The Use of Computer Assisted Radar Tomography for Damage Prevention of Underground Assets and Avoidance of Underground Hazards

The lack of accurate maps of subsurface utilities and other underground hazards often causes accidents, project delays and increased project cost. Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is an engineering process utilizing state-of-the-art technology to accurately identify, characterize, and map underground utilities and installations prior to the design of new highways and structures or the installment of new underground assets. Computer Assisted Radar Tomography (CART) is a new technology that can deliver images of the subsurface with an unparalleled level of accuracy and detail. Based on the physics of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), CART can image objects of any material, including metallic and non-metallic utilities, valves, drums, trenches, underground storage tanks, paved over manholes and railroad tracks. The CART system is tied to a total station with auto tracking capabilities for precise positioning. The benefits of CART technology are best realized when the technology is integrated into the SUE process, but CART can also be used as a stand-alone tool for imaging the subsurface. The presented examples show that, in addition to accurately and precisely locating underground assets and hazards, CART can also provide guidance for excavation activities by identifying routes with the least amount of obstacles.