Verifying design plans and detecting deficiencies in concrete bridge using GPR

Abstract

During the construction of concrete structures such as bridges, many deficiencies may occur due to an incorrect application or changes in the original design plans and construction errors. Frequently, areas with very poorly vibrated concrete, insufficiently grouted tendon ducts and incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars appear. Thus, the detection of these construction deficiencies is essential to prevent further damage to the bridge. Subsequently, a concrete specimen was prepared aimed at simulating some of the problems that can occur during the construction. The specimen was then mapped using a GPR system to check the effectiveness of this tool to provide information about those deficiencies. The acquisition was carried out in reflection mode and the results were further processed using 3D reconstruction software in order to obtain a more realistic and comprehensible image. These measurements showed rather good results. The 3D image provided much more detailed information about the elements placed inside the specimen relatively to 2D radargrams, which are generally used for primary target identification.