Design and implementation of an integrated high resolution imaging ground penetrating radar for water pipeline rehabilitation

Accurate and timely detection of leaks in water supply pipes is a significant environmental issue. Development of efficient non-invasive methods would lead into significant water saving and prevention of health hazards introduced by water leakage. This paper shows the ability to use a High Resolution Ground Penetrating Imaging Radar (GPIR), to be used as an instrument for water pipeline rehabilitation situations, parallel to the existing industrial equipment. In the framework of the European research initiative WATERPIPE, a Decision Support System (DSS) for the rehabilitation management of the underground water pipelines has been developed, parallel to the implementation of the GPIR. This paper briefly presents the system design, the basic principles of the algorithms´ implementation and some indicative results from the initial use of the GPIR system.