Viola-Jones Algorithm for Automatic Detection of Hyperbolic Regions in GPR Profiles of Bridge Decks

Abstract

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is widely utilized as a Non-destructive technique by transportation authorities for inspection of bridge decks due to its ability to identify major subsurface defects in a short span of time. The attenuation of recorded signal at rebar level form a characteristic hyperbolic shape in profiles obtained from GPR scans and corresponds to the corrosiveness state of concrete. The detection of these hyperbolic regions is of paramount importance and is a precursor to successful interpretation of GPR data. This paper aims to automate the detection of hyperbolic regions or hyperbolas in GPR profiles based on Viola-Jones Algorithm. A custom detector is obtained through training with numerous samples of hyperbolas over multiple stages. The detection is achieved through the developed detector and it was applied over a complete bridge deck for validation purpose. The eventual goal of such detection is to facilitate the automation of GPR data analysis.