Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The utilization of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has gained significance in environmental site characterization due to its non-invasive nature and capability to provide high-resolution subsurface imaging. This thesis investigates the application of GPR technology for environmental site characterization, focusing on its effectiveness in detecting and mapping subsurface features relevant to environmental studies. The study aims to enhance the understanding of how GPR can be used as a valuable tool in environmental site assessments and remediation processes. The research begins with a comprehensive review of existing literature on GPR technology, environmental site characterization, and related methodologies. This literature review establishes the background and theoretical framework for the study, highlighting the current state of knowledge in the field and identifying gaps that warrant further investigation. The methodology chapter outlines the research design and approach employed in this study, including the selection of study sites, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. It also discusses the challenges and limitations encountered during the research process, as well as the steps taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. The findings chapter presents the results of the GPR surveys conducted at the selected study sites, showcasing the capability of GPR technology in identifying subsurface features such as buried utilities, soil stratigraphy, and groundwater contamination plumes. The discussion delves into the interpretation of GPR data and its implications for environmental site characterization, highlighting the strengths and limitations of GPR as a subsurface imaging tool. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the significance of GPR technology in environmental site characterization and its potential to complement traditional investigation methods. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by demonstrating the practical application of GPR in identifying subsurface features critical to environmental assessments. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for environmental practitioners, researchers, and policymakers seeking innovative solutions for site characterization and remediation. Overall, this thesis serves as a comprehensive exploration of the application of Ground Penetrating Radar in subsurface imaging for environmental site characterization, shedding light on its efficacy, challenges, and future prospects in the field of environmental science and engineering.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Application of Ground Penetrating Radar in Subsurface Imaging for Environmental Site Characterization" focuses on utilizing ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology for imaging subsurface structures to aid in environmental site characterization. This research aims to explore the potential of GPR as a non-invasive geophysical tool for mapping underground features in environmental assessment and remediation projects. The study will begin with an introduction providing the background of GPR technology, its principles of operation, and its applications in various fields. The problem statement will emphasize the challenges in traditional site characterization methods and the need for advanced techniques like GPR. The objectives of the study will outline the specific goals to be achieved through the research, such as evaluating the effectiveness of GPR in identifying subsurface contaminants and geological features. The limitations of the study will address any constraints or challenges that may affect the research outcomes, such as the depth limitations of GPR penetration or the presence of interfering subsurface materials. The scope of the study will define the boundaries and extent of the research, including the specific environmental sites and conditions where GPR will be tested. The significance of the study will highlight the potential benefits of using GPR in environmental site characterization, such as improved accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. The structure of the thesis will outline the organization of the research document, detailing the chapters and sub-sections that will be covered in the study. The literature review will provide a comprehensive overview of existing research and studies related to GPR technology, environmental site characterization, and geophysical imaging techniques. This section will analyze and synthesize the findings of previous works to establish a theoretical framework for the current research. The research methodology chapter will detail the approach and methods used in the study, including the selection of study sites, data collection procedures, GPR equipment specifications, data processing techniques, and data interpretation methods. This section will also discuss the potential challenges and limitations of the chosen methodology and provide justification for the selected approach. The discussion of findings chapter will present and analyze the results obtained from the GPR surveys conducted at the environmental sites. This section will evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the GPR data in identifying subsurface features, detecting contaminants, and providing insights for environmental site characterization. Finally, the conclusion and summary chapter will summarize the key findings of the study, discuss the implications of the results, and provide recommendations for future research and applications of GPR technology in environmental site characterization. This section will also highlight the contributions of the research to the field of geophysics and environmental science. Overall, this research project seeks to advance the understanding and application of GPR technology in environmental site characterization, offering valuable insights and solutions for effective subsurface imaging and assessment in environmental projects.