Bridge Deck Condition Assessment Using GPR: System Configuration and Defects’ Characterization

This study evaluates Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), a non-destructive method, for inspecting and assessing concrete bridge deck conditions. Despite GPR's potential to detect diverse bridge deck defects, a comprehensive review of its configuration and scanning parameters for effective deployment is lacking. Moreover, the extent of GPR's ability to detect various bridge deck defects remains unclear. This study focuses on identifying suitable GPR parameters and analyzing GPR signal characteristics associated with different bridge deck defects. The study first establishes suitable system configuration and scanning parameters, enabling efficient GPR data collection. Subsequently, GPR scans reflecting different defects (e.g., cracks and delamination) are analyzed to assess GPR's capabilities. Computer simulations and laboratory experiments reveal signal patterns associated with rebar corrosion and concrete deterioration, as well as limitations in detecting certain types of delamination.