GPR surveys have many applications – from building to archeology the technology has numerous functions.
1.) A Good Starting Point
Ground-penetrating radar or GPR is a great tool to use throughout construction projects. But the ideal time for GPR surveys is before breaking ground. By identifying and locating utilities or any other obstruction beforehand, projects have the potential to run a lot smoother.
Once you know what is going on underground, it becomes easier to construct around any objects. In certain cases, utilities may require rerouting or moving. Gaining an understanding of potential issues beforehand can help to ensure that a project moves along without any delays once construction commences.
2.) Does Away With Excavations
It was not long back that construction workers only had two methods to determine underground utilities and objects.
They could use utility maps or schematics, which are in most cases incomplete or inaccurate. There are also situations where projects unearth objects unknown such as archeological findings or unmarked graves. These types of discoveries could put a project on hold.
The only other option would be to start excavating. And as most people in construction know, excavation is very expensive in both money and time.
GPR, fortunately, avoids these situations by allowing the construction crew a method to survey the site without the need to break any ground. And with the high accuracy of GPR, utility maps and schematics serve as a reference rather than a rule book.
3.) Secure The Safety Of Your Team
When excavating without actually knowing what is below the ground can be downright dangerous. For example, penetrating a live wire could lead to electrocutions. Or puncturing gas lines may lead to a catastrophic explosion. Even with maximum preparation and a professionally laid plan, a blind dig can be risky. Using GPR from the start of a construction project often avoids most of these dangerous occurrences, securing the safety of the construction team.
4.) Avoid Costly Damages
Not knowing what is below the ground before an excavation is not only dangerous, but it can also be costly. Accidents that arise from utility damage can also result in project delays. In fact, in some instances, these are occurrences that can result in significant damage to the materials and equipment used on the construction site that may warrant the activation of a latent defects warranty.
When using GPR for locating and mapping all the subsurface objects before a project begins, you can aid a more sound investment as well as a smoother process from start to finish.
5.) Avoid Other Issues
In a best-case scenario, you are prepared fully for a construction project. You feel confident with the provided information from the maps and schematics. You have marked the utilities, so you know exactly where to start.
However, even with the best data, any other underground object could change the course of the project in a negative way.
Certain objects won’t appear in the blueprints since they are naturally occurring. This could include rock formations or big tree roots that could slow down your project. Other types of objects like cement structures (built off the record) could also slow things down. With GPR you can be sure that there won’t be any nasty surprises from the start.
Get in touch with Precision Utility Mapping UK to arrange a consultation for your project.
