Pipe Penetrating Radar (PPR) is the underground in-pipe application of GPR, a non-destructive testing method that can detect defects and cavities within and outside mainline diameter (>18 in / 450mm) non-metallic (reinforced concrete, vitrified clay, PVC, HDPE, etc.) underground pipes.  The key advantage of PPR is the unique ability to map pipe wall thickness and deterioration including voids outside the pipe, enabling accurate predictability of needed intervention or the timing of replacement.

The majority of the current underground pipe infrastructure was built over 50 years ago and is close to the end of its design life. In order to establish the extent of rehabilitation or the timing of replacement an internal inspection method is necessary. Although CCTV is an effective tool for identifying visible defects on the internal wall of pipelines it cannot see behind the pipe’s inner surface. In order to overcome this limitation and provide utility owners and decision makers with a quantitative and predictive inspection and asset management tool, pipe penetrating radar (PPR) the in-pipe application of ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been developed. This technology allows the implementation of proactive preventative maintenance procedures for non-ferrous wastewater and water underground infrastructure. The combined application of PPR, CCTV and laser (LIDAR) provides the most complete and state of the art inspection technology to enable proactive asset management and allow utility owners to plan and schedule the inspection and rehabilitation of critical utilities prior to the occurrence of emergency scenarios.