Aladdin - Ground Penetrating Radar System

Introduction

The Aladdin Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system is a safe, non-destructive method for concrete and imaging with unmatched clarity. Aladdin offers an accurate method to determine the position and depth of subsurface features essential for evaluating design drawings in new structures or evaluating old slabs with unknown design specifications. Aladdin allows a new level of confidence when cutting, coring, drilling or evaluating concrete slabs. The Aladdin GPR Concrete Scanner offers rapid onsite imaging via a simple surveying method requiring single handed operation.

Technology

Ground Penetrating Radar is a non-destructive geophysical method that records subsurface features within concrete. GPR profiles are used for evaluating the location and depth of buried features such as services, reinforcing steel and voids. GPR operates by transmitting ultra-high frequency radio waves down into the ground through an antenna. Subsurface features have a tendency to conduct radio waves differently to concrete due to a material property known as dielectric constant. This causes the Ground Penetrating Radar waves to be reflected by subsurface features which are then received by the antenna. The digital control unit processes the data to produce a pseudo-image which represents a profile through the concrete slab. 

The Aladdin System

IDS have taken the GPR to the next level with their Aladdin Ground Penetrating Radar system. The Aladdin GPR Concrete Scanner is unique on the market due to its ultra-high frequency (2 GHz), full-polar antenna which delivers unmatched resolution and only requiring half the survey time. The Aladdin also features a patented Pad Survey Guide (shown in Figure 2) which increases operation efficiency and image resolution.   

Applications

The Aladdin GPR Concrete Scanner system can be used to inspect concrete, masonry and rock for:

• 3D imaging of shallow and deep rebars
• Inspection of concrete for location of voids
• Inspection of concrete for thickness & integrity
• 3D imaging of pre-tension & post-tension cables
• Inspection and analysis of old structures, monuments and historical buildings
• Inspection of walls and floors for the location of pipes and other services

Features

• 

  2.0 GHz antenna, highest frequency on the market gives unmatched resolution for 3D subsurface imaging. (see figure right)
• First dual polarised antenna on the market acquires both longitudinal and transverse lines simultaneously to permit enhanced detection and half the survey time.
• Pad Survey Guide (PSG), patented mat to ensure highest resolution and ease of operation.
• Data log PC can be replaced by any laptop for user’s convenience.
• The versatile DAD MCH control unit can be used on all standard and specialised IDS antennas.
• Optional wireless WiFi link between antenna and control unit simplifies operation in difficult access areas.
• Control buttons directly on antenna’s handle allows efficient single hand operation without touching the PC.
• Rugged and self-contained carry case allows for efficient transportation.

Software

The dedicated GRED 3D software is the optimal interface for 2D and 3D concrete imaging. It features advanced 3D filtering and processing, flexible data handling and visualisation. It offers enhanced interpretation tools which allows for 3D cube and spatial representation to be exported for developing full engineering reports.

Case Studies

We have put together a number of Case Studies which show the capabilities of the Aladdin and Gred in concrete imaging.  For more information on creating images like these click this link: Aladdin GPR Case Studies.

Multiple Antenna Options

The versatile DAD control unit allows the Aladdin system to work with any IDS antenna. The Aladdin Ground Penetrating Radar System from IDS offers the user a huge range of antenna (both single and dual frequency).  The lower the antenna frequency the greater the penetration, but the lower the resolution (lower frequency also means a larger antenna).  Having multiple antennas means the user can opt for the best antenna for every application.  If you want to see behind a wall or under a slab a lower frequency is generally best.  Adding a low frequency antenna to the Dual Polarised 2GHz antenna standard with the Aladdin will offer a well received flexibility in many applications.

Antenna 600 MHz (TR600 V) Application: With a penetration of up to 2m the 600MHz antenna can be used for looking at conditions behind slabs and tunnel linings. Specially designed for vertical and horizontal surfaces. Kit includes: 600 MHz antenna with handles, survey kit and 3m cable. Specifications: Antenna Type: shielded dipole, Dimensions: 20x26x20 cm , Weight: 3 Kg, RH: <90%, Rain-proof (IP 65) , Temp: -40°C / 50°C
Antenna 900 MHz (TR900) Application: With a penetration of up to 1m the 900MHz antenna can be used for looking at conditions behind slabs and tunnel linings with higher resolution than the lower 600MHZ. Kit includes: 900 MHz antenna with handles, survey kit and 3m cable. Specifications: Antenna Type: shielded dipole, Dimensions: 20x26x20 cm, Weight: 3 Kg , RH: <90%, Rain-proof (IP 65), Temp: -40°C / 50°C
Dual Frequency  400/900MHz Antenna (TR Dual-F 400/900) Application: The 400/900MHz Antenna offers both penetration (3m) and high resolution within one antenna.  The antenna is larger so use is advised with a cart. Kit includes: A 400/900MHz antenna, cart, cable and survey wheel Specifications: Antenna Type: shielded dipole, Dimensions: 20x26x20 cm, Weight: 3 Kg , RH: <90%, Rain-proof (IP 65), Temp: -40°C / 50°C *MUST BE CONTROLLED WITH DAD MCH FASTWAVE CONTROLLER
Antenna Array 600/2000MHz (TR600+TR-HF) Application: This Antenna array gives optimum resolution for imaging of rebar and other target in a slab.  The low frequency antenna allows sub-base and layers behind slabs and linings to be imaged, simultaneously. Kit includes: 2000MHz and 600 MHz antennas, with a handle, survey wheel and cable. Specifications: Antenna Type: array of shielded dipole, Dimensions: 20x26x20 cm, Weight: 7 Kg, RH: <90%, Rain-proof (IP 65), Temp: -40°C / 50°C *MUST BE CONTROLLED WITH DAD MCH FASTWAVE CONTROLLER
Antenna 2000 MHz (TR-HF) Application: This is the single polar high frequency alternative to the standard Aladdin antenna.  Its use is for concrete application to 700mm where a high resolution (i.e. multiple layers of rebar) is required. Kit includes: 2GHz antenna fitted with a 15m cable and survey wheel Specifications: Antenna Type: shielded dipole, Dimensions: 13x12x8 cm, Weight: 1.3Kg, RH: <90%, Rain-proof (IP 65), Temp: -40°C / 50°C

Specifications