An Overview of the Application of GPR Technology in Geotechnical and Geological Research: Examples from Gujarat, Western India

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has become an invaluable geophysical technique across engineering and geoscience domains worldwide. It has the ability to quickly analyze objects and help in the delineation of possible ambiguity in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Therefore, it is the recommended technique among other alternatives since it can provide high-resolution 2D and 3D cross-sectional images of various surfaces. The goal of the current review is to provide a thorough understanding of the most recent developments in GPR technology. It offers a concise summary by systematically examining relevant literature and case studies. Additionally, it delves into the challenges and opportunities linked with integrating GPR across various geoengineering disciplines. Essential fundamental principles of data acquisition in diverse survey modes are also addressed. Furthermore, the review emphasizes case studies from Gujarat, Western India, illustrating the application of GPR in subsurface investigations of sedimentary structures, active fault delineation, and liquefaction studies. These case studies aid in improving understanding of the interpretation of radar data and related geological complexity. The illustrations, which are from our published research, show how well GPR works to determine the subsurface geometry of faults and associated deformation, map the point bar and coastal dune facies, and identify the type of liquified sand vents in the paleoliquefaction craters connected to the great Bhuj earthquake (M_w 7.8) of 2001. Ultimately, the review aims to motivate geoscientists and engineers to use nondestructive GPR techniques to investigate near-surface heterogeneities in a sustainable manner.