At Napco, we offer state-of-the-art Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services designed to deliver accurate, non-destructive insights beneath the surface. Whether you’re planning a construction project, utility detection, or structural assessment, our GPR – Ground Penetrating Radar systems provide fast, reliable data to help you make informed decisions. Explore our full line of Reality Capture Services to see how we support your data collection needs..
What is Ground Penetrating Radar?
Ground Penetrating Radar is a cutting-edge geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. Wondering what is ground penetrating radar used for? GPR is ideal for detecting utilities, rebar, voids, and other buried objects without the need for invasive digging. It’s safe, efficient, and applicable to a wide range of industries including construction, engineering, and archaeology. Also see our Robotic Construction Layout Tools to streamline field workflows.
Comprehensive Ground Penetrating Radar Scanning
Our team uses high-performance GPR ground penetrating radar equipment to perform thorough ground penetrating radar scanning across all types of terrain and structures. From concrete slab analysis to underground utility location, we ensure accurate data collection with minimal disruption.
Ground Penetrating Radar Survey & Reporting
With every ground penetrating radar survey, we provide clear visual data and detailed reporting to support your project requirements. Whether you’re working on a site investigation or pre-construction planning, our surveys help reduce risk and improve safety.
Question: How does Ground Penetrating Radar work?
Answer: GPR operates by emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves into the ground. When these waves encounter materials with different electrical properties, they are reflected back to the surface. The GPR system captures these reflections to create images of subsurface structures, aiding in the detection of utilities, rebar, and other buried features.
Question: What can Ground Penetrating Radar detect?
Answer: GPR is capable of detecting a wide range of subsurface features, including utilities (water, gas, electrical lines), rebar, post-tension cables, voids, and other anomalies within concrete slabs, walls, columns, and beams. It provides real-time imaging to help identify potential hazards before drilling or cutting.
Question: How deep can Ground Penetrating Radar penetrate?
Answer: The depth of penetration of GPR depends on factors such as soil type, moisture content, and the frequency of the radar waves used. In ideal conditions, GPR can penetrate depths ranging from a few inches to over 30 feet, allowing for the detection of deep-seated utilities and structures.
Question: Is Ground Penetrating Radar safe to use?
Answer: Yes, GPR is a safe and non-invasive method for subsurface exploration. It emits low-frequency electromagnetic waves, similar to those used in cell phones, and poses no known health risks to operators or bystanders.
Question: How accurate is Ground Penetrating Radar?
Answer: The accuracy of GPR depends on several factors, including the type of material being surveyed, the frequency of the radar waves, and the skill of the operator. While GPR provides high-resolution images, it’s essential to interpret the data correctly to ensure accurate results.
Question: What industries use Ground Penetrating Radar?
Answer: GPR is utilized across various industries, including construction, civil engineering, archaeology, environmental studies, and law enforcement. It’s particularly valuable for locating utilities, assessing structural integrity, and conducting archaeological surveys without disturbing the site.
NAPCO FBI TECHNICIANS provides constant communication on every project, from start to finish. For concrete imaging applications, it all starts with our field markings, which come in the form of paint, marker, crayon, and any other method as directed by the client. These markings provide clear, accurate displays of rebar, conduits, or post tension cables within the concrete slab, while being understandable for anyone who may view them.
Communication on a job site is the key for success. The NAPCO FBI TECHNICIANS Deliverables Department, in alignment with our 100% subsurface damage prevention goal, creates CAD drawings that document project results, and provides a permanent record of our findings. These drawings allow contractors and owners alike to update as-built drawings for preplanning, core drilling or cutting, or to document site change history.
Our 3D CAD Drawings help provide a better visual representation of reality for clients. These realistic 3D CAD files document the vertical and horizontal elevations, providing a more accurate, easier to read visual than your standard 2D cad file or sketch. Napco BIM/CAD Team can provide models and walk throughs if desired.