Underground Utility Locating/Concrete Structure Scanning Specialists

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive scanning tool for subsurface imaging. It works by sending out electromagnetic (EM) waves and observing the EM waves bounced back. For locating underground targets such as a buried pipe, the EM waves are directed into the ground and the EM waves will be reflected by underground targets, thus revealing their presences and locations. Generally, the horizontal positioning of underground targets can be very accurate but their depths can also be estimated approximately.

Unlike common metal detectors operating in the frequency range of KHz, GPR uses EM waves in MHz and GHz, making it possible to differentiate materials with their dielectric properties. As a result, it makes it possible for GPR to detect both metallic and non-metallic targets in great detail. Also, since the majority of wave energy emitted by GPR is directed downward, the interferences from surrounding and aboveground objects are minimal, making GPR scanning less restricted than using common metal detectors. GPR scanning can be conducted in both indoor and outdoor environments. In addition, the energy GPR emits is much less than a cell phone, making it a very safe scanning tool. Disruption to normal business operations at the job site with GPR scanning is minimal.

GPR scanning can be conducted over varieties of surfaces such as bare soils, asphalt pavements, concrete slabs, lawns, etc. The performance of GPR scanning is generally better over electrically less conductive materials. For example, GPR penetration depth is generally deeper in sandy soils than clay soils. As another example, since concrete slabs tend to lose moisture over time, making it less conductive, GPR generally performs better over old rather than new concrete slabs. Utility Survey Corp. provides GPR services for underground utility locating and concrete scanning on a regular basis serving builders, contractors, engineers, consultants, etc. Other applications of our GPR services include but not limited to:

• Underground storage tank locating
• Underground void locating
• Mapping old building foundations
• Septic system delineation including septic tanks, septic fields, cesspools, etc.
• Mapping historical burials
• Archaeological mapping

Although GPR is a great subsurface scanning tool, it does have its limitations such as very limited penetration depth in wet clay soils. If you are uncertain whether GPR is the right choice for your project, give us a call and talk to our experts in GPR. We do have other subsurface imaging options besides GPR which might just work great for your project!