GPR: Evaluating The State Of Maintenance Of The Building Coating

Typically, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to find applications in geographical and geological surveys. Ground-penetrating radar uses energy waves to look for variations in the substrata of the soil. However, GPR is starting to find application in various other fields, including the evaluation of coatings. Using a GPR, it is possible to check out the state of maintenance of the coating on a building.

This application of ground-penetrating radars is particularly noticeable in the case of old buildings that are often historical. The various micro-climatic conditions that occur in these buildings lead to the bio-degradation of the walls and the coatings by forming moulds and efflorescence. A major issue with the degradation of monumental buildings is that they often do not occur on the surface. By the time the damage becomes visible, it may already be too late, and the recovery process becomes difficult. However, a GPR can easily detect the cracks, voids, and moisture patches that emerge from the degradation.

How does a ground-penetrating radar work?

Ground-penetrating radar is non-destructive testing equipment based on remote sensing technology. Here is a brief overview of how this equipment works:

·       The two main components of a ground-penetrating radar are its antenna and transmitter. The transmitter of a GPR emits energy waves into the ground, or in this case, the building's surface.

·       The frequency of the energy waves ranges from 1 to 1000 MHz in the microwave band. As the electromagnetic waves encounter another material, the characteristics of the latter cause the wave to change its path.

·       The energy waves reflect, refract and scatter. The receiver remains strategically positioned, such that it can detect and record all the returning waves. The ground-penetrating radar comes with software that can analyse and translate these returning waves. This helps in the imaging of the objects lying hidden under the surface.

A wide range of ground-penetrating radars are currently available, each type used for a specific purpose and situation. One would have to choose a GPR carefully, depending on the application.

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