GPR Applications
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) offers multiple applications
GPR Applications
Utility Locating
Ground Penetrating Radar has become a trusted technology for detecting and mapping underground utilities and offers several advantages over other locating techniques. The most important is the ability to detect metallic and non-metallic utilities, in addition to a number of other underground features or objects. As a result, some jurisdictions specify the use of GPR as the primary method for utility detection.
Geological Investigation
GPR can see into the soil structure to provide accurate information about the depth of subsurface features, objects, as well as interfaces between contrasting geological layers. This capability enables mapping of layer boundaries to determine their thickness and detect anomalies associated with subsidence or erosion, which could indicate the formation of problematic sinkholes or cavities, as well as landslide risk zones.
Road/bridge inspection
Road pavement layer thickness data combined with deflection data allow for estimating load-bearing capacity, predicting structural behaviour and developing road surface preservation and rehabilitation strategies. The traditional slow, one-off coring technique always results in road surface breakage, traffic disruption and significant costs. Ground-penetrating radar equipment helps to solve these problems.
Tree Root Mapping
Non-destructive techniques for examining and analyzing roots have become increasingly popular in recent years, due to their ability to provide information about the structure of tree roots without causing damage to the tree. The use of these techniques allows for undisturbed growth and continuous observation of tree roots, allowing for long-term monitoring of their systems. GPR technology is applied in root identification and mapping.
Forensic and Military
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) presents law enforcement and military operatives with a way to conduct detailed subsurface investigations of sites of high interest. Man-made objects, both metallic and non-metallic, contrast very well with natural geological materials, and GPR is clearly sensitive to these differences. GPR's ability to see such disparities, as well as other anomalies within the natural subsurface environment, is a great way to make sure that the surface of the ground is clear.
Ice and Snow Survey
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) works exceptionally well in ice and snow, as the properties of these materials allow for deep penetration of the GPR signal. Consequently, GPR is a useful tool for measuring ice and snow depth, the thickness and structure of the layer, and for finding objects buried within. GPR can be used to investigate the depth of the cover, determine thickness and volume, as well as observe changes in the internal structure.
Mining
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a well-established technology that has earned its place as the go-to technology for many subsurface imaging applications. No other geophysical method comes close to matching GPR's ease of deployment, nor the amount of ground an operator can cover in a typical day. Workers can collect high-resolution data quickly and efficiently, often facilitating immediate decision making on-site.
Archaeology
GPR offers a convenient, reliable, and non-destructive way to investigate the subsurface, streamlining traditional excavation work for archaeologists. Surveying greenfield sites and new ground can indicate areas of interest before construction begins and prevent damage to more modern buried assets such as utility networks. Ultimately, GPR enables more effective project planning to save time, effort, and money.
Projects
Hazardous waste disposal and soil contamination studies. Groundwater studies: water content/saltwater intrusion. Landfill delineation. Site investigations and assessment. Underground drum and storage tank investigation.
ImpulseRadar offers GPR training courses
