Non-destruction method for detecting corroded underground pipe using ground penetrating radar

Abstract

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that can accurately map the spatial extent of near-surface objects or changes in soil. It also produce radargram of those features. The demand for underground utility mapping in Malaysia is increasing rapidly for construction and non-construction activities. However, implementation of GPR in detecting corroded underground pipe in Malaysia can considered unpopular due to less exposure and exploration. Over the time, underground utility pipe will undergo corrosion process. Thus, is it relevant to detect old corroded pipe using GPR? On this basis, the aim of this experimental study was to validate the condition of corroded pipe by comparing its radagram profiles and to evaluate the significant signal reflectivity which were tested on three different pipe condition, namely new, average and old corroded pipe. The result of GPR calibration and data on GPR were processed using Reflex 2D software. In this study, with the aid of Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sensor was used to obtain the soil moisture as it is one of the biggest in fluent to corrosion activity. In the GPR method, radar antennas moved along the ground in transects (B-scan), and two-dimensional profiles of a large number of periodic reflections (A-scan) were obtained. As conclusion, these GPR datasets and soil moisture from TDR reading are evaluated and been analysed thoroughly. At the end of this paper, it is suggested that GPR is efficiently can be used to detect corroded pipe.