Infrastructure Non-linear Deformation Monitoring Via Satellite Radar Interferometry

The advantages of satellite radar interferometry for displacement monitoring are demonstrated in the cases of monitoring man-made structures, i.e., buildings, bridges and dams. Presented are the results from application of PSInSAR technology using ENVISAT radar images over urban area of Bratislava (Slovakia). As a whole, the investigated urban area of Bratislava is stable with the linear displacement trends of ±3 mm/year. However, a non-linear approach reveals small movements on the structures without prior interest of any regarding conventional monitoring technique. Thanks to the development of high resolution SAR sensors (e.g. TerraSAR-X) many permanent scatterers can be found in one individual man-made construction. Moreover, with the shorter revisit times, it is possible to process a long series of SAR data and expand standard PS model to account for a seasonal expansion due to changes in water level and/or temperature. The topic of separation between deformations and seasonal movements is discussed within the exploitation of TerraSAR-X data for deformation monitoring of Plover Cove Dam and building of Hyatt Hotel, both located in Hong Kong. Data have been processed using advanced processing techniques implemented in SARPROZ. These techniques show high potential for continuous monitoring of ground motion and structure stability in civil surveillance.