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Second Quarter 2010Vol 1, Issue 1

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Non-destructive testing by using GPR equipment to locate rebar, conduit, post-tension cable, voids, PVC pipes, water and heating lines within the concrete, as well as check the thickness of the concrete. 

Greetings!
 
Welcome to the first edition of the Concrete Imaging Services Newsletter!
 
Concrete Imaging Services (CIS) was established in 2004 and to this day remains a leader in the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) industry.
 
Our convenient service offers a non-destructive testing method to help ensure that any demolition will not damage other integral structures hidden below the surface. This innovative imaging is performed without the need to evacuate any areas, and the equipment only requires access from one side. Because results from the testing are available immediately, it allows our core drill operator to begin the job directly after the targets are located. Ultimately, concrete imaging often can prevent potentially costly complications that might otherwise occur, saving both the customer and the contractor time and money.    
 
To those of you who have contributed to our success by using CIS to accomplish all of your concrete imaging and core drill needs, thank you! If you are new to CIS and/or the GPR industry, welcome!  We are excited for the opportunity to offer you the same services that all of our current valued customers enjoy!
 
Sincerely,
 
The Concrete Imaging Services Team
 
 

How GPR Works

CIS in  Action

 
The GPR system has three components which consist of the Control Unit, the Antenna and the Power Supply.  The control unit contains the electronics that produce and regulate the pulse of radar energy that the antenna sends into the concrete creating ultra sound like waves. 
 
The antenna receives the electrical pulse and amplifies it then transmits it into the concrete. GPR works by transmitting a small pulse of energy into the material, recording the strength and the time required for the return of any reflected signal. A series of pulses over a single area produce what is called a scan.
 
 
CIS Equipment 
 
Metals are considered to be a reflector which does not allow any signal to pass through; therefore targets beneath materials such as metal sheeting, fine metal mesh, or pan decking will not be visible.  Water also acts as a reflector and minimizes the use of GPR; therefore, if the concrete is not fully cured or the surface is wet, the GPR will not pick up possible targets within the concrete.  
 
GPR Targets are marked directly onto the concrete 
 
Data is collected in parallel transects and placed together in their appropriate locations for the computer to process within a specialized software. The computer then produces a plain view of the survey area which allows the technician to interpret.  The CIS technician will then continue to mark each target area on the scanned surface using duct tape or crayon.
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GPR Facts
GPR cannot see through wet concrete 
 
 
Non-destructive radar imaging technology allows inspection of concrete structures to be carried out quickly and safely without interruption of day-to-day operations or inconvenience to the public    
 
 
GPR cannot see through scanned areas which contain Styrofoam.  (Styrofoam acts as an insulator for the machine therefore, it is not designed to see through Styrofoam) 
 
 

Target locations are marked on the surface using duct tape or crayon 

  
 
 
 
GPR cannot see very well through small
voids/honey combing   
 
 
GPR can be done at anytime without harm to anyone in the area
    
 
 
 
It can be difficult to see through multiple mats of rebar 
    
 
 
 
Targets located directly beneath one another are challenging to see
   
 
 
Core drilling can be done immediately after GPR is performed to ensure satisfactory results    
 
 
Plastic air filled PVC are hard to see       
 
 
Actual target may be 2" to each side of the CIS target mark      
 
 
Targets can be located up to 18" thick by only needing access to one side
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
We at CIS, take pride in obtaining and maintaining the best equipment and technicians available.  
To date, CIS has a 99% success rate. Although CIS greatly minimizes the risks of encountering complications associated with concrete core drilling and/or saw cutting, there is still risk involved. The restrictions of the GPR technology include, but are not limited to:conduits located under rebar that the equipment cannot see; post-tension cables that may be mistaken for rebar. Therefore, the customer must understand that this equipment, like X-ray, will minimize, but NOT eliminate the potential for striking a target.
 
Sincerely,
 

Concrete Imaging Services, A DeAndrea Company
 

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