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Update for Concrete Tester provide additional functionality

21/8/2020

 
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Tester A1404 PULSAR has a software update with two new functions - Crack Depth Measurement (implemented in the instrument software) and SONREB for concrete strength evaluation. This gives additional functionality to our very successful concrete tester. ​
The new application software for visualization and processing data for A1410 PULSAR can be now downloaded free of charge in GooglePlay Store. Among others, the evaluation of concrete compressive strength by SonReb method according to all the valid international standards is implemented. You can buy the instrument here

Three Keys to Success: Cemetery Mapping

17/8/2020

 
In cemeteries across the United States, there are “the forgotten” burials of unmarked and lost graves. Geophysical techniques, such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), are needed to nondestructively locate these burials in cemeteries and in other locations. Here, we discuss the common causes for lost graves and present three keys to survey success.
Common Causes for Lost GravesThere are many causes for lost, unmarked graves, but two of the most important are cemetery age and population growth.
Historical cemeteries can go back hundreds of years. Over time, missing, fallen, or poorly placed headstones can complicate the assumed physical location of grave sites. The original documentation may be unavailable or rendered unreadable, further leading to confusion. For these and other reasons it is common for cemetery maintenance managers, or other stakeholders, to enlist GPR service providers to generate up-to-date burial maps or clear areas for new burials.
Modern population growth has led to increased infrastructure and city sprawl. As local and state regulations have evolved over time there are documented cases where contractors were given permission to build over known or forgotten burial grounds. In these situations, it is possible that civil and political pressure may lead to a GPR investigation to determine the existence of a cemetery, presence or absence of burials, whether the graves have been disturbed, and factors related to relocation recommendations. In other cases, cemeteries were relocated due to urban expansion but some of the graves could have been overlooked.
Due to the sensitivity of these sites, the GPR service provider’s challenge is to quickly explore the subsurface without disturbing the burials. Every cemetery is different, and local environmental and soil conditions can complicate the investigation. Below, we outline three steps to get started in mapping cemeteries.
How to Get Started: Three Keys to Success
  1. Know your GPR Equipment – Experienced users with knowledge of archaeology, forensics, and burial practices are best suited for cemetery mapping surveys. However, for beginners there are many pathways for acquiring sufficient knowledge and experience. The first key to success is to determine the right type of equipment to use and to know one’s GPR equipment well. All the archaeological, forensic, or cemetery knowledge in the world is not a substitute for GPR gear and an understanding of how to use it effectively.
  2.  Conduct Pre-Survey Research –
    • Practice: The best experience is hands-on practice. Consider reaching out to a local cemetery and ask permission to scan their grounds prior to conducting cemetery surveys as a service offering.
    • Research: Take time to research the age of the cemetery and how it may have been managed over time. For example, were any plots of land adjacent to the cemetery purchased or changed over time? Is there a clear property line boundary or is it possible that burials could be edging the property? Additionally, seek out research materials that describe GPR methods for cemeteries and become familiar with how burials appear in GPR datasets.
    • Directionality: Look at the existing marked graves in the cemetery to determine the direction and orientation of the graves. For example, if there is no surface expression, can the headstone or footstone provide directional orientation? This will aid in determining the direction of data collection and achieve a better-quality survey result. Ideally, the GPR should pass over burials perpendicular to their long axis (90 degrees).
​3.   Consider the Variables – Soil conditions, weather, and the surrounding environment are variables that can affect the quality of the GPR survey. Note these observances in your field notes and determine if other geophysical techniques can be used to compliment the GPR survey. Be especially cautious if the ground is saturated with water. If your shoes ‘squish’ when you walk over the site, consider returning once the water content has decreased. Look for large trees in the vicinity, signs of large rocks and animal burrows. These and other targets could generate ‘false positive’ indicators of burials.
With this application, it is just as important to understand the appropriate type of GPR equipment, as well as potential limitations, as it is to know about what you’re going to encounter onsite. As with all technical subjects, mastery of cemetery investigations with GPR requires practice and dedication. Armed with GSSI GPR and an understanding of burial characteristics, you can help locate and protect human burials.
We’re here to help – we’re educators and want to provide you with the tools to be successful. To learn more, here are some recommended readings:
Recommended Reading

