Multi-Mode Concrete Scanner

A lightweight concrete scanner is desired that measures thickness, concrete strength, and rebar location so that the fortitude of concrete structures can be assessed. Because each of these attributes is best measured with a different type of sensor, a multi-mode concrete scanner is proposed that combines ground penetrating radar (GPR) and elastic wave measurements (such as impact-echo and surface waves). An existing GPR scanner will be modified so that it collects both GPR and elastic wave measurements in a single pass so that a structural analysis of concrete forms can be made. GPR measurements excel at locating rebar and other types of reinforcement, while the surface wave and impact-echo methods excel at measuring concrete strength and thickness. The multi-mode scanner will be an extension of the applicant’s current commercially available GPR concrete scanner and imaging software. A prototype multi-mode scanner will be built and it’s performance will be evaluated with respect to the structural attributes of strength, thickness and reinforcing materials on concrete test specimens. Structural reports will be generated for the test specimens containing the thickness, concrete strength, and rebar density from the sensor readings.