Everything You Need To Know About GPR Controllers

Ground penetrating radar, better known as GPR is a technology used to scan concrete structures to determine if any utility lines are going through the unit. It is one of the most cost-effective concrete scanning methods that deliver high-resolution images of the scanned area. The GPR system comprises of three parts:

• The antenna

• The control unit

• Power supply

The function of the GPR antenna and control unit

The GPR controllers trigger the radar pulse energy to the antenna that sends the signals into the ground. The antenna is one of the significant components of this system. It assists in depth penetration quickly. That is why the GPR technology is highly popular among the construction engineers and excavators because it can scan concrete surfaces with more than 30 mm in width. The GPR unit comes with a hard disk memory and built-in computer, it can store the images captured from the site for further examination after fieldwork.

Depending on the width of the surface, the antenna sends higher frequency waves to the ground. Most GPR units come with antennas that transmit low-frequency waves. This scans the surface better because the higher the frequency, the shallower depth the frequency can reach. Moreover, higher frequencies can only scan small areas of land. So, if you want to purchase GPR machine make sure you compare the approximate depth penetration and antenna frequency.

How GPR works

GPR sends small energy pulses into the ground to record any obstructions lying underneath. The machine emits a series of pulses to confirm the strength of the scanned area and the possible presence of utility lines like conduits, electrical wirings, and water pipes. When the pulses reflect from a material with unusual electrical conduction properties, it means additional structures are hiding beneath the surface. The signals measure the amplitude or strength of the reflection to determine the contrast of the materials.

For example, if you are scanning a concrete slab and it has a water pipe 100 inches below, the GPR will receive two different reflections: one, with standard receptions from concrete, and second, the reflections from the pipe. Since the two receptions are different, it makes it easier for the operator to understand the exact location of the second material. GPR controllers can pinpoint the spot where the utility lines run. Apart from the images received from machine, it will also specify the measurements of the presence of the secondary material.

Data processing

As soon as the antenna starts receiving signals, the operator collects data in parallel transects. He will then collate all the data together, and use a specialized software program to receive the sliced depth of the scanned area. This allows the operator to predict a plan view of the location.

One of the reasons why GPR machines are becoming more popular than concrete x-ray machines is they take less time to scan a location. Plus, they don’t emit radiation like the x-ray machines and are a cheaper alternative for the construction industry.