GPR sees use in a wide range of interesting and challenging applications. One of the best ways to learn about GPR and whether it can provide you with a solution is to see how GPR has been used by others. Sensors & Software's customers and applications specialists have used GPR in almost every conceivable way. The case histories provided here are a few examples. If you have an application and don't see a similar GPR case study, contact our application specialists using Contact Us or Ask-the-Expert about other studies we have available.
Mining & Quarrying
Geotech & Environment
Forensics & Archaeology
Locating Pipes & Cables
Concrete & Pavement
Military & Security
Agriculture & Forestry
Ice & Snow
Mining & Quarrying Case Studies
Kimberlites often host diamonds - the challenge is to determine if diamonds of economic significance are present. In some settings, GPR provides a powerful way to addressing this challenge.
GPR helps define the economic potential of lateric nickel deposits by delineating major stratigraphic units in highly weathered rocks. Nickel-rich lateric areas have proven to be transparent to GPR allowing structural imaging to depths of 20-50 m depth.
Gold, diamonds and other heavy minerals are deposited in preferred locations by fluvial sediment deposition. This placer exploration project in Guyana illustrates how GPR is used to identify favourable deposit locations to depths in excess of 70m.
Back to topGeotech & Environmental Case Studies
GPR provides water depth and sub-bottom stratigraphy in freshwater lakes and rivers. Surveys in hard to access areas can be conducted from small boats, rafts or even through the ice as this study illustrates
In coastal areas, the supply of fresh groundwater can be disrupted by the influx of saltwater into shallow
aquifers. This case study from the south of England clearly shows how GPR senses the abrupt transition from fresh and saline groundwater.
Real estate transactions regularly create the need for an environmental site assessment. Confirming the presence or absence of underground storage tanks (USTs) can be a critical factor in contract closing. GPR reflection mapping surveys are commonly used to identify the presence of USTs.
The example presented shows five storage tanks plus related pipes discovered at the site of a gasoline station.
Golfers always want perfect putting greens. To ensure the specialty grasses on the greens surface are in the best condition, greens keepers are turning to GPR for help.
Back to topForensics & Archaeology Case Studies
What may seem like an odd requirement turns out to be quite a common need. Grave locations can be marked incorrectly or not marked at all. The causes can range from simple mistakes to lack of maintenance to intentional removal of all markers. GPR now provides a solution.
The route of a 600 year old Viking road was unknown but suspected to cross a pasture in Denmark. A marker stone was located near a small stream in the field suggesting the road has passed though the area. In 1992, GPR surveying located the old road beneath the pasture and helped define the internal structure of a road.
Investigating tombs and burials is an archaeological necessity. GPR surveys are regularly used to assist in such investigations since extensive intrusive investigations are seldom permitted and extremely costly. This study shows the combination of GPR and magnetics being used on the Rathcroghan Mound in Ireland.
Police departments are using GPR frequently to help search for evidence in murder investigations. When a person goes missing and foul play is suspected, the victim often buried in an unmarked location. GPR's ability to non-intrusively detect disturbed soil conditions as well as the presence of shallow buried objects makes it an ideal method to aid forensics examinations. Results from police forensics training sites show how GPR is often deployed.
Back to topLocating Pipes & Cables Case Studies
GPR can be a powerful tool for mapping out the location and depth of metallic, non-metallic, plastic, concrete and asbestos-concrete utilities. Systematic mapping with GPR over an area can quickly reveal the distribution and character of multiple buried utilities. GPR grid surveys are now regularly used in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) projects. This case study illustrates detection of co-located PVC natural gas main and an underlying cast iron water line.
GPR successfully located a 36 inch (90 cm) concrete storm drain and determined its diameter and rise/fall rate along its alignment.
Back to topConcrete & Pavement Case Studies
Electric power distribution cabling is commonly embedded in modern concrete buildings. GPR imaging combined with new electric cable detection sensors uniquely identifies such live cabling.
A recent building renovation required locating the main power line that entered under the slab-on-grade floor. See how using Conquest GPR with PCD provided a quick and easy solution.
Road surface failures are caused primarily by subsurface defects that are detectible long before surface degradation occurs. A GPR survey on a multi-lane highway near Toronto demonstrates how surface failures in the asphalt pavement appear directly above joints and structure defects in the underlying concrete.
Post-tension cables are often placed in concrete structures which also have reinforcing mats. This study shows how the understanding the unique character of tensioning cables helps with identifying their location with GPR.
Back to topMilitary & Security Case Studies
When disaster strikes and people are buried alive, time is critical! See how systematic testing of GPR technology improves the techniques ability to locate buried victims.
Improvised explosive devices (IED) are a major weapon in regional and terrorist warfare. Constructed from any available explosive and located on or under roadways, they represent a highly dangerous, indiscriminate and effective deterrent to all traffic. This study illustrates a GPR used in Eritrea for road clearing.
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Agriculture & Forestry Case Studies
Well maintained drainage is critical to maximizing crop yield. This study illustrates use of GPR to determine the depth and location of the drainage pipes.
Golfers always want perfect putting greens. To ensure the specialty grasses on the greens surface are in the best condition, greens keepers are turning to GPR for help.
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Ice & Snow Case Studies
Glaciers contain large volumes of fresh water. Mapping glaciers 3D shape indicate the volume of available water. This study highlights work by University of Calgary scientists engaged in mapping the volume of Stagnation Glacier in Canada.
Glacier Girl is a P38 fighter bomber and was a member of the Lost Squadron that disappeared in Greenland in 1942. See how GPR played a role in finding the Lost Squadron and helped bring Glacier Girl back to life.
Snow management is crucial to a successful ski resort! See how SnowScan GPR helps resort operators accurately maintain quality snow conditions while reducing costs.
Snow is major source of fresh water. This case study shows how GPR provides key control information needed for converting snow pack to hydrological forecasts.
Knowledge of ice thickness is required by Arctic oil exploration programs which operate on ice-covered areas with seismic survey vibrators. See how IceMap GPR delivers rapid and reliable ice thickness information for both safety and seismic data quality requirements.
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