SUBSURFACE SOLUTIONS

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.

A publication of Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. June 2001

SIRveyor
SIR-20
SIRveyor (SIR-20) is the most recent addition to GSSIs line of Subsurface Interface Radar (SIR) products. This first in a new generation of GPR data acquisition systems revolutionizes GPR systems on many fronts. And it does so at a more reasonable price than previous multichannel instruments. High-Speed Capability. The SIRveyor collects data at the extremely fast rate of 800 scans per second, several times faster than any other available GPR system. Data are displayed and stored, real-time, on the detachable, ruggedized laptop computer.
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3D Revolution
GSSI 3D QuickDraw
Ground penetrating radar provides an abundance of information from depth to features and differences in soil types, to concrete deterioration zones, clear drilling areas and much more. Traditional 2D, or single transect profiles contain detailed information on the area surveyed. These views are essential for successfully identifying features, calculating depth and gaining input to the nature of the survey area. GSSIs simple user interfaces, including StructureScanII and UtilityScan, have simplified GPR setup and collection. Our 3D QuickDraw software simplifies post processing, data display and feature identification. By providing this powerful imaging tool, GSSI enables users to have the best, most intuitive access to their data.

HandyScan
First Hand-Held GPR System
North Salem, NH - Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. of North Salem, New Hampshire has announced the launch of a new product, HandyScan. HandyScan is the latest of GSSIs subsurface radar instruments for non-destructively inspecting the interior of concrete structures prior to drilling, cutting, coring or applying fasteners. HandyScan is the first hand-held GPR system for use in the repair and maintenance of concrete buildings and structures. It is the lowest cost GPR system on the market today and it is lightweight (2.4 pounds!). It is the only system of its kind being sold in the world today revolutionizing how we use NDT to image into reinforced concrete so that cables, conduits and rebar can be accurately located prior to cutting or coring operations.
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3D QuickDraw showing pipes (identified in red) on multiple Z-slices in a data cube.

3D QuickDraw presents a number of powerful display options to provide the flexibility needed for GPR data interpretation and analysis. This software allows one to create a plan view or a 3D cube of data that quickly reveals features within the survey area. Simple utility detection is one thing, but mapping a complex infrastructure or a busy archaeological site presents more of a challenge.
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Sinkhole Characterization and Management Along A Regional Rail Road

Pennsylvania, USA - Within the carbonate rock formations of central, south central and southeastern Pennsylvania karst landforms develop, frequently resulting in land subsidence problems. Sinkholes, pinnacles and solution features commonly characterize these karst landforms. A regional rail line in southern Pennsylvania has experienced sinkhole development along a portion of one of its highspeed corridors situated in a region of carbonate rock. In response to the sinkhole development, the rail line initiated a proactive program to develop a strategic plan necessary to monitor and manage such occurrences. WESTON performed a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and geologic assessment along the rail corridor to obtain the body of information necessary to aid in the development of the strategic sinkhole management plan.
GPR data collected on Rail Bed
0 ft
Approximate depth

Pole

4 ft

8 ft

Picture from same location

Pole

Ground subsidence exhibited along embankment

Subsurface radar scans were conducted along three miles of the northbound and southbound rails to identify potential sinkhole related features. Scans were conducted both between the rails (left) and adjacent to the outer rail (right). Approximately 10 miles of continuous radar data (using two channels) were collected and analyzed. By analyzing the geometry of the anomalous radar signatures (above), unique structure of

pinnacles, voids, and bedrock depressions were identified. An anomaly database was developed to catalogue and manage subsurface features (identified by the GPR) in a Geographic Information System (GIS). A component of the Strategic Management Plan is to monitor the future development of these features by performing periodic (i.e., annual or semiannual) radar inspections. Remediation (geotechnical) alternatives were developed to repair the sinkholes along the rail corridor. Information on remediation of priority 1 anomalies and future development of priority 2 and 3 anomalies (as imaged by the periodic radar inspections) will be incorporated into the GIS anomaly database. This concept of identifying, cataloging and monitoring discrete subsurface anomalies will allow the authority to better manage and potentially predict future sinkhole development along the corridor.

