SFCW Ground Penetrating Radar – A paradigm shift in utility mapping

SFCW Ground Penetrating Radar- A paradigm shift in utility mapping

Having accurate knowledge of subsurface/ underground/ buried utilities e.g. pipes, cables, drains is critical for any infrastructure project. The successful detection and mapping of buried utilities involves the combination of several techniques, the results of which are synthesized down to a single interpreted plot. The techniques and methodologies used will primarily depend upon the required outcome for the survey, the site conditions and the type of utilities being targeted.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an important tool for subsurface utility mapping due to its capability to map metallic and non-metallic utilities in 3-dimensions. Till recently, most of commercially available GPRs were Impulse Radars. The recent commercial availability of Stepped Frequency Continuous Wave (SFCW) Radars has significantly improved the quality of data that can be obtained during utility mapping projects. Unlike Pulsed-GPR which broadcast a signal centred around one frequency, resulting in a trade-off of resolution and depth for inspecting, SFCW broadcasts an ultra-wide-band range of modulated frequencies. The combination of all frequency response enables detection of objects from shallow to deep depth in one scan.

The workshop will comprehensively cover all the aspects related to conducting a successful underground utility detection and mapping project, with special emphasis on the huge difference made by use of SFCW GPR under Quality Level- B. The added value of using advanced software and cloud computing will also be described.

AF Academy Webinar – Template – 9th Sept 2021