High-speed ground penetrating radar inspection
Digital track bed assessment for smarter maintenance
What is Plasser GroundScan?
Plasser GroundScan is a high-speed Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system for non-invasive inspection of railway track beds. Designed specifically for railway applications, it captures geotechnical track bed data at speeds of up to 250 km/h without disrupting regular railway operations. The system identifies ballast fouling, moisture, layer thickness, and other subsurface conditions, providing the reliable measurement data required for informed maintenance decisions. Advanced data analysis is available as an optional service.
Benefits
- Inspect track beds without excavation
- Measure at speeds of up to 250 km/h
- Operate during regular railway operations
- Detect hidden subsurface conditions
- Enable targeted maintenance planning
- Reduce inspection time and costs
- Generate reliable data for expert analysis
Designed for railway applications
Plasser GroundScan has been developed specifically for railway infrastructure. Its three-channel Ground Penetrating Radar system is optimized for inspecting ballast, sub-ballast, and subgrade layers, providing consistent measuring quality under real operating conditions. Unlike general-purpose GPR systems, it is specifically calibrated for railway track bed assessment.
High-speed, non-invasive measurement
GPR uses electromagnetic waves to inspect subsurface structures without disrupting track operations. Operating at speeds of up to 250 km/h, Plasser GroundScan enables efficient data acquisition during regular railway operations, eliminating the need for line closures while significantly reducing inspection time.
Comprehensive track bed data
The system captures the information required to assess the condition of the track bed, including ballast fouling, moisture distribution, layer thickness, clay fouling, mud pumping, and layer boundary undulation. The resulting measuring data provides the basis for informed maintenance planning and long-term infrastructure management.
Flexible integration
Plasser GroundScan can be mounted on virtually any suitable rail- bound vehicle in less than 90 minutes, enabling rapid deployment without permanent vehicle modifications. The recorded measuring data can be transferred for further evaluation and integrated into existing digital maintenance workflows. Detailed interpretation and assessment are available as an optional expert analysis service.
