Affiliation:
1. University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
2. C. E. Management Integrated Laboratory Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan
Abstract
<p>In this paper, we focus on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for the monitoring of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge slab. Though GPR method is non-contact and high-speed, damage detection accuracy depends on inspectors’ skill. Furthermore, the spatial resolution of the system is not enough considering the millimeter-order thickness of target cracks. In this paper, a new algorithm based on deconvolution with the attenuation effect of concrete, “time-variant deconvolution” is proposed, and the effect of the algorithm and frequency range on damage detection accuracy is discussed by real bridge slab model utilizing higher frequency (SHF-band) radar system. When the algorithm was applied to 1 mm horizontal crack above the rebar, only by time-variant deconvolution at SHF-band, dried crack was detectable by its positive-negative peak of the estimated distribution of reflection coefficient at appropriate depth and crack with water was detected by its clear negative peak.</p>
Publisher
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)