What Is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?

27 October 2017

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Time and time again we hear people confuse GPR with GPS. While they do share a couple letters, they are completely different.

We want to help clear up some confusions and give some general insight into what GPR is. Let’s begin with answering the question: What does GPR stand for? Ground Penetrating Radar .

What is Ground Penetrating Radar?

GPR is a common term in the geological and archeological industries, however, GPR systems are now being used in the concrete industries as well. As portable and easy to use tools, GPR is perfect for locating buried objects in a timely fashion. Radar waves are transmitted by high-frequency antennas to detect obstacles hidden to the naked eye. This tool is extremely valuable to our team because it can do a nearly impossible job. By measuring slab thickness and identifying embedded objects, our team is able to move quickly and efficiently to remove or locate materials that would hinder our  concrete sawing and removal tools .

Depending on the quality and the age of the concrete, scanning depth is generally 18” or deeper. GPR can detect rebar, conduits, pipes, or other dangerous material. Not only can GPR be used for locating material beneath concrete, it is used to determine the location of utility lines, buried tanks, and drums.

FAQs

  • What is the depth limit of a gpr system?

    As mentioned above, the GPR systems can penetrate up to 18”thickness with both sides accessible by up to 36”. Of course, there are limitations to this system. Some specific limitations include: walls, rough or damaged surfaces, areas reinforced near columns, areas of pan-decking and a few other specific flooring materials.

  • How accurate is a ground penetrating radar (GPR)?

    The accuracy of this non-invasive technology is as precise as 1/4” laterally, and depth wise on the average is a 6”- 8” slab. This enormously cost-effective tool produces savings in construction, maintenance, engineering, and inspection costs. It is much safer than x-ray inspections because the high-frequency radar waves are similar to Wi-Fi or cellphone waves.

  • Where is GPR equipment made?

    Our GPR equipment is manufactured by one of the leading companies in the geophysical and archeological industries, Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. We ensure our team’s safety by using equipment that is approved by the FCC Declaration of Conformity.

  • Still have more questions about GPR systems?

    If you have more questions about our GPR system or how they can benefit your next concrete construction project, give us a call at one of our three Midwest locations. We look forward to working with you on your concrete needs.

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