UTILITY DETECTION IN CONCRETE STRUCTURES BY 3D SCANS USING GROUND PENETRATING RADAR

Abstract

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive geophysical tool to detect utility in concrete structures and below the ground surface. In Malaysia, most contractors are still using traditional ways such as trenching to locate the utility in the structures. The purpose of this study is to determine the applicability of GPR in detecting rebar, utilities, wiring, etc. within the concrete structure. Data acquisition for GPR is carried out by using 1600 MHz antenna to scan 50 cm inside the concrete structure. Results of the 3D scans are enhanced using the RADAN software to interpret accurately the utility in the concrete structure. Based on the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that GPR is applicable in detecting the utility in concrete structures.

Keywords: GPR, concrete structure, 3D scan, utility detection, non-invasive