What Are The Differences Between Concrete X-ray and GPR?
Concrete X-ray is in reality a inaccurate term because so many tradespeople use it to mean ground penetrating radar. Adding to the misconceptions is that, even though cement radiography is progressively being superseded with GPR, outdated technology is currently available. Cement radiography involves making x-ray photos of layers of concrete to figure out exactly where post-tension cables, rebar and also conduits are situated within it. The X-ray unit can pass through as much as 30 inches inside of the slab and frequently even further depending on the structure, and then get very specific images which are simpler to understand when compared with GPR information.
Are there other differences between concrete x-ray and GPR?
1. Concrete radiography has to be prepared off-site. The results of the scan are put on to x-ray film, which still has to be processed prior to the results can be viewed. With GPR, the results immediately are visible on the unit's digital display. However, a lot of radiography providers have mobile darkrooms that allow the film to be|developed on location, so you have the results within minutes.
2. Concrete radiography uses both sides of the slab for reading, with one end having the film and the other the reflector plate. For this reason, there are limits with the thickness of the slab being x-rayed. If you have iridium-based radiography equipment, you can scan a slab up to 12 inches, whilst with cobalt-based radiography you are able to read slab with a ma thickness of 36 inches.
3. Cement radiography necessitates the operator to wear protective gear such as a lead apron to keep them protected, also having an eighty ft space around the slab to make sure that onlookers aren't going to be exposed to radiation out of the x-ray device.
4. Concrete radiography is actually pricier than GPR because of the higher cost of the apparatus involved together with the salary of the x-ray professional controlling it. On the other hand, the GPR operator can be educated to deal with the apparatus within a day, although you would also require an experienced specialist to be able to interpret the results.
5. Cement radiography can't obtain data on large building sites. If you want to obtain info from larger slabs, you'll have to continuously set up the concrete x-ray equipment at various spots that you plan to take readings. In comparison, GPR is a tool that can take readings of large work sites merely by being set up once.
