After the concrete structure is laid in place, it might occasionally need to be cut, drilled, or dug. Workers cannot start to dig or drill the concrete without understanding what lies inside it since pipes, cables, electrical wires, and steel reinforcements are usually installed before the concrete is laid. Thus, engineers and workers need to understand the exact location of these elements to avoid damaging them when drilling or cutting concrete. This is where the GPR technique comes in handy.
It uses radio waves to scan for objects inside the concrete and create their images. In this article, we will look at the top benefits of opting for the GPR technique in concrete scanning.
Why Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technique is essential in concrete scanning
– Non-destructive method
Unlike traditional techniques that involve breaking the concrete to identify defects or objects beneath, the GPR technique relies on radio waves to scan the concrete and create images of the exact position of the underlying objects.
– Fast and efficient
GPR technique takes a matter of minutes and the result is almost instant, allowing construction work to commence as scheduled. This is important if workers need to drill multiple sections of concrete within a given time without going beyond their deadlines.
– Accurate and Reliable
GPR provides accurate results that show the exact location of the underlying element. Also, it can detect different kinds of materials, including metal, plastics and voids.
– Cost-effective
It is cost-effective in the sense that it helps to prevent damage to the underlying utilities in the concrete. When such utilities suffer damage, it can take a lot of effort, time and cost to repair them, especially if you consider their hidden location. GPR also reduces project delays by providing accurate results in a short time so builders can proceed with their work. project delays are also known to increase the cost of the project.
– Versatile technology
The best ground penetrating radar technology is applied in various fields and not just buildings. They can be used in road inspections, bridge assessments and historical site evaluations. It is a flexible tool that works on different surfaces to give accurate and precise results.
– Environmental friendly
GPR technique does not emit any harmful chemicals or radiation that could harm the environment. It is an eco-friendly concrete scanning technique that does not cause pollution. Other techniques are known to emit harmful radiation that could harm the environment as well as nearby people and animals.
– Detects structural weaknesses
GPR is not only used to identify hidden objects but also to locate areas of weaknesses in concrete structures. Such areas are characterised by voids, cracks and fissures. It helps engineers assess the quality of concrete structures and take necessary preventive measures to avert future damages. A building that fails to pass concrete scanning tests is considered unsafe and the state may bring the whole operation to a halt.
In summary…
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a useful concrete scanning technique with versatile functionalities. It can help to detect hidden objects beneath the concrete as well as identify areas of weaknesses by checking for cracks and voids. GPR gives instant results to allow workers to continue with their projects and meet important deadlines. Lastly, the GPR technique is essential in providing accurate results with clear images of objects that are lying deep in the concrete.