Simulation and Detection Leakage of Underground Water Pipeline by Ground Penetrating Radar

In recent years, a series of leakage accidents have been caused by the destruction of water leakage of water supply pipelines in urban areas. In order to determine the leakage characteristics of underground pipelines, GeoStudio was used to simulate the leakage areas in different pipeline diameters. Based on the finite difference method and the Maxwell equation of the electromagnetic wave propagation, signal characteristics of the ground penetrating radar (GPR) wave were analyzed for different ground conditions through forward simulation. Additionally, the properties of the data were analyzed by applying the technology of trace integration and frequency dividing on S-transform to fully determine the location and extent of the leakage. The correctness of the forward simulation results as well as the validity of attribute analysis were verified by field experiments where the different characteristics of morphological and moisture content distribution are proposed in different soils, pipeline diameters, and damage points. The relationship between soil moisture content and dielectric constant showed a three-dimensional function through Topp model, thereby establishing a standard electromagnetic wave reflection of the GPR for pipeline leakage. The trace integration and frequency dividing on S-transformation are used to improve the accuracy of detection. The results would provide a reference for an accurate evaluation of pipeline leakage in the future.