We provide advanced, non-invasive ground scanning based on SGPR technology. The system enables the analysis of ground stability and the identification of discontinuities up to 45 m deep (depending on soil conditions). Thanks to high sampling frequency and continuous signal transmission, the system creates dense and continuous subsurface maps.
What risks do we identify?
- Changes in soil structure caused by mining damage and leaking underground installations,
- Seepage zones in flood embankments,
- Archaeological objects,
- Foundations and other undocumented underground structures,
- Glacial boulders and heterogeneities,
- Routes of underground infrastructure,
- Landslides, where we detect micro-movements and ground deformations,
- Other anomalies in the area of linear investments (roads, networks).
Why is SGPR the right solution for the construction process?
Traditional geotechnical boreholes are highly precise but point-based. SGPR provides a continuous and spatial image. The greatest value comes from combining both methods – scanning identifies risk zones, while boreholes confirm material parameters.
The obtained images form the basis for:
- Further expert analyses,
- Enabling Investors to make the right decisions,
- Reducing design risk,
- Reducing contractor risk,
- Lower repair and downtime costs,
- Increasing safety and predictability of the investment process.
Main sectors of SGPR technology implementation
SGPR technology is used wherever precise, non-invasive identification of ground conditions and reduction of investment risk are crucial. Thanks to continuous and spatial subsurface imaging, the system supports the planning, execution, and monitoring stages of investments.
Main areas of application:
- Building and infrastructure construction – analysis of ground bearing capacity, identification of voids and heterogeneities before foundation works.
- Roads and railway lines – detection of failure zones, sinkholes, and soil loosening, also along long linear sections.
- Energy sector (including offshore) – identification of ground conditions in connection corridors and verification of conflicts with underground infrastructure.
- Cement industry and mining – mapping of geological layers, infrastructure relics, and zones with variable soil properties.
- Monitoring of dams and flood embankments – identification of seepage zones, weaknesses, and structural changes over time.
- Urban areas – location and verification of underground utility networks (water, sewage, gas, electricity, telecommunications).
- Sinkhole risk assessment – detection of anomalies and zones of increased risk of surface deformation.
Basic operating principles of the SGPR System
SGPR (Spectral Ground Penetrating Radar) is an advanced georadar system using FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) technology, combining high penetration depth with high imaging resolution. Instead of pulses, the radar emits a continuous signal with variable frequency, and the analysis of the difference between transmitted and received signals allows precise determination of reflector depth in the subsurface.
The electromagnetic wave reflects at the boundaries of layers with different dielectric properties, enabling imaging of soils, voids, and infrastructure objects. The recorded data is processed in a dedicated analytical environment, where time-frequency signals are transformed into radar echograms, geological layer models, and amplitude and anomaly maps.
The system can be configured depending on geological conditions and survey objectives:
- Standard penetration: STD60 antenna (100–500 MHz), up to approx. 25 m
- Increased penetration: BIG180 antenna (35–200 MHz), up to approx. 40 m
- Maximum penetration: Multi-row arrays, in favorable conditions >60 m
The selection of antenna frequency depends on measurement needs – higher frequencies provide better resolution and more accurate imaging of shallow layers, while lower frequencies enable deeper ground penetration at the expense of image detail.
It should be emphasized that SGPR is an electromagnetic method, and penetration efficiency depends on the properties of the medium – in particular its dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity. Some soils and environments with high moisture content may cause attenuation and scattering of waves, limiting the range of the useful signal. Converting propagation time into depth requires adopting an appropriate wave velocity in the medium, determined based on reference, literature, or calibration data (e.g., boreholes).
