Publications
To obtain copies of the MTU publications listed below, please Contact Us.
Mapping the Underworld Pamphlet (2008, pdf 1.3mb)
Summary of Mapping the Underworld, the Work Packages and MTU's associated projects, including Location, Asset Tagging, Positioning and Data Integration.
Mapping the Underworld Newsletter (Autumn 2009, pdf 1.29mb)
Update about ongoing research and site trials, along with a brief summary of the Project Launch from February 2009.
Mapping the Underworld Newsletter, Summer 2010 - coming soon.
Academic Journals
Thomas, A.M., Chapman, D.N., Rogers, C.D.F., and Metje, N. (2009) "Electromagnetic Properties Of The Ground: Part I - Fine-Grained Soils At The Liquid Limit", Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology (submitted manuscript).
Thomas, A.M., Chapman, D.N., Rogers, C.D.F., and Metje, N. (2009) "Electromagnetic Properties Of The Ground: Part II - The Properties Of Two Selected Fine-Grained Soils", Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology (submitted manuscript).
Thomas, A.M., Chapman, D.N., Rogers, C.D.F., Metje, N., Atkins, P.R. and Lim, H.M. (2008) “Broadband apparent permittivity measurement in dispersive soils using quarter-wavelength analysis”, Soil Science Society of America Journal, Vol. 72, No. 5, 1401-1409.
Abstract: Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) has, since the early 1980s, become a widely used and robust method for measuring the electromagnetic properties of soils. Although it allows use of relatively simple probes and measurement equipment that free users from complex analysis of small soil samples in the laboratory, it provides little information on the dispersive nature of fine-grained soils. Therefore, we developed a quarter-wavelength analysis (QWA) methodology that allows apparent permittivity spectra to be obtained for soils, while retaining the same range of cells and probes and the simplicity of data analysis associated with TDR. We tested the technique on clay soils across a wide water content range and found that it provided useful data for frequencies ranging from approximately 100 MHz to >1 GHz—the accuracy being considered no worse than two units of apparent permittivity. The results show that the methodology is capable of providing broadband dispersion data that give significantly greater detail on soil electromagnetic properties than can be expected from single-frequency TDR data. This has a number of important advantages including the potential to provide accurate water content measurements in clay soils, a means to extend TDR soil monitoring data, and the opportunity to validate research into the measurement frequency associated with simple TDR measurements and time- to frequency-domain inversions.
Thomas A.M., Rogers C.D.F., Chapman D.N., Metje N. and Castle, J. (2008) "Stakeholder Needs for Ground Penetrating Radar Utility Location", Journal of Applied Geophysics, Vol. 67, 345–351.
Abstract: In the UK alone there are millions of miles of underground utilities with often inaccurate, incomplete, or nonexistent location records that cause significant health and safety problems for maintenance personnel, together with the potential for large, unnecessary, social and financial costs for their upkeep and repair. This has led to increasing use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for utility location, but without detailed consideration of the degree of location accuracy required by stakeholders — i.e. all those directly involved in streetworks ranging from utility owners to contractors and surveyors and government departments. In order to ensure that stakeholder requirements are incorporated into a major new UK study, entitled Mapping the Underworld, a questionnaire has been used to determine the current and future utility location accuracy requirements. The resulting data indicate that stakeholders generally require location tolerances better than 100 mm at depths usually extending down to 3 m, and more occasionally to 5 m, below surface level, providing significant challenges to GPR if their needs are to be met in all ground conditions. As well as providing much useful data on stakeholder needs, these data are also providing a methodology for assessment of GPR utility location in terms of the factor most important to them — the degree to which the equipment provides location within their own accuracy requirements.
Metje, N., Atkins, P. R,. Brennan, M.J, Chapman, D.N., Lim, H.M., Machell, J, Muggleton, J. M., Pennock, S., Ratcliffe, J., Redfern, M. A., Rogers, C. D. F, Saul, A. J., Shan, Q., Swingler, S., Thomas, A. M. (2007). Mapping the Underworld – State-of-the-Art Review. Tunneling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 22, n. 5-6, p. 568-586.