Data and photographs courtesy of WESTON

With regret, we note the passing of Rudy Kadlec, the former President of GSSI for fifteen years. Under his leadership the company grew from one with a small novelty product, to the world leader in GPR technology. Rudy launched the international sales initiative in the mid-eighties and the first commercial multi-channel systems in the early nineties. He built a team of very talented people, many of whom are still at GSSI today. He will be missed.
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GSSI to Release RADAN NT Version 3.0

GSSI is poised to launch Version 3 of its RADAN-NT GPR processing software. This new version offers improved features to make processing easier and increase productivity.

New National Sales Manager On-Board

GSSI is pleased to announce the hiring of a new National Sales Manager. Effective May 1st 2001, Paul M. Lastoff joined the management staff at Geophysical Survey Systems. Mr. Lastoff has spent his last 8 years spearheading the New Business Acquisition group at Staples Business Advantage at the world headquarters located in Framingham MA. At Staples, his primary responsibility was developing domestic sales teams that focused on the Fortune 1000 account opportunities. I am extremely excited to be part of this company, explains Paul Lastoff, this is a fantastic opportunity to deliver my skill sets from driving a company like Staples, to a company which is the world leader in GPR. Mr. Lastoff will oversee all sales activity, new marketing initiatives, and reviewing what our clients needs are today, and in the future. Mr. Lastoff can be reached at (603) 893-1109 or via email at Paul_L@geophysical.com.

Enhancements to 3-D QuickDraw Module include:

- Easily draw and edit pipes in 3-D - Select up to ten X,Y, or Z slices at various intervals for better data presentation - Add a contour image to better resolve subtle changes in target amplitudes - Spin the 3D cube using the mouse or arrow keys - Pinpoint the location of any slice with mouse cursor or a grid overlay - Display multi-channel files in the same 3D cube - Page up or down to rapidly slice through the cube - Export a .csv file from a single slice to an Excel spreadsheet for additional post-processing - Save current 3D settings for instant retrieval

Changes for Road Structure Assessment include:

- Improved resolution for thin pavements - Files now viewable in the 3D module - Improvements in selection and use of Filters

HandyScan

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Improvements for Interactive Interpretation:

- Enhanced Single Point picking with closest peak, or user defined vertical range modes - Improved scrolling adding and editing picks on longer files - Easier entry of pick data into a spreadsheet - Improved ability to Add and Delete single points

HandyScan provides a fast and easy method of mapping rebar, wire mesh, fluid-filled plastic pipes and all other metallic conduits and cables embedded in concrete. This radar system is very easy to operate. According to Dennis Johnson, President of Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc., We are thrilled to be the first to market with such a revolutionary GPR product - offering robust capabilities at such a low cost. To learn more about HandyScan, send an email to sales@geophysical.com or visit our web site at www.StructureScan.com.

For StructureScan users:

- Improved data processing to minimize ghost images - Support for HandyScan For more information contact AlphaGeofisica - Brazil - tel.: 21 2556-1295 via email at info@alphageofisica.com.br

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New GSSI Technology Showcased in China

GSSI sent trainer Meg Watters on a tour with their China rep, Laurel Industrial, to demonstrate the latest and greatest GSSI equipment and software this past March. archaeology. Recent release of very specific application software modules (Bridge Assessment, Structure Identification, Road Structure Assessment, and 3D QuickDraw) are facilitating quick and focused data processing and imaging. Among some of the software modules, automated feature recognition provides a powerful tool for consistently accurate and relatively simple final output information in ASCII format. This information can then be integrated into larger project data base systems (GIS) or viewed in AutoCad or other such programs.

Highlights
Laurel Industrial representatives Mingde Yuan (left) and He Bin (right) with Meg Watters, Applications Specialist.

The first stop in Beijing began with a test and demonstration of the GEM-300. After training new clients, Meg was set up a test site to detect objects of different materials buried at various depths. The final feedback from the client is that we hit 100% of the targets, a first for any gear tested on their site. Next was a whirlwind tour of 6 cities from Beijing, to Xian, ZongQuing, Shanghai, Har Bin and back to Beijing. We met with representatives from government agencies, private contract companies, university research faculty and other assorted geophysically-minded people. New to this visit was a meeting with the Center for Remote Sensing and Archaeology at Shanghai University. It appears China is gearing up for an impressive period of construction focusing on opening the remote areas of the west and north to the rest of the country. As one can imagine, there were interesting discussions with communications experts, civil engineers and city planners; not to mention the more traditional coal mining, geophysical and environmental researchers.

