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- Accuracy of positioning (1)
- Aggregates (1)
- Automated scanning systems (1)
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- Ground penetrating radar (1)
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Positioning accuracy of an automatic scanning system for GPR measurements on concrete structures
(2012)
Time slices of very dense GPR measurements carried out at concrete with a real point distance of less than 10 mm in x and y direction show weak reflection patterns besides the strong reflections of reinforcements. A repetition of these measurements with the same local geometrical precision at the same specimen shows the same reflection pattem. We suppose that the heterogeneity of concrete given by aggregates (e.g. gravel, broken granite) causes local weak Scattering of the GPR waves and leads to reflection patterns in the GPR data. These reflection patterns can be explained by a Superposition of multiple scatterings of single aggregates. So far these reflection patterns have been not recognized in Standard time slices due to the large spacing (> 5 cm) between single profiles and because of the interpolation between the profiles.
We investigate the characteristics of the volume scattering effects, caused by aggregates, at concrete blocks with two different grading curves. In a more general investigation we study the volume scattering of aggregates by using wooden boxes filled with only typical aggregates and an included defined reflector (metal plate). The thickness of the aggregate layer above the metal plate was varied between 20 cm and 40 cm. With a very dense measuring grid at the surface we are able to calculate the effective volume scattering and to analyze the distribution of the reflection amplitude of the included metal plate for different aggregate set-ups. Results of this study confirm that the weak reflection patterns in concrete can be explained by aggregate scattering and have a direct correlation to the penetration depth of GPR in concrete.
Air voids in concrete like honeycombs are one of the major concerns regarding quality assurance for the construction of infrastructure buildings like bridges or tunnels. This paper shows that voids in reinforced concrete walls or slabs can be detected by two standard ground coupled GPR antennas in transmission mode using a two-side zero-offset profiling configuration like in borehole radar applications. For the detection of voids only the amplitudes of the direct wave in transmission mode are evaluated. Even when the depth of the void can not be detected in this configuration, the major advantage of the zero-offset profiling in transmission mode is a lower interference with the surrounding reinforcement compared to a regular one-side reflection profiling. The capability of the two-side zero-offset profiling is demonstrated on a test specimen with a set of polystyrene balls of two different sizes representing voids like honeycombs in concrete. GPR measurements are realized by an automated scanning system in order to allow for a synchronous movement of the antennas. In transmission mode voids can be detected at greater depths compared to reflection mode, since the travel path of the direct wave is half as long. Another characteristic of the transmission mode is that the direct wave through the air voids is faster and arrives earlier than the direct wave in the surrounding concrete. Hence it can be separated from the strong reflection of the reinforcement. Finally the measurements in transmission mode are less sensitive to the antenna frequency and polarization than in reflection mode.