After many years of research, practitioners observed paper printouts to the modern era that has enhanced more efficient processing, collection, and three dimensions imaging enormous amounts of data needed in GPR imaging infrastructure. Truly, ground-penetrating radar has advanced from locating and testing to diagnosis and pictorial presentation with the Holy Grail of viewing the unseen become a reality. This article reviews the latest advancement of the GPR initial applications such as tunnel liners, bridges, buildings geotechnical, and buried utilities.
What are the Ground-Penetrating Radar areas of applications?
Earth science
It’s essential in studying bedrocks, groundwater and soil, and ice. Also, it’s of great significance in prospecting for gold nuggets and diamond alluvial gravel beds by searching for natural traps in buried steam that have the capability of accumulating heavier particles.
Military
Military use of ground-penetrating radar apps involves the detection of unexploded guns and tracing tunnels. Military practitioners often use the GPR in combination with other available geophysical methods like electrical resistivity and electromagnetic induction techniques. For example, this year, the USA ordered GPR systems from Chemring sensors and electronics systems to enhance the detection of improvised explosive gadgets buried in the roadway.
In-vehicle localization
Recently, a novel approach to vehicle localization using initial map-based images from ground-penetrating radar has been displayed. It is referred to as localization ground penetrating radar (LGPR) and speeds up to 60 mph. Besides, a closed-loop operation for autonomous vehicles fielded for the military operation was demonstrated in 2012.
Pipeline inspection and maintenance
Ground-penetrating radar app is a well-established technique for keeping track of civil structures such as bridges and buildings. It’s also a reliable method of identifying the location and the depth of underground pipes of distinct materials and sizes. For instance, a study carried out revealed that GPR was able to identify internal sewer damage in concrete and clay pipes of about 5-50 cm in diameter.
Indeed, the method had few disadvantages due to its bulky and the antenna’s length, but it showed that the small details like deterioration and corrosion were identified.
Sensing solutions for assessing and monitoring roads
GPR is a time-dependent electromagnetic method that provides high 2D and 3D resolution images beneath the surface. This technique has been advanced for several years to explore the earth’s shallow subsurface like bridges and building materials.
It uses the idea of scattering electromagnetic waves to discover buried objects. Besides, it is routinely used o assess the structure of and substructure of pavements, airport runways, and taxiways. When used correctly, it assesses the layers, reinforcement, moisture content, and other anomalies.
Disadvantages of GPR apps
- The interpretation of radar grams usually is non-intuitive to the novice.
- High energy use can be a problem for an extensive field survey.
- In soils with salt contamination, its performance is limited.
The bottom line
Ground-penetrating radar app is a technique that consumes radar pulses to image the subsurface. It’s a non-intrusive method used to survey sub-surface to investigate underground utilities like metals, pipes, electric cables, and masonry. This system uses electromagnetic radiations found in the microwave band and reflects the signals from the subsurface structure.
