Apa itu ground penetrating radar dan kapan operator perlu menggunakannya?

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) adalah teknologi non-invasive untuk mendeteksi objek dan struktur underground sebelum excavation, mencegah utility strike.

How GPR Works:

• Emit electromagnetic pulses ke dalam tanah
• Reflected signals create subsurface image
• Dapat detect: pipes, cables, voids, buried structure hingga depth 3-5 meter

Kapan GPR Diperlukan:

1. Excavation Near Utilities

• Area urban dengan banyak underground services
• Utility map tidak available atau outdated
• High-value atau critical utilities (high-pressure gas, HV electric)

2. Confined Area Work

• Limited space untuk excavation error
• Adjacent building foundation

3. Deep Excavation

• >2 meter depth dimana utility depth uncertain

GPR Scan Process:

1. Planning: Mark planned excavation area
2. Scanning: Qualified technician conduct GPR survey
3. Interpretation: Analyze data, identify anomalies
4. Marking: Physical mark di ground untuk operator guidance
5. Verification: Hand dig dalam 0.5m dari detected utility untuk confirm

Operator Responsibility:

• Operator TIDAK operate GPR - ini specialist task
• Operator harus respect markings dari GPR survey
• No excavation sampai clearance given
• Proceed dengan extreme caution near marked utilities

Limitations of GPR:

• Tidak 100% accurate - masih possible miss small utilities
• Soil type affect performance (clay reduce depth)
• Cannot identify type of utility - hanya location

Best Practice:

• Combine GPR dengan utility plans dan hand digging
• When in doubt - STOP and verify

Utility strike = potentially fatal + millions in damage - prevention worth the cost!