In Situ Detection of Tree Root Systems under Heterogeneous Anthropogenic Soil Conditions Using Ground Penetrating Radar
Publication: Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 25, Issue 3
Abstract
Tree roots can cause damage to surface and subsurface infrastructure. Hence, timely detection of root system architecture (RSA) is needed to reduce conflict between trees and man-made facilities. Because excavation is expensive and often restricted, noninvasive detection of RSA by ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a promising technique. Although several studies have proven the ability of GPR for RSA detection, the problem of distinguishing roots from unwanted reflections at urban test sites with heterogeneous, silty, clayey, or stony soil has not yet been fully solved. This study assessed the performance of GPR for in situ detection of RSA from a plane tree (Platanus acerifolia) and a buckeye (Aesculus hippocastanum) in urban heterogeneous multilayered soil using shielded 250-MHz antennas. Repeated manual hyperbola selections were performed, extracting the three-dimensional (3D) coordinates, which were visualized in top view to reveal connected structures. Unwanted selections were manually filtered by internal confirmation using depth slices from 3D radargram interpolations. Root indications were retraced in the field and validated by vacuum excavation. At our test site, the suggested approach was suitable for detecting the lateral positions of roots with diameters between 1 and 4 cm at depths of 17 to 70 cm, despite unfavorable substrate. Moreover, the assumed depth ranges were correct for both trees, and the main depth characteristics were fairly precisely projected. The rapid and cost-effective protocol allows minimal interventions and opens the door for similar applications in urban and nonurban land uses.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Gasunie Germany GmbH & Co. KG for the cooperation and technical support. We further acknowledge the support by the TERENO (Terrestrial Environmental Observatories) project funded by the Helmholtz Association. Many thanks also to Lakshman Galagedara from the Memorial University of Newfoundland for his improving comments on the manuscript.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 25 • Issue 3 • September 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 2, 2017
Accepted: Feb 25, 2019
Published online: May 25, 2019
Published in print: Sep 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Oct 25, 2019
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Chemical properties
- Chemistry
- Communication systems
- Ecosystems
- Engineering fundamentals
- Environmental engineering
- Equipment and machinery
- Field tests
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Geotechnical investigation
- Heterogeneity
- Infrastructure
- Lifeline systems
- Penetration tests
- Radar
- Soil mechanics
- Soil properties
- Tests (by type)
- Trees
- Vegetation
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