Radar Interferometry Using gNB Base Stations: Estimation and Compensation of Mast Motion and Atmospheric Effects

Radar interferometry can provide important information for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of bridges and other transportation structures. In this article, joint communication and sensing (JCAS) telecommunication infrastructure is tested as a ground-based radar, offering advantages in terms of long-term costs, deployment and maintenance. This work specifically addresses the estimation of the radar support movement (i.e., pylon or mast), which represents a major challenge in this kind of measurements. Movements of the radar system combine with the true target motion and, if not correctly compensated, can compromise the accuracy of the results. A technique for estimating radar movements based on the displacement tracking of multiple permanent scatterers (PSs) in the scenario is presented. True target displacements can then be retrieved by applying linear regression methods to fixed PSs located at different viewing angles, accounting for both radar movements and atmospheric displacement components. The technique was validated using real data acquired during an experimental campaign on a bridge test site. First, results obtained for a target subject to known displacements are shown. A second measurement session was aimed at testing the method for bridge dynamic monitoring. Finally, the same technique was applied antenna mast monitoring in terms of modal analysis and vibration characterization.