  1. Bevan, B. W. The search for graves. 1991. Geophysics, 56(9), pp. 1310-1319
    • Can be downloaded from Bruce Bevan’s Academia.edu page (requires login or sign up)
  2. Conyers, Lawrence B. Ground-penetrating radar for archaeology. Altamira Press, 2013.
  3. Conyers, Lawrence B. Interpreting ground-penetrating radar for archaeology. Routledge, 2016.
  4. Conyers, Lawrence B. “Ground-penetrating radar techniques to discover and map historic graves.” Historical Archaeology3 (2006): pp. 64-73.
    • Downloadable from Conyers’ website: http://www.gpr-archaeology.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/graves.pdf
  5. Leach, Peter. RADAN 7 for archaeology, forensics, and cemeteries. Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. 2019, pp. 70 Downloadable from GSSI’s website: https://www.geophysical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MN43203A-RADAN-for-Archaeology-Cemeteries-and-Forensics.pdf

Recent Articles


  1. Guzzo, Paul, “Are there graves under Tropicana Field parking lots? Archaeologists want to find out,” Tampa Bay Times, July 2, 2020, https://www.tampabay.com/news/st-petersburg/2020/07/02/are-there-graves-under-tropicana-field-parking-lots-archaeologists-want-to-find-out/
  2. Fortin, Jacey and Diaz, Johnny, “A Long-Lost Black Cemetery in Tampa May Have Been Found,” New York Times, November 27, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/27/us/tampa-black-cemetery-school.html
  3. Schreiner, Mark, “USF Researchers Plan Return to Dozier,” WUSF Public Media, October 2, 2019, https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/usf-researchers-plan-return-dozier


The new Concrete Moisture Encounter CME-X5

14/8/2020

 
The Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 – CMEX5 is a non-destructive digital multi moisture meter for concrete floors and slabs providing an instant and precise quantitative measurement of moisture content using Gravimetric testing as a baseline. 
The CMEX5 also provides Carbide Method equivalent readings for concrete and other cementitious substrates as well as comparative readings as per ASTM F2659. Incorporating plug-in ports for the optional Hygro-i2® relative humidity probe testing per ASTM F2170 and heavy-duty pin-type wood probes, this moisture meter transforms into the ideal all-in-one instrument for the flooring professional.
The new CMEX5 includes:
Bluetooth connection to IOS & Android Tramex App
Non-Destructive Quantitative %MC
Built-In Ambient RH Sensor
In-Situ RH & Pin Probe connections
500+ Wood species available
Optional Extension Bracket with Telescopic Handle

Getting Started with RADAN 7

14/8/2020

 
 RADAN® is GSSI’s post-processing software for ground penetrating radar (GPR). Short for Radar Data Analyzer, RADAN was first developed by GSSI in 1984 and released in 1987 to post-process GPR data. This software allows users to select the processing functions that best suits their needs. RADAN is Windows™ based, which provides a familiar and easy-to-use environment for all levels of user experience. In 1994, RADAN changed from a disk operating system (DOS) to Windows. ​
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RADAN 7 Software Options
There are three types of software packages for RADAN 7. RADAN 7 Main is the primary platform for all GPR applications. Users have the ability to customize their RADAN 7 software with additional modules:
3D: The 3D Module allows the user to view and build 3D visualizations. This module helps interpret and annotate complex subsurface structures and is often used to create report graphics.
RoadScan™: The RoadScan Module is used to analyze pavement, base, and sub-base layers in roadways.
BridgeScan™: The BridgeScan Module allows users to process bridge deck GPR data and account for skew angles. Features included aids users to map bridge deck deterioration and export data in multiple file formats, such as .kml and excel.
GSSI also offers two versions of RADAN that are application specific for the concrete inspection and utility locating markets. These packages are separate from RADAN 7 Main and cannot be upgraded.
RADAN 7 for StructureScan™ Mini is designed to process, view and document 2D and 3D data collected with the StructureScan Mini series systems.
RADAN 7 for UtilityScan® is designed to process, view and document 2D and 3D data collected with our UtilityScan product line.
How to Activate RADAN 7
When users purchase RADAN 7, they are provided a unique digital product key and serial number that is needed to install the software on their computer. RADAN 7 will automatically activate purchased modules when the activation codes are input. If one does not input the activation codes, the software will go into Demo Mode for 30 days or 33 uses, whichever comes first. After which, the software defaults to a RADAN Reader version.
 
