What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive geophysical method that produces a continuous cross-sectional profile or record of subsurface features, without drilling, probing, or digging. The GPR cross-section shows the ground surface at the top of the profile, and the reflections of subsurface geologic units and objects to a certain depth at the bottom. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profiles are used for evaluating the location and depth of subsurface items specifically in the utility and construction industries to plan for the building, locate utilities, and investigate the presence and continuity of natural subsurface conditions and features.

Infraspect, Infrastructure Preservation Company reconfigured a standard ground-penetrating radar unit and modified the software to look for deterioration and defects in road surfaces, highways and bridge decks. The precision tuning allows Infraspect to determine voids and locate delamination and de-bonding of concrete that can lead to rapid deterioration of highways and bridges.

Infraspect’s inspection methods locate problem areas that need to be attended to by the asset manager. Our proprietary inspection reports help the engineering firm pinpoint the areas of concern and prove the urgency of a required repair to the Department of Transportation or the asset owner

Ground penetrating radar

Infraspect’s (Infraspect) GPR process can quickly create a more efficient type of data collection in addition to the reduction of disruption drives significant benefits, both in the form of reduced inspection costs as well as the increased precision in locating areas of concern, helping to determine load rates, deterioration, delamination, etc.

One alternative to Infraspect’s method and one that improves precision would be to employ a jackhammer, or in the case of bridge decks using traditional chain dragging – these techniques cannot exactly be called “non-destructive”. and in fact add to the deterioration of the structure being tested.

A Brief Overview of How GPR Works

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive geophysical testing method that produces a continuous cross-sectional profile or record of subsurface features using radar and without digging, probing, or drilling (destructive testing methods). The GPR cross-section shows the ground surface at the top of the profile, and the reflections of subsurface geologic units and objects going to a certain depth at the bottom of the image.

The ground-penetrating radar sends a radar pulse into the ground. A part of the penetrating wave is reflected by interference or objects with a variety of dielectric properties different from that of those surrounding it. These reflections are converted into electrical signals. The recorded reflections can be analyzed in terms of shape, travel time, and signal amplitude to provide information about the size, depth, and properties in relation to the material object. With Infraspect interpretation software, this enables a good identification of reinforcing bars (rebar), the thickness of the slab, asphalt-concrete overlay, prestressing cables, cable ducts, zones of varying moisture content and thickness of slabs, different concrete, plastic spacers, and a very good assessment of large voids and delamination in concrete.

Ground penetrating radar

To simplify, Ground Penetrating Radar is a type of non-destructive testing that sends a tiny pulse of energy into a material and records the time and strength that is required for the return of that reflected signal. A scan or a series of pulses over a single area will produce a reflection of the dielectric properties of the material it leaves. In other words, it will produce a different signal from wet sand that has a dielectric of 30 to limestone that has a dielectric of 7. The software interprets the signal creating a type of underground mapping that through Infraspect’s software can show problem areas that need immediate attention as well as help assess deterioration over time.

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profiles are used for evaluating the location and depth of buried objects, frequently used to locate underground utilities and to investigate the presence and continuity of natural subsurface conditions and features.

In many countries around the world, NDT is required by law prior to coring and cutting in concrete as well as for Quality Control of new structures. The detailed real-time data and the high display resolution allow the development of accurate structural profiles capable of supporting critical technical decisions directly in the field.

Infraspect by reconfiguring the GPR’s software can provide detailed assessment reports that show early-stage deterioration and delamination. For more information go to https://infraspect.com or email info@infraspect.com.


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Infraspect

Infraspect is a complex bridge inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT), and robotic engineering company. Infraspect utilizes advanced non-destructive testing and robotic technology to produce condition assessment reports that determine the condition and deterioration of today’s infrastructure.

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