Locating Voids & Sinkholes
Void and Sinkhole Locates with Echo GPR
Our trained Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technicians can collect data using GPR to locate voids or sinkholes in fields, under asphalt/roads, beneath concrete slabs (interior and exterior), and beneath almost any surface you can imagine. This type of detecting/locating is essential in mitigating any problems and can help guide future repairs. We collect the data and produce a deliverable with a ‘top-down’ image with color contour maps indicating the presence and extent of any potential voids or sinkholes. Echo GPR Services has multiple antennas that can detect near-surface voids and at depth depending on site conditions. We would be happy to discuss the issues you may be experiencing and how GPR can help you detect any subsurface voids on your site. Another benefit is that we can overlay our GPR findings onto your site plans, a map, or a grid we can produce for ease of viewing.
If issues arise, we can collect data and perform a non-destructive investigation with little to no interruption to surrounding operations. Whether inside an office space, a parking lot, or a residential property, our trained professionals can help determine the best approach to investigate a potential void/sinkhole before it worsens.
Sinkholes Vs. Voids
Sinkholes and voids are similar in that they comprise air space below the surface. The primary difference is how they arise. Geological processes primarily cause sinkholes (when not man-made). This includes weathering, water tables lowering, and acid rain, which can seep down into the ground and weather away the softer material, leaving air spaces waiting to collapse. These air spaces may be fine to sit for a while, but they only get bigger over time. Eventually, continuous weathering over time, heavy equipment, or new construction could cause these sinkholes to collapse fully. Sinkholes can also be created through human influence, for example, failing storm drains, water lines, or sewer lines. These all lead to voids that have the potential to cause catastrophic damage.
What causes voids?
Voids could be caused by wash out, ground settling, water line breaks, longer-term unknown leaks, historic tunnels, etc. These problems can begin to reveal themselves over time with a few signs to keep an eye out for. Using GPR, we can help determine the extent of voids. After data collection, we can generate a color-contour map illustrating the most problematic areas compared to more consistent/normal areas. This can assist in identifying areas that may require further testing and remediation efforts.
Physical Evidence of Sinkholes and Voids
Observing issues at the surface is the quickest way to recognize your problem. However, more subtle signs may include fresh hairline cracks at the surface, cracks on walls, visible sinking, and slab movement, among many others.
The only non-destructive way to determine how widespread the problem below the surface may be is with GPR and our trusted technicians.
Do you have questions about locating voids and sinkholes? Check out our FAQ!
All Technicians are OSHA-30 certified.
All Technicians are GPR Certified Operators by the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association.