Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc. scans for conduits and radiant heating to contractor core drilling in Cincinnati, Ohio
Ground Penetrating Radar Systems was recently called by a local environmental firm to help assist in locating existing radiant heating tubes in the slab prior to core drilling in Cincinnati, Ohio. The contractor needed to core drill through the slab to install railings. Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc. was able to arrive on site in a quick manor and begin assisting the contractor with their needs which allowed the project to stay on schedule. The contractor conveyed that we needed to utilize crayon on this project to convey our findings but not permanently mark the slab. We also clearly marked scan boundaries using red crayon to accurately showcase the limits of ours scans. GPR is an accurate and effective way of locating conduits, rebar, and post tension cables in a concrete slab.
We were able to utilize ground penetrating radar to identify and accurately mark out the existing radiant heating lines within the slab. Radiant heating is normally installed using plastic tubing. We were able to utilize cross polarization on the ground penetrating radar to distinguish between plastic reactions, and metal reactions. The metal reactions within this slab was identified as wire mesh. While on site we were also able to check and positively identify conduits that were located near but outside the area of concern. We utilized crayon on this project for easy clean up once the coring was complete. In the above site photo, we have marked three radiant heating tubes running through the area of concern, we marked these wide and instructed the site contact to stay 1”-2” off all our marks.
Since we were able to positively identify and lay out the needs of the contractor, we were able to assist in making sure the project stayed on schedule. By avoiding possible conduits in the slab, we were also a key factor in making sure everyone involved completed their portion safely. The above area shows another area we scanned for the contractor. Similar to the first area we scanned we were able to mark out three radiant heating tubes in this area and conveyed our findings to the site contact. This ultimately led to zero issues while core drilling in this area. On projects dealing with radiant heating we can also utilize a thermal imager. We would communicate with the contractor that prior to our arrival they should turn the system on and let it heat up and then shut it off shortly after. This will allow the thermal imager to locate each tube in the slab. While GPR will be more accurate we can use the thermal imager to assist in the location of the tubes.
For more information on how Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc. can help you on your next project, please contact Asher Coats at 419-261-4250 or by email at asher.coats@gp-radar.com. We also have the capabilities of locating underground utilities such as water, gas, electric, and communication prior to excavation, directional boring, etc. We can provide in the field markings or even provide maps with GPS locates for future projects.