How Ground Penetrating Radar Works & Its Uses

Ground Penetrating Radar

One of the services that KC Coring and Cutting offers is Ground Penetrating Radar. We would like to take a deep dive into this topic to tell you more about what GPR can uncover about your worksite.

  Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) accurately locates items below the surface of concrete or soil.

  How does Ground Penetrating Radar work?

GPR uses radio waves that range in frequency from 1 to 1,000 MHz. A transmitter sends the waves into the soil, concrete, or any other surface. When the wave hits an object, its density reflects, refracts, and scatters the signal. A receiver records this signal that comes from the subsurface. The GPR receiver translates those signals into images to show what objects are below the surface.

  GPR can be used over a wide area. When a series of measurements are performed, the workers can obtain an accurate map of what is below the surface.

  What does Ground Penetrating Radar find?

GPR detects a variety of materials, but it works best when the property of the buried item is different from the surrounding materials. It’s most often used to detect metal, plastic, PVC, concrete, and underground wires.

  Besides looking for these man-made materials, it is also sophisticated enough to inform crews of rock obstructions, air pockets, back-filled areas, bedrock, and groundwater tables.

  How deep does Ground Penetrating Radar work?

The surface type determines how deep a GPR signal goes. For example, GPR can record materials in concrete within a depth of two feet. Sandy soils can be penetrated up to 30 feet deep or more.  

What are the advantages of using Ground Penetrating Radar?

The most crucial benefit of using GPR before a cutting, excavation, demolition, or construction project is that it notifies crews of what they will encounter under the surface that they are manipulating. Using this technology reduces the likelihood that the crew will cut through lines or pipes.  

Here are some other advantages of using GPR:


  1. It’s cost-effective. Taking time to find what the crew may encounter may save time and money on the project.

  2. GPR can be used over a large area.

  3. GPR detects man-made or natural obstructions.

  4. The GPR can be regulated to detect objects at specific depths.

  5. Data can be uncovered without disturbing the surface of the worksite.

  6. Lawns, landscaping features, and structures can be preserved.
 

Call before you dig or cut!

Are you considering taking on a renovation or demolition project? Before you cut into that slab of concrete or dig through the soil, please call KC Coring and Cutting. You may be surprised how cost-effective it would be to have professionals help you with this part of your project. Not only do we have top-of-the-life concrete cutting materials, but we will use GPR to make sure that there are no hidden surprises.
 
KC Coring and Cutting may help you save time and money on your project. Plus, since safety is our number one priority, you can rest assured that the job will be done right. Call 816-523-2015 to schedule a free estimate.

KC Coring & Cutting Construction, Inc.
7240 Central St.
Kansas City, MO 64114

816-523-2015