basic ground penetrating radar theory
DESCRIPTION
Basic Ground Penetrating Radar Theory. GPR LIMITATIONS. Penetration depth and ability to resolve targets at depth is strongly dependent upon the local soil properties. Highly conductive soils can render the GPR method ineffective. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Basic Ground Penetrating Radar Theory
GPR LIMITATIONS
• Penetration depth and ability to resolve targets at depth is strongly dependent upon the local soil properties. Highly conductive soils can render the GPR method ineffective.
• There must be a sufficient electrical contrast between the target and the host materials
• Interpretation of GPR data can be subjective. The experience of the interpreter is very important.
Penetration depths
Average penetration depths of radar signals in high resistivity geological environment absent of low resistive layers.
Antenna (MHz)
In soil(m)
25 25 40
50 20 30
100 12 20
200 8 15
500 3.5 5
1000 1.5 3
In rock(m)
DEPTH
0
1
2
3
4
5
6Deep utilities must have larger diameters than shallow utilities in order to be detected with GPR Deep utilities must have larger diameters than shallow utilities in
order to be detected with GPR
GPR is an electromagnetic method that detects interfaces between subsurface materials with differing dielectric constants. Your Easy Locator GPR system basically consists of:
• An antenna, which houses a transmitter and receiver.
• A monitor, which processes the received signal and produces a graphic display of the data.
The GPR technique
GPR wave propagation from transmitter (Tx) and reflection to the receiver (Rx).
The transmitter radiates repetitive short-duration electromagnetic signals into the earth from the antenna moving across the ground surface. Electromagnetic waves are reflected back to the receiver by interfaces between materials with differing dielectric constants.
How GPR works
• GPR is, in principal, similar to sonar
equipment (fish finders) found in boats
• The transmitter emits a “train” of
electromagnetic impulses which
propagate through the media
• Reflection (i.e. scattering) occurs where
the electrical properties of subsurface
materials change
• The receiver picks up the “back-scattered”
signal and displays it on a monitor
Tim
e [
ns] D
epth [m]
?
Length [m]
GPR signatures
Data Examples & Interpretation
CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERINGUtilities (pipes, cables), rebar and voids. Pre-studies for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)Transportation: Roadways and railroad tracks, ice thickness,bridge deck and bridge fundation studies.
ENVIRONMENTALHazardous waste mapping, underground storage tanks (UST),Sedimentology studies, Bathymetry.
GEOTECHNICALStratigraphic mapping, cavities and sinkholes, groundwater, mining hazards, fracture detection, Earth dam studies, foundation studies, tunnel investigations.
MILITARYOrdinance detection, runway integrity, clearing of trenching routes
ARCHAEOLOGY site mapping, grave detection, artifacts
GPR APPLICATIONS
The most important markets for radar…
• Utility detection• Pipe and culvert inspections• Concrete and NDT• Road and bridge deck investigations• Geological mapping• Ice, snow and glacier• Borehole radar
The GPR performance
GPR is primarily affected by the conductivity and dielectric permittivity of the mediums.
GPR works best in resistive, sandy or gravely soil types. Difficult, conductive types are typically composed of silts and clays or contains salt water.
Depth of investigation is limited by signal attenuation of conductive soil but also dependent on the antenna selected.
The difference in radargram between good and bad soil conditions
Comparison between the SHALLOW and MID antenna.
Unknown
Force MainWater Main
Electrical Conduits
Force MainWater Main
Electrical Conduits
Unknown
Shallow antenna
Mid antenna
Interpretation:• Metallic water pipes shows
sharper• Sewer line is large enough to
show both top/bottom reflection
• Note radiuses of the signatures
• Trench shows
Thank you!