Abstract: A major UK initiative, entitled Mapping the Underworld (MTU), is seeking to address the serious social, environmental and economic consequences arising from an inability to locate accurately and completely the buried utility service infrastructure without resorting to excavations. One of the four MTU projects aims to develop and prove the efficacy of a multi-sensor device for accurate remote buried utility service detection, location and, where possible, utility identification. This paper aims to introduce the MTU programme followed by a state-of-the-art review of the three essential technologies that are to be combined in the device – ground penetrating radar (GPR), low-frequency quasi-static electromagnetic fields and acoustics – and a summary of the influence of different soil types and states on the transmission of the various signals, and therefore how the techniques might be optimised from a knowledge of the ground instead of using very broad simplifying assumptions. The latest developments in impulse GPR, frequency modulated continuous waveform (FMCW) GPR and stepped frequency continuous waveform (SFCW) GPR are described and previous attempts to combine GPR with other sensing technologies are introduced. The work on quasi-static fields explores the ‘fields-of-opportunity’ related to the 50 Hz currents flowing in existing underground power circuits and the electric field variations when low-frequency current in actively induced into the ground. Acoustic techniques have been primarily used for leak detection and the review focuses on the potential for their application to buried utility service location. The paper concludes with a discussion of the facilities required, and currently available, for comprehensive assessment and independent verification of the performance of both existing devices/technologies and of the multi-sensor device under development.
Rogers, C. D. F. (2006), Mapping the Underworld - Projekt Badawczy Pozwiecony Localizacji Infrastruktury Podziemnej, Inzynieria Bezwykopowa (Trenchless Engineering), Vol. 15, n. 3, p. 72-79.
Muggleton J. M. and Brennan, M. J. An Experimental Rig to Investigate Acoustic Methods for the Detection and Location of Underground Piping Systems. Applied Acoustics 69 (2008) 1101–1107
Abstract: A major UK initiative, entitled ‘Mapping the Underworld’, is seeking to improve our capability of locating buried utility service infrastructure without resorting to extensive excavations. One of the four projects aims to develop and prove the efficacy of a multi-sensor device for remote buried utility service detection, location and, where possible, identification. An essential technology to be combined into the device is low-frequency acoustics, and suitable techniques for detecting buried infrastructure, in particular buried plastic water pipes, have been proposed. In order to develop and test these techniques, an experimental rig has been built. It is the design and instrumentation of this rig along with the rationale for the chosen design which is the main focus of this paper. Preliminary measurements have been made on the rig, to determine the most appropriate acoustic excitation method and to confirm that the rig is behaving as anticipated. The results of these investigations are also reported.
Professional Journals
A. Royal, C Rogers, P Atkins, M Brennan, D Chapman, A Cohn, P Lewin, N Metje, J Muggleton, S Pennock, M Redfern, A Saul, S Swingler Briefing: stakeholder perspectives of buried utility mapping, Proceedings of the ICE - Municipal Engineer, Volume 163, Issue 1, pages 3-7, ISSN: 0965-0903, E-ISSN: 1751-7699
Abstract: The 'mapping the underworld' initiative was established in 2004 to help develop tools to locate, position and record every buried utility without the need for excavation. The 'mapping the underworld: multi-sensor device' project received funding from the UK government in 2008. The project commenced in January 2009 and held its launch seminar and workshop in February 2009. The launch event was attended by delegates from a wide cross-section of the utility sector. This paper describes the outcome of the interactive workshops and subsequent discussions with industry partners with the aim of providing a collective stakeholders' view of the challenges of implementing new surveying and mapping technologies and the associated research needs.
Rogers C. D. F., Thomas A. M., Metje N. and Chapman D. N. (2007). Underground Infrastructure: Assets or Obstacles. Water and Sewerage Journal. (Accepted for Publication).
Rogers CDF, Thomas AM, Metje N and Chapman DN (2007). Improved Detection of Underground Infrastructure – the Stakeholders’ Perspective. Water, Journal of the Australian Water Association, February, p.50-55.
Conference Papers
Bath
Jiang, W; Pennock, S.R.; Shepherd, P.R.; “A Novel W-MUSIC Algorithm for GPR Target Detection in Noisy and Distorted Signals”, Paper 3199, Proceedings of the IEEE 2009 Radar Conference, May 4-8, 2009, Pasadena, CA, USA
Abstract: When applied to ground penetrating radar (GPR), the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm is an important frequency estimation method as it can detect very closely spaced targets, particularly when one of the target responses is substantially less than another. The MUSIC algorithm however must be seeded with the number of targets to find and will indicate that number of targets regardless of the number of targets actually present. In addition, there is no reliable indication of the magnitude of the responses of the targets. In the presence of relatively low levels of noise the MUSIC algorithm is prone to reporting the position of false target positions in preference to weaker genuine target responses. In this paper a superimposed MUSIC technique is proposed to suppress false targets. A novel windowed FFT MUSIC (W-MUSIC) algorithm is examined using a linear sweep frequency in noise, and it is seen to give a clear indication of targets. In the presence of distortion, FFT is seen to be a more robust approach than the MUSIC algorithm, the latter method becoming very prone to inaccuracy in the presence of distortion.
