A Practical Approach to Condition Assessment of Asphalt-Covered Concrete Bridge Decks on Korean Expressways by Dielectric Constant Measurements Using Air-Coupled GPR

Abstract

The main objectives of this study are to investigate the variations of the dielectric constant of concrete on Korean expressways by using a 1 GHz air-coupled Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system and to develop a practical approach to the condition assessment of concrete bridge decks with asphalt overlay on Korean expressways by dielectric constant measurements. A total of 684 GPR investigations of 601 actual concrete bridge decks, which are in service between 2 and 43 years, were carried out during the period between 1999 and 2013. Statistical analysis revealed that the dielectric constant of asphalt-covered concrete bridge decks reduced with service age and this trend continued until service age of over 40 years. As a result, this study provides a practical dielectric constant curve that could be used for condition evaluation of top concrete in asphalt-covered bridge decks with consideration of concrete age. Based on regression analyses of the GPR field survey data and experiences through the field survey, a double cut-off dielectric constant criterion was proposed for condition assessment of asphalt-covered concrete bridge decks on Korean expressways. In addition, a GPR field survey was performed at an actual bridge on the Yeongdong expressway in Korea to test the proposed GPR signal interpretation method. The field survey results provide fundamental data to better understand the variation of the dielectric constant of concrete in actual bridges with asphalt overlay and to develop a practical approach to condition assessment of asphalt-covered concrete bridge decks on Korean expressways by dielectric constant measurements using air-coupled GPR.

Review of Ground Penetrating Radar Applications for Bridge Infrastructures

“…This interaction between chemical factors and structural corrosion underscores the complex nature of concrete deterioration in reinforced bridges, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and addressing these issues for the overall integrity of the structure. Rhee et al [46] proposed a practical approach to bridge condition assessment by investigating changes in the dielectric constant. Therefore, the presence of moisture and saltwater is the main cause of reinforcement corrosion that can cause severe structural damage, as described in the work of Diamanti et al [47].…”

Combined Use of GPR and PMS Data for Composite Pavement Assessments

“…The Pavement Management System (PMS) includes data collection through Automated Pavement Condition Survey (APCS) equipment and analyzing the surface distress, International Roughness Index (IRI), and rut depth. For bridge decks with an asphalt overlay on Korean expressways, condition assessments through dielectric constants have progressed considerably [3,4]. In contrast, composite pavement is typically evaluated based solely on the surface layer's condition, and a standardized approach to maintenance is applied, which involves the use of uniform materials and thicknesses.…”

Three-Dimensional Quantitative Recognition of Filler Materials Ahead of a Tunnel Face via Time-Energy Density Analysis of Wavelet Transforms

“…Infrastructure monitoring during construction and service has made significant progress in recent decades [1][2][3][4], benefitting from the rapid advances in sensing techniques [5][6][7] and signal-processing algorithms [8][9][10]. As important infrastructure, tunnel construction has attracted much attention in monitoring technology to mitigate geological challenges, such as those from the karst environment, which accounts for 10% of the environment in the world.…”