X-ray Versus GPR When Concrete Scanning

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GPR concrete scanning and digital X-ray imaging are two methods utilized in the construction industry. Both processes evaluate the integrity of the concrete structure as well as locate embedded features. This is a necessary step before concrete cutting, coring, or drilling.

concrete scanning and imaging with trinity subsurface before cutting, coring, or drillingi

Of the two methods, which is more effective? Is GPR or X-ray more efficient, safe, and accurate? Trinity Subsurface performs concrete scanning and imaging with GPR equipment. Ground penetrating radar can detect:

  1. Reinforcing steel locations
  2. Electrical conduits
  3. Post-tension cables
  4. Slab thickness and voids
  5. Non-metallic and metallic utilities
  6. Subsurface pipes

The technology of the ground penetrating radar equipment is significantly safer for all workers on a construction site than X-ray imaging. The typical power output of a GPR antenna is less than a cell phone. X-ray equipment is a known health risk due to radiation exposure. Companies that provide X-ray imaging services must ensure safety by clearing all workers from a large area around their X-ray location.

GPR scanning demonstrates several other advantages in addition to worker safety. This includes:

  1. Immediate scan results: GPR equipment processes subsurface images in real-time.
  2. Silent equipment on site: Ground penetrating radar operates quietly.
  3. Highly efficient: Field employees can map large scopes with ease. GPR equipment is transportable and stores large quantities of underground map images.
  4. 3D reporting: GPR is more suitable for scanning slab-grade concrete structures. Leveraging Proseq equipment, receive concrete scan reports with augmented reality of subsurface features.

gpr scanning on conrete features

X-ray imaging relies heavily on technical interpretation to locate and identify structures within concrete. Although X-raying remains a viable and accurate testing method for marking objects embedded in concrete, the most cost-effective and safest option is GPR equipment. Trinity Subsurface, LLC provides GPR concrete imaging, a non-destructive concrete assessment method, to best meet the needs of its clients.

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