High Resolution Concrete Scanning

Here at United Scanning we work to stay on the leading edge in terms of the technology we use to help our customers. We utilise some of the most advanced concrete scanners available to provide high resolution concrete scans and our most recent purchases include a number of GSSI’s latest unit, an all in one hand held ground penetrating scanner. While these may seem small compared to some of the equipment we still see out there on site, the GSSI StructureScan Mini leads the field for usability and quality of imaging and allows us to give precise insight non-destructively.

 

Usability

This little GPR unit looks a bit like a child’s toy, with 4 wheels on the bottom and a handle for ease of use, embedded with 5 physical buttons and a large color screen on the top surface. Hidden under a lip on the sides of the device are 4 little targeting lasers, designed to give the user a very clear idea of exactly where they are scanning. Because the scanners weigh in at just over 1.6kg they are very easy to manoeuvre and can be easily be taken up scissor lifts and rigging, used upside down or in small spaces, making these extremely useful.

Technology

Hidden under the plastic on the bottom of the unit are a number of antenna arrays, tuned to either emit or receive radar waves at 16Ghz. These arrays are offset from one another within the device, so that the radar leaving one array and being reflected back to another arrives at an angle. The change in this angle is measured by the unit as the unit is moved and by performing calculations on the rate at which the angle between emitted and received radar waves change with the movement of the unit, the depth of the object reflecting the radar can be precisely calculated.

The unit also measures the time it takes for the reflection to come back to the device. Radar waves will travel through different materials at different speeds (called the dielectric constant), and if the device calibrated on site to a baseline

material, for example the surface flooring material, the device will then be able to pinpoint the level at which the material changes. This is because at boundaries between materials, a reflection is produced, which the unit can detect. The unit can also make an informed suggestion as to the composition of the lower material by measuring the speed at which reflections return from the within the deeper material compared to the baseline material and comparing that against speeds for known materials.

As already mentioned, this unit emits radar at 16Ghz, a frequency that allows us to gain insight down 500mm in concrete. It is rare that customers need to see deeper than half a metre within concrete and so this scanner perfectly meets the need.

All in all, the GSSI StructureScan Mini is far and away the most versatile, useful and advanced concrete scanner on the market, producing high resolution and very accurate 2D and 3D images that give precise insight into what lies below. United Scanning is pleased to be able to offer our customers the highest quality non-destructive non-invasive imaging in Perth.