scholarly journals Advanced GPR Signal Processing Techniques for Root Detection in Urban Environments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Livia Lantini ◽  
Fabio Tosti ◽  
Iraklis Giannakis ◽  
Kevin Jagadissen Munisami ◽  
Dale Mortimer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Street Trees ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Root Detection ◽  
Charitable Trust ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Non Destructive

<p>Street trees are widely recognised to be an essential asset for the urban environment, as they bring several environmental, social and economic benefits [1]. However, the conflicting coexistence of tree root systems with the built environment, and especially with road infrastructures, is often cause of extensive damage, such as the uplifting and cracking of sidewalks and curbs, which could seriously compromise the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.</p><p>In this context, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has long been proven to be an effective non-destructive testing (NDT) method for the evaluation and monitoring of road pavements. The effectiveness of this tool lies not only in its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, but also in the proven reliability of the results provided. Besides, recent studies have explored the capability of GPR in detecting and mapping tree roots [2]. Algorithms for the reconstruction of the tree root systems have been developed, and the spatial variations of root mass density have been also investigated [3].</p><p>The aim of this study is, therefore, to investigate the GPR potential in mapping the architecture of root systems in street trees. In particular, this research aims to improve upon the existing methods for detection of roots, focusing on the identification of the road pavement layers. In this way, different advanced signal processing techniques can be applied at specific sections, in order to remove reflections from the pavement layers without affecting root detection. This allows, therefore, to reduce false alarms when investigating trees with root systems developing underneath road pavements.</p><p>In this regard, data from trees of different species have been acquired and processed, using different antenna systems and survey methodologies, in an effort to investigate the impact of these parameters on the GPR overall performance.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Acknowledgements</strong></p><p>The authors would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the following trusts, charities, organisations and individuals for their generosity in supporting this project: Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust, The Schroder Foundation, Cazenove Charitable Trust, Ernest Cook Trust, Sir Henry Keswick, Ian Bond, P. F. Charitable Trust, Prospect Investment Management Limited, The Adrian Swire Charitable Trust, The John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust, The Sackler Trust, The Tanlaw Foundation, and The Wyfold Charitable Trust. This paper is dedicated to the memory of our colleague and friend Jonathan West, one of the original supporters of this research project.</p><p> </p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>[1] J. Mullaney, T. Lucke, S. J. Trueman, 2015. “A review of benefits and challenges in growing street trees in paved urban environments,” Landscape and Urban Planning, 134, 157-166.</p><p>[2] A. M. Alani, L. Lantini, 2019. “Recent advances in tree root mapping and assessment using non-destructive testing methods: a focus on ground penetrating radar,” Surveys in Geophysics, 1-42.</p><p>[3] L. Lantini, F. Tosti, Giannakis, I., Egyir, D., A. Benedetto, A. M. Alani, 2019. “A Novel Processing Framework for Tree Root Mapping and Density Estimation using Ground Penetrating Radar,” In 10th International Workshop on Advanced Ground Penetrating Radar, EAGE.</p>

scholarly journals Editorial for the Special Issue “Advanced Techniques for Ground Penetrating Radar Imaging”

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 3696
Author(s):  
Yuri Álvarez López ◽  
María García-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Radar Imaging ◽  
Non Destructive Testing ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Subsurface Sensing ◽  
Key Technologies ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Non Destructive

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has become one of the key technologies in subsurface sensing and, in general, in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), since it is able to detect both metallic and nonmetallic targets [...]

scholarly journals Lab Non Destructive Test to Analyze the Effect of Corrosion on Ground Penetrating Radar Scans

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 2814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sossa ◽  
Pérez-Gracia ◽  
González-Drigo ◽  
Rasol
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Wave Amplitude ◽  
Metallic Surface ◽  
Non Destructive Testing ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Accurate Analysis ◽  
Reflected Wave ◽  
Dense Grid ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Non Destructive

