The GPR method Ground Penetration Radar was used in this work, aiming at estimating its potentialities as a viable methodology to geological, geotechnical and environmental studies of Brazilian soil-rock conditions.In order to reach this objective, in situ tests have been carried out to evaluate the capability of the method in the detection of characteristics of weathering profiles in residual soils. In this case, the aim was to estimate the depth and width of pedological horizons and the bedrock in a geotechnical profile. Laboratory tests were also carried out in blocks of undisturbed residual soil of gnaissic origin. In these blocks, the effects of contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons were monitored. Both the unsaturated and the vadose zones have been monitored. The main objective in relation to the GPR was to evaluate the applicability of the method in the detection of such contaminants.The results obtained allowed to image gross contacts with good resolution such as soil-intact bedrock contacts and blocks inside soils. However, the clear detection of profile horizons were not well imaged. Regarding the contamination monitoring, it is early to affirm that the GPR method might be employed efficiently in the detection of organic contaminants in residual soils.