3D Reconstruction of embedded object using ground penetrating radar

Abstract

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive device widely used to locate and map underground utilities such as pipes, cables, etc. Its principle is based on the reflection signal of a transmitter-receiver antenna that strikes underground objects by means of the propagation of a short pulse of electromagnetic waves into the ground. The GPR will produce a hyperbolic curve as a result of the object’s presence. Accurate interpretation of hyperbola curves is greatly important and highly depends on user expertise; thus, it is considered a challenge. To address this issue, this study aims to develop 3D reconstructions of embedded objects. In this study, C-scan images were acquired, and 3D interpolation and the Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) were introduced. In this framework, the acquired data is subjected to pre-processing techniques via time-zero correction, background removal using average background subtraction, and Kirchoff’s migration method. The software Reflex 3D Scan has been used to analyse and preprocess the 3D reconstruction of embedded objects. The obtained results show that 3D interpolation and SAFT methods are not only able to reconstruct 3D models but are also able to reveal information on the dimension and location of the buried object represented by voxel points in the 3D space cube.