Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) tomographic imaging and estimation of the volumetric water content of a viaduct pillar using the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique algorithm

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Kara M. E., Şeren A., Köroğlu F., Alemdağ H.

NDT AND E INTERNATIONAL, no.156, pp.1-17, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ndteint.2025.103448
  • Journal Name: NDT AND E INTERNATIONAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-17
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We efficiently modified a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) tomographic measurement setup for use on reciprocal surfaces on a concrete viaduct pillar for determining of the volumetric water content (VWC) of the pillar. To mograms were generated to detect the relative dielectric permittivity (RDP) distribution using the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT) algorithm by picking the first arrivals of the acquired GPR traces. The VWC was calculated from this distribution using a polynomial approach in the literature. As a result of this data analysis, the RDP of the studied viaduct pillar was determined as ~5, and its VWC was found to be between 4 % and 6 %. Additionally, common-offset GPR data were acquired to monitor the fractures and inner elements of reinforced concrete and compare the calculated tomograms with the VWC of the pillar. In the tomograms, some parts with high water content were observed to have a low amplitude in the GPR sections. Finally, instead of time-consuming and destructive techniques for determining the VWC of concrete structures, this tomography approach can be applied as a non-destructive alternative.