To come up with an image of what lies beneath the ground, or buried in/under concrete or asphalt, Ground Penetrating Radar relies on the use of electromagnetic waves. This brilliant technology is capable of analyzing underground structures and the properties of dielectric materials.
The use of GPR for roads projects has made it easier for engineers to identify various objects that could pose threats to contractors, equipment and utilities. Below you will be able to find out more about the many advantages of non-intrusive GPR road inspection.
Non-destructive
The first and most important benefit of GPR road inspection is that it is non-destructive. To inspect the condition of road surfaces and the thickness of each of the layers below it, engineers usually used drilled core samples in the past. This is however destructive, and can lead to further road surface degradation as the holes left behind expose the underlying layers to damaging elements, such as moisture.
GPR scanning eliminates the need for any destructive core drilling. This goes a long way towards safeguarding the structural integrity of the road surface.
Accurate
Ground Penetrating Radar is one of the most accurate road inspection methods. With this technology, engineers can be able to get clear and detailed scans of the underlying surface. GPR scans provide the user with the information relating to the depth and orientation of any objects buried beneath the surface being scanned.
How is this possible? GPR technology is capable of analyzing the scanned images, one slice at a time. This makes it the best alternative to the less accurate manual and visual methods that have been used to inspect roads in the past.
Safety
Road inspection projects expose both the workers and members of public to a variety of serious safety risks. If the equipment being used for any road works hits any unexpected objects under the surface, the results can be shocking. This may lead to the damage of expensive equipment and vital utility lines. Worst of all, it may put at risk, the lives of workers and members of public nearby.
Using GPR to scan the road prior to any work can help minimize the likelihood of the occurrence of such risks.
Avoid Delays
Project delays are not only costly but also inconvenient. Other road inspection methods not only require more time to complete but are also less accurate. Ground Penetrating Radar helps contractors and engineers get an accurate picture of what lies beneath the road surface, in the shortest amount of time.
The accurate information obtained can then be used to avoid any surprises that would cause unexpected delays to the completion of the project.
Over the years GPR technology has become more user friendly thanks to the significant advancements made in the hardware and software used. The equipment is compact, portable and highly accurate. Software advancements and the creation of a user friendly interface have made the operation of the GPR equipment far much easier. The latest GPR for roads equipment can even be used to create automated reports.