Ground penetrating radar is actually a valuable tool for figuring out concrete slab thickness very easily along with accurately. Figuring out slab thickness is vital in seeing how concrete pavements will perform during their service life. Remember that actually a reduction in the thickness of the slab simply by as little as 1 inch may halve its service life. Computing the thickness of concrete slabs is additionally important in figuring out if contractors have complied with the job specifications whenever constructing concrete pavements.
GPR is really technology that's currently being widely used in many states as part of their pavement evaluation systems, including North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Michigan and Louisiana, as well as in many European countries such as the UK, Finland and Denmark, with much success. The radar sends quick pulses of radio waves straight into the concrete and then makes use of the arrival time and strength of the returning echoes to compute thickness as well as properties like moisture content. However, GPR might not end up being in a position to make accurate measurements in the event that there is insufficient contrast in between the concrete along with the underlying base.
What happen to be the advantages of using GPR in measuring concrete slab thickness?
1. Thickness data coming from the GPR can be right away imported into pavement management systems so that they can determine the rest of the life of the concrete pavement and figure out the correct maintenance along with repair actions. Radar readings may end up being converted into visual representation for simple interpretation or as ASCI file output.
2. Measurements can end up being carried out by GPR equipped cars along with nominal disruption to regular traffic because there is no longer any need to shut down lanes while measurements are being taken. Cars may cover as much as 200 miles each day of pavement at regular highway speeds. And automated data collecting significantly cuts down on the time required to complete the survey.
3. The price of GPR is much more affordable compared with traditional methods of determining slab thickness including taking core samples. Concerned agencies have the option of purchasing their own equipment along with training personnel to man it or contracting services from providers, depending on the budget available to them for these types of functions.
4. Highway personnel tend to be entirely safe whenever taking measurements because they are no longer exposed to dangerous situations including high-speed traffic, inclement weather as well as air pollution.
5. GPR enjoys a high range of accuracy within its measurements of concrete slab thickness. Depending on the kind of layer being measured, you can enjoy accuracy and reliability within range of 3 % to 5 % (for completely new asphalt). But actually measuring thick granular base may provide results precise to inside range of 8 % to 15 %.
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