Knowing what’s underground before you dig is essential for a variety of reasons. Along with improving the safety of your equipment, you’ll increase the safety of your team and reduce the chances of problems that can result in critical delays. If your equipment or personnel strike a hidden electrical line, water or sewer pipe, or even just unexpected materials, it can result in injury, death, broken equipment and a contaminated site. With the importance of checking clear, the next step is to identify what scanning method will be best for you; GPR or X-Ray.
Ground Penetrating Radar
Also known as GPR, this system uses a unique radar-based system to check what is underground with a straightforward process operated by a professional. To complete technicians will access one side of a slab or section of ground and will complete a scan of sections or the entirety of a site. The process is relatively quick, safe, and easy to use. It is also more cost effective. That said, it comes with its own disadvantages including that the results are not always precise and can be entirely subjective. Results can also be altered by electromagnetic signals, and understanding the results can be unclear, particularly if what is underground is complex.
X-Rays
When it comes to concrete scanning, X-rays can be more effective in a few ways. In general, the image quality of x-rays is easier to understand and is highly specific. There is no subjectivity, and you can know precisely what you’re getting into. On the other hand, X-rays come with several factors that can be detrimental. There is a risk of radiation and technicians must have specialized training to ensure that the process is handled safely. The process is also slower, more expensive, and limited to concrete that is 20” or less thick and accessible from both sides.
Concrete Cutting and Coring Services from Concrete Visions
Concrete Visions has over 12 years of experience and expertise in concrete scanning and we know how to detect any problems lurking beneath the surface. We use ground penetrating radar accurately and expertly and are familiar with many other methods that can be used when appropriate like concrete x-ray and electromagnetic conductivity. We are also very familiar with the latest construction safety techniques and train all of our workers to do their work quickly, accurately, and safely. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at (410) 766-2210 or visit us online. For more articles and tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.