Study on the Ground-Penetrating Radar Response Characteristics of Pavement Voids Based on a Three-Phase Concrete Model

Abstract

Concrete pavements frequently develop subsurface voids between surface and base layers during long-term service due to cyclic loading, environmental effects, and subgrade instability, which compromise structural integrity and traffic safety. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used as a non-destructive method for detecting such voids. However, the presence of coarse aggregates with strong electromagnetic scattering properties often introduces pseudo-reflection signals in radar images, hindering accurate void identification. To address this challenge, this study develops a high-fidelity three-phase concrete model incorporating aggregates, mortar, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method is used to simulate electromagnetic wave propagation in both voided and intact structures. Simulation results reveal that aggregate-induced scattering can blur or distort reflection interfaces, generating pseudo-hyperbolic anomalies even in the absence of voids. In cases of thin-layer voids, real echo signals may be masked by aggregate scattering, leading to missed detections. GPR systems can be broadly classified into impulse, continuous-wave, and multi-frequency types. To validate the simulations, field tests using multi-frequency 2D/3D GPR systems and borehole verification were conducted. The results confirm the consistency between simulated and actual radar anomalies and validate the proposed model. This work provides theoretical insight and modeling strategies to enhance the interpretation accuracy of GPR data for subsurface void detection in concrete pavements.