Electromagnetic Measurement Bench

The electromagnetic measurement bench is an experimental platform dedicated to ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology. It is used both in the laboratory and in the field for the development of new Non-Destructive Evaluation methods. The system allows for antenna movements either horizontally or vertically.

The principle of ground-penetrating radar involves transmitting an electromagnetic pulse via an antenna, which propagates through the medium, and then listening to the echoes generated by changes in the material's properties. The millimeter-level positioning accuracy of the antenna, combined with the use of a frequency-hopping radar (from a reflectometer or vector network analyzer), enables high-resolution measurements. This is essential for assessing the thickness of centimeter-scale multilayer structures, such as pavement layers, in high-precision spot tests.

The design, manufacturing, assembly, and control software of the measurement bench were entirely developed by the GeoEND and COSYS/SII teams at Université Gustave Eiffel without outsourcing. The control software includes a graphical interface that manages both motor control and radar measurement operations. The system can be customized for specific needs, whether through modifications to the control software or through the design of 3D-printed antenna mounting systems.