Ground Penetrating Radar
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As of December 1, 2003, F&ME has acquired a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system. The system was designed and built
by Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI), the world leader in GPR technology for the last 30 years.
The GPR operates based on changes in electrical conduction properties. Different materials have different dielectric
values.
F&ME has obtained all four antennas currently available in the U.S. These are 1500, 900, 400, and 200 MHz.
In general, the lower the frequency, the deeper the penetration. F&ME has the ability to investigate from 0-0.5m using
the 1500 MHz antenna to 0-20m using the 200 MHz antenna.
Some of the many uses for GPR are Utility Locate,Concrete Structure, Inspection,
Historic Building renovation, Roadway QA/QC, Bridge Deck Evaluation, Archaeology, Forensics and Geophysics.
A primary use of the 1500 MHz antenna is the location of rebar,
conduit, or post tension cable in concrete slabs. StructureScan equipment and RADAN software enables F&ME to
accurately locate these features for coring.
The photograph here (left) shows actual rebar and overlapping conduit
prior to concrete placement.
This (left) is a traditional image of the two layers of
material using GPR.
This C-Scan image (left) from StructureScan allows the accurate location
of potential core holes to miss steel. The data can even be manipulated as a 3D image if desired or necessary.
The advantages of GPR over Radiography (X-Ray) for rebar location are lower set up time, access is only required
on one side of the slab, real time inspection results, and lower overall cost.
F&ME is currently using the equipment
to evaluate the bridge deck at the SC 170 bridge replacement project in Beaufort County.
For more information on how GPR can benefit your project, contact:
Jim Nehez
Geophysical Project Manager
F&ME Consultants
3112 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: (800) 741-4849 or email:
jim@fmecol.com
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