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Sinkhole Detection and Void Detection Surveys

sinkhole_detection and void detection handcartGeoModel, Inc. conducts sinkhole detection and void detection surveys throughout the United States. GeoModel, Inc.  uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate subsurface sinkholes and detect voids. GeoModel, Inc. only uses licensed Professional Geologists with Master’s degrees in Geology to conduct each void or sinkhole location survey.

In addition to the sinkhole detection GPR survey, the GeoModel, Inc. Professional Geologist will also observe geologic features in the area that may be related to any sinkhole activity or underground voids. To further investigate a sinkhole location or void location study, the GeoModel, Inc. geologist will conduct research of other sinkholes detected in the area, the general geology in the area, and recent hazard events such as a flood or drought.

Basic Principles of Ground Penetrating Radar for Sinkhole Detection and Void Location

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) produces a continuous record of subsurface soil and rock conditions, in the form of a cross-sectional profile. Radar profiles can be used for sinkhole location and void detection by observing the GPR data on the computer screen in real time.

sinkhole and model for sinkhole detection and void detection

GPR image and model from a sinkhole location survey

During a void or sinkhole detection survey, GPR uses an antenna, or transducer, to transmit brief pulses of energy into the ground. The antenna is housed in a protective box that is pulled along the ground by hand or behind a vehicle or ATV. Direct contact with the ground promotes the transfer of the radar waves into the ground for the detection and location of sinkholes and voids.

The depth of penetration of the ground penetrating radar signal for void location or sinkhole location depends on the radar antenna used and the conductivity of the subsurface materials surrounding the sinkhole or void. Antennas with low frequencies, such as 200 megahertz (MHz), have greater penetration (up to 30 feet) in highly resistive material such as dry quartz sand or clean limestone.

sinkhole formation and sinkhole detection
sinkhole_yard_sm for sinkhole location and void detection

High frequency antennas, such as 400-MHz, have lower (more shallow) penetration but higher resolution. Investigations for shallow sinkhole detection or smaller void location (10 feet or less deep), or soil horizon subsidence, can be conducted with these higher frequency antennas.

Sinkhole location or void detection surveys are conducted most often in karst limestone areas. However, sinkhole detection and void location investigations may also be recommended in areas with soft soil, in areas where water or sewer pipes have broken, after a flood to check for flood damage, or where mining or other surface or subsurface disturbance activities have occurred.

void detection under concrete_sm

void detection under concrete using gpr

sinkhole_house_sm GPR for sinkhole detection

bedrock_karst

sinkhole_truck survey for sinkhole detection and void detection

Latest Project

Ground Penetrating Radar Survey Locates Source of Surface Water Ponding in Rail Yard

A rail services yard in Texas was losing thousands of gallons of water. Water ponding on the surface of the ground indicated serious leaks in the buried metal water pipes below, but officials at the … [read more]

GeoModel News

Fox News – GeoModel, Inc. Interview

Greta Van Susteren of Fox News came to the office of GeoModel, Inc. to obtain information on ground penetrating radar (GPR).  Greta Van Susteren interviewed Matthew Turner, GeoModel's ground … [read more]

CNN – GeoModel, Inc. Interview

Matthew Turner of GeoModel, Inc. was on the CNN Wolf Blitzer television news reports program.  Matthew Turner was interviewed by a CNN national security correspondent at the GeoModel office.  CNN … [read more]

GeoModel

All GPR surveys are conducted or supervised by:

  • Certified Professional Geologists with More Than 20 Years of Experience
  • 40-Hour OSHA Hazwoper-Trained Professionals
  • ISNetworld Member Company
  • Operators using FCC-approved Equipment
  • Field crews available nationwide
  • Woman-Owned Small Business (WBE)

Quicklinks

  • What is Ground Penetrating Radar
  • Utility Location
  • Cemetery and Grave Location and Mapping
  • Sinkhole and Void Detection
  • Underground Storage Tank Detection and Buried Drum Detection
  • Geology, Bedrock and Geologic Hazards
  • Landfill Detection and Burial Trench Delineation
  • Concrete and Rebar Inspection
  • Archaeological and Environmental Studies
  • Brine Pits

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geomodel@geomodel.com
703-777-9788
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