Geotechnical and NDT applications of ground penetrating radar in Australia

Since 1985, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been increasingly used in Australia for a wide range of geotechnical and non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. Despite this, most geotechnical engineers still regard GPR as an innovative technology with low to moderate success of achieving successful engineering outcomes. Improvements can be achieved by more careful planning and laboratory testing of site materials, however, the greatest barriers to general acceptance are overselling and use of inappropriate technology by inexperienced users. A number of brief case studies of successful applications of GPR in Australia and the Pacific to geotechnical and NDT problem are included using antenna frequencies from 120 to 1400 MHz. These range from shallow bedrock mapping to depths of several meters to the detection of buried mine working beneath concrete floors which posed a significant hazard, to airport runway screening and the condition testing of tunnel and drain liners.