Developing a Test Bed to Enhance Ground-Penetrating Radar Data Preparation and Analysis

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a widely utilized technique for subsurface imaging and object detection. Despite its broad applications, GPR data preparation and analysis present challenges, particularly when realistic test environments are unavailable, or when simulation data lacks accuracy. This research addresses these challenges by developing a controlled test bed at the KSU Field Station, incorporating soil layers of varying densities and embedded objects positioned at known locations. The test bed is composed of river sand and fine-grained Piedmont soil, with flexible configurations allowing for the inclusion of buried objects such as pipes of various sizes made from PVC and metal, simulating realistic subsurface environments. Real GPR data was collected from multiple layers within this constructed underground infrastructure. In addition, synthetic data was generated using gprMax simulations to explore signal characteristics. The research highlights the discrepancies between real and simulated GPR data, emphasizing their significance for improving subsurface mapping and object detection. The experimental data generated from this study will provide valuable insights for geotechnical engineers, construction professionals, and field operators, helping to prevent issues such as undetected voids or utility line strikes. By addressing limitations in GPR data preparation and analysis, this research enhances the accuracy and reliability of subsurface imaging, with potential applications across industries such as civil engineering and construction.