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GPR survey for pipe leakage detection: experimental and analytical study

2012; SPIE; Volume: 8347; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1117/12.917407

1996-756X

Leiting Dong, Sergio Carnalla, Masanobu Shinozuka,

Seismic Waves and Analysis

To evaluate the potential of detecting leakage of water pipes using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), a lab experiment is conducted as well as numerical modeling. In the experiment, an artificial 'leakage' is put under, beside and above a pipe buried in dry soil, simulating different leakage locations. By scanning such an experimental model using commercial GPR, more understanding is gained regarding the signature of leakage in GPR profile. Compared to a distinct hyperbola as shown in GPR profile of intact pipes, the leakage zone is disturbed by the wave reflections caused by saturated soil. Furthermore, a numerical model is constructed to simulate such a phenomenon. Maxwell's equations, permittivity distribution of dry and saturated soil, and artificial absorbing boundary conditions are the three key points of such a model. Numerically simulated results seem to be in agreement with experimental results. And the signature of leakage is also visible in the simulated GPR profile. Therefore, GPR survey seems to be promising as an efficient and nondestructive remote leakage detection approach. And the effects of background inhomogeneity and ground-surface roughness can be investigated in future using such an experimental or simulation approach.