Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Ground Penetrating Radar to Help Aid in Structural Damage Reporting After Natural Disasters

One of the major problems that allow destruction scene controllers to reopen areas after an event unfolds is determining which buildings can be safely reentered and which ones cannot. It is a very time consuming process, and can hold back reconstructive processes for quite some time. However, researchers are testing a new method with old technology that may speed this process up. It involves using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). GPR is already used to conduct tests on geological surveys to detect cracks and voids in rocks. The technology is currently being examined to help determine voids in wood and steel found in buildings. If the idea pans out, then stress points can be located in already standing structures prior to an event, and after an event buildings can quickly be examined for their integrity. The researchers admit that there is still much work needed to help spread this new technology into this field of use, but greatly anticipate the time that it can be used.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425081305.htm

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