Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): What It is and why It is Important

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is vitally important for locating objects underground. Our GPR technology pinpoints the exact locations of items through concrete, asphalt and even below soil.

Contemporary GPR systems empower technicians to move across an entire job site while recording massive amounts of data in surprisingly little time. The technology makes use of radar waves sent by high frequency antennas. The collected data is interpreted by our team in order to pinpoint the exact locations of embedded objects within the ground.

Our scanning division team provides GPR services to contractors across an array of fields. Examples of clients include general contractors, plumbers, electricians and heating and cooling specialists. Have our expert technicians visit your job site and we will review an array of factors. We mark and clear areas in a precise manner to ameliorate clients’ drilling and/or sawing activities. Examples of objects commonly found in concrete include pipes, conduits and rebar.

We also use GPR for soil applications. Scans are commonly performed to find out exactly where objects and items like buried drums, tanks and utility lines are positioned. The beauty of using GPR is that it is incredibly accurate and does not disrupt the concrete/soil. The end result is a considerable savings in terms of construction, engineering and maintenance costs in the short-term as well as the long-term.

All sorts of professionals tap into the power of our GPR to determine if a particular section of concrete has embedded rebar, electrical conduits, post tension cables metal pipes, or PVC pipes buried within slabs of concrete. This is the vitally important inspection of the subsurface necessary to ensure cutting, coring and other actions can be performed in full confidence. The technology is also used to map concrete over bridge decks to figure out which portions of the concrete have deteriorated due to rebar corrosion. Such compromised sections pose all sorts of massive problems. We can also use GPR to accurately measure the thickness of slabs. This technology’s extensive scanning depth varies based on the style of antenna in use along with the concrete’s quality and age. In most instances, the scanning depth for concrete spaces is usually 18” or more.

The GPR process involves three steps: assessment, scanning and analysis. The initial assessment surveys the work space with a walk-through to determine if limiting factor are present. The scanning phase puts GPR technologies to use to identify the locations of embedded objects. This is performed with electromagnetic wands and transmitters. The analysis portion of the process marks sub-surface objects. We take photos and mark a real-time layout on the surface. Our team discusses reporting requirements with the client and even provides a highly detailed three-dimensional post-inspection model.

If you are on the prowl for a full service ground penetrating radar provider, a company to locate utilities or a concrete sawing/drilling contractor, look no further. We even offer concrete breaking and removal services. Contact us today to learn more about our services and obtain a quote.