Air-launched applications have aided in determining pavement thicknesses and locating trapped moisture and air voids, among other pavement surface testing. Railroad ties sometimes rot from the ground up, and the ballast on which the ties and rails rest can sometimes get fouled. These can be easily discovered with GPR and then repaired before problems occur. Since deck delamination isn t visible on the surface, GPR can pinpoint areas for reconstruction or patching. GPR units have been floated in boats to map the extent of scouring in riverbeds.
Testing occurs at the processing plant or on site, depending on the type of application.