Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can be used for continuous assessment of bridge deck conditions, measuring rebar spacing & cover, and quality control of construction practices.

1. Copyright 2017

2. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Bridges are aging and repair efforts need to be
prioritized
In the USA:
There is a $740 Billion backlog in needed road,
highway & bridge improvements.*
In 2016, 9.1% of the nation’s bridges were
structurally deficient**
The average bridge is 43 years old**
*Source: AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) 2015 Report
**Source: American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2017 Infrastructure report card

3. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
There is a need for cost-effective methods to
inspect, monitor & rehabilitate existing structures
To prevent catastrophes BEFORE they occur

4. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Coring provides accurate measurements, but has
limitations
• Coring is
- Destructive
- Only provides spot
measurements
- Locations are picked at random
- Is expensive – requiring lane
closures, specialized equipment
and laboratory analysis
• Non-destructive methods are
• necessary to provide cost effective
• methods to prioritize
• rehabilitation efforts

5. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
GPR is recognized as the best Non-destructive
testing method for bridge deterioration detection

6. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
GPR provides information useful for:
• Continuous assessment of
bridge deck condition (not
single points)
• Rebar spacing & cover
• Quality control inspections
• Determining core locations
• Dowel bar placement

7. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Position (m)Depth(mm)
Asphalt
Normal Rebar Response Lower amplitude, Weaker
Rebar Response indicates
Problem Area
GPR can determine problem areas in concrete
GPR images into the subsurface to locate areas of high
attenuation caused by corrosion and delamination

8. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR used to create bridge deck condition
maps (based on ASTM D-6087)
6 Lane Bridge
GPR lines per lane = 3
Sampling Interval = 3 cm
Total Samples = 54,000
Data Collection Time = < 1
hour
Time to Output Map = 1 Day
Bridge Deck Condition Map
ASTM D-6087 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Asphalt-Covered Concrete Bridge
Decks Using Ground Penetrating Radar

9. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR used to create bridge deck condition
maps (based on ASTM D-6087)
Example bridge collection, USA
Automatically generate PDF reports from EKKO_Project GPR
Software

10. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR provides additional bridge structural
information
Noggin SmartCart used
to collect data on a
Bridge Approach Slab
Data shows:
– rebar
– dowel bars
– joints
Approach Slab Joint C15M Rebars
Tie BarsDowel Bars
Longitudinal
Joints
Transverse Joint
Bridge Deck
Rebar
Approach Slab
Rebar

11. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR provides rebar cover depth for
quality inspections
GPR scanning showed an area of the bridge where the depth of
rebar cover quickly increases more than 2.5 inches over a
distance of 5 feet
2.5 inches

12. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR can image vertical supports to
assess construction practices
Quickly image structural components on vertical supports

13. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR used to detect voids after severe
flooding
A pier was flooded and GPR was used to locate potential voids to target
repair efforts

14. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR used to detect voids after severe
flooding
With two technicians onsite, a
total of 12,500 feet (2.36 miles
or 3.8 km) were collected in just
4 hours.
Red lines show GPR data
collection path.

15. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR used to detect voids after severe
flooding
Areas of potential voids were
clearly identified and the
municipality was able to target
repairs to the key areas of
concern on the pier.

16. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
GPRs can be deployed in many ways … depending
on your project needs

17. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Use GPR to make Informed Infrastructure
Decisions
• Determine where to core
• Rank relative health of
bridges to prioritize repair
spending
• Determine construction
practices in existing
structures
• Identify problem areas for
further investigation
• Monitor deterioration of
structures over time
• Perform quality assurance on
new build or repair work
Subsurface
Data
Interpretation
Knowledge
Informed
DecisionsVALUE
INFORMATION
Subsurface
Data
Interpretation
Knowledge
Informed
Decisions

18. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Use GPR for your infrastructure projects
• GPR provides detailed structural information quickly
• GPR is cost-effective
• GPR is easy to learn

19. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Training Provided by Sensors & Software
• Customized training at your facility
• Regular courses at Sensors & Software
• Personalized webinars for your team
• Free On-Demand training

20. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Online Resources
Newsletters
Case Studies
EKKO_Project software tutorials

21. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Want to learn more?
We would be happy to discuss how you can incorporate GPR into your
bridge and infrastructure assessment projects.
Schedule a lunch & learn session today!
Sensors & Software Inc.
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Mississauga, Ontario Canada L4W 2X8
Office: +1 905 624 8909
www.sensoft.ca
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