Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
American Engineering Laboratories (AEL) specializes in the latest Ground Penetrating Radar (G.P.R) technology. G.P.R technology can be utilized to image both concrete slabs and walls, and can accurately locate metallic and non-metallic reinforcement and pipes in and below concrete slabs.
Our highly trained technicians can help you locate and map the positions of rebar, Post-Tensioned cables, conduit, voids, reinforcing steel, and other near-surface anomalies. We give you a safe place to drill – keeping your project safe, on budget and on schedule.
In addition, G.P.R can detect flaws in concrete structures. We have experience in detecting the absence of grout in concrete block walls, and missing rebar. We can verify slab thickness and determine the depth of material cover on reinforcement. G.P.R emits very low energy/ high frequency radar waves, which allows G.P.R to be used in buildings while residents are still present. Unlike concrete X-Ray (radiography), G.P.R presents no risk to residents or technicians working in the test area because there is no radiation hazard. Besides, it allows for real time imaging results. G.P.R works when there is only access to 1 side of a structure, requires only 1 technician, and is capable of performing in slab on grade situations. The equipment produces quick results and is capable of rendering a typical single scan of a 2’x2’ area in about 10 minutes.
CONCRETE X-RAY
American Engineering Laboratories is experienced in providing highly detailed x-ray scans. This helps determine what is below concrete or inside walls. Regardless of what material you are searching for or the complexity of the job, we can get in and get the job done. Our staff will discuss your specific project requirements with you in advance so we can create a test solution that balances your need for detail with budget considerations and time constraints.
X-Ray is usually needed when there are conduits involved in the area, and/or the client needs to locate the rebar versus the post-tension cables. All x-ray technicians at AEL have successfully been certified to perform x-ray inspections following the state safety guidelines. To ensure the safety of others too, the crew establishes safe boundaries around the radiation area using caution tape until the job is fully completed.
Depending on the client need and project conditions, we will develop the most cost effective solution using Concrete Radiography X-Ray along with other non-destructive testing methods while ensuring accuracy of results.
UTILITY LOCATING
When finding utilities on a job site, we like to use a combination of methods to allow us to be extremely accurate in finding underground utilities. A Direct Connect method involves our technician directly connecting a transmitter to a hard line. The line sends a direct signal to the technician wherever he or she may be on the job site. A Sonde method is when we induce a locatable line into the utility, we then proceed to find the path of the line above the surface. A passive method is used to find live power transmitted by a buried electrical utility. When utilities are located, our technicians use industry standard paint colors to mark them directly on the surface. If a non-permanent marking needs to be used, we can use chalk, wax, or other marking materials. Flags and whiskers are also used in areas such as grass or dirt when paint markings will not last.
Private Utility Locating can be used to detect:
Communication Lines
Electric Lines
Water Lines
Underground Pipes