Step Frequency Ground Penetrating Radar for Location and Evaluation of In-Roadway Sensors

A nondestructive evaluation method is proposed for imaging in-roadway sensors, anticipated to allow them to be located and evaluated in-situ. The techniques uses innovative step frequency GPR hardware together with new data collection and data processing methods to provide high-resolution images of in-roadway sensor features. Recent work by the proposed research team has already demonstrated imaging of subsurface civil infrastructure elements such as reinforcing steel and drainage pipes. This proposal describes a procedure to achieve super-resolution imaging of substantially smaller features, including sealant filled saw cuts in highway pavement and embedded 14 gauge loop sensor wires. Innovative high frequency ground penetrating radar hardware proposed for this application is expected to be available for the study. Combining this hardware with unique data collection procedures and super-resolution data processing techniques will produce an advanced process, valuable to commercial and government interests.