GPR – What is This?

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) as Applied to Airport Runway Maintenance

Airport maintenance and engineering groups face many challenges in maintaining their runway pavements. In addition to routine maintenance and rehabilitation, the increased use of larger aircraft and runway expansions, in combination with limited budgets, have necessitated the requirement for a cost effective means of accurately assessing pavement conditions in order to meet these new needs.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has long been an effective tool for the evaluation of highway pavement and bridge deck structures, however, it can also provide much needed information on the physical condition of airport runway pavement, both in a rapid and cost effective manner. Penetradar’s GPR systems can accurately and nondestructively “see” through solid pavement materials, such as asphalt, concrete and soil to detect subsurface anomalies and determine the condition and thickness of the material examined. GPR surveys can be done during the day or night, allowing for flexibility in scheduling.

Recently, Penetradar Technical Services undertook a GPR inspection project in Cambodia, for the Cambodia Airport Authority, to evaluate three major international airport runways and taxiways in the cities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. The scope of the project included the detection of subsurface voids and moisture accumulation beneath the pavement, and determination of pavement and base thickness. The runways ranged in size from 100,000 to 185,000 square meters and testing was completed within approximately 16-24 hours, per runway. Results of the evaluation were then presented in both tabular form and graphically in a plan-view mapping. The information from the GPR survey provided the Cambodia Airport Authority maintenance and operations staff with precise locations and areas of pavement distress and the information necessary to develop an effective maintenance approach.

Following maintenance and restoration of the runway pavement to a serviceable condition, additional GPR surveys can be conducted on an annual or bi-annual basis with the objective of maximizing pavement performance and longevity, and to minimize future and ongoing maintenance costs.
In conclusion, by utilizing today’s technology, including methods such as GPR, it is possible for airport maintenance staff to minimize maintenance costs and effectively manage pavement and maintenance needs at airports. Penetradar Corporation a manufacturer and service provider of Ground Penetrating Radar. We are located in the United States and provide sales and services worldwide. Let us help you evaluate your pavement condition and assist in managing your maintenance costs.