Concrete scanning is among the most basic processes in the construction industry. What it all includes is an inspection of the concrete structure without destroying the structure. It tells you about where rebar, utility lines, voids, and other structural elements are. There are many different methods of concrete scanning.
GPR scanning is just one of them. In this post, we will look at how GPR scanning can help contractors before they cut concrete.
Applications of GPR Scanning
GPR scanning is a non-destructive method of concrete scanning. It uses ground-penetrating radar to accurately inspect concrete structures, measure slab thickness, and locate rebars, PT cables, conduits, and voids. The applications of GPR scanning include:
Void Detection
Ground-penetrating radar has the capability to detect metal, plastic, PVC, concrete, natural minerals, air pockets, voids, and other geological features. The void detection helps structural maintenance contractors analyze the section in the column, walls, and slabs where patchwork is required. Not just that, void detection assists in averting the fatal accident by telling the drilling contractor location of the voids; making openings to the concrete structure at weak places may even result in structural collapse also.
Locating Utilities
This is the major reason why most contractors hire GPR scanning services. GPR scanning allows you to locate rebars, PT cables, conduits, electrical lines, plumbing lines, and other utility lines. The reason why it is critical is, for example, if you accidentally hit a plumbing line, it would result in a major leak which can result in a massive repair that can cost hundreds of dollars.
Similarly, if you cut electrical lines, this can result in power outages that could cause a great deal of inconvenience and, in some cases, electrocution of workers also. Not just that, accidentally cutting the rebars can also put the structural stability at risk. Utilizing GPR technology, one can minimize the risk of damaging PT cables, electric wires, and other utility lines in the drilling process by revealing the exact location of the utilities.
Structural Analysis
The next major application of GPR scanning is it helps structural engineers in structural analysis. It tells you about the location of the rebars in the structure, spacing of the rebar, locations of internal cracks, and the presence of any foreign materials in the structure. These insights help structural engineers in planning maintenance and designing a schedule for work required to fix the structural issues.
So this is how GPR scanning can help you before you cut concrete. If you are looking for professional GPR concrete scanning services in Virginia, MD, or in neighboring states, you can contact us, Concrete Insight. We have been in the concrete scanning, testing, and drilling industry for the last 25 years.
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