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Ground Penetrating Radar Systems

Locate Post-tension Cable

by Amy Hall

How to Locate Post-tension Cable Using Subsurface Radar

To locate post-tension cable beneath the surface of the earth or other man-made material, it is helpful to use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). This relatively newer technology has undergone advancements in recent years, and it is now one of the best ways to locate all subsurface utilities. Until recently, the preferred method of locating utilities was to use X-rays.

However, this has changed since subsurface imaging has come into the picture. X-rays can do the same thing that radar can, just not as well. In order to get the same location of subsurface utilities, there has to be many images of X-rays taken, often from a few different angles. This in turn costs the customer more because he or she has to pay for each image taken.

The Advantages of Radar

So while it is entirely possible to get the location of subsurface utilities using X-rays, it is not the most convenient nor the most reliable method of obtaining results. Subsurface radar allows workers to locate post-tension cable and other utilities within minutes by using a specialized antenna. When the antenna is scanned over a targeted area, radio pulses are given off when embedded utilities are detected and located.

This data can then be downloaded onto a laptop computer for even further detailed analysis. These systems can detect subsurface utilities up to ten feet deep, in cement, rock, and other non-conductive materials. GPR is an essential ingredient in the planning and building of any type of structure, as well as for other professionals practices.

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