The Schindler Elevator Corporation located in Orlando, FL had plans to install two new escalators at the Hyatt Grand Cypress Hotel near Walt Disney World.  In order for Schindler to remove the existing escalators they would need to create a beam and hoist system to lift the escalator out of the current structure.  This meant that Schindler would have to mount temporary beams for the hoist system the existing cast in place concrete columns.  They knew that these beams would be carrying a significant load and therefore they did not want to damage any of the structural reinforcing steel (rebar) in the concrete columns.  Thus they contacted Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc.  to come to the site and scan the concrete columns and map out the precise locations of the rebar on the column face.  GPRS has used ground penetrating radar to perform this type of survey on multiple occasions and was confident they could help Schindler out.  

On site GPRS surveyed 4 column faces and simply mapped the rebar on the surface and explained the markings to Schindler.  Schindler was confident in the results and confident that they would be able to create a mounting plate that would avoid the rebar in the concrete.  Schindler was very impressed with the services ground penetrating radar was able to provide to their unique situation.  They were highly complementary and we at GPRS look forward to working with them again in the future.

Chris Moore runs GPRS operations in the Orlando, FL Region.  He is based in Orlando, FL and he can be reached at (312)331-2127 or by email at chris.moore@gp-radar.com. Concrete scanning and surveying is a common application performed by the GPR technicians at GPRS.

Chris making a horizontal scan to locate
the rebar in the concrete column.

Chris double checking the rebar marks with a
vertical scan on the concrete column.