Surface and Subsurface Remote Sensing of Concrete Structures Using Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 10
Abstract
Surface and subsurface inspection of concrete structures provides useful information for the maintenance of these structures. Remote sensing techniques such as radar and microwave sensors enable engineers to assess structural condition with ease and efficiency. This paper reports the performance of a 10.5 GHz portable imaging radar system for the quantitative, surface, and subsurface sensing of concrete structures in field configuration. Ranging, size determination, crack imaging, and subsurface interface determination are conducted using stripmap synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. Three concrete structures are selected for field measurements. Ranging accuracy, size determination procedure, and effect of background noise are studied. Issues with background subtraction are discussed. Image-based, quantitative condition assessment criteria for ranging and size determination are proposed.
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Acknowledgments
The research reported in this paper is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST), through Commercial Remote Sensing and Spatial Information (CRS&SI) under Grant OASRTRS-14-H-UML (Program Manager, Caesar Singh). The authors also thank undergraduate students Reny Reny Yohana Lende Mere and Thet Myat Noe Sein for their assistance in conducting field tests.
Disclaimer
The views, opinions, findings, and conclusions reflected in this paper are the responsibility of the authors only and do not represent the official policy or position of the USDOT/OST-R, or any State or other entity.
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 20, 2015
Accepted: Oct 20, 2016
Published online: Aug 4, 2017
Published in print: Oct 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jan 4, 2018
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