Why Use Ground-Penetrating Radar To Survey Your Construction Site?

Before you start work on your construction project, you might need to run surveys on the land. In some cases, you can reduce the number of surveys you need and speed up the process by using a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey.

How does a GPR survey work? What are its advantages?

What Is A GPR Survey?

A GPR survey allows you to evaluate ground from the surface. These surveys use energy waves to create images of the ground below the surface.

During a survey, you send electromagnetic pulses into the earth. These pulses create echoes as they come into contact with obstacles or changes in soil type or structure. These echoes become a series of signals which can be used to create a visual image of what is going on under the ground.

What Are The Benefits Of GPR Surveys On Construction Sites?

While you can use maps and blueprints to check if there is anything under the ground on your site before you start work, you can't guarantee that you'll get accurate information. If the site's schematics aren't up to date, then you won't know if there is anything important under the ground.

For example, if you don't have the precise location of utility lines on your site, then you could do some damage when you start to dig out your foundations. You might have to pay for any repairs if the damage was your fault, and your project will be delayed until the damage is made good.

You can, of course, excavate the ground to see what's going on under the surface. This also helps you assess the earth's type and condition.

However, excavation can be a long and expensive job, especially if your site is large. It is also messy and noisy. Plus, if you don't excavate the whole site, then you could miss something important underground that will affect your work later.

A GPR survey gives you a full set of underground images of your site. You'll be able to see the exact location of underground infrastructure such as utility lines.

You'll also find out if there are any obstacles or problems in the ground that might affect your project. For example, GPR will be able to show you the location of large stones or tree root systems. It can also mark out areas that contain different types of soil.

So, you can plan your project more precisely and quickly. Your work should stay on track to avoid any unforeseen ground problems.

To find out more about these surveys and their benefits, contact ground-penetrating radar specialists.