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FAQ

Understanding GPR

Capabilities for GPR

Can GPR be used to locate unmarked graves?

Yes! GPR is an excellent form of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) to locate graves. We are often relied upon to locate both marked and unmarked graves. GPR is a non-invasive tool and we have never had a family member or property manager object to using our equipment over burial plots. We are very respectful when on a site and will leave little to no evidence of scanning a potential grave.

Can GPR locate Post-Tension or Pre-Tensioned Cables?

Yes! On almost a daily basis we are asked to perform this task prior to a concrete cutter core drilling through a slab that contains tension cables. We have performed over 1,000 scans prior to core drilling through a slab that contains tension cables and we have been 100% accurate. GSSI, the manufacturer of our equipment says we have the best locate success of any company using GPR.

Can GPR locate PVC conduits prior to me cutting into concrete?

Yes! GPR is highly sensitive to locating both ferrous and non-ferrous materials within a slab. On a daily basis Echo GPR Services technicians are locating conduits in both suspended and slab on grade concrete structures. Our most frequent applications are inside of hospitals and inside grocery stores. Our ability to locate conduits has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollar savings for our customers.

Can GPR determine the presence and severity of corrosion in embedded rebar?

Yes! Echo GPR Services will be able to grid out an area where corrosion is of concern. In a relatively short manner of time we will collect data from EVERY piece of rebar. Using sophisticated software and statistical analysis we will be able to identify where areas of corrosion are occurring and be able to provide quantitative data, correlated with on-site evidence, the extent of the corrosion.

Can GPR determine if a buried pipe is metallic or non-metallic?

Yes! In several applications we have been asked to not just locate, but identify whether a buried pipe is metallic or non-metallic. Many of these applications are at convenience stations where the ability to tear up a gas station and parking lot is not ideal for the client. All of our work can be, and is performed during normal hours of operation with zero interference with the normal course of business.

Can GPR be used to locate a water leak underneath the soil?

Yes! In many applications where evidence of a leak may only be the rising consumption of water on your bill we are able to perform a scan to locate where a water leak is located. GPR is highly sensitive to the dielectric constants of materials. Water’s dielectric constant is so high that it is a very strong reflector. On several occasions we have located water leaks with pinpoint accuracy.

Can you locate voids in and below concrete?

Yes! For various applications Echo GPR Services has located voids in and below concrete. In the September/October 2008 Concrete Repair Bulletin, published by the International Concrete Repair Institute, Echo GPR Services worked with Structural Engineer Associates, Inc. to locate voids underneath the water fountains at Kauffman Stadium. GPR was able to pinpoint where the voids were and reduced repair costs.

Will you be able to tell me the size and volumes of voids?

GPR on it’s own isn’t accurate enough to determine the exact size of voids. Echo GPR Services has been successful at determining relative sizes of voids when able to verify through core drill samples.

There is a concern over the depth of cover for the rebar in this structure. Can you identify what areas don’t have the required cover?

Yes! Using GPR we can map out an entire area and gather exact location of all rebar in a structure. Using information supplied to us we can create a full contour map to identify locations where the depth of cover is out of spec. Please review our case study on Coralville, IA parking garage or Salem Nuclear Plant for greater detail and examples.

The inspector was not on site to see the rebar placement prior to pouring concrete, can GPR locate the rebar, determine spacing, and rebar size. Will the inspector accept the information?

Yes, yes and yes. GPR is fully able to locate rebar and identify exact location in x, y and z-axis. We will also be able to approximate size of rebar and present all information to the inspector. In every circumstance the inspector has always accepted our reports when an inspection was not performed.

GPR specific to Echo GPR Services

Concrete Scanning & GPR

Utility Locates

Pre-Site Investigations

Locating Voids and Sinkholes