Improving Subsurface Non-metallic Utility Locating Using Self-Aligning Robotic Ground Penetrating Radar

Overview

Main Objective

The project will develop a pre-commercial prototype robotic locating system that will reduce accidental penetration of buried utilities. This will be achieved by improving the quality of image and location data using self-adapting antenna configurations that increase the probability of detection. Two robotic carts will autonomously align themselves to each other and to the buried utilities to obtain the best Signal to Noise Ratio.

Public Abstract

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used extensively for locating underground pipelines and preventing third-party damage. ULC Robotics has tested and evaluated a promising method for deploying GPR in urban and rural areas that will maximize Signal-to-Noise ratio, increase the probability of detection, and reduce false alarms. Using commercially available GPR and a custom robotic mobile platform, scanning will be performed through automatic antenna alignment and path planning. Object detection and classification will filter out the clutter and surrounding objects. An intuitive user interface will render 3D objects that will improve the identification of the target asset and other neighboring utilities while minimizing operator's training requirements. A robotic mobile platform will allow for increased consistency in scanning and signal interpretation while enabling automatic generation of utility maps. This project co-funded by PHMSA will focus on developing the prototype robotic system which will subsequently be followed by rapid commercialization. During the project, numerical simulation and testing will be performed to determine the optimal antenna configurations required for varying pipe geometries, burial depths, and soil conditions. The robotic platform and sensing system will be designed, fabricated, and tested at ULC Robotics. After completing the prototype development, the robotic system will be tested in the field to demonstrate its improved locating capabilities. The robotic system will provide enhanced locating capabilities for both metallic and non-metallic pipelines.

Summary and Conclusions

The project developed and field tested a pre-commercial prototype robotic locating system that will reduce damage to underground utilities. It improved the quality of image and location data using self-adapting antenna configurations designed to increase the probability of detection. Additional testing and development by ULC is recommended and commercialization may occur in the near future.

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