A knowledge-based system for evaluating the impact of soil properties on the performance of utility location technologies: Design and case study

K. Y. Foo*, T. Hao, G. Curioni, D. N. Chapman, N. Metje, P. R. Atkins

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Non-invasive utility location techniques are vital for maximizing the potential of trenchless technologies, especially within an urban environment. This paper proposes the approach of implementing a knowledge-based system (KBS) for predicting the geophysical properties of the soil by taking into account both the geographical and seasonal variation in soil properties. The key motivation for developing KBS as a prediction methodology is the advantage of being able to gather and integrate both analytical models as well as expert knowledge based upon existing and opportunistic data. The design and implementation of this system are presented as a case study for ground penetrating radar, which is mainly affected by the complex permittivity and electrical conductivity of the soil. Soil electromagnetic semiempirical models are implemented to obtain an estimate of the complex permittivity using geotechnical properties obtained in laboratory tests or found on a national database. Hydrology models are applied to account for variations in soil water content and the associated impact on permittivity values due to changes in precipitation patterns. Results obtained from a ground penetrating radar test site with a long-term monitoring station installed are also presented, showing agreement between measured data and KBS output, and demonstrating potential for improving the effectiveness of utility surveys.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationICPTT 2011: Sustainable Solutions for Water, Sewer, Gas, and Oil Pipelines - Proceedings of the International Conference on Pipelines and Trenchless Technology 2011
Pages810-825
Number of pages16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
EventInternational Conference on Pipelines and Trenchless Technology 2011: Sustainable Solutions for Water, Sewer, Gas, and Oil Pipelines, ICPTT 2011 - Beijing, China
Duration: 26 Oct 201129 Oct 2011

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Pipelines and Trenchless Technology 2011: Sustainable Solutions for Water, Sewer, Gas, and Oil Pipelines, ICPTT 2011
Country/TerritoryChina
CityBeijing
Period26/10/1129/10/11

Keywords

  • Knowledge-based System
  • Pipe Location Technologies
  • Soil Geophysics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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