Concrete Scanning and GPR from ScanMan

Before starting any type of construction work it is mandatory to inspect the underground environment to locate utilities, electrical conduits, and other metallic and non-metallic pipes. For this purpose, construction companies employ electromagnetic detectors, radiography, and ground penetrating radar systems. These systems can effectively identity troublesome areas and points of leakage and voids within the ground. When the utilities have been located, they are mapped using global positioning systems and geographical information systems.

GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) is one of the highly utilized concrete scanning tools that examine the ground and detect any objects present under it. GPR is a high tech machine that scans a large area in a matter of minutes. As opposed to traditional radiography techniques that require the use of a film, GPR locates the buried objects easily and records results in a digital form. GPR is also used for bedrock investigations, underground storage tank detection and void detection. It was pioneered by GSSI over 35 years ago, and is mostly used for utility locating, concrete scanning, and road inspection.

In addition to these, construction companies use radar systems to inspect reinforcing bars in concrete. The system generates a magnetic field around the surface and detects any changes which are then recorded on the instrument meter. All types of magnetic material can be inspected using this equipment including ferromagnetic objects.

A GPR system is composed of three main parts; a control unit, antenna, and power supply. In addition to normal 110-volt current, the radar system can also be operated on rechargeable batteries. Because of this, it is a portable system and therefore a preferred choice of many contractors all over the world. The system comes with a built-in computer and hard disk for recording digital data. Antenna frequency determines the depth of inspection at a particular location.

Ground Penetrating Radar sends a series of electrical pulses into a material and records the time and the strength it takes for the pulse to reflect back. A complete scan is composed of many single pulses penetrated into the same area. It is recommended not to conduct a radar survey over an area which is entirely composed of standing water. Antenna frequency and depth penetration of a particular GPR system determine its appropriate application. For example, for a depth of 0-12 feet, a primary antenna choice of 400 MHz, and secondary antenna choice of 200 MHz, the system is appropriate for shallow geology, utility detection, and archeology.

GPR system is an effective tool to inspect concrete before drilling or cutting. It is not only reliable but is also a non-disruptive machine. It can easily be used through ice and water. GPR can scan thousands of square feet in a single day. It can be used without evacuating the construction site as it is quite safe and does not pose any health risks.