Detection of buried metal tanks and drums using ground probing radar

Marek R. Wajzer and Jonathan M. Glover

Ground probing radar (GPR) is a high resolution geophysical method for the detection of buried storage tanks (USTs) and chemical waste drums. GPR utilises UHF/VHF electromagnetic pulses to produce graphic depth sections along survey grid lines. Results from a number of commercial GPR site investigations define the optimum parameters for field procedure, data interpretation and method limitations. Most sites containing buried tanks and drums consist of heterogeneous fill ground conditions, in which depth penetration is limited to 2–5 metres. Results are generally more favourable in low conductivity ground. The detection of drums is more complex than tanks, due to the smaller dimensions and variable burial orientations of waste drums.

3 (3) 1995

Updated: 09-Jun-2005