Ground Penetrating Radar ( GPR ) is an imaging technique that is used to produce high-resolution images of subsurface features. GPR is an effective tool for Structural Inspections and Quality Control Surveys on all engineering construction projects. The survey method is rapid, non-destructive and non-invasive.
Ground Penetrating Radar is a subsurface imaging method that utilises electromagnetic waves to provide high resolution data. GPR was first put to practical use in the mid 1970’s for ice sounding in Antarctica and has since gained wide acceptance internationally. The technique utilises low power electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from 1MHz to 10GHz. The depth of exploration and the image definition depend on the frequency used. Low frequencies are used for deep geological mapping, while high frequencies are necessary for high definition imaging, such as rebar and other structural features inside concrete.
Radargrams displaying hyperbolas (arches) indicate the placement and depth of objects in the survey area as seen below.
Examples of different reflection patterns obtained from buried objects (eg. Pipe or cavity) and from a dipping layer in the ground
Ground Penetrating Radar can be applied to a wide variety of inspection tasks, for example to detect Buried Services (pipes/cables), for inspection of Roads, Detailed Surveys on Concrete Structures, Forensics and Archaeology.