UXOs exist in regions that have encountered substantial bombing during past wars, such as Europe, Asia and the US. UXOs deteriorate over time making them more sensitive and more likely to explode if disturbed. UXOs prevent civil land use, are a danger to public safety and are a significant environmental concern. Locating UXO prior to excavation is required to prevent serious consequences.

1. Using Ground Penetrating Radar
for Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Detection

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UXO are a hazard and need to be safely located
and removed
CNN, 2018 The Guardian, 2017

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• UXOs exist in regions that have encountered
substantial bombing during past wars, such as Europe,
Asia and the US.
• UXOs deteriorate over time making them more
sensitive and more likely to explode if disturbed.
• UXOs prevent civil land use, are a danger to public
safety and are a significant environmental concern.
• Locating UXO prior to excavation is required to prevent
serious consequences.
The need for UXO Detection

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• Magnetometers find buried ferrous
(iron-rich) metallic objects, including
UXO
• Easy & quick locates
• Less effective when:
– Other metallic objects are nearby
(utilities, fences, vehicles, etc.)
– Geophysical noise
– Magnetic contamination
Magnetics is the most common Detection Method

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• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive technique
for locating subsurface features
• GPR works by emitting radio waves into the ground &
measuring the reflected responses
• GPR can detect bombs and artillery shells
Ground Penetrating Radar can also be used for
UXO detection

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• GPR can detect all subsurface objects, including
non-metallic items
• The signal is directed into the ground so surface
metal objects do not interfere with GPR data
acquisition
• GPR can help identify linear (utilities) versus
point targets (UXO)
• GPR provides depth information of targets
GPR can overcome the limitations of
magnetics

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GPR lines can locate possible UXO
UXO
• As GPR data is
collected, the results
are shown in a “cross-
section” view
• A hyperbola indicates
a possible point target
• By examining the
results, GPR can help
locate areas where
UXO could be buried.

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GPR Grids can help detect UXO on large and
complex sites
• GPR lines can be
processed into
depth slices of
the surveyed
area
• As you slice
through at
varying depths,
point targets &
linear utilities
become visible
Large targets
of interest

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GPR Grids can help detect UXO on large and
complex sites
• Depth Slices
generated from
the GPR survey
can highlight
point targets
and linear utility
features
Small targets
of interest

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Example: WWII BMW fabrication plant
• New construction was planned at a WWII BMW
fabrication plant
• 1st ½ meter of soil was littered with metallic debris
from the prior building demolition making a magnetic
survey not possible
• A GPR survey was conducted

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Aerial photo - June 7th 1945, Munich
BMW plant was amidst heavily bombed area

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Example: WWII BMW fabrication plant
• GPR results showed an anomalous response just
below the surface
• A 1000 lb US Demolition Bomb was uncovered
and successfully defused
• Construction at the site proceeded without
incident
UXO

13. © Copyright 2018, Sensors & Software Inc.
Example: 5 UXO located at a 1945 Airport North
of Munich
• Over 100 bombs were suspected to be buried throughout the
airport site and needed to be found
• An area of 10,000m2 was surveyed
– Magnetic survey conducted over entire area and suspect areas identified
– GPR lines were collected over the suspected targets to pin point location and
depth of the UXO

14. © Copyright 2018, Sensors & Software Inc.
Example: 5 UXO located at a 1945 Airport North
of Munich
Excavation of Line 2 based on GPR Results
BOMB
PIPE

15. © Copyright 2018, Sensors & Software Inc.
Example: 5 UXO located at a 1945 Airport North
of Munich
Excavation of Line 6 based on GPR Results
BOMB

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• 5 bombs of type GP
150lb T1 (General
Purpose) were found
Example: 5 UXO located at a 1945 Airport North
of Munich

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Example: GPR used to confirm magnetometer
and EMI located UXO
• GPR was used to
determine the
exact location &
depth of the
suspected UXO
Depth = 30cm
Depth Slice Results in EKKO_ProjectTM:

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Example: GPR used to confirm magnetometer
and EMI located UXO
Depth Slice Results in EKKO_ProjectTM:
Depth = 50cm

19. © Copyright 2018, Sensors & Software Inc.
Example: GPR used to confirm magnetometer
and EMI located UXO
Depth Slice Results in EKKO_ProjectTM:
Depth = 60cm

20. © Copyright 2018, Sensors & Software Inc.
Example: GPR used to detect artillery shells of
various sizes, weight, depths and compositions
A GPR line was collected over a test pit containing various
artillery shells
5 kg artillery shells
1 kg
artillery
shell Plastic
shell

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GPR can be deployed in many ways… depending
on your project needs

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Use GPR to make Informed Decisions
• Determine where the UXOs are
• Get an idea of the depth of
UXOs
• Provides an overall picture of
what is in the ground
• Complements other Magnetic
and EMI surveys
• Identify key areas of interest
for further investigation
• Offers a variety of deliverables
Subsurface
Data
Interpretation
Knowledge
Informed
Decisions
VALUE
INFORMATION
Subsurface
Data
Interpretation
Knowledge
Informed
Decisions

23. © Copyright 2018, Sensors & Software Inc.
• GPR provides a detailed picture of what is in the ground
• GPR is cost-effective
• GPR is easy to learn and implement in your workflow
Use GPR for your UXO detection projects

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• Customized training at your facility
• Regular courses at Sensors & Software Inc.
• Personalized webinars for your team
• Free On-Demand training
Training Available from Sensors & Software

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Online Resources
Newsletters
Case Studies
EKKO_Project software tutorials

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Want to learn more?
We would be happy to discuss how you can incorporate GPR into your
UXO detection projects.
Schedule a lunch & learn session today!
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Office: +1 905 624 8909
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