Development of a Ground-Penetrating Radar to Detect Excess Moisture in PavementSubgrade

摘要

The objective of this study was to design, fabricate, test and evaluate the useof a ground-penetrating radar to detect excess moisture in the pavement subgrade. The radar transmit antenna emits electromagnetic waves some of which penetrate the pavement surface and reflect from the subgrade soil. The strength of the return wave, captured by the receiving antenna, is partially determined by the moisture content of the subgrade. The use of the ground-penetrating radar provides a non-destructive means to evaluate highway pavement subgrade for excess moisture from a moving platform. Thus data is provided for a longitudinal strip of subgrade rather than individual core hole locations. The radar in general does not yield quanitified moisture levels but shows changes in moisture levels as it moves along the highway.