A ground penetrating radar (GPR) device is used to scan concrete.
Hello and welcome to Concrete Visions’ new blog! Each week we will be using this space to discuss different topics related to concrete scanning, utility location, roadway inspection, concrete cutting and coring, as well as workplace safety. But first, we need to introduce ourselves and go over some of the basics of what we do.
Concrete Visions, LLC is a part of G&M Services, LLC. By pairing the two services we are able to offer our customers a one-stop shop for concrete scanning, sawing and drilling, and firestop needs. We have over a dozen years of experience serving Baltimore, Washington D.C., and the greater Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania areas.
At the heart of Concrete Visions are our concrete scanning services. There are a few methods used to scan concrete for different issues including ground penetrating radar, concrete x-ray, and electromagnetic conductivity. First, we’ll take a look at how these different methods work and we’ll compare them. Then, we are going to touch on some of the services we offer. Finally, we will give you a few different ways to contact us for a quote. Let’s get to it!
How Does Concrete Scanning Work?
There are two types of concrete scanning, ground penetrating radar and concrete x-ray. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is the more common of the two techniques because it is far more reliable and safer than concrete x-ray. In a concrete application, GPR is used identify rebar, holes, cracks, post-tension cable, and other potential issues. It works by using a transmitter that sends a high-frequency radio signal into the area being scanned. A receiver measures how long it takes for the signal to return to determine the depth and location of an object. GPR is extremely accurate and gives you a 3D image of the area that offers a more detailed analysis than concrete x-ray. In 2010, Concrete Visions completed 6,800 concrete scans with only seven incidents reported.
Similarly, concrete x-ray provides high-quality images, but there are a few barriers that make concrete x-ray less desirable for most jobs. For starters, it gives off harmful radiation, so any building scanned needs to be entirely evacuated before scanning begins. Technicians using this technology must be specifically trained to use it safely. Second, you need to be able to access both sides of the concrete being scanned in order to receive a complete picture. These obstacles make concrete x-ray less effective than GPR, but there are two reasons why your job may require concrete x-ray.
When Should You Use Concrete X-Ray?
In some cases, concrete can be too thick for GPR or there is so much rebar the signal is unable to penetrate. For these handful of situations, Concrete Visions employs the use of concrete x-ray.
Utility locating
Using drawings that may or may not be accurate to locate utilities underground isn’t the most effective way to do it. Instead, GPR and electromagnetic conductivity are more reliable methods for identifying and mapping underground utilities. Sandy soil is the best for GPR, as clay is too heavy for the frequency to penetrate. If this is the case with your utility locating job, we use electromagnetic conductivity tools to analyze the conductivity of the soil and are able to perceive metal utilities buried below. These tools can show an accurate analysis of deeply located metal utilities.
Tank and drum locating
If you have a project that requires digging in an area where there may be a tank or drum, GPR can help supply you with the knowledge you need to avoid the possibility of an expensive environmental cleanup. This is especially relevant to new landowners who may not be familiar with the property’s history. It’s always better to have the information you need before deciding to purchase land, or build on property you already own but aren’t sure about.
Bridge Deck Inspection
Traditionally, auditory inspection techniques are used to determine the condition of a bridge deck. These are subject to an operator’s interpretation, and therefore are not as reliable as GPR. Using ground penetrating radar to assess the state of a bridge deck does not require the removal of any existing asphalt, and doesn’t necessitate lane closures.
Roadway Inspection
Roadway inspection is a vital part of any roadway work. Before work begins, GPR is used to provide a thorough inspection and analysis of the pavement’s condition. Once the work is completed, a GPR scan can confirm the work has been done without compromising the integrity of the roadway or creating voids that could possibly become sinkholes.
We Take Safety Seriously
Our commitment to safety is present in everything we do here at Concrete Visions. As part of this mission, we offer our employees a variety of training opportunities such as monthly safety meetings, training on accident prevention, and weekly toolbox talks where we share safety tips on best practices and using equipment safely. We are proud to have two in-house Occupational Safety and Health Administration Authorized Trainers of staff to help educate employees on the importance of workplace safety.
Choose Concrete Visions for All Your GPR and Concrete Scanning Needs!
With over 12 years of experience in concrete scanning, Concrete Visions knows how to best serve its client. We are well versed in ground penetrating radar, and understand that in some cases other methods need to be dispatched. Whether it’s the use of concrete x-ray or electromagnetic conductivity, we have the knowledge, skill, and tools to complete the job. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, or would like to request a quote, please contact us.
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