Using GPR Technique Assessment for Study the Sub-Grade of Asphalt andConcrete Conditions

Abstract

The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is frequently used in pavement engineering
for road pavement inspection. The main objective of this work is to validate
nondestructive, quick and powerful measurements using GPR for assessment of subgrade
and asphalt /concrete conditions. In the present study, two different antennas
(250, 500 MHz) were used. The case studies are presented was carried in University
of Baghdad over about 100m of paved road. After data acquisition and radar grams
collection, they have been processed using RadExplorer V1.4 software
implementing different filters with the most effective ones (time zero adjustment and
DC removal) in addition to other interpretation tool parameters.
The interpretation results showed that with 250 MHz antenna, the buried plastic pipe
and the flexible pavement layer were identified. The later appeared as one layer
without identifying the rigid pavement layer. With 500 MHz antenna, the plastic
pipe, rigid pavement, appeared clearly. Moreover, the short type of maximum time
window using antenna 500 MHz appeared to be the most suitable for detecting some
radar anomalies (plastic pipe, and pavement thickness) which were clearly defined.
While, the suitable radar wave velocity was 100 m/ns for estimation of the flexible
and rigid pavement layer thicknesses respectively. No change is obtained with
changing point interval. . Finally, this diagnostic tool of GPR for pavement defects
and damages investigations seems very promising, cost effective and efficient in its
implementation.