Data acquisition and processing parameters for concrete bridge deck condition assessment using ground-coupled ground penetrating radar: Some considerations

Abstract

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive geophysical technique that is widely used to determine the relative condition of reinforced concrete. This paper presents case studies from Missouri, USA, where a ground-coupled GPR system was used to assess the condition of eleven concrete bridge decks. The main goal of this paper is to develop appropriate acquisition and processing parameters in order to conduct rapid, efficient, and cost-effective assessment of bridge decks. To accomplish this goal, the GPR data sets were collected with slightly different acquisition parameters and processed using different parameters. The quality of the results and the time required for each bridge deck survey are analyzed. Additionally, several experimental data sets were collected across a 12th concrete bridge deck to examine the influence of weather conditions on reflection amplitude values, since amplitude analysis is used in this study. Based on the authors' experience and findings, appropriate GPR acquisition and processing parameters are suggested and described for use of the ground-coupled GPR method for bridge deck assessment.