Identification of viaduct beam parameters using the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technique

The paper presents the application of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technique to determine the parameters of viaduct beams. It is a non-destructive method that is widely used for testing various engineering structures. The principle of electromagnetic wave dispersion was used for measurement with application of the GPR method. The wave propagation velocity during the GPR test was chosen on the basis of a preliminary test and literature review. The subject of this study is a three-span road viaduct located over a railway line. The main objective of experimental tests was to determine the geometric parameters of viaduct beams and establish the steel reinforcements appearing in them. Conclusions drawn from the tests can be helpful in measurements using the GPR technique, especially for tests of reinforced concrete bridges.

► The GPR technique is a quite good method to determination of the geometric parameters of RC beams.
► We detect location and spacing of the main upper reinforcement bars, stirrups and the internal hole in beams.
► The GPR results depend on the shape of tested element (number of edges and layers).
► As result of the GPR testing, we obtain the beam parameters for the project of viaduct modernization.