Mar 11
16
We recently conducted a geophysical survey which initially presented quite a challenge. The project scope was to conduct a GPR geophysical survey of a 700 acre property located near Kitchener, Ontario Canada in the middle of WINTER!
The GPR equipment used for this project was a Sensors & Software Pulse EKKO Pro with a 50 MHz antenna and a GPS unit. The hardware had no problem withstanding the brutal winter conditions. The challenge was in how to move the equipment over 700 acres of deep snow to collect the GPR data.
As the old saying goes… necessity is the mother of invention. We considered many options such as mounting the antennas to a cart but the wheels would get stuck in the snow. Even considered (for about a half a second) manually carrying the GPR equipment. But quickly realized that we would probably not see our technicians till the spring when they finally thawed out.
So we designed a set of skis that could be towed behind an ARGO ATV. These skis had to be 8’ in length in order to mount the 50 MHz antennas and a support for an odometer wheel that was connected to the ground penetrating radar unit and the GPS unit. However, the biggest challenge was finding a plastic material to manufacture the skis from that was hard enough to handle the friction and take the wear and tear of running over rocks, stumps and other debris.
After some experimentation we came up with the proper design and materials to manufacture the perfect solution as seen in the video below that was shot at the project site with a cell phone. In fact this system worked so well we are now in the process of bringing this product to the GPR aftermarket as an accessory that can be used for various applications.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPz0yCWMbFY[/youtube]
For more information about our Geophysical Survey services visit our web site or contact Global GPR Services toll free at (888) 801-4477.