Corrosion is a significant damage in many reinforced concrete structures, mainly in coastal areas. The oxidation of embedded iron or steel elements degrades rebar, producing a porous layer not adhered to the metallic surface. This process could completely destroy rebar. In addition, the concrete around the metallic targets is also damaged, and a dense grid of fissures appears around the oxidized elements. The evaluation of corrosion is difficult in early stages, because damage is usually hidden. Non-destructive testing measurements, based on non-destructive testing (NDT) electric and magnetic surveys, could detect damage as consequence of corrosion. The work presented in this paper is based in several laboratory tests, which are centered in defining the effect of different corrosion stage on ground penetrating radar (GPR) signals. The analysis focuses on the evaluation of the reflected wave amplitude and its behavior. The results indicated that an accurate analysis of amplitude decay and intensity could most likely reveal an approach to the state of degradation of the embedded metallic targets because GPR images exhibit characteristics that depend on the effects of the oxidized rebar and the damaged concrete. These characteristics could be detected and measured in some cases. One important feature is referred to as the reflected wave amplitude. In the case of corroded targets, this amplitude is lower than in the case of reflection on non-oxidized surfaces. Additionally, in some cases, a blurred image appears related to high corrosion. The results of the tests highlight the higher amplitude decay of the cases of specimens with corroded elements.

scholarly journals RESEARCH ON NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING TECHNOLOGY IN CONSERVATION REPAIR PROJECT OF ANCESTRAL TEMPLE IN MUKDEN PALACE

2017 ◽  
Vol IV-2/W2 ◽  
pp. 341-348
Author(s):  
J. Yang ◽  
M. Fu
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Non Destructive Testing ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Chinese Architecture ◽  
Protection Method ◽  
Detection Technology ◽  
Geometric Deformation ◽  
Testing Technology ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Non Destructive

Due to the use of wood and other non-permanent materials, traditional Chinese architecture is one of the most fragile constructions in various heritage objects today. With the increasing emphasis on the protection of cultural relics, the repair project of wooden structure has become more and more important. There are various kinds of destructions, which pose a hidden danger to the overall safety of the ancient buildings, caused not only by time and nature, but also by improper repairs in history or nowadays. Today, the use of digital technology is a basic requirement in the conservation of cultural heritage. Detection technology, especially non-destructive testing technology, could provide more accurate records in capturing detailed physical characteristics of structures such as geometric deformation and invisible damage, as well as prevent a man-made destruction in the process of repair project. This paper aims to interpret with a typical example, Ancestral Temple in Mukden Palace, along with a discussion of how to use the non-destructive testing technology with ground penetrating radar, stress wave, resistograph and so on, in addition to find an appropriate protection method in repair project of traditional Chinese wooden architecture.

scholarly journals A Review of GPR Application on Transport Infrastructures: Troubleshooting and Best Practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 672
Author(s):  
Mercedes Solla ◽  
Vega Pérez-Gracia ◽  
Simona Fontul
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Non Destructive Testing ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Site Use ◽  
Infrastructure Inspection ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Practical Recommendations

The non-destructive testing and diagnosis of transport infrastructures is essential because of the need to protect these facilities for mobility, and for economic and social development. The effective and timely assessment of structural health conditions becomes crucial in order to assure the safety of the transportation system and time saver protocols, as well as to reduce excessive repair and maintenance costs. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the most recommended non-destructive methods for routine subsurface inspections. This paper focuses on the on-site use of GPR applied to transport infrastructures, namely pavements, railways, retaining walls, bridges and tunnels. The methodologies, advantages and disadvantages, along with up-to-date research results on GPR in infrastructure inspection are presented herein. Hence, through the review of the published literature, the potential of using GPR is demonstrated, while the main limitations of the method are discussed and some practical recommendations are made.

scholarly journals Predicting the Bearing Capacity of Road Flexible Pavements using GPR

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Ferrante ◽  
Luca Bianchini Ciampoli ◽  
Fabio Tosti ◽  
Amir Morteza Alani ◽  
Andrea Benedetto
Keyword(s):  
Bearing Capacity ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Flexible Pavements ◽  
Non Destructive Testing ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Deformation Properties ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Non Destructive

