Modeling Of Dielectric Constant For The Application Of Ground-penetrating Radar In Clayey Soil

Abstract

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) is widely used in many applications including detection of buried objects such as pipes in soil and for subsurface site characterization. The propagation of radar waves in soil is dependent on the soil's electromagnetic properties such as the dielectric constant and electrical conductivity. Thus, knowledge of the electromagnetic properties of the soil or adequate estimation of such properties is essential for efficient and reliable GPR field surveys. This paper presents models for predicting the dielectric constant of clayey soil. The models were developed using data from field experiments in clayey soil. The models correlate the dielectric constant as a function of the volumetric moisture content of clayey soil. The paper also presents inverse models to predict the volumetric moisture content from the measured dielectric constant. Polynomial, square, and linear equations are provided for both the forward and inverse models to ensure that the models are applicable for quick estimation of dielectric constants in the filed as well as for a more in-depth prediction of dielectric constant for clayey soils during detailed analysis.