Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Precision GPR Concrete Scanning in Denver
Planning to cut, core, or drill into a concrete slab? Don’t risk hitting hidden targets. JLP Tech provides expert GPR concrete scanning services across the Denver metro area, giving you a clear view of what’s inside before you start. Our advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology is non-destructive, safe, and incredibly precise, helping you prevent costly damage, project delays, and serious safety hazards.
Whether you're a construction manager on a large commercial build, a civil engineer verifying structural integrity, or a homeowner planning a renovation, our GPR services provide the peace of mind you need to proceed with confidence.
What Our GPR Services Uncover
- Concrete Imaging & Rebar Mapping: We precisely locate rebar, post-tension cables, mesh, and electrical conduits embedded in concrete slabs, walls, and columns. This is essential for identifying safe locations to drill or cut.
- Utility Mapping: GPR is a powerful tool for private utility locating. We can find and map non-metallic utilities like PVC and concrete pipes, as well as septic tanks and irrigation lines that 811 won't mark.
- Void Detection: Our scans can identify voids, sinkholes, and soil disturbances beneath concrete slabs or asphalt, helping you address potential structural issues before they become major problems.
Why Choose JLP Tech?
- Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art GPR and electromagnetic (EM) sensors to provide the most accurate data possible, even in complex environments.
- Prevent Costly Mistakes: Hitting a single post-tension cable or utility line can cost thousands in repairs and downtime. Our GPR scanning services are a small investment that protects you from massive potential losses.
- Detailed, Actionable Reports: We don't just scan; we deliver clear, easy-to-understand reports, marked maps, and on-site layouts so your team knows exactly where to work safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About GPR
What is GPR concrete scanning?
GPR concrete scanning (or concrete imaging) is a non-destructive method used to inspect the inside of concrete structures. We use Ground Penetrating Radar to send high-frequency radio waves into the slab. These waves bounce off any objects they hit, allowing us to create a real-time 2D or 3D map of embedded items like rebar, conduits, and post-tension cables.
What can GPR detect inside concrete?
GPR is highly effective at detecting a variety of targets within concrete, including:
- Reinforcing steel (rebar and wire mesh)
- Post-tension (PT) cables
- Electrical conduits (both metallic and non-metallic)
- Pipes (PVC, metal, concrete)
- Voids or air gaps
- Concrete slab thickness
How accurate is GPR scanning?
GPR is extremely accurate. When used by a trained technician, it can typically locate the center of a target within a quarter-inch and determine depth with high precision (usually within 10-15% of the actual depth). This allows for very precise marking, giving you clear "safe zones" for coring or cutting.
Is GPR scanning safe for my building and staff?
Yes, GPR is completely safe and non-destructive. It emits a very low-power electromagnetic pulse, similar to a standard radio, and produces no radiation. It is safe to use in occupied buildings, including hospitals and offices, without any risk to people or sensitive electronic equipment.
How deep can GPR scan?
The penetration depth depends on the material and the antenna frequency used. For concrete scanning, we typically use high-frequency antennas that can scan from 12 to 24 inches deep with high resolution. For utility mapping or soil investigation, lower-frequency antennas can scan much deeper, sometimes up to 8-10 feet or more, depending on soil conditions.
Can GPR find plastic pipes or PVC conduits?
Yes. This is a major advantage of GPR. Unlike traditional electromagnetic (EM) locators that require a metallic conductor, GPR detects *changes* in subsurface materials. This allows it to effectively locate non-metallic objects like PVC pipes, concrete storm drains, and plastic conduits, which are invisible to other methods.
Do I still need to call 811 if I hire JLP Tech for GPR?
Yes, absolutely. Calling 811 is a legal requirement in Colorado and is the first step for any excavation. 811 locators will mark *public* utilities (gas, electric, water, etc.) up to your property's meter.
Our GPR service is designed to find what 811 *misses*: private utilities on your property (like lines running to a shop, irrigation, or septic systems) and targets embedded within concrete. You should always call 811 first, then call us to find everything else.
How quickly can I get a GPR scan in Denver?
We understand that construction projects move fast. We pride ourselves on a rapid response and can often schedule projects in the Denver metro area within 24-48 hours. Contact us today, and we'll work to get a technician to your site as quickly as possible to keep your project on track.
Ready to Build with Confidence?
Don't let hidden pipes or rebar derail your project. With our expert utility locating and ground-penetrating radar services in Colorado, you can dig, drill, and build with certainty. We help you avoid costly surprises and dangerous accidents, ensuring your project stays on schedule and on budget. Whether you're a homeowner starting a backyard project or a construction manager overseeing a large build, we've got the technology and expertise to give you a clear view of what's underground.