IDS RIS Hi-Pave GPR for road and airport pavement assessment

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IDS GeoRadar RIS Hi-Pave is a specialist ground penetrating radar system for assessing road and runway pavements. Air-launched horn antennas acquire data without touching the surface in a vehicle-mounted configuration. The resulting profiles support investigation of pavement layers, thickness variations and changes requiring further diagnosis. Antennas, control units, positioning and software are selected for the intended survey. We provide an individual quotation for the agreed configuration.

Brochure and datasheet

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IDS GeoRadar / Hexagon

See how the pavement changes along the route

IDS GeoRadar RIS Hi-Pave is a specialist ground penetrating radar system for assessing road and runway pavements. Air-launched horn antennas acquire data without touching the surface in a vehicle-mounted configuration. The resulting profiles support investigation of pavement layers, thickness variations and changes requiring further diagnosis. Antennas, control units, positioning and software are selected for the intended survey. We provide an individual quotation for the agreed configuration.

Example RIS Hi-Pave configuration with two antennas on a vehicle. IDS GeoRadar material.
Example RIS Hi-Pave configuration with two antennas on a vehicle. IDS GeoRadar material.

Road and airport assessment based on continuous profiles

A single core describes one location. A continuous GPR profile helps assess how the layer structure changes between investigation points. RIS Hi-Pave combines this perspective with a vehicle-mounted survey configuration, allowing teams to plan longer routes and compare observations along a section.

The system is intended for survey companies, pavement laboratories, infrastructure managers and teams responsible for acceptance testing and maintenance. Reliable GPR work requires a consistent process: selecting antennas, preparing the route, calibrating the interpretation and presenting the findings clearly.

Roads, runways and taxiways

A survey may address asphalt layers, the base and sub-base, as well as locations where the radar response differs from surrounding sections. These observations help guide pavement investigations before refurbishment, during acceptance testing or as part of periodic monitoring.

At an airport, the survey programme must reflect the pavement structure and access arrangements for the manoeuvring area.

  • Assess layer continuity and thickness variation.
  • Compare the constructed pavement with design records.
  • Identify sections for targeted verification.
RIS Hi-Pave horn antenna and positioning equipment on a survey vehicle. IDS GeoRadar material.
RIS Hi-Pave horn antenna and positioning equipment on a survey vehicle. IDS GeoRadar material.

Antennas selected for the investigation

HR1000 and HR2000 horn antennas acquire data without touching the surface. The technical datasheet also lists the TR600 dipole antenna and Dual F 400-900 dual-frequency antenna. Frequency selection should follow the required resolution and investigation objective, rather than the channel count alone.

The manufacturer diagram shows alternative antenna and control-unit arrangements. It is not an equipment list for a single package. We establish the required array, mounting geometry and vehicle integration when preparing the quotation.

  • HR1000: 1000 MHz; HR2000: 2000 MHz.
  • TR600: 600 MHz; Dual F 400-900: 400/900 MHz.
  • Up to six channels in the configuration described by the datasheet.
Example alternative RIS Hi-Pave antenna and control-unit configurations. IDS GeoRadar material.
Example alternative RIS Hi-Pave antenna and control-unit configurations. IDS GeoRadar material.

Survey route, positioning and acquisition control

Each profile needs a reliable link to its survey location. RIS Hi-Pave supports a measuring wheel and/or GPS interface, while manufacturer material describes NMEA positioning. Distance recording, the receiver and required connections are confirmed when the system is configured.

An optional camera allows video to be associated with radar data. The maximum acquisition parameter of 250 km/h is specified at 10 scans/m and 512 samples. The actual survey speed must reflect the configuration, survey geometry, traffic arrangements and working conditions.

  • Agree the recording interval along the route.
  • Check the association between radargram and position.
  • Camera and positioning equipment as defined in the quotation.
Example acquisition view: route, radargram and optional camera image. IDS GeoRadar material.
Example acquisition view: route, radargram and optional camera image. IDS GeoRadar material.

Clear layer boundaries in GRED software

Interpretation starts with data quality and identifying reflections that can be followed consistently along a profile. The GRED 3D tools listed in the manufacturer datasheet include manual and automatic layer tracking, B-scan and C-scan views, filters and 3D presentation.

Automatic tracking can speed up processing, but needs checking where materials change or interference and weak contrast affect the data.

  • Compare adjacent radargrams and interpreted layer boundaries.
  • Select processing settings for the data and investigation question.
  • Have automatic results reviewed by the interpreter.
Example of layer-boundary tracking in GRED software. IDS GeoRadar material.
Example of layer-boundary tracking in GRED software. IDS GeoRadar material.

Relate layer thickness to core information

Radar records a wave response, so converting time to depth requires an appropriate propagation-velocity model. Core information helps relate interpreted boundaries to the actual pavement structure and check thickness estimates.

GRED 3D supports core-data input and propagation-velocity estimation. When comparing findings with design records, distinguish well-calibrated areas from locations requiring further investigation. This helps communicate the results together with the limits of confidence in the interpretation.

