in simple line scans to determine the thickness of concrete or in a grid format which will produce a map of any targets located in the concrete.

The results are recorded on the surface as well as being able to be used to generate a detailed report for further analysis and assessment. Decisions are then made to determine where penetration are able to be made safely.

The portability of modern GPR scanning equipment allows for a large amount of data to be recorded in a short period of time thereby producing enormous savings in construction, engineering, and maintenance costs by preventing the unwanted or unexpected disturbance or damage to identified items embedded within the scanned surface.

Concrete GPR Scanning Applications

• Determine location of rebar (reinforcement bars), steel beams, post tension cables
• Assist to verify slab thickness
• Assist in achieving a safe work area for sawing / drilling to commence
• Detailed reports relating to findings are also available on request
• Locate electrical conduits, voids, fibre optic cables, etc within structures

Benefits Associated with GPR Scanning

Concrete GPR scanning represents a real-time non-destructive testing technique that allows for the rapid location of services and other items embedded in the surface being scanned. Items that are able to be located include post tension cables, rebar, electrical conduits, and other voids.

Knowing the location of these items prior to disturbance by way of concrete sawing and drilling or other methods avoids costly repairs as well as eliminating the dangers associated with striking a live service.

GPR Concrete scanning performed prior to penetrating the surface reduces the chance for expensive downtime or setbacks due to structure damage or damage to services.

The portability and ease of operation allows the operator to move easily about the job site and record a large amount of data in a short period of time.

With limited downtime, ability to avoid structure or utility damage, or possible injury, GPR is a cost-effective solution for identifying subsurface objects and potential problem areas. 

Service Locating

 

Utility Locating with Ground Penetrating Radar

Utility locating / scanning is a two-step process, employing both Radio Detection and GPR. Our goal is to identify the type and location of these utilities in order to prevent damage to them and the surrounding environment as well as protect workers on the job site. To provide the most comprehensive picture of existing utility lines at your job site, our utility locating services should be used in conjunction with your state's one-call utility detection agency as well as any other utility data in your possession.

Service Locating - Electrical Services embedded within concrete surface

Knowing the location of electrical conduits is essential for preventing safety risks, power outages, and expensive damages. Scanning for services using a service locator prior to penetrating the surface via either concrete cutting or drilling allows clients to avoid live conduits and to penetrate safely into concrete surface.