Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mapping subvertical discontinuities in rock cuts using a 400-MHz ground penetrating radar antenna

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hidden subvertical discontinuities oriented parallel to subparallel to the exposed faces of outcropping sandstone were effectively mapped at three different study sites in central Missouri using a ground-penetrating radar system (GPR) equipped with a 400-MHz monostatic antenna and a survey wheel. At each site, a suite of 2-D ground-penetrating radar profiles were acquired along multiple closely spaced traverses on relatively smooth exposed rock surfaces. Time-zero correction was applied to the raw GPR data which were then processed using band-pass filtering, range and display gain, color transformation, and deconvolution techniques. Pseudo 3D images of each identified discontinuity at each site were constructed based on the interpretation of the nonmigrated ground-penetrating radar profiles. These pseudo 3D images were hand-migrated and transformed into true 3D images which depict variable depths at “perpendicular horizontal distance” to each discontinuity relative to the exposed rock face. The results demonstrate that GPR can be used to detect and map hidden discontinuities. This information can then be used for rock slope stability analysis and rock engineering purposes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Annan AP (2009) Electromagnetic principles of ground penetrating radar. In: Jol HM (ed) Ground penetrating radar: theory and applications, 2009. Elsevier, Solvenia, pp 4–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Aqeel AM (2012) Measuring the orientations of hidden subvertical joints in highways rock cuts using ground penetrating radar in combination with LIDAR. Dissertation, Missouri University of Science and Technology

  • Bieniawski ZT (1989) Engineering rock mass classification: a complete manual for engineers and geologists in mining, civil, and petroleum engineering. Wiley, Canada

    Google Scholar 

  • Beres M Jr, Haeni FP (1991) Application of ground-penetrating-radar methods in hydrogeologic studies. Ground Water 29(3):375–386

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Booth AD, Endres AL, Murray T (2009) Spectral bandwidth enhancement of GPR profiling data using multiple-frequency compositing. J Appl Geophys 67:88–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cassidy NJ (2009a) Electrical and magnetic properties of rocks, soils and fluids. In: Jol HM (ed) Ground penetrating radar: theory and applications, 2009. Elsevier, Solvenia, pp 41–66

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Cassidy NJ (2009b) Ground penetrating radar data processing, modelling, and analysis. In: Jol H (ed) Ground penetrating radar: theory and applications, 2009. Elsevier, Solvenia, pp 141–171

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Chernyshev SN, Dearman WR (1991) Rock fractures. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Conyers LB (2004) Ground-penetrating radar for archaeology. Altamira, Walnut Creek

    Google Scholar 

  • Daniels DJ (2004) Ground penetrating radar, 2nd edn. Institution of Electrical Engineers, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Donovan J, Kemeny J, Handy J. The application of three-dimensional imaging to rock discontinuity characterization, Alaska Rocks, Proceedings of the 40th US Rock Mechanics Symposium, Anchorage Alaska, June 25–29 2005; 7 pp

  • Duan Y, Xiaoling L, Maerz N, Otto J (2011) Automatic 3D facet orientation from LIDAR imaging. Proceedings of 2011 NSF engineering research and innovation conference. Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Haneberg W (2008) Using close range terrestrial digital photogrammetry for 3-D rock slope modeling and discontinuity mapping in the United States. Bull Eng Geol Environ 67(4):457–469

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenyon M K, Fitch A (1985) Seismic reflection interpretation Gebrüder Borntraeger, Berlin

  • Kleyn AH (1983) Seismic reflection interpretation. Applied Science, England

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiliche CA (1999) Rock slope stability. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Englewood

    Google Scholar 

  • Kovin O, Anderson N (2005) Use of ground penetrating radar for fracture imagining. Appl. Geophysics Conference, p: 566–573

  • Kovin O, Anderson N (2006) Use of ground penetrating radar for fracture imagining. Geophys. 78, NO. 3 (10), p: 91–103

  • Kovin O (2010) Ground Penetrating Radar Investigation in Upper Kama Potash Mines. Dissertation, Missouri University of Science and Technology

  • Lines LR, Newrick RT (2004) Geophysical monograph series, No.13: Fundamentals of geophysical interpretation. Society of Exploration Geophysicist, Tulsa

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Maerz NH, Kim W (2000) Potential use of ground penetrating radar in highway rock cut stability. Geophysics conference, St. Louis, MO, 9 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Otoo JN, Maerz NH, Duan Y, Xiaoling L (2011a) 3-D discontinuity orientations using combined optical imaging and LiDAR techniques. The 45th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, June 26–29, San Francisco, CA, USA

  • Otoo JN, Maerz NH, Duan Y, Xiaoling L (2011b) LiDAR and optical imagining for 3-D fracture orientations. Proceedings of 2011 NSF engineering research and innovation conference. Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Otto JC, Sass O (2006) Comparing geophysical methods for talus slope investigations in the Turtmann Valley (Swiss Alps). Geomorphology 76:257–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porsani J, Sauck W, Junior A (2006) GPR for mapping fractures and as a guide for the extraction of ornamental granite from a quarry: a case study from southern Brazil. J Appl Geophys 58:177–187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Post R (2001) Characterizing of joints and fractures in a rock mass using digital image processing. M.S. Thesis, University of Arizona

  • Priest SD (1993) Discontinuity analysis for rock engineering. Chapman and Hall, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds JM (1997) An introduction to applied and environmental geophysics. Wiley, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Sass O (2007) Bedrock detection and talus thickness assessment in the European Alps using geophysical methods. J Appl Geophys 62:254–269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scheidegger AE (1978) The enigma of jointing, Rivista Italiana Di Geofisica, 1–4

  • Slob S, Hack R (2004) 3D terrestrial laser scanning as a new field measurement and monitoring technique. Eng Geol Infrastructure Planning Europe 103:179–189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Slob S, Hack H, Van Knapen B, Kemeny J (2004) Automated identification and characterization of discontinuity sets in outcropping rock masses using 3D terrestrial laser scan survey techniques. In: Essen WS, Verlag GIA K (eds) Proceedings of the ISRM regional symposium EUROCK, 2004 and 53rd geomechanics colloquy: rock engineering and practice, October 7–9, Salzburg, Austria, 439–443

  • Slob S, Hack HRGK, Van Knapen B, Turner K, Kemeny J (2005) A method for automated discontinuity analysis of rock slopes with 3D laser scanning. In: Proceedings of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 84th annual meeting, January 9–13, 2005 Washington D.C. Transp Res Rec 1913:187–194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soel S, Kim J, Song Y, Chung S (2001) Finding the strike direction of fractures using GPR. Geophys Prospect 49:300–308

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sturzeinegger M, Stead D (2009) Close-range terrestrial digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning for discontinuity characterization on rock cuts. Eng Geol 106:163–182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Takahashi T (2004) ISRM suggested methods for land geophysics in rock engineering. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41:885–914

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank both the Rock Mechanics and Explosive Research Center and the Geological Engineering Program at the Missouri University of Science (USA) for their technical assistance.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1006 Kings highway, Rolla, MO, 65409-0660, USA

    Adnan Aqeel, Neil Anderson & Norbert Maerz

  2. Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen

    Adnan Aqeel

Authors
  1. Adnan Aqeel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Neil Anderson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Norbert Maerz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adnan Aqeel.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Aqeel, A., Anderson, N. & Maerz, N. Mapping subvertical discontinuities in rock cuts using a 400-MHz ground penetrating radar antenna. Arab J Geosci 7, 2093–2105 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-0937-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-0937-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation