The Many Uses of Ground Penetrating Radar

See the Unseen, One Pipe at a Time

When planning to connect their new building to the grid, a seasoned Developer encountered trouble while checking for existing subsurface utilities. Of the nine existing pipes they had to avoid while laying their own, the Developer found only eight. Construction could not proceed at all, and weeks were wasted digging for this “lost” utility. 

As the project window steadily closed in on them, the Developer engaged GeoPulse Technologies (GP) to resolve the situation. Led by their Managing Director Shane Shi Hong Sheng, GP dispatched their geotechnical team to conduct subsurface utility forensics. Armed with 30 years of experience operating in Singapore, and equipped with the latest in surveying, non-destructive detection, as well as digitization technologies, GP hypothesized that the ninth pipe was hidden beneath some of the other utilities. Completing an exhaustive mapping of the area with a combination of conventional electromagnetic location and cutting-edge multi-channel ground penetrating radar, GP corroborated site findings with historical records, then pointed the Developer to the exact location where digging a small deep trench would get them the results they had been looking for.

The ninth utility was safely located, and construction resumed. In no time at all, another building lights up Singapore’s skyline.

Unlocking the Subsurface – Our Journey of Innovation

In the digital era of construction, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. GP has harnessed the power of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Multi-Channel Ground Penetrating Radar (MCGPR) to revolutionize project management and subsurface utility mapping. GP’s expertise in leveraging these advanced technologies to solve complex underground issues spans across various projects, each with their unique challenges.

Checking What is Underground Without Disrupting Critical Infrastructure

GP was engaged by a dam owner to conduct pre-construction GPR surveys, with the key objective of locating anchor rods that connect sheet piles to foundations. Using GPR slice data, GP generated detailed C-scans, providing a top-down view of subsurface features. The alignment of anchor rods appeared as continuous long red signals in the C-scan, while the B-scan revealed continuous hyperbolic patterns at the same depth. This combination of data allowed GP to accurately map the desired subsurface features, ensuring structural safety and stability. This process not only validated the accuracy of GPR technology but also significantly reduced excavation risks, provided more actionable information for decision-making, and enhanced overall project efficiency. 



Navigating Underground Complexities Before They Become Issues

During the GPR scan for a regulator installation, GP encountered unexpected tree roots, highlighting again the unseen complexities of underground conditions. By conducting a thorough GPR survey, GP identified anomalies and utility alignments in the C-scan, which were later confirmed through excavation. The GPR data revealed that a vast network of roots had enveloped live utilities. If GP had jumped the gun and pulled the roots without this information, pipes would have been damaged, leading to service disruptions to the surrounding buildings. This demonstrates the importance of GPR in subsurface hazard prevention and environmental protection. GP’s expertise in GPR technology ensures precise and efficient project execution.



Checking Concrete and Rebar Health Non-Destructively

MCGPR also sees use inside buildings through concrete scanning for rebars. Innovatively applying Augmented Reality (AR), C-scans are immediately overlaid on the areas of interest after scanning. This simplifies pipe installation and boosting project effectiveness. Regular rebar inspections ensure construction safety by maintaining structural integrity and preventing hazards. Harness AR to elevate productivity and streamline project assessments.

Supporting Horizontal Directional Drilling with Mission Critical Information

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipes, conduits, and cables with minimal surface disruption. Accurate utility mapping is crucial for the successful implementation of HDD. GP’s expertise in underground mapping and HDD construction provides secure and efficient solutions for urban development. In one project, GP utilized MCGPR to locate the entry and exit points of an existing HDD, connecting a utility at a depth of 8 meters below a bridge. The MCGPR C-scan highlighted the HDD points with strong reflections, ensuring precise and safe utility installation. This advanced mapping technique prevents construction damage, optimizes planning, and minimizes disruptions and costs.

Subsurface Utility Mapping at Scale with Multi-Channel Ground Penetrating Radar

In a major road junction project, GP demonstrated the transformative potential of MCGPR by efficiently covering 40,000 square meters in just two nights. Traditional construction methods with trial holes would have caused significant disruptions in the bustling urban environment. GP solved this with MCGPR. Recognized by the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia, GP adhered to the strict 10-centimeter deviation standards of measurements and ensured that the GPR data accurately reflected reality. This crossroad of multiple technologies accelerates project completion, reduces the need of dig-to-find, and prioritizes community well-being.

Building New Expertise on a Solid Foundation of Experience

With over three decades in civil and pipeline engineering, GP remains at the forefront of innovation, constantly embracing new technologies. In recent years, GP has adeptly utilized GPR and MCGPR technology to scan over 1.5 million square meters of roads and turf in Singapore. This extensive experience has fostered a profound understanding and expertise in GPR, uniquely tailored to Singapore’s ground conditions. As a utility contractor, GP benefits from the ability to conduct extensive underground scans and validate them by physically excavating the ground, creating a true to ground map of the subsurface.

GP’s journey in leveraging GPR and MCGPR technologies showcases the transformative power of advanced subsurface utility mapping. From enhancing project efficiency to ensuring construction safety and environmental protection, GP’s expertise sets new standards in the industry. By continually embracing innovation, GP is committed to supporting urban development with secure, efficient, and precise underground detection solutions. Join us in exploring the future of subsurface mapping and building a stronger, more connected world.