Concrete Scanning With GPR - Documentation in the 21st Century
Galveston, TX
Documentation on a job site is critical and just as important as generating results by scanning the structural supports. Once the scanning process is completed and the reinforcement layout is mapped, the next essential step is to capture and document the findings efficiently. To enhance documentation and accuracy, OmniVueNDT has integrated LiDAR scanning into their site documentation workflow, capturing scaled and measurable 3D models of every scanned object and surface to recreate a virtual reality model of the job site.
This type of advanced documentation allows the job site (the scanned area) to become portable and easily shared with clients or engineering teams for future reference and design purposes. With this approach, highly accurate measurements can be taken of the reinforcement layout, including rebar spacing, post-tension cable positioning, and references to permanent structures such as columns or drain grates. The integration of GPR and LiDAR ensures that every detail is preserved in a digital format, facilitating better collaboration and decision-making.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has become an essential tool in modern structural assessments, allowing engineers and construction professionals to visualize embedded elements without destructive methods. The ability to identify post-tension cables, rebar, voids, and other subsurface features ensures that modifications, drilling, or coring can be conducted safely and accurately. Combining GPR scanning with LiDAR documentation provides a complete dataset that enhances project planning and structural evaluations.
The following images illustrate an example of proper site documentation in the OmniVueNDT way. A section of a concrete beam was scanned using High-Definition Frequency (HDF) GPR to locate the profile of Post-Tension (PT) cables embedded within the structure. The scans clearly show that the PT cables exit the beam and, at one section, transition into the concrete slab. This occurrence happens at the column location, where the cables generate pressure and force onto the column by pushing it downward. Understanding these structural interactions is crucial for ensuring the integrity and stability of the overall construction.
Moreover, the adoption of advanced documentation methods ensures that engineers can revisit scan data for further analysis, reducing the need for repeat investigations. This archived information becomes invaluable for long-term infrastructure management, aiding in proactive maintenance and structural monitoring.
By combining GPR scanning with LiDAR documentation, OmniVueNDT continues to advance job site documentation, providing an unparalleled level of detail and accuracy for engineers, architects, and contractors. This methodology ensures that structural data remains accessible, measurable, and actionable long after the initial site assessment is completed.
