Expert GPR Concrete
Scanning Services

GPR scanning (ground penetrating radar scanning) sends radar pulses into concrete or soil and reads the signals that bounce back. Rebar, post-tension cables, conduit, and voids each produce a distinct radar signature, so a trained technician can read the data on site and mark the location of buried or embedded objects before cutting, coring, or drilling.

Yes. GPR scanning can locate underground utilities such as electrical conduit, water lines, and gas lines before excavation or concrete cutting begins, in addition to what's embedded inside the slab itself. Radar pulses reflect off buried lines and metal objects, allowing a technician to trace and mark utility paths on the surface. GPR scanning is used alongside a formal utility locate request, such as an 811 call, rather than as a replacement for it.

GPR scanning services let infrastructure teams inspect bridges, roads, and buildings without radiation exposure, evacuation zones, or damage to the structure. Because it's non-destructive, GPR scanning provides real-time results on site, helps avoid cutting into rebar or utilities, and reduces the risk of costly repairs, delays, or safety incidents during a project.

GPR uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This generates a graphic called a "radargram," which a trained GPR technician interprets to identify and mark features below the surface. Digital X-ray imaging produces a clearer, more detailed view with little need for data interpretation, but it requires access to both sides of a concrete structure and a radiation safety zone, which makes it impossible to use in many field conditions. Physical coring or a test cut can confirm a specific finding but is destructive and limited to one spot at a time. GPR scanning is the right first choice for most jobs because of its flexibility, accuracy, and cost effectiveness across a large area.

GPR and X-ray imaging are not the same. GPR uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This generates a graphic called a "radargram," which features undulations of varying size. A trained GPR technician is needed to interpret the data, identify the features represented by the radargram, and mark where the features are located in the subsurface.

X-ray imaging produces a clearer, more detailed view of the subsurface, meaning there is little or no need for data interpretation. However, X-ray imaging requires access to both sides of a concrete structure, making it impossible to use in many instances.

GPR is a great choice for concrete scanning due to its flexibility, accuracy, and cost effectiveness

GPR detects subsurface features, but does not identify the type of subsurface feature. However, our crews are trained and have a wealth of experience using GPR and interpreting data. For example, there are specific markers—shape, size, and location—that tell us what the feature is, even if it is not immediately clear to the untrained eye.

GPR performs effectively across various soil and aggregate types. Accuracy levels can vary based on the material’s composition, for example GPR signals penetrate well through dry or non-conductive soils, but experience reduced clarity in wet or highly-conductive soils.

Yes, GPR is versatile and can scan through materials like asphalt, rock, concrete and even ice. The technology is designed to detect subsurface features, voids and anomalies within these materials, making it suitable for many different applications.

Yes, our GPR systems offer real-time data visualization that allows operators to review subsurface information directly on-site. Immediate feedback helps the team to identify utilities, voids or obstructions quickly, enabling informed and efficient operations during the scanning process.

The depth of GPR scanning depends on the concrete's composition and the antenna frequency used. Generally, GPR can effectively scan from 12 to 18 inches deep into standard concrete slabs. For specific applications, such as scanning for voids beneath a slab-on-grade, lower frequency antennas can be used to achieve greater depth penetration.

GPR concrete scanning is highly accurate, typically locating the center of embedded objects within a quarter-inch of their actual position. The vertical accuracy, or depth estimation, is usually within 10-15% of the slab's thickness. This level of precision is crucial for safely clearing areas for core drilling and saw cutting.

The cost of GPR scanning services depends on the size of the area being scanned, the complexity of embedded materials, site accessibility, and how quickly results are needed.

GPR scanning services use a handheld or cart-mounted ground penetrating radar unit with an antenna tuned to a specific frequency range, along with data collection software that displays results on site in real time. Technicians also use marking paint or chalk to flag findings directly on the concrete surface.

A GPR scanning service follows five steps: reviewing the project scope and target area, setting up and calibrating the GPR unit, scanning the area in a grid pattern, reading and interpreting the radar data on site, and marking the locations of rebar, cables, conduit, or voids before cutting or coring begins.

Scan time depends on the size and complexity of the area. Results are marked on site as the scan happens, so cutting and coring crews rarely have to wait on a separate report.

GPR scanning technicians need hands-on training in radar equipment operation, data interpretation, and OSHA safety standards. Field experience matters as much as the equipment, since reading radar data accurately depends on recognizing signal patterns across different concrete ages, thicknesses, and conditions.