GPR Signal Processing in the Frequency Domain for Detection of Moisture Variability in Pavement Structure

This paper will discuss how Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) applications are generally based on signal processing in the time domain. Basically the propagation velocity of the Electro-Magnetic (EM) wave in the pavement is calibrated by measuring the thickness of the pavement layers from cores extraction. This phase can be biased and is always onerous. In this paper, the authors present a new approach that focuses on the signal processing in the frequency domain. This method is based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and it needs no preventive calibration of the algorithms. The reflected waves are partially absorbed, diffracted and scattered by the pavement layers, thus producing frequency modulations in the received spectrum that depends on the EM characteristics of the medium. Effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm have been validated by laboratory tests. Practical application of this method has resulted in reliable and efficient diagnoses of structural damages or defects.

• Corporate Authors:

  Politecnico di Torino

  Turin,   Italy 
• Authors:
  • Benedetto, A
  • Fattorini, F
• Conference:
  • Sixth International Conference on Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Pavements and Technological Control (MAIREPAV6)
  • Location: Turin , Italy
  • Date: 2009-7-8 to 2009-7-10
• Publication Date: 2009

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 10p
• Monograph Title: International Conference on Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Pavements and Technological Control (MAIREPAV6), Sixth Proceedings

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electromagnetic waves; Fast Fourier transforms; Global Positioning System; Moisture content; Moisture damage; Pavement design; Pavement layers; Pavement performance; Signal processing; Structural analysis
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01139716
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 18 2009 7:07AM