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Theory of GPR

When you need to locate rebar, cracks and voids, post-tension cables, or any obstructions within or beneath your concrete, ground penetrating radar offers an effective and non-intrusive solution. An excellent alternative to the traditional yet less reliable concrete x-ray method, GPR can be used in a wide variety of applications and offers real-time results and a detailed analysis of what lies beneath the surface so you can be confident before you begin concrete cutting.

How does ground penetrating radar work?

Ground penetrating radar utilizes radio waves to detect materials located beneath a concrete surface. A GPR system includes a transmitter, receiver, and central computer that acquires the data and manages the entire process. The transmitter first sends a radio wave signal into the material and the receiver listens for reflections, which indicates that the signal has met a material other than concrete, such as metal. When a material is hit, some radio waves travel deeper into the material while others are reflected back, which allows the receiver to determine the depth of the obstruction. Sometimes an object may not be detected if an inadequate amount of radar wave energy was returned to the receiver.

GPR is effective for depths up to 24”, but in many applications, it should only be used for depths of 14 to 16”. The depth of effective penetration depends on the type of material that is being analyzed as they absorb GPR waves at different rates. In addition, larger embedded objects are easier to locate because they reflect more energy so they can generally be determined at a deeper depth.

Concrete Visions – On the Cutting Edge of GPR Technology

Concrete Visions is a spin-off of G&M Services and we offer ground penetrating radar concrete scanning services throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. We have an excellent track record of success using GPR and our concrete scanning services are over 99% effective. For over 17 years, G&M Services have been offering concrete cutting, coring, and sawing services and are committed to ensuring that all of our employees remain at the cutting edge of innovative and effective practices. Our technicians are trained to respond to issues as they arise onsite so that they are able to meet the needs of each particular job. While our prices may not be the cheapest in the industry, we are committed to quality and safety so when you choose Concrete Visions for your ground penetrating radar concrete scanning services, you can trust that the job will be done with the utmost care.

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