  • Reference radargrams to available core information.
  • Assess layer changes between control points.
  • Select locations for supplementary investigation.
Example relating a GPR profile to core information. IDS GeoRadar material.
Example relating a GPR profile to core information. IDS GeoRadar material.

Anomalies, moisture and structural discontinuities

A change in a boundary, reflection character or response across successive profiles may identify an area needing attention. IDS GeoRadar lists voids, delamination and water-saturated areas among the system applications.

The result should not be reduced to an automatic defect label. Interpretation is considered alongside pavement construction, surface condition, records and control data. GPR helps select locations and the scope of further testing; the final engineering diagnosis requires specialist assessment.

  • Analyse changes in the context of the entire section.
  • Relate the layer profile to observation locations.
  • Distinguish a radar indication from a confirmed defect.
Radargram and processed pavement-layer profile in GRED software. IDS GeoRadar material.
Radargram and processed pavement-layer profile in GRED software. IDS GeoRadar material.

Results for documentation and work planning

The deliverable should clearly show the survey route, adopted interpretation and locations requiring verification. The manufacturer datasheet lists export to Excel, ASCII, HDF5, JPG and BMP. The final data-delivery format and licence scope are agreed for the selected configuration.

When requesting a quotation, explain whether the priority is acceptance testing, comparing sections, layer assessment or planning refurbishment. This helps match equipment and processing to the decisions the investigation is intended to support.

  • Profiles and layer summaries with interpretation notes.
  • Clear identification of further investigation locations.
  • An agreed scope for the exported data.

RIS Hi-Pave technical specifications

Values follow the manufacturer datasheet. The final configuration, component compatibility and supplied equipment are confirmed in an individual quotation.

ParameterValue
Data loggerPanasonic CF-19 or Windows PC with Ethernet LAN; current computer to be agreed
Control: standard configuration1 × DAD MCh Fast Wave
Control: fast configuration2 × DAD MCh Fast Wave + Synchro Unit
Maximum number of channelsUp to 6, for the configuration in the manufacturer datasheet
Air-launched horn antennasHR1000: 1000 MHz; HR2000: 2000 MHz
Other antennas described in the datasheetTR600: 600 MHz; Dual F 400-900: 400/900 MHz
HR1000 or HR2000 antenna weight6.5 kg
TR600 antenna weight3 kg
Horn antenna dimensions (L × W × H)53 × 23 × 50 cm
Dipole antenna dimensions (L × W × H)20 × 26 × 20 cm
Distance and position recordingMeasuring wheel and/or GPS interface; NMEA
Maximum acquisition speedUp to 250 km/h at 10 scans/m and 512 samples; configuration-dependent
Protection rating stated in the datasheetIP65
Video recordingSynchronized radar and video data; camera equipment to be agreed
Processing software in the manufacturer datasheetGRED 3D; licence scope to be agreed
Selected interpretation toolsManual/automatic layer tracking, core input, propagation-velocity estimation
Export formats stated in the datasheetExcel, ASCII, HDF5, JPG, BMP

Configuration and equipment agreed individually

The quotation covers a defined configuration. We confirm antennas, channels, control units, mounting, positioning, computer and licences. Photographs show example manufacturer arrangements; the vehicle and every accessory visible in an image are not automatically included in the supplied equipment.

  • Antenna arrangement and frequencies matched to the investigation.
  • One or two DAD MCh Fast Wave units; synchronization in the fast configuration.
  • Vehicle mounting, measuring wheel, GPS, camera, computer and licences as quoted.

Brochure and datasheet

Explore applications, antenna configurations and system parameters in the downloadable documents.

Questions about RIS Hi-Pave pavement GPR

Is the system suitable for airport pavements?

Yes. The manufacturer identifies runway assessment as a RIS Hi-Pave application. Configuration and survey planning depend on the pavement type, investigation objective and site-access conditions.

Are all antennas and the vehicle included?

No. RIS Hi-Pave is configured for the task. Manufacturer photographs and diagrams show different possibilities. The individual quotation defines the exact antennas, controllers, mounting, software and other equipment.

Does 250 km/h mean the recommended survey speed?

No. It is the maximum acquisition parameter in the manufacturer datasheet, specified at 10 scans/m and 512 samples. It is not a driving recommendation. Survey speed also depends on configuration, required data quality, traffic and operating conditions.

Does GPR provide thickness without calibration?

Converting propagation time to thickness requires an appropriate material model. The software supports velocity estimation and core-data input. Control points help validate the interpretation and assess its reliability.

What information is needed for a quotation?

Describe the pavement and site, investigation objectives, typical route lengths, available vehicle and expected deliverables. Include any requirements for antennas, GPS or software in the enquiry.

GPR survey and data-processing training

We supply equipment and help plan its introduction into daily work. Explore training in GPR surveys, interpretation and software. The programme and arrangements are agreed individually.

Explore training

Configure RIS Hi-Pave for your survey

Tell us the pavement type, investigation objectives, route lengths and available vehicle. We will propose a configuration and prepare an individual quotation.

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