An Evaluation of Millimeter-wave Radar Sensing for Civil Infrastructure

Daniel Mitchell, Jamie Blanche, David Flynn

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

10 Citations (Scopus)
472 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Critical infrastructure is a dense network of systems that provide vital services such as energy, transport and water. Continuous cycles of monitoring and repair are vital to the economic development and functions of a community. Current detection methods of subsurface fault precursors in civil infrastructure are insufficient for subsurface defect detection. In this paper we present the analysis of complex multi-layer structures with radar, Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) sensing. Results have demonstrated the ability of K-band analysis to detect embedded and obscured materials during inspection by detecting contrasts in the return signal amplitude from the sensor. This includes detection of the depth and geometry of subsurface materials and detection of water ingress within materials. Thus, we propose that FMCW analysis represents a novel method of non-invasive, non-contact and non-destructive analysis of dielectric and multi-layer materials applicable to asset integrity and health monitoring for the civil infrastructure sector. This research ensures that inspection engineers have tools available which can provide quantitative and qualitive results enabling more effective assessment of the subsurface integrity of a structure. The FMCW sensing modality provides early prognostics and remedial action to be taken, reducing the downtime of an asset and risk of failure.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication11th IEEE Annual Information Technology, Electronics and Mobile Communication Conference (IEMCON 2020)
PublisherIEEE
Pages216-222
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781728184166
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Dec 2020
Event11th Annual IEEE Information Technology, Electronics and Mobile Communication Conference 2020 - Virtual Conference, Virtual, Vancouver, Canada
Duration: 4 Nov 20207 Nov 2020
https://ieee-iemcon.org/

Conference

Conference11th Annual IEEE Information Technology, Electronics and Mobile Communication Conference 2020
Abbreviated titleIEMCON 2020
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVirtual, Vancouver
Period4/11/207/11/20
Internet address

Keywords

  • Radar
  • Sensor
  • Asset management
  • Civil infrastructure

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