Integrated GPR and laboratory water content measures of sandy soils: From laboratory to field scale

Abstract In this study, laboratory and GPR water content measurements on two sandy soils are compared. A robust procedure to constrain GPR surveys is provided, aiming to obtain accurate and reliable soil moisture information at the field scale. The application of the well-known Topp’s equation, provided good results only for water contents (θ v ) from 5 to 17%. Therefore, integrated analyses are mandatory to better understand the subsurface structures and the water content pattern in unsaturated zones. Data and results here presented represent the first reference for typical sandy soils outcropping in Central Italy, providing solid constraints for engineering and hydrogeological applications.