Vertex GPR performed a concrete scan on a grade beam this past month in east Texas. The goal of this project was to layout the reinforcing within the concrete structure. Vertex GPR used ground penetrating radar to locate the reinforcing, once located, the structural elements were denoted with spray paint which allowed all parties involved to visibly assess the configuration.
Vertex GPR recently performed a concrete scan for post-tension cables located in multiple concrete beams. The objective of this project was to find the elevation of the cables so that cores could be drilled between them and the ceiling. The cables were marked in red directly onto to beams along with the stirrups marked in black. This allowed for precise placement and execution of the cores without risk of a cable strike.
To find out more about our capabilities and services, please call us at 832-707-1585 or visit us online at VertexGPR.com
Vertex GPR was contracted to perform an investigation to determine the structural makeup of a concrete slab on grade. The concrete slab was thought to contain post-tension cables. However, once GPR scanning began, it was quickly determined that the slab was reinforced with one mat of rebar and grade beams. This information allowed the contractor to cut a trench rather than having to cut the floor in two locations and then horizontally excavate under the slab.
For more information regarding our capabilities, please give us a call at (832) 707-1585 or visit VertexGPR.com.
Vertex GPR had the opportunity this past week to scan for a proposed roof anchor on a high rise building in Houston. We found that the elevated slab was reinforced with a double mat of rebar. However, within the area, one conduit was also detected as can be seen in the photo denoted in red.
For questions regarding our ground penetrating radar and concrete scanning capabilities, please contact us at 832-707-1585 or VertexGPR.com/contact
Having a good understanding of where your onsite utilities are at is critical when performing ground disturbance projects. Vertex GPR recently performed a utility locate within a small area of a construction project. Within the area scanned, the detected utilities included the facilities gas main, sanitary sewer main, secondary electric, telecommunications and site lighting.
Vertex GPR marked each of the detected underground utilities out with spray paint and pin flags. This assisted with safety and provided a visual understanding to how the underground utilities were routed.
Vertex GPR performed an electrical conduit locate for a General Contractor here in Houston Texas. The concern was that the proposed saw cut path may have electrical and or communication conduits routing through it. The proposed saw cut trench was marked out by the contractor, Vertex GPR then scanned the area with ground penetrating radar. As can be seen in this picture, multiple electrical conduits were located within the concrete slab. These conduits were marked with red spray paint so that they would be avoided while cutting. For questions regarding our concrete scanning capabilities or to find out more about our other ground penetrating radar capabilities. Please contact us at VertexGPR.com.
This past month Vertex GPR performed a ground penetrating radar investigation to determine the structural makeup of an elevated concrete deck. The area in question had proposed core drills that needed to be placed in an area that would be clear of obstacles. Vertex GPR quickly determined that the deck was reinforced with drop down concrete beams. Additionally, conduits were located routing throughout the slab. Utilizing ground penetrating radar, the beams and conduits were laid out directly onto the concrete. After the in-field layout was complete, Vertex GPR supplied this image to the customer for additional reference with a detailed description of findings. The superimposed blue shapes represent the beams, the red lines represent the conduits and the black shapes represent the safe zones for core drilling.
Vertex GPR recently performed a ground penetrating radar scan on a concrete wall in Houston Texas. This project was performed to determine the placement of the structural reinforcing within the wall using GPR which is a nondestructive testing method. The concrete Xray that can be seen in the picture above provided a clear representation of the reinforcing. The hyperbolas that can be seen are of the horizontal pieces of rebar. Once the center point of each piece of rebar was determined with the ground penetrating radar, the rebar was laid out directly onto the surface. The same process was used for the vertical pieces of rebar. Once the layout was complete, the depth of each piece of rebar from the surface of the scan were written next to the correlating rebar.
Vertex GPR has been fortunate to serve Houston Texas with concrete scanning, utility locating and ground penetrating radar consulting. It is our goal to provide the most comprehensive approach to our customers needs. Please contact us to find out more regarding our capabilities and services.
P: 832-707-1585
W: VertexGPR.com
Throughout my ground penetrating radar career, I have been asked many questions regarding the capabilities of GPR. While there are many opinions and questions that constitute lengthy responses, I thought it would be fun and helpful to briefly answer what I believe are important questions and then a few that are always joked about.
1. How far can GPR penetrate?
This question has been posed to me countless times over the years. The kicker is, there is not a simple answer to this. The reason? Depth penetration is dictated by soil conditions and type of radar frequency. I have found 1” diameter plastic lines at four-feet on certain projects, while on others I have been unable to detect a 1’ diameter steel pipe at two-feet. From my experience, the largest obstacles for radar clarity and depth penetration are clay and moisture. If these two variables are present, they do not entirely rule out the use of GPR. However, the amount of detectable utilities may become an issue. Unfortunately, the achievable depth penetration of the radar is unknown until the soil on a given project site is scanned. If you are having a GPR scan performed for underground utilities, always ask your GPR operator what depth penetration the radar is achieving and what other methods are being used to assist with the locate.
2. How long does it take for the GPR to detect a utility?
Unless a 3D scan is being performed, the GPR data is processed and interpreted in real time onsite. The data that is shown in real time is displayed in a cross-section view of the substrate. This means that if the utility is detectable, the GPR will locate it within a very quick time frame, given the general area of the utility is known.
3. Can the GPR determine what type of utility it is detecting?
In some situations, yes. Steel and plastic lines will reflect the radar signal differently. This will give indication as to what material the line is made of. For the type of utility, the line typically must be traced back to its source.
4. Is GPR safe to be around?
Yes, the signal output is less than that of a smart phone.
5. Can you find gold with that?
If the gold is in a large stash, yes, the GPR will detect a reflection. However, there is no way of knowing the reflection retrieved is from a stash of gold. So, let’s just say you would be hard pressed to find a GPR operator sneaking around at night looking for El Dorado.
6. You looking for Jimmy Hoffa?
I have never searched for Mr. Hoffa. However, GPR has been used to assist with homicide investigations where victims have been thought to be buried. So, as this question is always stated as a joke, there is more truth behind it than typically realized.
7. Can you give me an MRI with that?
Unfortunately, no.
Tyler Zachman
Owner | Vertex GPR
Houston, TX
Prior to core drilling, Vertex GPR was hired to locate and layout the post tension cables within the desired core drill area. The post tension cables along with the rebar were mapped out onto the surface in real time. Allowing for the contractor to quickly identify a good spot to place their cores.
