Concrete bridge inspection with a mobile GPR system

A detailed knowledge of the present condition of bridges is essential for the planning of maintenance and rehabilitation. Mobile ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems are efficient tools for obtaining information such as depth of rebar, asphalt pavement thickness and concrete damage beneath the pavement. Non-destructive testing, quasi-continuous results and efficient data acquisition are the main advantages of mobile GPR systems. In this paper, benefits and limitations of mobile GPR systems are discussed using examples from EMPA's recent work. The emphasis is on the investigation of pavement thicknesses and depths of rebar on concrete bridges. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.