Usage of GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) In Construction Industry

1. Usage of GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) In Construction Industry Ground penetrating radar is one of the most important types of equipment used in the construction industry because it lets operators find underground objects and materials that may be accidentally destroyed or become potentially dangerous or damaging during an excavation project. GPR can find those underground objects in real-time, even when they are non-metallic or in multi-layer pavement systems. For concrete cutting and penetration work high frequency concrete GPR is used to locate conduits within the concrete, rebar, post tension cables, and other items that may be hazardous or costly when accidentally damaged or cut. GPR is considered useful in the construction industry because it is a non-destructive means to find those objects safely and quickly. The current technology used in ground penetrating radar makes it possible to evaluate a concrete slab quickly and cost-effectively. GPR can scan larger areas of concrete in a single passing motion and create a 2D slice, or pseudo 3D with multiple scans. This testing method is considered one of the safest because it emits very minimal radiation, no more than a mobile phone. Variations in subsurface will generate signal reflections, which will be picked up by the GPR’s system to be saved on digital media. Reflections can be produced by different materials like pipes, wires, and geological differences. The most advanced ground penetrating radar is designed for the non-destructive and safe evaluation of concrete. The technology enables fast on-site imaging for coring, cutting, drilling, and characterisation of concrete slabs without or with minimal design drawings. Radio waves are emitted to find objects of various dielectric constant. Hence, materials like filling, metals, and plastics can be detected, as well as gas pipes, power cables, conduits, rebar, and water pipes. Using a GPR is easier and yields faster, more accurate results. GPR can scan post tensioned and Bondek concrete slabs, too. Operators of ground penetrating radar for construction will find the equipment easy to use for on- site testing and findings. Concrete can be analysed at depths of up to 400-500mm. The simple system requires only one operator, and the scans can be accomplished in reconnaissance mode, which is useful when determining the concrete slab profile. Scans may be completed along a set of grid lines to form 3D models as well.