An automated signal processing system for the signature analysis of radar waveforms from bridge decks
- 1 July 1986
- journal article
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in Canadian Electrical Engineering Journal
- Vol. 11 (3) , 128-137
- https://doi.org/10.1109/ceej.1986.6594049
Abstract
This paper describes the results of a project which employed impulse radar to detect faults existing beneath the surface of an asphalt-covered bridge deck at Papineau Creek, Ontario. A simple but enlightening mathematical analysis is provided which accurately predicts the waveforms actually observed. The methodology clearly demonstrates the usefulness of impulse radar as a diagnostic tool in remote sensing. Amongst the problems discussed and solved are: the identification of faults due to debonding, scaling, and delamination; the measurement of asphalt thickness at selected locations on the bridge deck and hence the determination of average thickness over the entire bridge deck; and the automated processing of the data using a computer. A comparison of the radar detected faults with those detected using conventional methods is provided. A set of parameters has been developed which permits data to be reduced to a simple set of measurements that can be plotted for visual inspection.Keywords
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