Needless to say, the trip was not all work. As an archaeologist Meg was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit some of the most impressive Chinese archaeological sites including tombs at Xian and the Forbidden City in Beijing. One of the demonstrations was at Xian on the grounds of a Han Dynasty tomb. The PathFinder collected data to about a 2 m depth over compacted, dry clay rich soil. The final 3D output image immediately drew the attention of the Site Director when he exclaimed, Look, there, you can see the rammed earth layers in the image. Meg learned that the clay statuettes were covered with a wooden support and then buried with the process of rammed earth where up to 20 m of earth was deposited, layer by layer and rammed by hand until it was as hard as concrete.

Demonstrations
Equipment demonstrations at each site successfully mapped buried utilities (PathFinder) and rebar location (StructureScanII) in building floors. Software demonstrations included new modules and developing applications in bridge deck mapping, concrete analysis, 3D imaging and
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3D data cube from Xian tomb grounds. Red lines indicate rammed earth layers, red marks on the Z-slice surface are unknown buried features (top). PathFinder demonstration in Beijing (left).

SIRveyor

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QuickDraw 3D

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This real-time throughput feature is important for several reasons: Other fast systems cannot manage the data display or storage when their systems are collecting data at their top speed. This means the operator must stop and wait for data storage to catch up to buffered data (data in memory), then resume the surveyonly to wait once more each time the buffer is filled. Built-in RADAN for Windows-NT Data Collection and Processing Software. RADAN (RAdar Data ANalyzer) data acquisition and processing software both reside on the detachable laptopallowing the user to switch from data collection to data processing with a click of a mouse. Both modes use a common protocol and a common set of program function icons (filters, 3-D file setup, display parameters, etc.). If a separate office computer is used for post-processing while the SIRveyor is in the field, bear in mind that Windows 2000 Professional fully supports RADAN for Windows-NTallowing you to upgrade directly from Windows 98. Transportation Infrastructure Inspections. One of the primary benefactors of this new system is the transportation industry, because of its conflicting needs for both speed and detail at high scan density. Consultants currently providing GPR surveys that minimally impact the traveling public (desirable for many reasons by DOT and other clients) had no choice but to sacrifice data quality for speed. With the SIRveyor-based RoadScan and BridgeScan systems these surveys can now be performed without such limitations. Versatility. The SIRveyor, now the backbone of the RoadScan and BridgeScan systems, is not limited to transportation applications. Obviously, other industries benefit from this new system, as well. For any application where previous SIR systems have operated, its field-ruggedness, versatility and on-site processing capability make SIRveyor (SIR-20) a geophysical, archaeological, civil/structural, and utilities detection instrument worthy of the SIR name. We at GSSI are excited about the opportunities this stateof-the-art system creates for our customers in new and expanding markets, as well as the capability it provides you for providing even better survey information to your clients in less time.

When a large area must be surveyed (100 x 100 m for example), it would be extremely time consuming to thoroughly process and examine each individual transect for site features. Using 3D QuickDraw one can quickly assemble a 3D file of the survey area and then view your data set in QuickDraws 3D format. After interpolation, the software creates a cube of data which can be viewed in a number of formats: single slices along the X, Y and Z axes (left), fence diagrams with 2 or 3 axes (top right), a solid cube that can be adjusted to view interior feature information (bottom right). In addition, by setting amplitude thresholds in the transparency mode, one can literally dissolve away the site matrix and leave features suspended in 3D space.

Other tools in 3D QuickDraw assist the user in viewing data. Zooming allows the user to move around in the data set by setting view parameters. Black and white background options help enhance the visual impact of the data and features it may contain. Flexibility with expansion and contraction of the Z axis and multiple Z slicing gives the user more flexibility in imaging options. The next release of 3D QuickDraw will include three main new functions: Orthographic views of data sets to highlight peak amplitude features (shown below); time slice export in ASCII (.csv) format for easy use in CAD, GIS, or other mapping programs; and feature annotation tools.

