SBIR-STTR Award

Ground-penetrating radar is a new non-destructive tool for pavement evaluation. Pulse Radar, Inc., a U.S. company, headquartered in Houston, Texas, proposes to construct a unique air-coupled dual antenna system for both shallow and deep ground penetration. Shallow penetration will measure thickness and integrity of upper pavement layers. Deep penetratin will determine the location of bedrock which is critical in interpreting deflection data. The Phase I goal is to define the system and components suitable for Phase II construction and testing of a mobile pavement evaluation unit meeting all military criteria. Phase I objectives are: o To refine our existing 1 GHz horn antenna system to produce a clear, clean radar pulse, minimizing system jitter and clutter, for layer thickness determination, o To develop and test our current prototype low frequency antenna for bedrock determination, o To develop integrated software for data acquisitin and display from the dual system, and o To develop mproved automated signal processing software for layer thickness calculations. Pulse Radar, Inc. already manufactures and retails in the USA and foreign countries, a van-mounted shallow penetration antenna system called RODAR R-4 for pavement layer thickness determination. The development of a dual antenna system, real time analysis, and automated signal processing software will greatly expand its usefulness and commercial potential.

Keywords:
Radar Continuous Readout Deflection Pavement Ground Penetrating Radar Subsurface

The Department of Defense has responsibility for 1.4 billion sq. yds. of pavements with a replacement value of $85 billion dollars. The Army alone is responsible for 430 million sq. yrds. of road, bridge, and airport runway pavements. Repair and maintenance of Army pavements costs over $100 millin dollars oer year. New methods for pavement monitoring are needed ro reduce repair costs and predict future needs. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a new non-destructive tool for pavement evaluation. Pulse Radar Inc. (PRI) proposes the design and construction of a unique air and ground coupled radar system for both shallow and deep penetration and analysis of pavement thicknesses and depth to bedrock. In Phase I, PRI accomplished its objectives of the design of new antennae systems for this application and the integration of the system with hardware and software components. In Phase II, PRI will complete the antennae design, improve its continuous mode data acquisition and processing, and integrate all features into a self-contained vehicle for delivery to the Army Corps of Engineers. Pulse Radar Inc. already manufactures and sells worldwide, vehicle mounted pavement monitoring systems. The commercialization of a shallow and deep penetrating system is assured, with the Army's support of development.

Benefits:
No current commercial ground penetrating radar system can simultaneously detect pavement thicknesses and depth to bedrock. GPR with this capability will be useful to evaluate pavement quality and strength in military and civilian areas, such as, the DoD-Army, Air Force, Navy; DOT; State Depts. of Transportation, and private engineering companies. Vehicles could be ready for sale within two years.

Keywords:
Radar Continuous Readout Deflection Pavement Ground Penetrating Radar Subsurface