Is GPR (ground-penetrating radar) more expensive than X-ray scanning?
No, and actually GPR is a lot cheaper than X-ray because radar gives a much faster result. There is no time wasted on film development, and the penetration/hole can be moved or rescanned immediately.
Can GPR tell you the difference between rebar, conduit, and cables?
Absolutely, and we have been doing so for clients as long as we have been in business (since 2000).
Can GPR measure rebar size?
Yes, plus or minus by as much as a half inch.
What kinds of results can I expect?
- For most of our projects, we directly mark the concrete to indicate safe areas to perform the work (i.e., cutting, drilling, etc.).
- After computer processing, drawings can be produced along with dimensions of the scanned area.
- The highest level of reporting provides a 3-D view of the scanned area.
- We can also take digital pictures of our scans and email them directly to an engineer/building owner for approval of the drilling locations.
Does GPR pose any health risk, or any threat of interference with radio frequency or electronic equipment?
No, it doesn’t. In fact, the radiated power from GPR is a small fraction of that emitted by a cell phone. And because we don’t have to worry about such hazards, we can do our work without interference to the ongoing business/operations around us.
What if there is carpeting, hardwood floors, tile, or stone over the concrete?
No problem. GPR will scan through any kind of floor covering except fine wire mesh below floor tile, unless there is more than a 1/2″ air gap between the floor covering and the concrete (rigid insulation or foam, thick carpet padding, etc.).
What if there is pan deck underneath the slab?
GPR will show a normal profile through the slab. It will detect the metal underneath but it will not penetrate it.
What if we have a metal pan deck?
We will not be able to see the conduit in the deep part of the pan due to the reflection of the metal.