Theory

In GPR surveys, electromagnetic waves at radar  frequencies are transmitted into the ground or a structure. This energy is reflected back to the surface when it encounters significant contrasts in dielectric properties. The amount of energy reflected is dependent on the contrast in electrical properties encountered by the radio waves. GPR instruments can operate at a range of different frequencies to investigate a range of targets and depths.

Applications

Engineering and construction:  Location of public utilities (pipes, cables, etc.); Road pavement analysis; Railway trackbed testing; Void detection; Location of reinforcement (rebars) in concrete; location of buried foundations and basements, slab thickness; Testing integrity of building materials; Concrete testing; Looking-ahead/sideways during horizontal directional drilling.

Environmental:  Contaminant plume mapping & monitoring remediation; Mapping & monitoring pollutants within groundwater; Landfill investigations including capping effectiveness; Location of buried fuel tanks and oil drums; Mapping animal burrows and tree roots; Detection of UXO.

Geological:  Detection of natural cavities and fissures; Subsidence mapping; Mapping sand body geometry; Mapping of superficial deposits, Soil stratigraphy mapping, Mineral exploration and resource evaluation.

Archaeology:  Detection and Location of buried structures, graves, foundations, crypts, undercrofts, burial mounds, ancient monuments, statues, building facades.

Forensic science: Location of buried targets (e.g. bodies and bullion, etc.)