Ground Penetrating Radar or GPR uses a high frequency radio signal that gets sent into the ground, and it will be returned to the receiver to store the information received. It works based on the pulse being sent into the ground and how long it takes to travel to and from the target. That will look at the depth and the location of the target. When the pulse hits a target, the signal will be reflected and as a result, it will be displayed on the LCD panel. What are some of the applications for ground penetrating radar?
Utility Mapping
In some cases, people have used GPR to locate and map out utilities in the area. Because of its capability to find both metallic and non-metallic utilities, Ground penetrating radar has become an invaluable tool for excavating utilities. Because the GPR system will map out both the positioning and the depth of the site, you can see things much easier. It will also be marked and visualized with a 3D report. The key advantage of using ground penetrating radar for utilities is that it will find both metallic and the non-metallic utilities. It works fast, and you have a portable system with a precise locator. It is a low-cost solution that gives you an easier locator for finding utilities.
Void Detection
A void that has been buried is a hazard to both the general public and engineers. Not only can it bring construction to a grinding halt, it can also undermine the foundation of your building and cause destructive ground subsidence. Some of the problems commonly found with voids include:
- Sinkholes
- Naturally Formed Cavities
- Abandoned Wells and Mineshafts
- Basements and Culverts
Each of these things pose a serious hazard, and with void detection from a GPR system, you can identify the problem before you start a construction projects. The key advantages of void detection include portability, low cost, fast to use, easy user interface and it is a non-destructive solution. Using ground penetrating radar, our experienced team of professionals has the ability to identify underground storage tanks, piping and this non-destructive survey has the ability to locate the depth of a former tank fault.
Looking at Underground Tunnels
Using state of the art GPR equipment, we have capabilities of looking at the quality deterioration inside and above the tunnel. That becomes useful information related to safety inside a tunnel, and it is a highly effective tool. Ground penetrating radar can identify the hidden construction shafts, condition of the lining and the voids can made into a more safe and cost effective solution. Radar has become one of the most well-established techniques for rapid data acquisition. With the technology, you can investigate tunnels, masonry tunnel lining and concrete tunnel lining with confidence because the Concrete Imaging System lets you scan the data safely and present the information in real-time.
Locating Post-Tension Cable, Electrical Conduits and Rebars
GPR has quickly located post tension cables, electrical conduits that have been embedded in concrete and rebar. Ground Penetrating Radar virtually eliminates the danger of having to cut and drill into concrete, and it avoids the high cost of repairs when the concrete has been cut or damaged. GPR has also been an effective tool for detecting an embedded rebar within the concrete flooring and walls of a structure. With GPR, you can locate the depth, and find utility cables and water lines. The key advantage with GPR is that it has become a valuable tool for commercial construction, and it provides workers with greater safety, and it is non-destructive when detecting the hidden elements located within the concrete. Prior to cutting or drilling, you can minimize the risk of electrocution, and you lower the possibility of a building system shutdown.
Slab Thickness Measurement
Using GPR, you can record the slab thickness for both suspended slabs and slab on-grade. With this technology, you can determine the rebar depth, which will help you to measure the concrete cover of beams, slabs and columns. People have taken a liking to using GPR because it disrupts less than x-rays, and you can use the equipment around people without setup requirements or safety constraints. Using the features of this technology, you can eliminate the interruptions that can impede progress on a project.
Environmental Investigation
One of the interesting ways that GPR has been used is to give an environmental assessment. For example, you can look at the soils and the potential for contamination. With GPR, you can scan a large area of soil to detect the different sediment layers.
These are only some of the applications that can be used with GPR. If you have a project that requires GPR, contact Wood Inspection Services Inc. We provide state-of-the-art services in North Texas, and we also specialize in underground storage location, cemetery mapping and archaeological site assessments.