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GEM-300 Finds Diamonds in the Rough

GGL Diamond Corp., formerly Gerle Gold Ltd., was established in 1981 and has been actively exploring for diamonds in the Northwest Territories, Canada since 1992. More than a decade has passed since the beginning of the diamond exploration boom in the Slave geological province of the Northwest Territories, Canada, which has yielded one diamond mine with two more in preproduction. As most of the kimberlites in the Slave Craton with distinctive geophysical signatures have been found, innovative and perhaps nontraditional geophysical techniques will be required to delineate the subtle targets. GGLs ability to take existing geophysical technologies and use them in innovative ways has allowed us to quickly and cost effectively evaluate portions of our project areas. Conventional ground geophysics techniques are considered to be extremely labor intensive, and airborne geophysics are not warranted for smaller areas, as they are prohibitively expensive. In the summer of 2000, Mike McClelland of GGL investigated a single operator multi-frequency EM system available from Geophysical Survey Systems. Previously, water borne anomalies were surveyed for bathymetric (water depth) and magnetic data using a GPS for positioning and time syncing data to coordinates. Geosoft was used for data presentation. The integration of the GEM-300 for the collection of EM data only increased the multiple instrument survey potential for identifying possible kimberlite occurrences. There were conflicts between survey instrumentation that were eventually overcome by separating devices so that any one device would not interfere with the operation or data collection of another.
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The GEM-300 and magnetic instrumentation were used to test ground and water borne anomalies identified from airborne surveys during this winter. A small walled sleigh was used to house magnetic, EM, and GPS equipment.

GSSI Handbook for Radar Inspection of Concrete

Temperatures were generally around -30C, and with the instruments sheltered from the wind the GEM300 worked ideally under these temperatures with no noticeable effects on battery or unit functionality. It is concluded that the GEM-300 does work in an aquatic environment, and will give geophysical responses in water depths up to 20m, and through 1.25m of ice. McClelland states, Integration of the GEM-300 into our field programs allows us to easily collect EM data and increase our analysis potential with multiple instrument datasets. Although the GEM-300 is an instrument utilized for detecting cultural anomalies, its potential for detecting geological anomalies less than 25m in depth has not been fully investigated or exploited.

This new guide by GSSI answers the growing demand for GPR data interpretation manuals. It is intended to de-mystify the interpretation of radar data and enable users to get the most out of radar surveys. The Handbook is based on the extensive experience of the GSSI team accumulated over years of surveys on various concrete structures, and answers the questions most frequently asked by GPR users worldwide. Common procedures used to identify and locate targets are described, including locating rebar, cables, conduits, etc. The Handbook provides methods for measuring slab thickness, locating voids within or under concrete and accurate measurement of target position and depth. Particular attention is given to difficult applications such as identification of PVC conduits, inspection of structures with several layers of reinforcement and measurement of rebar diameter. The use of 3D radar imaging is also discussed. The Handbook is based on data collected using the GSSI StructureScan system and RADAN software, but is intended for users of other systems as well. Most chapters address very basic secrets of GPR data interpretation that do not depend on the equipment or software used to collect and process data. For more information contact GSSI.

Multi-frequency EM response over a kimberlite in 4.5m of water.

PaveScan Fits The Bill

The Public Works Department in the city of Aurora, Colorado, has incorporated the use of the PaveScan system into their Quality Assurance Program with great success. Recently Thomas J. Pieters, Supervisor of the Materials Testing Laboratory division in Aurora, wrote to Francisco Romero, Civil Engineering Infrastructure Products Manager at GSSI. I would like to take a moment of your time to let you know how valuable your help has been at the City of Aurora, Materials Testing Laboratory. Through your clear and concise instructions and patience, we have become familiar and comfortable with the operation of the PaveScan system and its associated RADAN software. The equipment has proven to be most valuable to us on several occasions. The information that the equipment has provided has and will continue to save the City of Aurora an inordinate amount of future maintenance dollars. The first and most pronounced saving was a developers construction of a major 4-lane divided collector street, approximately 3200 lineal feet. Of the 3200 lineal feet, the GPR results indicated that more than half the roadway was constructed with an inadequate depth of HMAP than designed. While the majority of the rest was placed at various depths above the design HMAP thickness, the contractor was required to remove, regrade, and replace nearly 2000 tons of HMA. The cost of maintenance for this roadway, using 2000 prices, is estimated to be about $100,000 within the next 10 years. This cost will be greatly reduced because of the detection of the misplace HMAP and that the contractor had to make the roadway meet the design criteria. More recently, on a CIP project, the contractor was to have placed PCC for an alley at a depth of 6 inches. Because of the GPR, this contractor will be removing approximately 350 lineal feet of alley and replacing it with PCC to design depth rather than the 4-5 inches they had originally installed. The more we use and learn about the PaveScan system and RADAN, the more we are learning how to optimize our maintenance and construction dollars. We look forward to the addition of other equipment to enhance our capabilities, like being able to locate possible utility interference, with the eventual purchase of another antenna. Pieters went on to say he had recently been contacted by the Toronto Transportation Ministry and he told them the unit is out virtually every day for either pavement work, concrete work or utility detection.

