Subsurface Interface Radar

Otto Rosenau & Associates, Inc. uses the Subsurface Interface Radar (SIR) system, one of the best technologies in the industry, to non-destructively investigate the earth and concrete structures for subsurface objects.

What is Subsurface Interface Radar (SIR)?

The SIR system is a low power digital Ground Penetrating Radar system that transmits electromagnetic energy in the frequency range of 16 MHz to 2,000 MHz into the surface. The energy reflects off targets, or changes in the subsurface, and is picked up at the surface by the SIR antenna that translates the data into real-time results.

What are the capabilities of SIR?

SIR is capable of detecting objects as small as wire mesh (millimeters) to as big as geological features (hundreds of meters) and is able to scan through walls, beams, slabs, floors, and columns. Depth of penetration is highly dependent on subsurface conductivity with a range of 4 cm to 50 meters.

What application uses SIR?

Among various applications, SIR can be used for locating utilities (pipe and cables), post-tensioned tendons, rebar, conduit, voids, and storage tanks.

What is the difference between SIR and X-Ray?