Accuracy Tests and Precision Assessment of Localizing Underground Utilities Using GPR Detection

Abstract

Applying georadar (GPR) technology for detecting underground utilities is an important element of the comprehensive assessment of the location and ground infrastructure status. These works are usually connected with the conducted investment processes or serialised inventory of underground fittings. The detection of infrastructure is also crucial in implementing the BIM technology, 3D cadastre, and planned network modernization works. GPR detection accuracy depends on the type of equipment used, the selected detection method, and external factors. The multitude of techniques used for localizing underground utilities and constantly growing accuracy demands resulting from the fact that it is often necessary to detect infrastructure under challenging conditions of dense urban development leads to the need to improve the existing technologies. The factor that motivated us to start research on assessing the precision and accuracy of ground penetrating radar detection was the need to ensure the appropriate accuracy, precision, and reliability of detecting underground utilities versus different methods and analyses. The results of the multi-variant GPR were subjected to statistical testing. Various analyses were also conducted, depending on the detection method and on the current soil parameters using a unique sensor probe. When planning detection routes, we took into account regular, established grids and tracked the trajectory of movement of the equipment using GNSS receivers (internal and external ones). Moreover, a specialist probe was used to evaluate the potential influence of the changing soil conditions on the obtained detection results. Our tests were conducted in a developed area for ten months. The results confirmed a strong correlation between the obtained accuracy and the measurement method used, while the correlation with the other factors discussed here was significantly weaker.

Evaluation of Void Defects behind Tunnel Lining through GPR forward Simulation

“…According to the electromagnetic wave propagation theory, the electromagnetic phenomena existing at the macro scale can be described by a set of Maxwell equations, which are used to represent the relationship between the basic electromagnetic field and their emission source, that is, the electric field. The expression of the first-order partial differential is Equations ( 1)- (4).…”

“…Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a technology that uses high-frequency radio electromagnetic waves to perform non-destructive testing of targets in the medium [2][3][4]. Owing to its advantages of high resolution, high efficiency, intuitive results, and non-destructive nature, it is widely used in geological exploration [5], road surface inspection [6], underground pipeline detection [7], archaeological detection [8,9], etc.…”

Estimation of Handheld Ground-Penetrating Radar Antenna Position with Pendulum-Model-Based Extended Kalman Filter

“…Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a general term used with respect to techniques using radio waves, typically in a frequency range from several MHz to several GHz, to acquire information about objects buried underground or hidden under/behind any other concealing obstacles, surfaces, etc. [3,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. These techniques enable non-invasive and non-destructive remote detecting, locating, imaging, and identifying geological structures, cavities, buried objects, and underground man-made infrastructures, which do not have to contain metal parts.…”

Intensity Normalisation of GPR C-Scans

“…After decades of development, GPR 3D imaging has been widely applied to civil engineering, such as mapping underground utilities [2][3][4], measuring changes in the physical properties of materials [5][6][7], and inspecting structural conditions [8][9][10]. Because C-scans depicted the shape and spatial distribution properties of reflectors, they could be used to distinguish road defects from other disturbance sources with similar response textures but distinct geometry (e.g., pipelines) [11].…”