Cobra Concrete is a full-service ground penetrating radar (GPR) and utility locating provider in the Chicagoland area.
Our scanning division provides services to contractors of various fields such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC, demolition, and general contractors. When Cobra arrives at your jobsite, you can expect a knowledgeable technician that will take multiple factors into consideration while marking/clearing areas for your company’s sawing and/or drilling needs.
WHAT IS GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR)?
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used in the geological and archeological industries since 1970. Today’s GPR scanning applications frequently call for locating objects through concrete and asphalt as well as beneath soil.
The portability and ease of operation of modern GPR systems allows the technician to easily move around a jobsite and to record a large amount of data in a short period of time. Through the use of radar waves transmitted by high frequency antennas we are able to interpret the data gathered by our equipment to locate many embedded objects, as well as measure slab thickness. Scanning depth for concrete is typically 18” or more, depending on the age and quality of the concrete. Objects in concrete include rebar, conduits, pipes, etc.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can also be used for soil applications. The scanning depth can vary greatly depending on the type of antenna used. The common uses for such scans are to locate such items as utility lines and buried tanks and drums. This accurate, non–invasive technology is producing enormous savings in construction, engineering, and maintenance.
Click on a service below to learn more:
concrete scanning
Inspection of subsurface prior to cutting including rebar, mesh, beams, post-tension cables, etc.
LOCATING UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
Locating buried lines such as plumbing, sewer, water, natural gas, electric, etc.
BRIDGE DECK INSPECTION
Accurately map the concrete cover on the deck to help isolate where the concrete has been comprised.
FAQs
A compilation of our most frequently asked questions pertaining to GPR services.
The antennas Cobra use can penetrate up to 18″ thick concrete on applications with both sides accessible by up to 36″
Absolutely. Much like ultrasound, the signals are very high frequency not unlike those of Wi-Fi or cellphones. The equipment is FCC approved and deemed safe for the operator and all persons nearby. It is much safer AND cost effective than X-ray inspections.
On an average 6″ – 8″ slab on grade inspection, targets were located within 1/4″ of their markings laterally and within 1/4″ of their depth estimations. Markings are made as bold and clear as possible unless finished surfaces do not allow. If that is the case, other means are used such as masking tape, pencil, etc.
Yes, there are some issues that can prevent effective collection of GPR data including: accessibility (physical obstructions in area such as walls) rough or damaged surfaces, heavily reinforced pours common near columns, delaminated concrete, unlike materials such as foam roofing, wood flooring, some terrazzo topped surfaces installed using a wire mesh and lightweight concrete pours. Lower (trough) areas of pan-decking can also be trouble spots as triangulation of steel in these areas can conceal other metallic objects in those low spots.
Cobra scanning division uses cutting edge equipment manufactured by a leader in geophysical and archeological inspection and testing equipment, Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI)
Cobra offers 24-Hour emergency services and scheduling for all our customers.
Please call our Scanning Division at 773.775.1111 for any questions
Always on the cutting edge, our services make it easy for our customers to come to one place for all of their project needs. We pride ourselves on our commitment to complete client satisfaction and safety, and we have the reputation & track record to prove it. We truly are “Cutting the Industry Out of the Stone Age”.
Our Services
Concrete Sawing & Drilling
We offer the latest tools and technology for core drilling, slab sawing, wall sawing, wire sawing, handheld sawing, interior grinding and chain sawing.
Breaking, Removal, & Patching
We offer robotic demolition, skid steer services, and indoor electrical excavation for breaking and removal, along with concrete patching and pour backs, once the excavation has been completed.
Ground Penetrating RADAR
Our Scanning Division provides our customers with the latest GPR technology in concrete scanning, locating underground utility and bridge and deck inspection.
24-Hour Service
We offer 24-hour service and immediate response times to provide our customers the highest level of service.