An accurate Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey is crucial when identifying metallic and non-metallic utilities and structures without disturbing or digging into the ground.
Sophisticated radar technology is used to carry out GPR surveys to ensure the success and safety of construction or excavation projects. The cost of a GPR survey can vary depending on a range of factors, like the size and complexity of the site, but at Lucion, we are committed to delivering high quality GPR services with reliable results, regardless of your budget.
What is a GPR survey?
A Ground Penetrating Radar survey is ideal for avoiding solid and ground disturbance. Using radio waves, this geophysical locating technique locates matter and objects beneath the surface of the soil.
Surveyors can use a GPR survey to determine the location of plastic water and gas pipes, fibre optics and drainage, as well as obtaining data on pipe trajectories, ground disturbances and changes in subsurface conditions.
How much does a ground penetrating radar survey cost in the UK?
A GPR survey conducted by surveying experts will range in price, costing from £500 to £10,000 a day.
An average price of a complete GPR survey can vary depending on the size and complexity of the site. A simple site such as an open playing field could cost around £500 – £700 whereas a more complex site such as a large industrial site could range up to £10,000. A complicated example could consist of a hospital site where there is likely to be a vast network of services and plenty of underground to discover.
Understanding the depth of survey needed for a specific project requires expert advice and will ultimately affect the cost.
How does a GPR survey work?
A GPR survey works by sending high-frequency (50-1500MHz) electromagnetic pulses into the ground and the machine will then assess the matter below and create images based on the waves between the changing materials.
There are two key elements of a GPR survey which enables it to provide effective and accurate results:
- The transmitter: responsible for actually transmitting the radar signals into the ground, the transmitter is physically held close to the ground when sending the signals.
- The antenna; responsible for receiving the radar signals back from the ground and configuring the information.
The transmitter and the antenna work alongside each other as they are passed over the site area. The radar signals which are collected through the antenna are then processed through a graphic recorder.
As the ground is being surveyed, the graphic recorder will generate a 3D cross-section image of the earth showing the inconsistencies of soil and change of density.
What are the benefits of a GPR survey?
Our GPR surveys can identify previously invisible plastic water and gas pipes, fibre optics and drainage pipes. Other additional benefits of using GPR survey on every site we visit at no extra cost include:
- The survey provides a clean sectional view of the earth’s subsurface.
- It can capture images of concrete, plastic, metal, natural materials.
- It is self-contained.
- It is non-hazardous to the environment or employees.
- It is quiet and does not disturb workflow.
- A GPR survey detects the depth and gives an indication of location of the identified items.
Can a GPR survey work on concrete?
Yes, a GPR can work on concrete, with construction companies often using the system on concrete. A GPR survey can even be used on reinforced concrete. The purpose of surveying concrete in this precise way is to detect any rebar which may affect any further works.
How reliable is ground penetrating radar?
Readings can be up to 90% accurate with a highly skilled operator and surveyor.
Radio detection equipment and GPR should always be used together to provide the most accurate results.
At Lucion, advanced technology is used to carry out a GPR survey to detect underground utilities and create comprehensive utility maps from acquired data. Contact us to discuss your project.
