Sensors & Software CONQUEST 100, User Manual

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Conquest 100 Principles of Operation
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Figure 2-7: The concept of grid scanning with Conquest. Collecting a grid of data results in a data cube or 3D volume
that is visualized as a series of 25mm (1 inch) thick depth slices.
2.5 Limitations
Before using the Conquest system, keep in mind that Conquest will not solve every problem that
you will face.
2.5.1 New Concrete
Conquest will not work effectively on very new concrete. When concrete is very fresh, it is
extremely conductive and absorbs the signals that the Conquest system emits and does not
allow penetration to substantial depths. Depending on the concrete mix and local conditions,
curing can take several weeks. As a result, the use of Conquest in the early stages of concrete
construction has to be considered experimental until the concrete is adequately cured.
2.5.2 Concrete with Metal
In some situations, concrete may be covered by metal or contain a very fine screen mesh. This
can happen in a plastered wall or in a terrazzo floor. In these cases, the metal screen acts like a
perfect mirror for the radio signals emitted by the Conquest sensor. All the signals are reflected
back and nothing will penetrate into the subsurface. At such sites, Conquest will not be effective
for subsurface imaging.