Influence of variability of water content in different states on electromagnetic waves parameters affecting accuracy of GPR measurements of asphalt and concrete pavements

Abstract

In the paper a water content effect in various states on the variability of the electromagnetic waves parameters is discussed. This variation can affect accuracy and repeatability of asphalt and concrete pavement thickness estimation with GPR method. In case of asphalt pavements, tests were carried out using the air-coupled 1.0 GHz antenna and included three approaches: two on asphalt road and one of asphalt slabs. In the case of concrete slabs, tests were carried out using a ground-coupled 1.6 GHz antenna on two slabs: reinforced and unreinforced. A high variability of the electromagnetic wave parameters was observed depending on moisture conditions. The increase in the humidity of the medium causes a reduction in the propagation speed of the electromagnetic wave (increasing the dielectric constant of the medium), increasing of waves time propagation, decreasing of reflection amplitude and increasing of frequency attenuation, which should be considered when determining the thicknesses of the construction layers. Studies showed that not always higher air humidity, atmospheric precipitation and consequently wet surface indicate a higher dielectric constant of the medium. It can be concluded that not only the humidity and ambient temperature affect the change in the dielectric constant, but also other factors not resulting from the construction of the pavement as well as material microstructure.