Interferometric radar for testing large structures with a built-in seismic accelerometer

•Interferometric radar sensor with a built-in seismic accelerometer.•Differential measurements.•Suppression of its own movement.•Laboratory tests.

Interferometric radars are sensors able to remotely detect the dynamic displacements of large structures such as bridges and towers, but they have to be positioned on stable ground. There are several applications for which this limitation is critical, so in this paper the authors propose and evaluate in field a possible solution for overcoming this requirement. The basic premise is to install an accelerometer inside the radar head to detect its own movement. This device with suitable data process chain, in the best conditions, is able to mitigate the effects of movements of the radar head above 30 dB. Lower values have been obtained in operative conditions.