File Types
When importing your GPR data into RADAN, you will see different files depending on the systems you collected the data on. Below we’ll list out the types of file names and differences between them.


  • .DZT file: This is a raw GPR data file, containing two-way travel time and amplitude information. Depending on when a user’s control unit was released (SIR® 3000, SIR® 20, and all previous units), processes and filters will also be stored in this .DZT file. Any adjustments on the control unit to improve the radar signal will also be stored in this file.
  • .DZX file: Once a user opens the .DZT file in RADAN and begins processing it, the software will automatically generate a .DZX file with the same name as the .DZT file. This .DZX file contains all processes undertaken in the software. Additionally, for GSSI’s newest products (SIR 4000, SIR 30, UtilityScan, StructureScan Mini) adjustments undertaken in the control unit will be stored in a .DZX file with the same name as the .DZT file. These two files must share the same name and “travel” together in order to be able to correctly open and use the files in RADAN.
  • .DZA file: LineTrac accessories attached to a digital antenna with the SIR 4000 or StructureScan Mini XT also generate a .DZA file with the same name as the other files containing LineTrac data.
  • .DZG file: GPS systems attached to the SIR 4000, SIR 30, or Utility Scan generate a .DZG file with the same name as the other GPR data files containing GPS coordinate data.
  • .PLT and .TMF files: For users who collect GPS data on the SIR 3000 or SIR 20 using the Acumen Data Logger, the system will generate a .PLT and a .TMF file; these two files contain all GPS data.
  • .B3D file: 3D files generated using the Quick 3D module with the SIR 3000 will be .B3D files. When opened in RADAN, the .B3D file will grab all of the other .DZT files and place them together in the correct order, thus enabling users to view a 3D file as a whole and interpret it in the software. After creating the entire 3D grid in the software, RADAN will automatically generate an .M3D file, which allows adjustments to the 3D grid from within RADAN.
  • .BZX file: The Quick 3D and Scan 3D modules of the SIR 4000 and Structure Scan Mini generate .BZX files; when opening this file, the software will grab all of the relevant .DZT files and assemble them into a grid, much like with the .B3D file.
  • .S3D file: Super 3D, or .S3D files, are generated in RADAN when multiple 3D grids are stitched together into a larger 3D image.


Setting up a Source Directory
Lastly, users should know how to generate and set up a source directory in RADAN before beginning any processing. The source directory tells the RADAN program where to look for the data for processing.
When opening the software, click on the global settings option, which will open a pane on the right side of the screen. Upon double clicking on the word source directory, a file browser will open allowing users to browse the location containing the data for processing. Once this source directory is set to the correct location, clicking “Home > Open” will open that source directory right away.
Note: If “Autosave files” is set to Yes when setting up the source directory, RADAN will automatically save files in the source directory in a folder called “PROC,” short for processed files. Alternatively, “Autosave files” can be set to No, which gives users the ability to rename files as they’re being created.

GPR for Geophysical and Environmental Assessment

14/8/2020

 
Geologic and environmental investigations are integral in determining the geology of any work site. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) used as Non-Destructive Testing for subsurface exploration remains one of the safest, quickest, and highest resolution survey options available. Researchers and professionals have been using GPR for geophysical investigation for nearly a century and the applications are seemingly endless. From depth to bedrock, ground water exploration, ice and snow investigation, geomorphology, bathymetry, stratigraphy and sedimentation, structural investigation (along with geohazards), and prospecting, we offer a wide range of antenna frequencies with never before seen depth penetration and data quality. ​
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Ground penetrating radar (GPR) offers an accurate, non-destructive solution to mapping the subsurface of the earth. With GSSI GPR antennas, it is simple to locate features of interest and subsurface layers in real time, up to 100 feet or more. 
We offer many different analog and digital antennas, giving you the freedom to choose the right combination of depth penetration and resolution. High frequency antennas provide higher resolution, but typically offer limited penetration. Lower frequency antennas collect deeper data, but they do not image small targets or closely-spaced soil boundaries. Whatever your survey requires, we’ve got you covered. ​
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