Accuracy Tests and Precision Assessment of Localizing Underground Utilities Using GPR Detection

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Infrastructure Management

Background:

• Accurate detection of underground utilities is vital for urban development, BIM implementation, and infrastructure modernization.
• Existing ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods face challenges in accuracy, especially in dense urban environments.
• Improving GPR precision and reliability is crucial for comprehensive infrastructure assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the precision and accuracy of GPR for underground utility detection.
• To evaluate the influence of different GPR methods, equipment, and soil conditions on detection accuracy.
• To provide insights for enhancing GPR technologies in challenging environments.

Main Methods:

• Conducted multi-variant GPR surveys over ten months in a developed area.
• Utilized various GPR equipment and detection methods, tracking routes with GNSS receivers.
• Employed a unique sensor probe to analyze soil parameters and their impact on GPR results.
• Performed statistical testing and analyses on collected GPR data.

Main Results:

• A strong correlation was found between GPR accuracy and the specific measurement method employed.
• The correlation between GPR accuracy and factors like soil parameters or equipment type was significantly weaker.
• The study confirmed the importance of selecting appropriate GPR techniques for reliable utility detection.

Conclusions:

• The measurement method is the primary determinant of GPR accuracy for underground utility detection.
• While soil conditions and equipment play a role, their influence is less significant than the chosen GPR technique.
• Findings support the need for method optimization to improve GPR reliability in infrastructure assessments.