Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Services

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-intrusive and versatile geophysical technique, which can offer vast quantities of information about the shallow subsurface (~10m).

Ground Penetrating Radar is already a well-known technique within the construction industry and has wide-ranging applications across the market. Through meticulous planning and careful post-processing, GPR is a powerful and valuable tool for identifying features and hazards at a wide range of sites.

Utilising GPR technology that is at the forefront of its field, we are often requested (and recommend) that GPR is used as a reconnaissance technique to provide a broad screening of the underlaying ground conditions as well as on a more targeted approach to identify specific features of interest.

Before a construction project commences, there are many unknowns about the ground conditions, which need to be assessed in order to enable a safe and efficient construction process. GPR can help answer these questions and mitigate risks by providing information about the subsurface, which can often be difficult or even impossible to obtain from other sources.

To learn more about our GPR services or to get a quote, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground Penetrating Radar has a range of applications and can be used for:

Civil Engineering and Construction Applications

GPR can be used for mapping buried features and detailing the shallow subsurface geology. It is commonly used in the pre-construction phase of projects to identify hazards and potential risks.

Examples include:

Mapping of Areas of Shallow Voiding.
Utility Surveys for Mapping and Detection of Buried Services
Mapping Lateral Extents and Depth of Buried Obstructions/Foundations.
Delineating Buried Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)
Ground Instability: Mapping of Backfilled/Poorly Consolidated Material.
Foundation Investigation Surveys
Bridge Deck Surveys
Buried Object Location
Embedded Steel Location Surveys
Slab Thickness Surveys
Structural Investigations such as Reinforcement Mapping and Slab Construction.
Pavement Surveys, Thickness and Layer Analysis
Concrete Mapping Surveys

Geological & Environmental Applications

GPR has been used in a variety of geological applications, including mapping of the subsurface stratigraphy, assessment of soil properties, and determination of the depth to bedrock. In addition, GPR has been used in environmental applications such as the detection of subsurface contamination and mapping of landfills and other buried waste sites.

Examples include:

Mapping of Soil and Rock Layers
Delineation of Contaminated Zones/Landfills
Mapping of Buried Karst Features
Depth to Bedrock Surveys
Locate Subsurface Channels, Faults and Fractures

Archaeological and Forensic Applications

GPR has been used extensively in archaeology, especially in the detection and mapping of buried features such as foundations, walls, and graves.

Examples include:

Grave Location Surveys
Chimney Flue Location Surveys
Historical Building Characterisation
Mapping of Buried Features and Walls
Detection of Subsurface Anomalies
High-Resolution Stratigraphic Imaging

Benefits of Ground Penetrating Radar

Some of the key benefits of utilising Ground Penetrating Radar services include:

Non-intrusive survey method

GPR is a non-destructive, non-invasive technique that can be used to obtain information about the subsurface without having to excavate. This makes GPR an ideal tool for the investigation and assessment of a wide range of sites.

Rapid and safe data collection

GPR surveys can often be completed quickly, which means that they can be carried out with minimal disruption to on-site activities.

Accurate data

GPR provides accurate and high-resolution data about the subsurface. This data can be used to make informed decisions about a wide range of civil engineering, construction, and environmental projects.

Cost-effective

Ground Penetrating Radar is a cost-effective survey method that can save time and money by reducing the need for intrusive investigation techniques such as trial pits and boreholes.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) FAQs

What is ground penetrating radar GPR and how does it work?

Transmitted electromagnetic waves are reflected back to the surface when encountering objects/materials with differing dielectric properties to the surrounding ground. The reflected waves can then be analysed to produce a pseudo cross-section of the ground beneath.

What can a GPR survey detect?

GPR surveys can be used to detect a wide range of buried features, inc

How deep can a ground-penetrating radar penetrate?

The depth of penetration depends on a number of factors, including the type of material being surveyed. From our experience in the UK, we can typically image up to 10 mbgl, however, this is site-dependent. Speak to one of our in-house experts who can advise further.

How long does a GPR survey take?

The time required to complete a GPR survey depends on the size and complexity of the site being surveyed, as well as the object of interest and the density of the data required to properly resolve the intended target(s). We are always more than happy to talk about your survey requirements and advise on how long we think a particular survey should take.

How much does it cost for a ground-penetrating radar survey?

The cost of a GPR survey depends on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the site being surveyed. Please contact our team for a quote.

Get in touch

If you're interested in our GPR survey services, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We would be more than happy to discuss your specific requirements and provide a quote.

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