GPRS recently completed a concrete scanning project at the Ford Automotive Campus in Dearborn, MI. The project that GPRS was working on was being overseen by Walbridge Construction and Devon Industrial Group. The scope of the project was fairly extensive as they are planning to demo a couple of rooms inside of a product development building. The rooms being demoed require large operating equipment to be inside of the main structure.

The main concern that the contractors had was finding out what type of elevated slabs were used for the roofs of the interior rooms being demoed. Getting information on the elevated slabs was vital for the engineers and most importantly for the safety of all involved during demolition. Trying to find out as much as possible, they reached out to GPRS.

Upon arrival to the site, GPRS received delivery of an aerial scissor lift to assist in the concrete scanning that would take place that day. There was no lift readily available, but GPRS wanted to make sure the client was taken care of. This lift would ensure accurate data results when the elevated slab would be scanned. After getting the lift inside to the desired room to be demoed, GPRS walked down the areas with the site superintendent.

GPRS walked down the site and found that the roof portion of the elevated slab could only be accessed via a ladder inside the building. Because of this all equipment needed to be brought up to the scan area by rope. Once we arrived to the area GPRS discovered multiple conduits and a couple panels in the area. Limited headroom would also increase the challenge in providing accurate markings of findings.

The structure scan mini XT concrete scanner was utilized to scan the top of the elevated slab and the underside. Grid scans were used to get an accurate layout of the elevated slabs and to aid in determining the type reinforcing used. Upon scanning GPRS discovered that the two elevated slabs were not similar at all. One of the slabs was hollow core with pre-tension cables, while the other slab was supported by steel beams.

This information was vital for the client. GPRS was able to determine thickness, spacing of beams, the size of hollow core cells, reinforcing used, and location of stray conduits. Both elevated slabs were fully marked out, and after scanning with GPR, passive sweeps with the EM pipe locator were conducted to pick up any radio or power tones within the slab. After the elevated slabs were fully scanned, we moved to the room below to scan the ceiling.

GPRS scanned the ceiling using the lift that was rented. This was another way to perform extra grid scans and dissect the elevated slab. Our goal was to determine if the underside scans mirrored the scans from on top of the slab. Being able to compare these results, GPRS could be conclusive in informing the client what they would be encountering during demo.

Ground penetrating radar is a very beneficial service to implement during any construction project. Whether it’s concrete scanning or private utility locating, GPRS is a step ahead of the rest when it comes to making sure a project stays on track and most importantly of all – everyone stays safe. We are the best at what we do, because it is all we do.

GPRS does not provide geophysical, geological, land surveying or engineering services. If you need such services, please contact an appropriate professional.