When planning to drill or cut into concrete, the preparation period is crucial and should always begin by utilizing a ground penetrating radar (GPR).
A GPR survey can accurately gather and record data in a safe, non-invasive way, which the GPR technician can then use to layout the mechanical and structural components of the slab. How does the GPR work? Why is it so crucial? Before drilling in concrete, make sure you review this simple explanation of the history of pre-drilling techniques, what a GPR is, why utilizing GPR services is crucial (and the adverse effects of not using it), and how an excellent scanning job should be performed at a new jobsite.
Before the early 19 th century, most concrete workers didn’t have any comprehensive pre-drilling or sawing practices, and they wouldn’t have known the necessary precautions to take before making penetrations into concrete. GPR is an incredible geophysical technology, is a relatively recent creation that has grown in maturity over the past couple of decades. When Christian Hülsmeyer received the very first patent in radar technology in 1904, he probably never imagined what it would become. Initially, his system was used by others to find buried objects, the perfect tool to bring to a treasure hunt.
In 1929, the radar technology was implemented in scientific research, such as measuring the depth of glaciers. After WWII, it was drafted for military use. Using subsurface technology, scientific groups would intensely study the ground for tunnels. Finally, industrial services adopted the technology as well. At last, a comprehensive pre-drilling practice could be implemented.
Since 1970, GPR technology has been further used for archaeology, military purposes, and—of course—industrial scanning.
How does a GPR work? The name is fairly self-explanatory. Similar to a bat’s echolocation, ground penetrating radar utilizes a radio transmitting antenna to send high-frequency signals into the surface of the earth. These signals are then reflected off any obstacles in the ground, bouncing back to the GPR receiver, which then allows the scanning tech to interpret the raw data and mark the objects located in 2D form in real time on the structure itself.
GSSI , a high-quality GPR equipment provider, explains in detail how a ground penetrating radar system records signals: “The strength, or amplitude, of the reflection is determined by the contrast in the dielectric constants and conductivities of the two materials. This means that a pulse which moves from dry sand (dielectric of 5) to wet sand (dielectric of 30) will produce a very strong reflection, while moving from dry sand (5) to limestone (7) will produce a relatively weak reflection.”
With proper interpretation, these recorded signals show scanning technicians the location and depth of targets within the concrete. Subsequently, various GPR equipment is utilized, depending on the depth of the structure being surveyed. Scanning technicians can identify various potential conflicts, including post tension cables, conduit, rebar, beams and radiant heat lines.
Concrete core drilling is a specialized service offered by companies that know their way around cutting concrete. They use a concrete drill to pull out a chunk of concrete, also known as a core.
For concrete core drilling, the go-to tool is the diamond core drill. This tool comes in handy when you need to:
This setup ensures the drill hits the target dead-on, giving you a smooth core. Once the drill post is secure, the technician attaches the right drill bit based on what the client needs. With the bit in place, they fire up the drill. Water keeps things cool during drilling, and pressure on the crank gets the job done.
The core drill has a hand crank that moves the drill to the surface, cutting through the concrete. Once the surface is pierced, out comes the core with the bit.
GPR scanning is not infallible. However, utilizing it prior to drilling in concrete can reduce unnecessary costs, preserve time, and (quite literally) save lives. We understand this. Our team is dedicated to complete customer satisfaction—and the safe, responsible completion of concrete projects. At Cobra Concrete Cutting, we employ GPR services readily. Our scanning division efficiently and accurately scans a jobsite, utilizing GSSI equipment, in up to 16” thick concrete. Thicker slabs may be scanned from both sides if available. Ultimately, our mission is to revolutionize the concrete industry through a unique level of service and passion. We strive for excellence and safety. For more information, request a quote or give us a call!
We pride ourselves on our commitment to complete client satisfaction and safety, and we have the reputation and track record to prove it.
90 E. Marquardt
Wheeling, IL 60090
Phone:
773-775-1111
410 E. Lafayette
Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone:
309-585-4997
601 S. 93rd St.
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Phone:
414-800-6278
1910 23rd Ave
Rockford, IL 61104
Phone:
815-227-9275
Website imagined and executed by RivalMind.