Pennock, S.R.; Shepherd, P.R; Redfern, M; “Ultra Wideband antenna designs for an integrated GPR and tomographic mapping system”, Paper 3.3, Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, June 16-19, 2008, Birmingham, UK
Abstract – Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a valuable tool for examining buried utilities and is required to accurately resolve the positions of buried objects, both in plan position and depth. In this paper, a novel design of GPR has been examined in which a transmitter is located in a buried pipe adjacent to targets of interest. A variety of antenna designs has been examined to determine their properties appropriate to this application. These include the Base Tapered Dipole, the Bowtie, the Simple Monopole, the Loaded Folded Dipole, the Slot Antenna and the Sleeve Loaded Slot Antenna. Overall, the advantages of a the Sleeve Loaded Slot antenna were demonstrated for this application and over the operating range of up to 5GHz,
Pennock, S.R.; Redfern, M; “A novel integrated GPR and tomographic mapping system for the location of buried utilities”, Paper 19.4 Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, June 16-19, 2008, Birmingham, UK
Abstract:A basic limitation of the traditional use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) results from direct signal propagation between transmitter and receiver overwhelming the signals reflected from the targets being sought. In this paper the features of an additional tomographic mode of operation between a buried transmitter and the surface are examined. Simulations show that the characteristics of the received signals are amenable to use in image reconstruction, particularly when used in conjunction with traditional GPR modes of operation. The tomographic mode requires physically separated transmitter and receivers, and a suitable system architecture is shown. Some initial characterization measurements of a realized system are included.
Pennock, S.R.; Shepherd, P.R; Jiang, W; “Combined FFT and MUSIC algorithm signal processing technique for enhancing GPR target detection and resolution”, Paper 21.3 Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, June 16-19, 2008, Birmingham, UK
Abstract: When applied to GPR signal processing applications, the MUSIC algorithm is an important frequency estimation method as it can detect very closely spaced targets well within the usual limitation of the Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT), particularly when one of the target responses is substantially less than another. The MUSIC algorithm must be seeded with the number of targets to find and will indicate that number of targets regardless of the number of targets actually present. In addition, there is no reliable indication of the magnitude of the responses of the targets. In the presence of relatively low levels of noise the MUSIC algorithm seems to be prone to reporting the position of false target positions in preference to weaker genuine target responses. In this paper the characteristics of FFT and MUSIC algorithms are analyzed and a novel multiple window superimposition technique has been integrated. A method is investigated where the MUSIC algorithm is used to identify possible target positions, and the FFT algorithm is used to eliminate spurious responses below a threshold and to identify the size of the target response.
Pennock, S. R. and Redfern, M. A. (2007) Ultra Wideband Antennas for In-Pipe Ground Penetrating Radar. Proceedings of the European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP2007), Edinburgh, 11-16 November 2007, p 1-5.
Abstract: The design of an ultra wideband antenna for a ground penetrating radar system presents additional challenges to those for communication systems. In particular a novel in-pipe deployment requires the antenna to be placed in a buried pipe, and its width is greatly restricted. In this paper several antenna configurations are examined to meet these requirements. A dielectric loaded base tapered dipole configuration and a loaded folded dipole are seen to offer the best performance for this application.
Shan Q, Pennock S. R, Redfern M. A. (2006). Investigation Configurations of GPR with Ray-Tracing Method. Proceedings of IEEE 2006 Radar Conference, Verona, USA, p335-341.
Shan Q, Pennock SR, Redfern MA (2006). GPR for Mapping the Underground. The Proceedings of 11th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (2006 GPR), Ohio, USA, 19-22 June. p.
Pennock, S. R. and Redfern, M. A. (2006). Multihead Configuration for Ground Penetrating Radar and Depth Determination. The proceedings of 11th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (2006 GPR), Ohio, USA, 19-22 June. p.
Maida A. W., Pennock S. R., Shepherd P. R. (2006). Detection and Resolution Enhancement of Closely Spaced Targets in Ground Penetrating Radar. The Proceedings of 11th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (2006 GPR), Ohio, USA, 19-22 June. p.
