scholarly journals GPR and Microwave Tomography for the Assessment of Hollowed Tree Trunks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Tosti ◽  
Francesco Soldovieri ◽  
Ilaria Catapano ◽  
Iraklis Giannakis ◽  
Gianluca Gennarelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Antenna System ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Microwave Tomography ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Structural Support ◽  
Charitable Trust ◽  
Ground Penetrating

<p>The danger related to the structural stability of hollowed trees is a matter of wide discussion among the scientific community. Hollow cores in trees can extend to more than 50% of the total diameter [1] and, while the presence of a hollow tree might appear dramatic in terms of public safety, it is not always a cause of concern. It is known that hollow trees can form in many years or even decades [2] and, although the heartwood is effectively dead, the tree can continue to form sapwood on the exterior of the trunk to create a cylinder. However, robustness and structural support provided by this cylinder to the trunk and canopy above depend on the ratio of healthy to diseased tissue.</p><p>In this context, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has proven to be an effective non-invasive tool, capable of generating information about the inner structure of tree trunks in terms of existence, location, and geometry of defects [3], [4]. Nevertheless, it had been observed that the currently available and known GPR-related processing and data interpretation methods and tools are able to provide only limited information on the tree inner structure.</p><p>In this study, we present a microwave tomographic approach for improved GPR data processing with the aim of detecting and characterising the geometry of hollowed trees. Tests were performed at Gunnesbury Park, London, UK. In particular, a number of 15 circular measurements were collected around the tree using the Aladdin 2 GHz hand-held antenna system manufactured by IDS GeoRadar (Part of Hexagon), covering a height of 140 cm. The tree was eventually felled and three sections were cut for validation purposes.</p><p>Results presented in this abstract are part of a major research project that the authors have undertaken for the last three years.</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] Braithwaite, R.W. (1985). The Kakadu fauna survey: an ecological survey of Kakudu National Park. Canberra, Australia: Australian Parks and Wildlife Service.</p><p>[2] Ruxton, G.D. (2014). Why are so many trees hollow? Biology Letters, 10 (11).</p><p>[3] Giannakis, I., Tosti, F., Lantini, L., Alani, A.M. (2019). Diagnosing Emerging Infectious Diseases of Trees Using Ground Penetrating Radar, IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing. doi: 10.1109/TGRS.2019.2944070</p><p>[4] Alani, A.M., Soldovieri, F., Catapano, I., Giannakis, I., Gennarelli, G., Lantini, L., Ludeno, G., Tosti, F. (2019). The Use of Ground Penetrating Radar and Microwave Tomography for the Detection of Decay and Cavities in Tree Trunks. Remote Sens., 11, 2073.</p>

scholarly journals The Use of Ground Penetrating Radar and Microwave Tomography for the Detection of Decay and Cavities in Tree Trunks

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 2073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir M. Alani ◽  
Francesco Soldovieri ◽  
Ilaria Catapano ◽  
Iraklis Giannakis ◽  
Gianluca Gennarelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Simulated Data ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Data Uncertainty ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Microwave Tomography ◽  
Value Decomposition ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Actual Geometry ◽  
Tomographic Approach

Aggressive fungal and insect attacks have reached an alarming level, threatening a variety of tree species, such as ash and oak trees, in the United Kingdom and beyond. In this context, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has proven to be an effective non-invasive tool, capable of generating information about the inner structure of tree trunks in terms of existence, location, and geometry of defects. Nevertheless, it had been observed that the currently available and known GPR-related processing and data interpretation methods and tools are able to provide only limited information regarding the existence of defects and anomalies within the tree inner structure. In this study, we present a microwave tomographic approach for improved GPR data processing with the aim of detecting and characterising the geometry of decay and cavities in trees. The microwave tomographic approach is able to pinpoint explicitly the position of the measurement points on the tree surface and thus to consider the actual geometry of the sections beyond the classical (circular) ones. The robustness of the microwave tomographic approach with respect to noise and data uncertainty is tackled by exploiting a regularised scheme in the inversion process based on the Truncated Singular Value Decomposition (TSVD). A demonstration of the potential of the microwave tomography approach is provided for both simulated data and measurements collected in controlled conditions. First, the performance analysis was carried out by processing simulated data achieved by means of a Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) in three scenarios characterised by different geometric trunk shapes, internal trunk configurations and target dimensions. Finally, the method was validated on a real trunk by proving the viability of the proposed approach in identifying the position of cavities and decay in tree trunks.