<p>Most of the damage in road-flexible pavements occur where stiffness of the asphalt and load-bearing layers is low. To this extent, an effective assessment of the strength and deformation properties of these layers can help to identify the most critical sections [1].</p><p>This work proposes an experimental-based model [2] for the assessment of the bearing capacity of road-flexible pavements using ground-penetrating radar (GPR – 2 GHz horn antenna) and the Curviameter [3] non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. It is known that the identification of early decay and loss of bearing capacity is a major challenge for effective maintenance of roads and the implementation of pavement management systems (PMSs). To this effect, a time-efficient methodology based on a quantitative modelling of road bearing capacity is developed in this study. The viability of using a GPR system in combination with the Curviameter NDT equipment is also proven.</p><p>The research is supported by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research under the National Project “Extended resilience analysis of transport networks (EXTRA TN): Towards a simultaneously space, aerial and ground sensed infrastructure for risks prevention”, PRIN 2017, Prot. 20179BP4SM</p><p> </p><p>[1] Frangopol, D.M.; Liu, M. Maintenance and management of civil infrastructure based on condition, safety, optimization, and life-cycle cost. Infrastruct. Eng. 2007, 1, 29–41.</p><p>[2] Tosti, C. L. Bianchini, F. D'Amico, A. M. Alani and A. Benedetto, “An experimental-based model for the assessment of the mechanical properties of road pavements using ground-penetrating radar,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 165, pp. 966-974, 2018.</p><p>[3] M. Simonin, J.L. Geffard, P. Hornych, Performance of deflection measurement equipment and data interpretation in France, International Symposium Non-Destructive Testing in Civil Engineering (NDT-CE) September 15–17, 2015, Berlin, Germany.</p>

scholarly journals On the Use of Short-Time Fourier Transform for the Analysis of Tree Root Systems using Ground Penetrating Radar

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Livia Lantini ◽  
Fabio Tosti ◽  
Luca Bianchini Ciampoli ◽  
Amir M. Alani
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Mass Density ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Short Time Fourier Transform ◽  
Charitable Trust ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Root Mapping

<p>Monitoring and protecting natural assets is increasingly important today, as aggressive pathogens are negatively impacting the trees' survival. In this regard, root systems are affected by fungal infections that cause roots’ rot and eventually lead to trees' death. Such disease can spread rapidly to the adjacent trees and affect larger areas. Since these decays generally do not display visible signs, early identification is the key to tree preservation.</p><p>Within this context, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are becoming popular, being more versatile than destructive methods. Specifically, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is emerging as an accurate geophysical method for tree root mapping. Recent research has focused on implementing automated algorithms for 3D root mapping, improving root detection through advanced GPR signal processing and the estimation of tree roots' mass density [1]. Also, recent studies have proven that GPR is effective in mapping the root system's architecture of street trees [2].</p><p>The present research reports the preliminary results of an experimental study, conducted to investigate the feasibility of a novel tree root assessment methodology based on the analysis of GPR data both in time and frequency domain. To this end, data were processed using a short-time Fourier transform (STFT) approach [3], which allows the evaluation of how the frequency spectrum changes across the signal propagation time window. The suggested processing system may be implemented for expeditious analyses or on trees challenging to access, such as in urban environments, where more comprehensive survey methods are not applicable. The objectives of this study, therefore, are to investigate how different features (i.e., roots, layers) affect the time-frequency analysis of GPR data, and to identify recurring patterns in the results to set a coherent data processing methodology.</p><p>Results' interpretation has shown the viability of the presented approach in recognising the influence of different features on the analysis of GPR data as it changes over time. This also allowed the detection of recurring patterns in the analysed data, proving that this method is worthy of further investigations.</p><p>Acknowledgements<br>The authors would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the following trusts, charities, organisations and individuals for their generosity in supporting this project: Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust, The Schroder Foundation, Cazenove Charitable Trust, Ernest Cook Trust, Sir Henry Keswick, Ian Bond, P. F. Charitable Trust, Prospect Investment Management Limited, The Adrian Swire Charitable Trust, The John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust, The Sackler Trust, The Tanlaw Foundation, and The Wyfold Charitable Trust.</p><p><br>References<br>[1]     Lantini, L., Tosti, F., Giannakis, I., Zou, L., Benedetto, A. and Alani, A. M., 2020. "An Enhanced Data Processing Framework for Mapping Tree Root Systems Using Ground Penetrating Radar," Remote Sensing 12(20), 3417.<br>[2]     Lantini, L., Alani, A., Giannakis, I., Benedetto, A. and Tosti, F., 2020. "Application of ground penetrating radar for mapping tree root system architecture and mass density of street trees," Advances in Transportation Studies (3), 51-62.<br>[3]     Bianchini Ciampoli, L., Calvi, A. and D'Amico, F., 2019. "Railway Ballast Monitoring by GPR: A Test Site Investigation," Remote Sensing 11(20), 238</p>

