GPR Benefits
The Risks of Cutting into Concrete
1. Efficient Timelines
Coordinating project schedules and revising them due to the many influencing factors such as weather, availability of contractors, mechanical breakdowns, and unanticipated changes all have the ability to impact profitability.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and utility locating prior to initiating the project takes the guesswork out of what can potentially go wrong during an excavation or demolition. Avoiding cutting into, or digging up, what cannot be seen will ensure the integrity of the schedule, save unnecessary repair costs and safety concerns.
2. Avoid Costly Mistakes with Non-Destructive Testing
The temptation to rush into demolition if the schedule has been compromised is tempting. However, the risk of cutting into concrete or a wall without an evaluation can have serious implications.
Repairs to one severed conduit can start at $1,000. The ripple effect of additional delays, potential safety hazards and the repair itself can undermine the project timeline and your reputation.
GPR detects sub-surface utilities, steel, and voids all without disturbing the ground or structures.
3. GPR Versatility
GPR provides extensive information in both inside and outside of structures. These are examples of what kind of data GPR can provide:
- Rebar placement and concrete cover
- Locate electrical conduits and in-floor heating lines
- The depth dowelled into the adjoining slab
- Slab thickness
- Detect voids and cavitation under the slab
- Confirm and identify structural components embedded in concrete
- Pile and grade beam placement
Determine if cinder block walls are hollow or filled with concrete - Locate post-tension cables
- Detect hollows in pre-tensioned, pre-cast, hollow-core panels without removing the topping/carpet
4. Quality Assurance
The data collected through the GPR process can be provided in its raw form, or 2D and 3D images. The detailed digital maps can be printed or distributed electronically to team members, so everyone is aware of what is hidden at the project site. This information is useful for adjusting plans and schedules to meet the expected outcome of the project.
5. Safe Construction Site
The dangers of cutting into unseen utilities or supporting structures can have dire consequences that are avoidable. A GPR inspection provides the necessary information engineers, architects, building owners and project planners need to ensure a safe and successful work project.
