Ground Penetrating Radar

AUUL utilizes the latest in Ground Penetrating Radar technology to identify structures, utilities and anomalies to locate what other companies can't. GPR has the ability to locate gas, oil, production pipelines, PVC and ductal water lines, PVC sewer lines, septic systems, electrical duct banks, large or bundled communication lines, fiberoptic communications and more; all without excavation. GPR also allows for accurate depth measuring of existing utilities.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive geophysical method used to image and map subsurface structures and objects. It involves the use of radar pulses to penetrate the ground or other materials and collect information about the subsurface features. GPR is commonly used in various fields, including archaeology, geology, civil engineering, environmental assessment, and utility locating.

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Ground Penetrating Radar

Here's how GPR works: The Basics

Radar Pulses: A GPR system emits short radar pulses, typically in the microwave frequency range, into the ground or other materials.
Reflection and Refraction: When these radar pulses encounter different subsurface materials or interfaces, they can either reflect back to the surface or refract through the materials. The radar receiver detects these reflected and refracted signals.
Data Collection: The GPR system records the time it takes for the radar pulses to travel to the subsurface targets and return to the receiver. By analyzing the travel times, the system creates a time-depth profile of the subsurface.
Image Formation: The collected data is processed to create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the subsurface. The resulting image is called a "radargram" or a "GPR profile."
Interpretation: Trained professionals interpret the GPR profiles to identify and characterize subsurface features, such as buried objects, utility lines, geological layers, voids, or anomalies.

Key features and applications of Ground Penetrating Radar include:

● Utility Locating: GPR is widely used to locate buried utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and communication conduits. It helps prevent accidental damage during excavation.
● Archaeological Surveys: GPR can reveal buried archaeological structures, artifacts, and burial sites without the need for extensive excavation.
● Geological Investigations: GPR is used in geology to study subsurface layers, bedrock structures, and geological features.
● Concrete Inspection: GPR is employed for assessing concrete structures, detecting rebar, voids, and cracks in roads, bridges, buildings, and other concrete elements.
● Environmental Studies: GPR assists in environmental assessments, locating underground storage tanks, monitoring groundwater levels, and detecting contaminants.
● Forensics and Law Enforcement: GPR is used to search for hidden graves, clandestine burials, and concealed evidence in law enforcement investigations.

Ground Penetrating Radar

Advantages of GPR:

Advantages of GPR:
● Non-Invasive: GPR doesn't require drilling or digging, minimizing disturbance to the site.
● High Resolution: GPR can provide detailed images of subsurface features, allowing for accurate analysis.
● Rapid Data Collection: GPR surveys can cover large areas quickly, making it efficient for preliminary assessments.
● Depth Range: Depending on equipment and soil conditions, GPR can penetrate several feet into the ground.
● Typically GPR can penetrate 3-10 ft into the ground, we use a specialized GPR equipment that utilizes multiple frequencies in one unit whereas most GPR units only have one or at most two frequencies.

Limitations of GPR:

Advantages of GPR:
● Non-Invasive: GPR doesn't require drilling or digging, minimizing disturbance to the site.
● High Resolution: GPR can provide detailed images of subsurface features, allowing for accurate analysis.
● Rapid Data Collection: GPR surveys can cover large areas quickly, making it efficient for preliminary assessments.
● Depth Range: Depending on equipment and soil conditions, GPR can penetrate several feet into the ground.
● Typically GPR can penetrate 3-10 ft into the ground, we use a specialized GPR equipment that utilizes multiple frequencies in one unit whereas most GPR units only have one or at most two frequencies.

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Ground Penetrating Radar

How dose GPR visualize information?

GPR visualizes utilities through distinct characteristics:

● Pipe and Cable Hyperbolas: Buried pipes and cables produce hyperbolas on the GPR profile due to the way radar waves interact with their surfaces.
● Anomalies: Irregularities, such as voids, leaks, or pipe bends, can appear as disruptions or changes in the pattern of reflections.
● Depth Variations: GPR profiles show the depth at which utilities are buried, allowing for precise excavation planning.
● Conduits and Conduits: Utilities like conduits or ducts are visualized as linear patterns on the profile.

GPR utility visualization has several benefits:

● Non-Destructive: GPR doesn't require excavation, minimizing disruption and damage.
● Rapid Data Collection: GPR surveys can cover large areas quickly, making it efficient for utility mapping.
● Accuracy: GPR provides accurate information about utility locations and depths.

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AUUL technicians have over 400 hours on in field experience before performing standalone GPR investigations, as well as testing and continual education on each device used on a yearly basis.

AUUL uses GPR in all of its investigations unless specifically requested not to do so, we believe that no site locate is complete without using GPR especially on industrial, commercial or government sites.

When locating a site AUUL uses Ground penetrating radar in addition to other methods to complete a site locate, GPR is typically used to locate the following: