GROUND PENETRATING RADAR SERVICES

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How Does Ground Penetrating Radar Work?

GPR offers an accurate, non-destructive, non-invasive solution to mapping the Earth’s shallow subsurface. GPR methods measure the changes in the propagation of radar energy in the ground to produce a high-resolution image of the shallow subsurface conditions. GPR uses high-frequency electromagnetic (radar) energy to acquire subsurface information. A GPR system comprises a control unit, a transmitting and receiving antenna, and a power supply. The transmitting antenna emits radar energy downward into the ground. The radar energy is reflected back to a receiving antenna when the electrical properties of the subsurface change. The reflected signals are recorded to produce a continuous image of the shallow subsurface conditions, which can be viewed in real-time. The antennas are mounted on a cart that is pulled or pushed by hand or vehicle. GPR data is collected digitally and processed to produce high-resolution 2D and 3D images of the subsurface, typically within the upper 20 feet; however, deeper depths are reachable under ideal ground conditions. Cordillera Geo-Services operates GPR hardware and software on a variety of engineering and environmental applications.

GPR Applications Include:

Geological problems

  • Caves, voids, and sinkhole detection

  • Subsidence, cavity, and karst mapping

  • Bedrock profiling

  • Shallow geological mapping

  • Locating fractures, faults, and other shallow subsurface structures

Archaeological and Forensic problems

  • Archaeological investigations

  • Excavation planning

  • Unmarked grave locations

  • New cemetery plot layouts

  • Geoarchaeological surveys

  • Geomorphic investigations

  • Forensic evidence locating

Engineering problems

  • Drainage tiles mapping

  • Clandestine tunnel detection

  • Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) applications:

    • Locating water lines
    • Metallic and non-metallic utility mapping
  • Construction applications:

    • Location of buried foundations and basements
    • Void detection
    • Locating beams
    • Bridge deck surveys
    • Floor surveys
  • Concrete applications:

    • Concrete slab scanning and imaging
    • Measure slab thickness
    • Find rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, and non-metallic objects
    • Void detection
    • Clearing of boring locations

Environmental problems

  • Site assessment

  • Landfill, waste pits, and trenches delineation

  • Shallow water table mapping

  • Mapping groundwater pollution

  • Locating Underground Storage Tanks (UST) and drums

Mineral exploration problems

  • Mine safety

  • Rock quality mapping

  • Sand and gravel (aggregates) mapping

The breadth of services Cordillera Geo-Services can perform is extensive. Cordillera Geo-Services has the knowledge and expertise to assist you in your projects. Cordillera Geo-Services offers numerous geophysical exploration services to the energy, environmental, mining, groundwater, natural resources, engineering and construction, and cultural resources sectors.

Contact us for your free initial consultation and estimate.