scholarly journals Tree Monitoring Using Ground Penetrating Radar: Two Case Studies Using Reverse-Time Migration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraklis Giannakis ◽  
Fabio Tosti ◽  
Lilong Zou ◽  
Livia Lantini ◽  
Amir M. Alani
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Reverse Time ◽  
Reverse Time Migration ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Time Migration ◽  
Charitable Trust ◽  
Ground Penetrating

<p>  Non-destructive testing (NDT) for health monitoring of trees is a suitable candidate for detecting signs of early decay [1]. Recent developments [2,3,4] have highlighted that ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has the potential to provide with a robust and accurate detection tool with minimum computational and operational requirements in the field. In particular, a processing framework is suggested in [2] that can effectively remove ringing noise and unwanted clutter. Subsequently, an arc length parameterisation is employed in order to utilise a wheel-measurement device to accurately position the measured traces. Lastly, two migration schemes; Kirchhoff and reverse-time migration, are successfully applied on numerical and laboratory data in [3].</p><p>  In the current paper, the detection scheme described in [2,3] using reverse-time migration is tested in two case studies that involve diseased urban trees within the greater London area, UK (Kensington and Gunnersbury park). Both of the trees were cut down after the completion of the measurements and furthermore cut into several slices to get direct information with regards to their internal structure. The processing scheme described in [3,4] managed to adequately detect the internal decay present in both trees. The aforementioned case studies provide coherent evidences to support the premise that GPR is capable of detecting decay in diseased trunks and therefore has the potential to become an accurate and efficient diagnostic tool against emerging infectious diseases of trees.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Acknowledgements </strong></p><p>The authors would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the following trusts, charities, organizations and individuals for their generosity in supporting this project: Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust, The Schroder Foundation, Cazenove Charitable Trust, Ernest Cook, Sir Henry Keswick, Ian Bond, P. F. Charitable Trust, Prospect Investment Manage- ment Limited, The Adrian Swire Charitable Trust, The John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust, The Sackler Trust, The Tanlaw Foundation and The Wyfold Charitable Trust.</p><p>  This paper is dedicated to the memory of Jonathon West, a friend, a colleague, a forester, a conservationist and an environmentalist who died following an accident in the woodland that he loved.</p><p> </p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>[1] P. Niemz, D. Mannesm, ”Non-destructive testing of wood and wood-based materials,” J. Cult. Heritage, vol. 13, pp. S26-S34, 2012.</p><p>[2] I. Giannakis, F. Tosti, L. Lantini and A. M. Alani, "Health Monitoring of Tree Trunks Using Ground Penetrating Radar," IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, vol. 57, no. 10, pp. 8317-8326, 2019.</p><p>[3] I. Giannakis, F. Tosti, L. Lantini and A. M. Alani, "Diagnosing Emerging Infectious Diseases of Trees Using Ground Penetrating Radar," IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Early Access, doi: 10.1109/TGRS.2019.2944070 </p><p>[4] A. M. Alani, F. Soldovieri, I. Catapano, I. Giannakos, G. Gennarelli, L. Lantini, G. Ludeno and F. Tosti, “The Use of Ground Penetrating Radar and Microwave Tomography for the Detection of Decay and Cavities in Tree Trunks,” Remote Sensing, vol. 11, no. 18, 2019.</p>

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