Pennock S. R., Redfern M. A., Shan Q (2006). Subsurface Illumination and Propagation in Ground Penetrating Radar. Proceedings of The European Conference on Antennas and Propagation: EuCAP 2006 (ESA SP-626). 6-10 November 2006, Nice, France. Editors: Lacoste, H. and Ouwehand, L. (CD-ROM), p.757.1
Abstract: It is desirable for Ground Penetrating Radars to accurately determine positions of buried objects. This paper uses a combination of a ray-tracing technique and the Finite Difference Time Domain technique to assess the performance of a novel deployment strategy for Ground Penetrating Radar where the transmitter is placed in an available structure underground. Promising characteristics are seen offering operation of the radar with lower dynamic range and higher bandwidths. The deployment system also appears to offer satisfactory illumination over a relatively large area.
Pennock, S. R. and Redfern, M. A. (2006). Optimising Multihead Configurations for Depth Determination in Ground Penetrating Radar. Proceedings of The European Conference on Antennas and Propagation: EuCAP 2006 (ESA SP-626). 6-10 November 2006, Nice, France. Editors: Lacoste, H. and Ouwehand, L. Published (CD-ROM), p.689.1
Pennock S.R., Shepherd P. R. (2006). Longitudinally Tapered Coplanar Waveguide UWB Antenna. Proceedings of The European Conference on Antennas and Propagation: EuCAP 2006 (ESA SP-626). 6-10 November 2006, Nice, France. Editors: Lacoste, H. and Ouwehand, L. (CD-ROM), p.237.1
Birmingham
Curioni, G., Chapman, D.N., Metje, N., Rogers, C.D.F., Thomas, A.M., Foo, K.Y., Atrkins, P.R., “Soil Water Content Gradients with Seasonal Variations,”The Third International Symposium on Soil Water Measurement Using Capacitance, Impedance and TDT, Murcia, Spain, April 7-9, 2010
Abstract: Seasonal variation of soil water content at various depths can be measured by Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR). The characteristics of electromagnetic waves utilised in geophysical surveying methods such as Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) are strongly influenced by water content variations with depth, and may lead to suboptimal detection performance. For these reasons, it is important to have a full understanding of soil water content gradient profiles, their seasonal variation, and their relationship to geotechnical soil parameters. This paper presents research aimed at understanding the soil water content variation by gathering data using long-term monitoring stations located on campus at the University of Birmingham, UK. At this stage the equipment has been assembled and is in the process of being installed in the field. Multiplexed three-wire TDR probes manufactured by Campbell Scientific (rod length: 75 mm), are being installed in a grassed area to provide apparent permittivity data for the soil from which volumetric water content will be derived using a site-specific laboratory calibration. The probes are being installed horizontally at eight depths up to a maximum of 1.0 m, with a second set of probes at the same depths a short distance away to provide cross-validation of results. Temperature sensors are also being installed in the soil, and a weather monitoring station is sited approximately 50 m away to provide data on seasonal variations for comparison with the measured water content profiles. Using core samples of the test site soils, laboratory tests were carried out to characterise the geotechnical properties of the soil. The soil profile consists of approximately 0.3 m of topsoil, overlying sandy subsoil. Field measurements were carried out on the site in both June and December of 2009, which yielded, on average, a 9 % difference in volumetric water content. Comparison was also obtained between measurements using probes with different lengths, 75 and 300 mm respectively. On average, the two probes measured a difference in water content of 4.56 %, indicating the presence of a gradient between 75 mm and 300 mm depth. The presence of a change in water content gradient between the topsoil and the subsoil has also been confirmed by excavating a small trial pit and taking TDR measurements at different depths. Experiments were then conducted by building a laboratory model of the site using excavated soil, the results of which point to the robustness of this technique in monitoring seasonal variations of soil water content and its associated gradient with depth.
Curioni, G., Chapman, D.N., Metje, N., Rogers, C.D.F., Hao, T., Thomas, A.M.,"Investigation of field variation of soil water content in order to facilitate shallow geophysical surveys", Eleventh BGA Toung Geotechnical Engineers' Symposium, University of Bristol, 6th – 8th July 2010
Abstract: Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is employed to monitor the soil water content with depth in a field trial site. The prior knowledge of the water vertical gradient, its seasonal variation and the geophysical to geotechnical relationships may facilitate the application of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) in order to detect buried utilities.
