Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society ISSN:1229-2427(Print) 2288-646X(Online) 한국지반공학회 논문집

In this study, we explore the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) for the nondestructive survey of subsurface conduits, focusing on the challenges posed by multichannel environments. A key concern is the shadow regions created by conduits, which significantly impact survey results. The shadow regions, which are influenced by conduit position and diameter, hinder signal propagation, thereby making detection within these regions challenging. Using finite-difference time-domain numerical analysis, we examined the characteristics of conduit signals, which typically manifest in hyperbolic patterns. Particularly, we investigated three conduit arrangements: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. Automatic gain control was applied to amplify the signals, enabling the analysis of variations in shadow regions and signal characteristics for each arrangement. In the horizontal arrangement, the proximity of the two conduits resulted in the emergence of a new hyperbolic pattern between the existing conduits. In the vertical arrangement, the lower conduit could be detected using hyperbolic signals on either side, but the detection was challenging when the upper conduit diameter exceeded that of the lower conduit. In the diagonal arrangement, signal characteristics varied based on the position of shadow regions relative to the detection range of the equipment. Asymmetrical signal patterns were observed when the shadow regions fell within the detection range, whereas the signals of the two conduits were minimally impacted when the shadow regions were outside the detection range. This study provides vital insights into accurately detecting and characterizing subsurface multichannel conduits using GPR—a significant contribution to the field of subsurface exploration and management.