When ground penetrating radar (GPR) was introduced decades ago, it quickly replaced X-ray as the preeminent tool for precise concrete scanning.

3D laser scan technology has led some to believe that it could soon do the same thing to GPR that GPR did to X-ray. However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that GPR and 3D laser scanning work best as complements to one another to achieve the goal of keeping job sites safe and projects on time and budget.

Striking rebar or cutting through post-tension cables, utility lines, or any of the other potential hazards typically embedded in concrete can cause costly delays to a project. At its worst, it can cost the lives of workers.

The risks involved with cutting, coring, or drilling concrete are numerous. Mitigating these risks is why GPRS was founded over two decades ago. GPR has proven invaluable to the company’s mission time and again -- as we have earned and maintained a better than 99.8% accuracy rate in utility locating and concrete scans.

GPR involves a signal being sent from a receiver into supported concrete slabs, or slabs-on-grade. The signal bounces off any material it encounters, creating a reading that experienced GPR technicians can interpret to determine what type of materials were located.

GPR has many advantages over X-ray:

• GPR does not require radioactive material to function.
• X-ray requires access to both sides of a concrete slab, as the radioactive material needs to be placed opposite of a receiver. GPR only requires access to one side of the slab.
• There is minimal set-up and teardown time required for GPR equipment. X-ray, however, requires significant lead time as more than likely the entire job site will need to be shut down in order to mitigate radiation exposure.

GPR can locate virtually any material that can be found hidden within a concrete slab. GPRS’ highly trained Project Managers bring unmatched attention to detail to the project site that ensures you know what’s hidden and where before you drill, cut, or core.

3D laser scanning, a relatively new technology that is gaining traction in the concrete scanning industry, is proving to be invaluable during the planning and construction phases of a project. GPRS acquired TruePoint Laser Scanning in June of 2022 to complement their existing capabilities and continue offering our clients the industry-leading service we’re known for.

While some believe that 3D laser scanning could someday replace GPR much like GPR unseated X-ray scanning, 3D and GPR work best when used in concert with one another. Think of a golfer deciding between clubs before they attempt a shot. 3D laser scanning and GPR aren’t both drivers; they’re two different irons, each invaluable to have in the bag because they’re useful in different situations.

3D laser scanning is rapidly gaining popularity in the construction industry, mainly due to its varied applications. Sophisticated 3D laser scanners such as those produced by German company Leica can be used to capture millimeter-precise as-built drawings and data of buildings and sites with minimal interference to construction. Every inch of a site can be captured digitally by 3D scanners in a relatively short amount of time. When the scans are combined, the result is a digital twin of the facility that can be used to check for issues, accurately prefabricate materials off-site, refer to for O&M needs post-construction, and more.

Scanning a site prior to the pour of a concrete slab eliminates the potential for mis-measured conduits or sleeves that would normally lead to costly change orders if not found until after the fact. Scanning a concrete floor prior to it curing allows for the chance to correct levelness and flatness before the material becomes nearly impossible to manipulate.