Three-dimensional detection, ranging, and mapping of utilities and underground infrastructure at intersections using step-frequency ground penetrating radar without traffic control

In phase I, a concept to detect, recognize, compute depth, and map utilities and underground infrastructure was demonstrated at traffic speeds with advances in step-frequency ground penetrating radar (SF-GPR). The description of the proposed non-destructive evaluation method was based on first principles to estimate the extent of penetration of a three-dimensional SF-GPR signal into the roadway for the full bandwidth of 150MHz to 3.05GHz that considers the material properties of the pavement base, and sub-base layers. The following technical tasks identified at completion of phase-I work are proposed in phase II: Development of automated detection of buried objects, including calibration of sizing algorithm, and fusion of sensors for feature tracking for registration of data mining results, development of Control sites validation, verification and evaluation sites in collaboration and coordination with a local and a state agency involved in the rehabilitation of intersections with access to utility databases. With these sites, demonstrate accuracy and ease of use to demonstrate to the market the viability of the proposed approach, final Design and Implementation of prototype Hardware/Software configuration and marketing of anticipated product with commercial entities for future deployment. Leverage field experience and results acquired with the local and state agencies.