3D vibration estimation from ground-based radar

Abstract

The paper proposes a method to estimate 2D/3D vibrations and displacements of mostly linear structures, like pipes, chimneys, towers, bridges from afar, based on synchronized Radars. The method takes advantage of Radar sensitivity to displacements to sense tiny deformations (up to tens of micron) with a time scale from milliseconds to hours. The key elements are: (a) The use of calibrators to remove at once both the tropospheric turbulence and the effect of radial motion, and (b) the compensation of interferences from fixed targets. The latter is performed by estimating and removing the contribution of interfering targets, based either on a proper data processing or by exploiting an ad-hoc motorized calibrator. Performance in terms of accuracy of the deformation field is evaluated theoretically and checked by tests carried out in laboratories and by full-scale acquisition campaigns.