Advanced GPR signal processing techniques for root detection in urban environments

Lantini, Livia, Tosti, Fabio, Giannakis, Iraklis, Munisami, Kevin, Mortimer, Dale and Alani, Amir M. (2020) Advanced GPR signal processing techniques for root detection in urban environments. In: EGU General Assembly 2020; 04 - 08 May 2020, Vienna, Austria (Held online). (Unpublished)

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-11954

Abstract

Street trees are widely recognised to be an essential asset for the urban environment, as they bring several environmental, social and economic benefits 1. However, the conflicting coexistence of tree root systems with the built environment, and especially with road infrastructures, is often cause of extensive damage, such as the uplifting and cracking of sidewalks and curbs, which could seriously compromise the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. In this context, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has long been proven to be an effective nondestructive testing (NDT) method for the evaluation and monitoring of road pavements. The effectiveness of this tool lies not only in its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, but also in the proven reliability of the results provided. Besides, recent studies have explored the capability of GPR in detecting and mapping tree roots 2. Algorithms for the reconstruction of the tree root systems have been developed, and the spatial variations of root mass density have been also investigated 3. The aim of this study is, therefore, to investigate the GPR potential in mapping the architecture of root systems in street trees. In particular, this research aims to improve upon the existing methods for detection of roots, focusing on the identification of the road pavement layers. In this way, different advanced signal processing techniques can be applied at specific sections, in order to remove reflections from the pavement layers without affecting root detection. This allows, therefore, to reduce false alarms when investigating trees with root systems developing underneath road pavements. In this regard, data from trees of different species have been acquired and processed, using different antenna systems and survey methodologies, in an effort to investigate the impact of these parameters on the GPR overall performance.

Official URL:	https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-11954
Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Event Title:	EGU General Assembly 2020
Organising Body:	European Geosciences Union
Additional Information:	This paper was supported by to the following trusts, charities, organisations and individuals : Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust, The Schroder Foundation, Cazenove Charitable Trust, Ernest Cook Trust, Sir Henry Keswick, Ian Bond, P. F. Charitable Trust, Prospect Investment Management Limited, The Adrian Swire Charitable Trust, The John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust, The Sackler Trust, The Tanlaw Foundation, and The Wyfold Charitable Trust. This paper is dedicated to the memory of our colleague and friend Jonathan West, one of the original supporters of this research project.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR); Tree Root Detection; Tree Health Monitoring; Urban Trees
Research Area:	Research Areas > Civil engineering Research Areas > Electrical and electronic engineering
Faculty, School or Research Centre:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing
Related Records:	UWL Repository record
Date Deposited:	23 Jan 2023 10:43
Last Modified:	23 Jan 2023 10:43
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-11954
URI:	https://eprints.kingston.ac.uk/id/eprint/52261

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