Our most experienced Ground Penetrating Radar Surveyor at Turner Baker ltd is Edward Turner. Edward regularly carries out GPR surveys in all kinds of properties using the latest technology.
Tell us about the equipment that you use.
Edward uses a GSSI ground penetrating radar unit for most of his projects but occasionally uses a much bigger machine when the project requires it. It is a handheld device that is easy to set up and has its own power supply. “I like this unit,” says Edward, “it’s very portable, easy to assemble and not heavy to use. I can carry it around in what looks like an oversized industrial briefcase.”
Why do clients commission you to carry out a GPR survey?
Turner Baker ltd are chimney and fireplace experts and so we are often using our GPR equipment to identify where flues run in a property once they leave the fireplace. In older properties and particularly those that have been turned into flats or have been remodelled in some way we can use GPR to identify if there are flues running within a wall that may service a neighbouring flat or if there is a flue within a wall that was linked to a fireplace that has now been removed.
We can also identify voids, steels and other services that may be contained within a wall. We have previously scanned floors looking for steel beams and other clients have asked for walls to be scanned so that they can ascertain the depth of the wall.
How is the information from a GPR survey captured?
At Turner Baker, we download the information using specialist software. Edward says “the readouts are quite complex as the information is presented as a series of two-dimensional graphs showing variations in density through the wall or through whatever material is being surveyed. These graphs aren’t easy to interpret for anyone who hasn’t had the relevant training. ” The data captured can be added onto existing architectural plans or CAD drawings. We have also previously drawn straight onto walls for clients who wanted the detail available on-site.
Where have you used GPR surveys?
Our surveying work has taken us to some fascinating places! We have worked in a lot of properties from terraced houses to Oxbridge Colleges, stately homes and ambassadorial residences.
How long does a GPR survey take?
It really does depend on how many walls are being surveyed and how large the walls are!
Are there any materials that you can’t scan with a GPR unit?
Yes – we were asked to scan a wall that was covered with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. We couldn’t scan this as the mirrors bounce the signal straight back to the GPR unit. We do ask that any walls are clear from pictures, mirrors or hangings before we start.
If you would like further information or to commission a GPR survey from Turner Baker please contact us on 01432 839123.