GPR is useful in a wide variety of applications. It is used in construction, utility or sewer repairs, and it is also used in pre-construction surveys where underground objects such as rebar or burial plots may be a concern. Its principles are easy to understand but many people want more information on the components that make up GPR equipment.
At its most essential, a unit will have three basic parts. These include the control unit, the antenna and the power supply. Some units come as all-in-one machines where the underground mapping can be done first and the unit’s antenna can then send the imaging to an onboard monitor for review. Many of these types of GPR systems have computers built in. Some allow you to take imaging and read the information on a separate computer.
Most units work to cover the ground they are used over with the help of wheels. They may be automated and work with the help of a separate remote control, or they may be manual where someone must control the unit by hand and run it across the ground. GPR systems are capable of being used over sandy or gravel areas whether they are remote controlled or manual units.
The control unit emits electromagnetic waves that are transmitted through the antenna. The control unit will process any of the information it receives using its computer. The information may be stored within the unit via a solid-state memory or a hard disk memory card.
The antenna will take the electromagnetic pulses from the control unit and broadcast them to the computer using its specific frequency. The high-frequency units will pick up items underground that are close to the surface. Lower frequency units penetrate deep underground. It is important to know what you need to discover underground so that you choose an appropriate frequency from the GPR equipment you buy.
The third most important piece of the equipment is the power supply. Some units work off rechargeable batteries. Most of these types of systems have external power supplies that allow those onboard batteries to be charged. Others use vehicle batteries that can be used along with an adapter that is compatible with the system.
There is an assortment of GPR systems that you can buy. Besides choosing the frequency and the battery or memory storage, you want to choose a system that works for the ground you must cover. Find out what accessories the machine will work with. Accessories can include things like carry harnesses, stands or palm-held antenna.
Determine what the maximum unit weight should be if you plan on using it by hand. Also, check to make sure that the monitor you get is one that delivers a clear and understandable display. You want it to make any underground rebar or utility lines as visible as possible, so you can interpret your findings quickly.
GPR is a non-destructive way to explore many things underground and do so in all types of ground cover whether it be asphalt, sand, concrete or gravel. These systems are available in an array of configurations and are available in many price points to suit every budget.