Evaluation of the Depth of Deteriorations in Concrete Bridge Decks with Asphalt Overlays Using Air-Coupled GPR: A Case Study from a Pilot Bridge on Korean Expressway

Abstract

In this recent work, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) technique was proposed to evaluate the deteriorated depth of concrete bridge decks with asphalt overlays in the Korea expressway network. Air-coupled GPR was utilized in the measurement of the relative permittivity of concrete on bridge decks with asphalt overlays and the electromagnetic (EM) wave attenuation of the concrete cover of top reinforcing bars (rebars) in the pilot bridge in public service. In addition, 13 core samples were obtained from the bridge deck to carry out a detailed survey that includes visual inspection of the deterioration and measurement of chloride content with depth. The validity of the GPR technique was examined by comparing it with the results of the field investigation. Moreover, the correlation of the deteriorated depth with either the relative permittivity or EM wave attenuation was established. Results show that a GPR signal analysis method based on a dual-criteria (relative permittivity and EM wave attenuation) is more effective in analyzing the deterioration characteristics and evaluating the deteriorated depth of concrete bridge decks with asphalt overlay compared to the analysis method based on one of the two GPR properties. Results of the field test are considered to be significant wherein it establishes a relationship between the GPR property and deterioration characteristics of the bridge decks. Moreover, results show the practical applicability of the GPR technique in evaluating the deteriorated depth of the bridge decks with asphalt overlay.