GPR investigation of the cause of persistent failure of a university road

Abstract

We present the results of a multi-frequency ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey over a university road in south-western Nigeria that has experienced persistent failures. The goal was to evaluate causes of failure to aid remediation efforts. Data was collected concurrently at 250, 500, and 1000 MHz using a UTSI electronic trivue system. Data were processed and interpreted using Reflex-Win. Visual observations of major features apparent on the road surface including failed sections were noted. Imaged features included possible bases of the surface course, base course and sub-base, subsurface projections of an outcropping and buried basement rocks, three deeply cut and back-filled sections that lie beneath sections of the road that have experienced persistent failure, and the ringing effects and rebar-associated reflection hyperbolae of two reinforced concrete drains. Indications of preferential wetting of the shallow subsurface beneath much of the failed sections suggest that failure is due to excessive moisture content in these sections. These failed sections generally correspond to regions of deep cut and backfill, and regions cut and filled for the construction of reinforced concrete drains. Apparently, the backfills at these locations have failed to prevent water influx into the subsurface and more effective remediation measures need to be deployed.