Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive geophysical method widely used in engineering for the detection and mapping of underground features. One key application is utility locating, where GPR accurately determines the position and depth of underground metallic and non-metallic utilities such as pipes, cables, and ducts. This prevents accidental damage during excavation and supports effective planning in urban development. GPR is extensively employed in civil engineering projects including highways, bridges, tunnels, and railway tracks, for assessing subsurface conditions, identifying voids, delaminations, and structural weaknesses. In geological and archaeological surveys, GPR helps in identifying natural layers, cavities, and buried artifacts without disturbing the ground. Advanced systems like the UtilityScan Pro by GSSI, integrated with the SIR 4000 control unit and a 350 MHz antenna, can investigate depths of up to 12 meters, making it ideal for both shallow and deep subsurface applications. Additionally, the Radan 7 analysis software enhances data interpretation through advanced visualization and filtering capabilities, enabling precise mapping of subsurface structures.

The HBM QuantumX MX840B is an advanced 8-channel universal data logger that allows the connection of sensors and transducers based on 17 different technologies across all its channels. With the support of HBM’s innovative “Plug & Measure” technology, the module automatically recognizes connected transducers, streamlining setup and ensuring accurate measurements. Each of the eight channels can accommodate a wide range of sensor types, including strain gauges in half or full bridge configurations (DC or CF with 4.8 kHz), voltage inputs (100 mV, 10 V, and 60 V), current- fed piezos (IEPE/ICP), piezoresistive full bridges, thermocouples (types K, N, R, S, T, B, E, J, and C), resistance thermometers (PT100, PT1000), resistance up to 5000 Ohm, potentiometric transducers, inductive half or full bridge sensors including LVDTs, and current inputs (±20 mA). Additionally, up to four channels support rotary encoders, counters, frequency/rpm measurements, and the SSI protocol. The module features a high-resolution 24-bit analog-to-digital converter and offers a sample rate of up to 40 kS/s per channel, complemented by active low-pass filters. Renowned for its precision, the MX840B achieves an accuracy class of up to 0.05%, making it ideal for high-performance measurement applications.

The horizontal muffle furnace is a high- temperature thermal processing unit available in the lab, designed for material heating, sintering, and thermal treatment applications. It features a robust construction with a hinged door for safe and easy access and is mounted on a sturdy mild steel stand with the control panel positioned below for user convenience. The furnace offers a compact working chamber of 250 mm × 250 mm × 300 mm and can operate at temperatures up to 1100°C. It uses durable APM grade Kanthal coils as heating elements and a K-type thermocouple to ensure precise temperature monitoring with ±2°C accuracy. A programmable PID controller (1 program × 9 steps) enables accurate temperature control, while a solid-state thyristor regulates power. The chamber is well insulated with a combination of high-temperature bricks and zirconia-blended alumina ceramic fiber blankets, enhancing thermal efficiency and safety. The system operates on a 3-phase power supply (400–415 V, 20 A) and consumes between 6 to 7.5 kW. Additional features include analog voltage and current meters, high-quality switch gears, and safety mechanisms like a slow-blow fuse and user-settable over-temperature protection.