The Use of Three-dimensional Analysis of GPR Data in Evaluation of Operational Safety of Airfield Pavements

Resumen

Diagnosis of airfield pavements is an important component of airport managing. Proper diagnosis makes possible to take optimal decisions in terms of ongoing maintenance and repairs, which in the case of airfields is of particular importance, among others, in the context of seasonal changes in the intensity of air traffic. The completeness and accuracy of gathered data is important in the diagnostic activities, what means that the entire airfield road network should be measured and identification of all relevant pavement construction parameters at regular intervals should be done. These capabilities give the Ground Penetrating Radar technique (GPR), which enables the evaluation of the pavement structure in different ways and outlining different aspects of construction. GPR application as a tool supporting the process of state assessment gives a wider and better understanding of the potential damage of pavement. Properly prepared methodology of measurement, configuration and selection of the measurement system creates the possibility of observation of the investigated object, not only in a single plane of a typical radar profiling, but also in the three-dimensional image. Spatial representation obtained on the basis of synchronized profiling allows precise localization of interlayer boundaries in longitudinal and transverse directions. An important advantage of three-dimensional analysis is the ability of imaging data by the use of horizontal cuts (slices). This makes it possible to identify plane direction and depth of the cracks and crevices of concrete slabs covered with layers of asphalt or concrete. An additional element of the GPR data analysis can be quantitative assessment of dowels in concrete slabs, reinforcement of prefabricated elements supporting pavement structure, as well as location of pipes, cables, tie bars and other. The paper presents the series of examples illustrating the use of GPR technique as supporting in the process airfield pavement assessment.