What is concrete X-Ray?
Concrete X-Ray is often considered to be the most accurate form of scanning as it creates an exact image of the subsurface. Radiography (X-Ray) is an imaging technique using X-rays, gamma rays, or similar ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation to view the internal form of an object. However, this image must still be mapped on the area, which is down to the interpretation of the technician. It is also restricted to a set area, as well as being time-consuming and carrying a number of associated health hazards.
What is GPR?
GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) offers a fast, inexpensive, and versatile solution which allows technicians to scan larger depths, while having the ability to determine depths and map in real time. While GPR offers a huge number of benefits, technicians often don’t have the training required to interpret the data, resulting in inaccurate mapping, and a bad reputation for the technology.
What is Xradar?
Xradar Guaranteed Concrete Scanning is a new method of concrete imaging, which offers the accuracy of X-Ray, and the safety and efficiency of GPR. In addition, Xradar technicians are trained to the highest standards and conform to all industry regulations, guaranteeing the best possible service offering when scanning concrete. The basis of Xradar Academy is to apply practical application of GPR technology to ensure the best results in the most efficient, safest, and most cost-effective way possible.
At Xradar™, they’re so confident in technicians ability to scan with accuracy, that they’ll guarantee you will not hit an unforeseen target whilst following our guidance.
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For a long time X-Ray was the target for accuracy, as it results in a direct image of the subsurface. However, this method has health hazards and can be restrictive, expensive, and time-consuming. This is where ground penetrating radar (GPR) comes in.
GPR is fast, versatile, inexpensive, and can scan larger depths, as well determining the depth of subsurface objects. The issue with GPR comes with choosing a contractor. This method of scanning is down to the interpretation of the technician, and many companies simply lack the understanding to utilise the service to its full extent.
Xradar Enhanced Concrete Scanning is a new method of concrete imaging with the accuracy of X-Ray, and the safety and efficiency of GPR. Xradar technicians are trained to the highest standards and conform to all regulations within the industry.
The limitations of Concrete X-Ray
There are two types of X-Ray imaging – regular and digital. Both utilize the same methods, however, regular is processed with film and digital is processed digitally.
X-Ray imaging is limited to a 14" x 14" area, with a maximum of 8" depth, which takes time to process. This solution is expensive and due to the radiation emitted by X-Ray, an 80 ft clearance is generally required.
Once the image is processed it still relies on the interpretation of the technician to mark the image on the slab, which can result in errors. Unlike Xradar, when using X-Ray you cannot tell the depth of subsurface objects. This means that it is not possible to use it for anchoring and drilling, e.g. mounting to a slab.
The typical limitations of X-ray concrete imaging are as follows:
- Radiation Hazards: The emitted radiation requires strict safety measures and poses a health risk, necessitating the clearing of the area during use. This likely has cost implications.
- Two-Sided Access: Requires placement of both the radiation source and the detector on opposite sides of the object (concrete slab), which isn't always feasible.
- Cost and Time: X-ray scanning is a costly and time-consuming process, particularly compared to methods like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
- Limited Detection: It primarily detects metallic and dense objects; non-metallic elements, like plastic conduits, do not show up on X-ray images.
- Interpretation: Like GPR, the technician's interpretation of the image is crucial, and errors can occur during this process.
Xradar Enhanced Concrete Scanning
The process of scanning concrete with Xradar is incredibly efficient and flexible. When scanning an area to core a hole you can know within a few moments whether the location will work, or if a new one needs to be considered.
There is no waiting for an image to process as an Xradar technician can accurately map the location and depth of subsurface objects in real time. The speed of Xradar means that it is far more cost-effective than X-Ray, while providing the highest levels of accuracy.
Compared to conventional GPR, Xradar can also distinguish between multiple layers of steel reinforcement. It can also map and locate objects hidden below layers of steel reinforcement and accurately determine the depth.
For more information on how Xradar can save you time and money, get in touch.
