Concrete scanning

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. It is a non-intrusive method of surveying the sub-surface to investigate underground utilities such as concrete, asphalt, metals, pipes, cables or masonry. This nondestructivemethod uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band (UHF/VHF frequencies) of the radio spectrum, and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures. GPR can have applications in a variety of media, including rock, soil, ice, fresh water, pavements and structures. In the right conditions, practitioners can use GPR to detect subsurface objects, changes in material properties, and voids and cracks

Advantages of Using GPR

GPR is generally used for ground or concrete to detect utilities and avoid hitting them during digging or excavation. Although using an X-ray scanner is an option, GPR can produce better images.

However, that’s not the only benefit of using DPR, nor the only reason GPR is usually preferred over other possible methods. Some of the other advantages include:

Safety: Using GPR is considered much safer for those using the equipment than something like an X-ray scanner. Even though protective gear is required for an X-ray scanner, it’s still more of a safety risk than a ground-penetrating radar device. No extra safety precautions are required for GPR, and that’s a good enough reason right there to use this over an X-ray scanner.

Better Quality: Unlike X-ray scanning, GPR only needs to scan one side of a concrete slab to produce a clear scan. For the alternative, the only way to produce a scan is for the equipment to be able to see both sides of the slab. It also doesn’t matter how thick the slab is or how deep down the lines are located – GPR can detect them.

Effective and Efficient: Instead of waiting for scans to be printed and returned, you can have images in real-time. That makes GPR the better choice for jobs that require immediate utility location. Your job can keep moving forward without the lag time waiting for image development.