Field Inspections
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) inspection services quickly and accurately locate cracks, objects, and other hazards in concrete structures and other mediums using safe radar capabilities before ground is broken.

Bridges, walls, dams, and all concrete structures are difficult to inspect due to their impenetrable qualities. Locating obstructions buried underneath the surface of concrete and other substances can prevent hazards and keep project operations from hitting roadblocks. Before cutting, drilling, or coring into a surface, it pays off to be aware of what lies beneath with MISTRAS’ Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) inspection services.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Inspection Services

MISTRAS’ state-of-the-art GPR inspection services efficiently locate buried obstructions in concrete structures before they become hazards in the onset of entering a surface.

This geophysical method uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This non-destructive testing (NDT) method deploys electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band (UHF/VHF frequencies) of the radio spectrum and detects the reflected signals from structures beneath the surface. GPR can detect objects, changes in material, and voids in a wide variety of mediums, including:

• Rock
• Soil
• Ice
• Pavements
• Structures

Before a construction project begins on a concrete structure, the technology is often used to inspect:

• Walls/Floors
• Tunnels
• Slabs for Voids
• Rebar/Cables
• Garages
• Balconies
• Dams

GPR Capabilities

Used as an alternative to radiographic testing (RT), GPR quickly, safely, and accurately locates obstructions within concrete structures up to two feet thick. The services provide real-time images, which can locate rebar, post-tension cables, electrical and fiber optic cables and conduits, as well as voids in concrete structures such as slab on grade and walls. In concrete and natural mediums, changes unseen from the surface can play a critical role in the work process. Slab thickness can also be measured, adding to the services’ effectiveness beyond initial imaging.

The readout displays the locations and depths of rebar and conduit within the inspected structure. Storage of hundreds of scans for later processing makes accessing the data at a later point seamless. The radar capabilities ensure work is performed without risk to the public, employees, or surrounding structures.

MISTRAS performs utility scanning with GPR capabilities. Utilizing an antennae, utility scanning detects objects up to 8 feet deep, like underground storage tanks, septic systems, and utility piping. Telecommunication equipment such as telephone, cable and fiber optics can be scanned.

Benefits of GPR Services

Although looking beyond the surface is often the first step of construction work, GPR’s advanced radar capabilities provide useful insights that benefit the entirety of project operations. The solution’s quick and easy application helps make ensuring safety an easy process. With versatile medium inspection, the solution can be applied to several projects and provide the critical insight needed to maintain asset integrity.