Concrete GPR Scanning & Locating
Concrete GPR Scanning & Locating
Concrete GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) scanning and locating is a non-destructive method used to detect and map objects embedded within concrete before drilling, coring, cutting, or demolition work is carried out.
What it can locate
GPR can identify:
- Reinforcing steel (rebar)
- Post-tension cables
- Electrical conduits
- PVC and metal pipes
- Voids or defects in concrete
- Slab thickness
- Embedded services and utilities
How it works
A technician moves a radar antenna across the concrete surface. The radar sends electromagnetic signals into the concrete and measures the reflections from objects below the surface. These reflections are then interpreted to determine the location and depth of embedded items.
Why it's important?
Before:
- Concrete cutting
- Core drilling
- Anchoring and fixing
- Demolition
- Structural modifications
GPR scanning helps prevent:
- Striking live electrical services
- Damaging post-tension cables
- Cutting structural reinforcement
- Costly repairs and project delays
- Worker injuries
Typical Applications
- Commercial buildings
- Hospitals
- Data centres
- Bridges
- Car parks
- Industrial facilities
- Infrastructure projects
Difference between scanning & locating
- Scanning refers to surveying the concrete with the GPR equipment.
- Locating refers to marking the detected objects on the surface so tradespeople know where it is safe to cut, drill, or demolish.
For example, if a contractor needs to core a 150 mm hole through a suspended concrete slab, a GPR technician would scan the area and mark the positions of rebar, conduits, and post-tension cables to identify a safe drilling location.
