BHATE has used GPR technology since the 1990’s when the equipment became commercially available and user friendly in the field. For proper use of any sophisticated geophysical scanning technology, a thorough understanding of the equipment operation, trained personnel, knowledge of how ‘things are built’, and limitations of this technology are essential for interpretation and reliability of data generated.
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. BHATE engineers and geologists have extensive training and experience with GPR imaging.
Some of the applications for which we routinely use Ground Penetrating Radar technology include:
Engineering and Construction: GPR is used to locate pipes, utility lines, structural steel, and voids in concrete. It can also be used to analyze construction sites and evaluate existing utilities.
Pavement Condition Assessment: Our vehicle mounted GPR equipment can gather pavement data at traffic speeds.
Hydrogeology: Under certain geologic and site conditions, GPR can be used to map bedrock configuration and identify shallow karst features and voids.
Environmental: GPR can be used to map buried underground tanks, contaminant plumes, and study moisture/gas dynamics in soils.
Forensic Science: GPR can be used to investigate concealed construction conditions in building failures or determine ‘as built’ conditions in absence of construction documentation.
Archaeology: GPR has been used to locate buried structures, grave sites, and artifacts.
Basic Principles of Ground Penetrating Radar
The GPR technique uses an antenna pair to send short pulses of electromagnetic energy into the subsurface and then record the returning signals. Images are projected on a monitor depicting location and depth of targets identified. Now, systems have been introduced that deploy multiple GPR antennas to allow creation of 3D images of the subsurface for even more complete mapping.
Learn more about our
GPR Services
Josh Bhate
LEED AP, QCxP, CxA, CxA+BE
Chief Operations Officer
jbhate@bdandps.com