Ground Penetrating Radar
GPR Surveys , What are they and why are they not Underground Utiltiy Surveys
GPR What is it ?
Ground Penetrating Radar Surveys are commonly requested and mistaken for being the same as an Underground Utility Mapping PAS128 survey.
GPR is only one tool in the box when it comes to underground utility surveys but GPR is an exceedingly adaptable technology with many uses other than only underground utility surveying.
Ground Penetrating Radar applications can be.
- Underground Utilities
- Buried Objects such as tanks, foundations, basements buried tram or train rails
- Voids & Sink holes.
- Concrete Thickness and rebar
- Layer & Material thickness
- Feasibility studies
Technologies
OmniSurveys operate a range of GPR systems but predominantly we utilise IDS Stream multi frequency, multi-channel array systems
We were the first in Scotland to acquire and operate the IDS StreamDP multi-channel array GPR system
This exciting new revolutionary technology features extended depth range and ultra-high resolution, with a massive array of 30 channels in double polarization that allows for an accurate 3D reconstruction of the underground utility network created in a single scan
We have experience of delivering projects using mobile GPR technology. This mass array GPR technology mounted to a vehicle it allows for data capture at road speed without the requirement for costly and disruptive static traffic management that would normally be associated with traditional hand pushed GPR systems. this allows for significant gains in productivity and large quantity of data to be collected at a time both on and off highways
Using these high density array GPR systems together we can offer clients a whole data set no matter the surroundings
Limitations
Due to the lack of visual physical verification of underground utilities Type D, C and B surveys in most circumstances cannot guarantee 100% location. However they are very reliable for detailed design and should be primary reference for Health & Safety purposes prior to undertaking intrusive works. The primary purpose of PAS128 was for the Health & Safety purpose to assist in the avoidance on accidents around utility works.
As with everything there are limitations that could affect the outcomes of an underground utility survey such as
- Ground conditions
- Depth of utilities
- Multiple utilities close together or "stacked" in trenches
- Non-metallic utilities - plastic ducts or pipes
- Ductile materials with joints sealed with rubber or plastic
- Electromagnetic field distortion/bleeding from multiple utilities
- "Balanced" AC cables
- Ground Penetrating Radar detected objects need to be larger in diameter the deeper they are located than shallower objects
Like to know more - CPD Events
We appreciate that all the different technologies and terminology is second nature us but to you our clients it may very well be confusing and daunting.
OmniSurveys offer educational "Lunch & Learn" one hour Continuing Professional Development (CPD) educational events to our clients
Our aim with these events to educate and keep our clients staff updated not only on specification changes but with the rapid developments within the geospatial world both in surveying technologies, data capture methods, workflows but how these can enhance quality of deliverables, time and costs.
At these events we explore the Geospatial surveying solutions we offer to give our clients and their staff a better understanding of the different types surveys we offer along with the technologies we use.
This can include:
- Topographical Surveys
- PAS128 - Underground Utility Mapping
- Measured Building Surveys
- Engineering Surveys
- Laser Scanning
- 3D Modelling & BIM Surveys
- UAV Drone Surveys
Having carried out many of these events over the years we have found our clients and their teams have taken a lot away from them and thus resulted in better collaboration providing clients with more tailored surveys with better value through better knowledge.
Tailored events can be arranged on specific topics of interest such as PAS128 Utility Mapping, UAV Surveys, Laser Scanning & Modelling
To book an event please contact us to discuss your requirements
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