4 Reasons to Choose GRP Over X-Rays for Concrete Scanning

Concrete scanning will often need to be performed during construction work, and the two most common methods are GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) and X-ray (radiography). While X-ray scanning does offer a few benefits, the vast majority of contractors are going to find that GPR concrete scanning is the more attractive option.

Here are just four reasons why.

1. Faster Results   

One of the main problems with X-ray scanning is that it can take a fairly long time. The scanning itself usually takes a few hours due to all the precautions that are needed, and results need to be developed away from the worksite itself. In contrast, GPR scanning can provide immediate results. In fact, you can view data continuously in real time. This means you'll generally suffer far less downtime when you opt for GPR scanning. That doesn't just mean avoiding delays – since GPR scanning is so much faster than X-ray scanning, it also tends to be far less expensive.

2. More Convenient   

When you choose GPR scanning, only one side of a slab will need to be accessed. With X-ray scanning, you need scans taken from both sides, and this is often inconvenient or downright impossible. Additionally, the latest GPR systems are extremely compact and portable, which means they are easy to move around a site and can often access areas that X-ray systems cannot reach.

3. Added Versatility

Explore GPR scanning systems and you'll find a wide range of frequencies available. This means GPR scanning can generally provide a better penetration depth than X-ray scanning. You can also use those various frequency options to attain a more flexible balance between penetration depth and resolution than would be possible with X-ray scanning. This means that GPR concrete scanning can be used more effectively than X-ray scanning for a wide range of applications.

4. No Safety Concerns

As you probably already know, X-rays pose hazards. That means that X-ray scanning typically needs to be carried out at night when nobody else is around. Additionally, it can only be performed by certified radiographers, and they will need to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and establish a set clearance around the site that is to be scanned. Even when all precautions are followed, such safety risks can be concerning. In contrast, GPR scanning is completely safe — in fact, signal strength is probably going to be lower than from your smartphone. That means you won't risk unsafe exposures and won't need to take the precautions necessary for X-ray scanning.

Learn more about ground penetrating radars.


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