Variations in Velocity and Sensitivity of Electromagnetic Waves in Transmission Lines Configured in Model Piles with Necking Defects Containing Soils

Abstract

This study investigates variations in the velocity and sensitivity of electromagnetic waves in transmission lines configured in defective model piles for the detection of necking defects containing soil. Experiments are performed with model piles containing defects filled with different materials, such as air, sands, and clay. Five different types of transmission lines are configured in model piles. The electromagnetic waves are generated and detected using a time domain reflectometer. The velocity of electromagnetic waves is highest when the defect is filled with air, and it decreases with an increase in the water content. The velocity is lowest when the defect is filled with clay. The sensitivity of transmission lines for detecting defects decreases with an increase in soil water contents. The transmission line with a single electrical wire and epoxy-coated rebar exhibits the highest sensitivity, followed by that with three and two parallel electrical wires. Transmission lines with a single electrical wire and uncoated rebar and those with two parallel electrical wires wrapped with a sheath exhibit poor sensitivity when the defect is filled with clay. This study demonstrates that electromagnetic waves can be effective tools for detecting necking defects with wet and conductive soils in bored piles.