Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a versatile subsurface imaging technology used for utility locating, concrete scanning, void detection, and underground leak investigation.
How GPR works
GPR transmits electromagnetic pulses into the ground or structure. When those pulses hit an object or material boundary with different electrical properties, they reflect back to the surface antenna. The reflected signals are processed into an image of what lies below. Different frequencies provide different depth and resolution.
GPR frequencies and applications
1.6GHz: concrete scanning for rebar, PT cables, conduits — depth ~45cm. 400MHz: underground utility locating — depth 2-4m. 200MHz: deep subsurface mapping, void detection — depth 5m+. We carry all three antennas and switch based on the target.
Equipment we use
GSSI (Geophysical Survey Systems Inc.) systems — the industry standard. Multi-frequency antenna array (200MHz — 1.6GHz). Real-time data display with on-site marking. CAD-importable deliverable support.
GPR vs other methods
GPR is unique because it finds non-metallic targets (plastic pipes, voids, tanks) that EM locators can't detect. However, GPR doesn't detect water directly — it finds the pipe or void, then we use other methods to confirm if it's leaking. GPR + acoustic correlation is our most powerful combination for underground leaks.
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