What Are You Looking For?

StructureScanII provides a fast, easy and accurate method of mapping rebar, plastic pipes and all other conduits and cables embedded in concrete. This instrument sees objects that no other method can detect. Three-dimensional data gathering is accomplished in less than 10 minutes onsite with a single operator. StructureScanII provides real-time scanning to identify rebar, conduits or tension bars in concrete structures, as well as voids in, under or behind a concrete slab or wall. This unique GPR instrument has many advantages over radiography: speed, economy and its ability to image through a slab-on-grade.

Examples of StructureScanII data. Each 2 x 2 plan view was collected on an 8-inch thick concrete floor.

Problem:
A hotel in western Massachusetts needed to drill through 14 floors to install new fiber optic cables. They contracted a local Test Lab to x-ray the floors in their elevator shaft to locate clear spots to drill. Using radiography created safety issues within the hotel and inconvenienced the hotel guests by having to shut down elevator service. More importantly, the x-ray testing results did not reveal any data of what was between floors, leaving the Test Lab with blank films. After three labor-intensive, costly, frustrating days for both the Test Lab and hotel, GSSI was contacted for a solution.

Solution:
Using StructureScanII, the Test Lab safely and quickly surveyed the areas in question and successfully identified and mapped targets (conduits) between the floors and was able to mark where it was clear to drill. They did not have to interrupt the hotels elevator service nor did they have to clear any of the guests from their rooms. The job was successfully completed by the Test Lab personnel in just one afternoon.

Conclusion:
Whether you need to look into a wall, slab or a floor, StructureScanII is the fastest, safest, most reliable equipment you can use to get the job done. The system does not require the operator to be licensed, and the user can become efficient in operating the StructureScanII with less than two days of training.
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StructureScan At Work For Midwest Inspection Services

This is just a letter to inform you and your associates how pleased we here at Midwest Inspection Services are with the purchase of our StructureScan system. As we told Geophysical Survey Systems while attending your training on the system, we are a Non-Destructive Inspection firm that performs Radiographic Inspection (both X-ray and Gamma ray), Dye Penetrant Inspection, Magnetic Particle Inspection, Ultrasonic Inspection and Certified Welding Inspections (CWIs). Over the last five years we have increased our concrete X-raying by 300%. We have been looking for an alternative for this for approximately 3 years. We needed to find a method that would be sensitive enough that fiber optics encased in plastic PVC pipe could be located. Also, we really wanted to be able to eliminate the radiation area and eliminate late night inspection work. Your StuctureScan system provided all this for us. We are just now experiencing the fabulous results that your GPR system provides. We are able to locate the plastic PVC piping in the deck at up to 18 in depth. We have used the GPR for the location of rebar on the flight line at Denver International Airport as well as the bulk of our work providing Drill and No-Drill areas for core drillers. Again, we thank you for the technology that you have provided our company. I can really see the need for an additional unit in the near future. Jeff Connors, Manager Midwest Inspection Services, Inc. 325 Walnut Street, Brighton, CO 80601 (303) 654-7990 David Ezzell, Principal P.O. Box 1229, Perryton, TX 79070 (806) 435-4043

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. Info - Brazil:

Phone: 21 2556-12959 Fax: 21 2205-5100 E-mail: info@alphageofisica.com.br

www.alphageofisica.com.br