Concrete Scanning & Utility Locating in Little Rock, AR
GPR concrete scanning to locate rebar, conduit and post-tension cables ahead of drilling and cutting.
Concrete Scanning & Utility Locating for Little Rock Projects
Concrete scanning uses ground penetrating radar to see inside a slab or wall without breaking it. A small cart or handheld unit sends radar pulses into the concrete and records reflections from rebar, conduit, post-tension tendons, voids and changes in thickness. The operator marks the results directly on the surface, so the next crew knows where it is safe to drill or cut and where it is not.
Scanning matters in Little Rock for the same reasons it matters elsewhere, with some local emphasis. The UAMS district has dense, often poorly documented conduit and tendon layouts, downtown buildings span many construction eras, and newer retail, office and industrial slabs may contain post-tension cables. A clean scan before coring, sawing or trenching avoids striking something critical, which can mean a repair, an outage or a safety event.
It is also worth knowing what scanning does not do. Radar results depend on concrete conditions, depth and the operator's interpretation, and results should be treated as a strong guide rather than an absolute guarantee. Utility locates from Arkansas 811 do not cover utilities inside slabs or on private property, so scanning complements them. Pairing the scan with engineering review gives the best protection.
Little Rock-Specific Considerations
- Slabs on grade in river-bottom areas may have moisture that reduces radar signal quality, and thick industrial slabs at the port can limit penetration depth, so the scan method and expectations should be agreed in advance. Hospital owners often require scanning documentation before any penetration. Older downtown slabs may include unexpected items such as abandoned conduit. Scanning is also used on pavement to locate utilities and reinforcement before saw cutting, but it does not replace an Arkansas 811 locate request.
Our Concrete Scanning & Utility Locating Process
1. Review drawings and define scope
Available drawings and the planned penetrations or cuts are reviewed so the scan area and depth can be defined.
2. Prepare the surface
The area is cleared and a grid or line pattern is laid out so the scan coverage is complete.
3. Scan and mark
The operator scans the slab or wall, interpreting reflections for rebar, conduit and tendons and marking the results on the surface.
4. Document and review
Results are photographed or recorded, and the engineer or project team reviews them before cutting or coring is approved.
5. Proceed with cutting
Cores or cuts are positioned using the marked layout, with any unexpected conditions raised before work continues.
Reference Specifications
- Typical equipment: Track-mounted wall saws, walk-behind pavement saws, wet core drills and handheld ring saws
- Cut accuracy: Straight cuts to the layout line with depth matched to slab thickness and reinforcement
- Pre-cut scanning: Concrete scanning (GPR) and utility locating before coring or sawing slabs, walls and decks
Industrial Corridors We Serve
- Downtown & River Market District
- Port of Little Rock Industrial Park
- Rock Creek & West Little Rock Commercial Corridor
- UAMS Medical District
Related Services & Guides
Concrete Scanning & Utility Locating FAQ — Little Rock
How accurate is GPR concrete scanning?
GPR is generally good at locating rebar, conduit and tendons in typical slabs and walls, but accuracy depends on depth, concrete moisture, reinforcement density and operator skill. It is best treated as a strong guide rather than a guarantee. Combining the scan with drawings and engineer review gives the best protection. Confirm expected depth and limits with your scanning provider before relying on results.
Does scanning replace calling Arkansas 811?
No. Arkansas 811 coordinates locates of participating utilities' underground facilities before excavation, while GPR scanning looks inside slabs and walls, and can sometimes locate other items in the ground. They address different risks, and both may apply on a project that cores or saws a slab and then excavates. Check the Arkansas 811 website for current notice requirements.
When is scanning most important in Little Rock?
Scanning is most important where a mistake is costly: hospital and medical renovations around the UAMS district, post-tension slabs in newer commercial buildings, and older downtown buildings with unknown reinforcement. It is also valuable in industrial slabs at the port before large cuts. Many owners require scanning documentation before any penetration is approved, so building it into the scope early avoids delay.