Ground Penetrating Radar - GPR Geophysics
Ground penetrating radar is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This non-destructive method sends short pulses of the high-frequency radio waves into the ground, and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures. It can be used in a variety of strata, including rock, concrete, soil, ice, fresh water, pavements and structures. It can detect objects, changes in material, voids, and cracks.
GPR can be used in almost any application where objects or objects of interest need to be located. A survey of a site can be done for the following: utility/pipe locations, sink hole investigations, buried debris, unexploded ordinance, buried objects of interest, and mapping soil layers between soil borings. On buildings, bridges, and other structures, GPR is good for mapping reinforcement in concrete, determining tensioned cable paths, mapping thickness of concrete, mapping the thickness of a secondary pour over concrete. In specialty applications, the method has been used for archeological investigations and crime scene forensics.
For forensic investigations of structures, Mathers Engineering has professional engineers on staff experienced in using ground penetrating radar. A structural engineer guides the location survey of reinforcement in concrete or masonry structures. Having designed similar structures, the engineers have a unique ability to find reinforcement faster knowing where it should be located. Also, we have designed footings, foundation systems, retaining wall tie backs, and other foundation systems. This gives us a definite advantage in gpr surveys and locations of subsurface structures as well.
Similarly, for utility locations and mapping we have professional civil engineers familiar with utilizing ground penetrating radar. Having designed utilities, the engineers are quite keen on honing in on your target of interest. With highly trained professionals on the survey crews, the client is assured the best chance of either finding and mapping utilities - or avoiding them during construction. Understanding utilities is imparitive to correctly mapping them. Knowing what to look for in the field and on the plans, our engineers are able to better identify not only the location of the utilities, but what they are. When you know what a pipe is then you are better equipt to understand where it needs to be going.
Looking for soil anomolies such as sink holes or abnormalities between soil borings? Our firm has been utilizing soil borings for decades. We understand what you are looking for and how to find it - because we also deal with soils issues in our own projects.
So, if you need a ground penetrating radar / geophysical survey or have questions on a potential application, please contact us.
Regions currently serviced for ground penetrating radar: Florida, South Florida, Central Florida, Keys, Southwest Florida, and Northeast Florida. We are capable of reaching any site with reasonable transportation of equipment and crew. For special projects we can be anyplace on the planet if you can get us transportation and security (if needed).