Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a high-frequency electromagnetic method that GEOVision commonly applies to a number of engineering problems associated with both new and aging concrete structures.
A GPR system radiates short pulses of high-frequency EM energy into the ground from a transmitting antenna. This EM wave propagates in the ground at a velocity that is primarily a function of the relative dielectric permittivity of subsurface materials. When this wave encounters the interface of two materials having different dielectric properties, a portion of the energy is reflected back to the surface, where it is detected by a receiver antenna and transmitted to a control unit for processing and display.
Applications:
GEOVision geophysicists use GPR in concrete to:
- Map rebar position
- Determine depth of concrete over rebar
- Identify air/water filled voids in or behind concrete
- Determine concrete thickness
- Identify rock pockets within concrete
- Identify leak grouted voids
- Determine asphalt thickness
- Determine rebar corrosion/concrete condition
- Map and define conduits and utility cables within concrete structures