Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Services

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-intrusive and versatile geophysical locating technique that offers 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, concrete structures and hazards at a wide range of sites.

Utilising state-of-the-art GPR equipment, we often recommend GPR surveying services as a reconnaissance technique to provide a broad screening of the underlying ground conditions as well as a more targeted approach to identify specific subsurface features of interest. GPR scanning technology can help identify utility lines, soil conditions, and natural materials before a construction project begins, reducing risks and ensuring a safe and efficient process.

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

Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

GPR surveys have a range of applications and can be used for:

Civil Engineering, Underground Utilities and Construction Applications

GPR surveys can map buried geological features and detail the shallow subsurface geology. It is commonly used in the pre-construction phase of projects to identify hazards and potential risks, providing accurate results that are essential for construction companies.

Examples include:

Mapping of Areas of Shallow Voiding.
Underground Utility Locating 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 and 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 extensively used in archaeology, especially in detecting and mapping 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 Ground Penetrating Radar services include:

Non-intrusive survey method

GPR is a non-destructive, non-invasive technique that can obtain information about the subsurface without excavation, making it ideal for investigating and assessing a wide range of sites.

Rapid and safe data collection

GPR surveys are often completed quickly and conducted with minimal disruption to on-site activities.

Accurate data

GPR provides precise data and high-resolution images of the subsurface. This data can be used to make informed decisions about various civil engineering, construction, and environmental projects.

Cost-effective

Ground Penetrating Radar is a cost-effective survey method, saving 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 radio waves can then be analysed to produce a pseudo cross-section of the ground beneath.

What can a GPR survey detect?

GPR signals can be used to detect a wide range of buried features including utilities, voids, metal pipes, foundations, and geological strata. It can also be used to map changes in soil or pavement structure.

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 geophysicists 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 other geological features such 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?

GPR survey cost depends on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the site being surveyed. The expenses associated with a GPR survey conducted include the costs of hiring professional GPR survey contractors, which can vary depending on the extent of the survey and the need for a detailed report of the findings afterwards. The average price for a complete GPR survey is generally competitive in comparison to intrusive investigation.

Get in touch

If you're interested in our GPR surveying 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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