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>

scholarly journals The Use of Ultrasonic Tomography for the Non-destructive Assessment of Tree Trunks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir M. Alani ◽  
James Chambers ◽  
Paul Melarange ◽  
Livia Lantini ◽  
Fabio Tosti
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Tree Bark ◽  
Horse Chestnut ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Ultrasonic Tomography ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Charitable Trust ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Non Destructive

<p>Assessing internal decay in tree trunks can be of crucial importance for industrial, environmental and public safety reasons [1]. To this effect, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods can provide information on the structural condition of trees with minimum intrusion. In this work, authors have analysed the capabilities of ultrasonic tomography in evaluating the internal structure of living trees, with a special focus on the identification of internal decay areas and tree bark inclusions.</p><p>The presented ultrasonic tomography provides an image of the distribution of the ultrasonic velocity of propagation within the investigated section of a mature horse chestnut (<em>Aesculus hippocastanum</em>). This technique has proven its viability to detect fungal decomposition [2]. However, there exist some open issues with regard to: a) the coupling of the transducers to the tree, b) the anisotropy of the wood, c) the signal attenuation and the resolution of the tomographic inversion. To overcome these challenges, research is underway to explore the integration and new data-fusion strategies with other NDT methods, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), which have proven their effectiveness within this area of endeavour [3].</p><p>Within this context, data have been obtained from a “diseased” horse chestnut tree located at the Kensington Gardens – The Royal Parks – in London, UK, using two different ultrasonic equipment, i.e., the PICUS Sonic Tomograph and the Arbotom Sonic Tomograph. After compilation of data, the tree was felled and cut at the two sections where ultrasonic tomography tests were performed. In more detail, 12 sensors were arranged around the perimeter of the tree in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the inspection methodology (sensors installed within the bark of the tree without any intrusion to the core of the tree). The adopted methodology takes to account the shape and size of the trunk [1]. The processed data were mapped against the cut sections of the tree for validity purposes.   </p><p>Results presented in this abstract are part of a major ongoing research project that the authors have undertaken for the last three years.</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. We would like to thank also Ian Rodger – Royal Parks Arboricultural Manager– for providing us with the tested tree. 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] Gilbert, G.S. et al. (2016). Use of sonic tomography to detect and quantify wood decay in living trees, Applications in Plant Sciences 4(12): 1600060.</p><p>[2] Bucur, V. Acoustics of Wood. CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton,Argentina (1995).</p><p>[3] Alani, A.M. et al. (2019). The Use of Ground Penetrating Radar and Microwave Tomography for the Detection of Decay and Cavities in Tree Trunks. Remote Sensing 11: 2073.</p>

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 Diagnosing Acute Oak Decline Using Ground Penetrating Radar

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Giannakis ◽  
Alani ◽  
Lantini ◽  
Mortimer ◽  
Tosti
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Oak Decline ◽  
Ground Penetrating

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) of trees. [...]

scholarly journals Underground Object Classification for Urban Roads Using Instantaneous Phase Analysis of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) Data

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byeongjin Park ◽  
Jeongguk Kim ◽  
Jaesun Lee ◽  
Man-Sung Kang ◽  
Yun-Kyu An
Keyword(s):  
Phase Analysis ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Buried Pipes ◽  
Instantaneous Phase ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Rapid Scanning

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used to detect subsurface objects, such as hidden cavities, buried pipes, and manholes, owing to its noncontact sensing, rapid scanning, and deeply penetrating remote-sensing capabilities. Currently, GPR data interpretation depends heavily on the experience of well-trained experts because different types of underground objects often generate similar GPR reflection features. Moreover, reflection visualizations that were obtained from field GPR data for urban roads are often weak and noisy. This study proposes a novel instantaneous phase analysis technique to address these issues. The proposed technique aims to enhance the visibility of underground objects and provide objective criteria for GPR data interpretation so that the objects can be automatically classified without expert intervention. The feasibility of the proposed technique is validated both numerically and experimentally. The field test utilizes rarely available GPR data for urban roads in Seoul, South Korea and demonstrates that the technique allows for successful visualization and classification of three different types of underground objects.

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