Sensitivity analysis on GPR A-scan data for cavity detection based on area estimation approach

Abstract

This study aims to determine the optimal range of A-scan data that enables the detection of cavities in reinforced concrete structures using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). GPR is commonly used as a nondestructive testing method for detecting cavities. However, the identification of cavities using B-scan data is challenging when the cavities are obscured by highly reflective objects such as reinforcements. To address this issue, the B-scan data can be substituted with the A-scan data by adopting an area estimation approach. However, this approach requires the determination of the location and range of the A-scan data. In this study, we analyzed GPR A-scan data obtained from a large-scale concrete block with cavities adjacent to a complex reinforcement layout. The location and range were varied to investigate their effects on the accuracy of object detection using the area estimation approach, and an appropriate range was suggested.