Detection and delineation of cracks and voids in concrete structures using the ground penetrating radar technique

• Published in: Journal of applied geophysics 2024-07, Vol.226, p.105379, Article 105379
• Main Authors: Hussein, Rauf, Etete, Blessing, Mahdi, Hanan, Al-Shukri, Haydar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Concrete; Crack; DefectInspectoPy; GPR; Python; Void
• ISSN: 0926-9851; 1879-1859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2024.105379

The accurate detection of early-age cracking and voids in concrete structures is vital for assessing their health and preventing deterioration, ultimately saving lives and resources. While Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) offers a widely used method for concrete inspection and defect detection, its accuracy is subject to various limitations influenced by factors such as software, defect dimensions, moisture, and the analysis and interpretation of data. This study presents comprehensive techniques for detecting, delineating, and analyzing hidden cracks and voids in concrete using GPR, validated through laboratory testing and real-world applications. Introducing “DefectInspectoPy,” Python software, aims to address limitations in traditional GPR data processing software and defect detection methods. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods in accurately locating, analyzing, and delineating defects, aiding in determining coring locations for concrete structures. These findings have significant implications for enhancing safety, reducing maintenance costs, and preserving concrete infrastructure integrity. •GPR was effectively utilized to detect and delineate concealed cracks and voids within concrete structures.•Laboratory observations were conducted over a 24-day period to assess detection methods, data quality, and antenna limitations.•“DefectInspectoPy,” Python software, was introduced to automate defect extraction and calculation, streamline the analysis process, and mitigate shortcomings in existing GPR data processing software.•The results demonstrated the high effectiveness of the employed methods in detecting, analyzing, and delineating defects within concrete structures.