The use of ground penetrating radar in the investigation of masonry retaining walls. Prepared for the Highways Agency, Civil Engineering, Quality Services.

This report assesses the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) as a means of non-invasive investigation through its application to six masonry retaining walls. It provides details of the equipment and procedures employed, together with an appraisal of GPR as an investigative tool for such walls. The report shows that the use of GPR as a non-invasive tool in the investigation of the internal structure of masonry retaining walls has much to offer. Combined with a visual inspection, GPR can be used to identify sections of wall which are at risk from failure. This could improve the effectiveness of inspection routines and enable maintenance expenditure to be better targeted. (A)