A spectral analysis of ground-penetrating radar data for the assessment of the railway ballast geometric properties. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bianchini Ciampoli, Luca; Tosti, Fabio; Brancadoro, Maria Giulia; D'Amico, Fabrizio; Alani, Amir M.; Benedetto, Andrea
• Is Part Of: NDT & E international. Volume 90(2017)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Ground-penetrating radar -- GPR -- Railway ballast -- Grain size -- Frequency spectral domain -- Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation -- Random sequential adsorption (RSA) paradigm; Nondestructive testing -- Periodicals; Contrôle non destructif -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.1127
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ndteint.2017.05.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8695

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology for the assessment of railway ballast using ground-penetrating radar (GPR – 2 GHz horn antenna). The primary approach in this endeavour was the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations of ballast (a multi-stage process in terms of ballast size). To this effect, a combination of random sequential adsorption (RSA) and FDTD algorithms were applied. The results of the numerical simulation then were used to compare with the experimental investigations results using a container (methacrylate material) of the 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.5 m dimensions. Finally, the modelling of the frequency spectrum peak and the equivalent diameter of the ballast aggregates was developed. Highlights: A non-destructive methodology for the assessment of ballast grading is proposed. The methodology relies on the spectral analysis of high-frequency GPR signals. Numerical simulations (use of FDTD & RSA algorithms) and real tests were developed. Modelling of the frequency spectrum peak and the aggregates diameter was developed.