What is GPR?
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an inspection method using radio waves to penetrate into pavement, soil or other materials. GPR has been used for several years, and recent advancements allow surveys to be performed at speeds up to 45 mph. This method is used for the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and nondestructive testing (NDT) of bridge decks, asphalt and concrete pavements, vertical concrete structures, and soil subsurface investigation. GPR can be utilized for conduit/utility detection, pavement (concrete and asphalt) thickness evaluation, air void detection surveys, concrete deterioration surveys, rebar mapping and rebar corrosion surveys.

GPR has been successfully used to perform high-speed pavement inspections, at speeds up to 45 mph, on existing and new structures. High-speed surveys require the use of two vehicle-mounted air-launched (horn) antennas, which orient perpendicular to each other approximately 20 inches above the roadway surface.

Superior data acquisition systems can achieve survey results at higher speeds than traditionally collected saving time and money on your project. Using the GSSI SIR-20 system with two 900 MHz (model 4108) antennas, Resource applies state of the art GPR equipment and analysis for roadway applications. Surveys are performed with multiple scans so that 100% complete structure coverage is obtained. Depending on the objective of the survey, an appropriate antenna(s) are selected to best obtain the desired information in an efficient and economic fashion.

Various applications of GPR include:

• Use of Ground Penetrating Radar for Quality Control Measurement on New Asphalt Overlays
• Evaluation of Stay-in-Place Metal Forms