Client Overview
RoadTek, a commercial business arm of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), engaged South-East Scanning for ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys in Mackay and its surrounding regions, including Clermont, Proserpine, and Airlie Beach—the project aimed to provide critical insights into subsurface structures, focusing on reinforcement and asphalt thickness assessments.
Project Scope
The primary objective of the survey was to use GPR technology to assess the integrity and composition of infrastructure elements, providing data on:
- Reinforcement Mapping: Locating and detailing the placement and condition of reinforcement within concrete structures.
- Asphalt Thickness Analysis: Measuring the thickness of asphalt layers for road maintenance and planning.
Equipment Used
South-East Scanning utilised the Proceq GP8000, a state-of-the-art GPR unit designed for high-resolution imaging and efficient data acquisition for this project. The GP8000’s advanced capabilities allow for accurately identifying subsurface features, even in challenging conditions. Additionally, South-East Scanning technicians deployed the Screening Eagle Inspect software to gather, analyse, and compile the data into comprehensive reports. This cutting-edge platform streamlined the reporting process, ensuring clarity and precision in presenting findings to the client.
Locations Surveyed
The project covered four key locations:
- Mackay: Detailed scans focused on identifying reinforcement within concrete roadways and assessing asphalt thickness to guide maintenance schedules.
- Clermont: Surveys provided essential data on structural integrity for planned upgrades.
- Proserpine: GPR imaging supported the evaluation of road conditions in flood-prone areas.
- Airlie Beach: The scans aided in ensuring the durability of infrastructure in this high-traffic, tourism-centric region.
Methodology
The surveys were conducted using a systematic grid-based approach:
- Site Preparation: Locations were marked to establish scanning grids. Confined space permits and gas testing were carried out where necessary.
- Data Acquisition: The Proceq GP8000 was employed to capture high-resolution subsurface data. The unit’s ability to differentiate between materials enabled precise measurements of asphalt thickness and the detection of reinforcement patterns.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Collected data was processed using Proceq’s software, and the Screening Eagle Inspect platform was used to analyse and compile the findings into detailed, visually enhanced reports for the client.
Key Findings
- Reinforcement: Comprehensive mapping revealed consistent reinforcement placement within surveyed concrete structures, ensuring compliance with design standards.
- Asphalt Thickness: Variations in asphalt thickness were identified, providing essential data for maintenance planning and budget allocation.
Challenges and Solutions
- Environmental Factors: High temperatures and regional weather conditions required adaptive scheduling to optimise fieldwork efficiency.
- Diverse Terrain: The varying geological conditions across locations were addressed by calibrating the GP8000 for site-specific requirements.
Outcomes and Benefits
The data provided by South-East Scanning enabled RoadTek and TMR to:
- Make informed decisions about maintenance and upgrades.
- Prioritise areas requiring immediate attention.
- Optimise resource allocation based on accurate subsurface assessments.
Conclusion
This project highlights South-East Scanning’s expertise in delivering accurate and actionable insights using advanced GPR technology. By partnering with RoadTek, we contributed to Queensland’s transport infrastructure’s long-term sustainability and safety. Screening Eagle Inspect further ensured that the data and final reports were delivered accurately and professionally.
For more information about our services or to discuss your project needs, please get in touch with South-East Scanning.