Rogers, C.D.F., Chapman, D.N., Entwisle, D., Jones, L., Kessler, H., Metje, N., Mica, L., Morey, M., Pospíšil, P., Price, S., Raclavsky , J., Raines, M., Scott, H., Thomas, A.M. (2009) "Predictive Mapping of Soil Geophysical Properties for GPR Utility Location Surveys" Proceeding of the 5th International Workshop on Advanced Ground Penetrating Radar, Granada, Spain, May 27-29, p. 60-67.
Absrtact: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) offers a relatively rapid and non-intrusive method for detecting buried utilities. In congested urban environments, where most buried utilities are to be found, this translates into significantly reduced disruption to highway users and reduced risk for developers and contractors. However, GPR performance varies significantly over large geographical areas due to variations in soil type and water content. Therefore, GPR utility location can be perceived by clients as largely hit-and-miss in terms of its planning, as full information may not be known in advance for determination of expected penetration depths and the most appropriate signal frequency ranges. This paper details the current state of predictive soil electromagnetic property mapping, from which it will be concluded that existing geotechnical databases and techniques can provide useful data on which to base such maps. In so doing, it also extends knowledge on the efficacy of predictive mapping for potential use internationally.
Rogers, C.D.F., Chapman, D.N., Royal, A.C.D., Metje, N., (2009), "The Mapping the UK Underworld Project", The North American Society (NASTT) and the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) International No-Dig Show 2009, Toronto, Ontario Canada, March 29 – April 3, 2009, Paper E-5-04
Abstract: The disruption to society caused by inefficient street works, associated with buried asset management, is estimated to cost the UK economy billions of pounds in lost revenue each year. Coupled to this is potential for damage to third party assets, damage to the road network and injury or loss of life from current construction practices. These practices could be improved considerably if geophysical surveying could be used to accurately locate the buried asset networks below the carriageway prior to work within the street being undertaken. Unfortunately, current geophysical technology is unable to provide a comprehensive solution to this problem. With health and safety law requiring companies who undertake any form of excavation to conduct a full assessment of the ground in which they are to work, and the passing of the Traffic Management Act in the UK that grants local authorities the power to fine companies that cause disruption to the road network, and charge companies for lane hire whilst they undertake their work, the desire for a non-invasive device that could quickly, reliably and comprehensively survey a site is ever increasing.
This paper describes the Mapping the Underworld research initiative in the UK. Mapping the Underworld is a multi-disciplinary, multi-university, research initiative that aims to develop the means to locate, map in 3-D and record, using a single shared platform, the position of 100% of buried utility service pipes and cables without local proving excavation.
Metje, N., Rogers, C. D. F., Chapman, D. N., Thomas, A. M., Parker, J. (2008). Minimising Streetworks Disruption by Mapping the Underworld. ASCE International Pipeline Conference 2008, Atlanta, Georgia, 22 – 27 July. (accepted).
Abstract: The problems associated with inaccurate buried utility location are causing increased traffic congestion in cities worldwide, so are of concern to all stakeholders involved in utility service provision. Therefore, a small group of key UK stakeholder representatives have been attempting to raise awareness and, following significant industry lobbying and government acknowledgement of the research needs, academic funding was obtained through a novel UK system drawing together a highly multidisciplinary mix of participants. This identified a need for a multi-sensor location tool, improved mapping technologies, integration of existing and newly-derived data, and asset tagging, resulting in a research programme entitled Mapping the Underworld (MTU). This paper describes MTU and its belief that what is largely hidden as a result of its burial should not be forgotten when setting priorities for funding. It is also described as an important example of how a coherent research strategy can lead to an acceptable solution if it is not treated as a single, stand-alone project — as so many classically academic research projects are. It will conclude that an holistic approach is required to address the complex problem of utility location, which requires collaboration between disciplines, with other research projects and, most importantly, with the stakeholders intended to benefit from the research.
Rogers, C. D. F., Zembillas, N., Metje, N., Chapman, D. N. and Thomas, A. M. (2008) “Extending GPR Utility Location Performance - The Mapping The Underworld Project”, Proceedings of GPR08 the 12th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, Birmingham, 15-19 June.
Abstract:The lack of accurate, and all too often any, prior knowledge of the location of buried utilities causes significant problems for any construction project involving excavation. Consequently, over recent years much effort has been expended to mitigate this situation through attempting to detect and locate utilities using geophysical techniques, primarily based on ground penetrating radar (GPR). However, such methods do not yet provide consistency of detection and/or accuracy suitable for all stakeholders needs: a problem which is the subject of much current research. This paper considers the overall process of managing and recording data on utility installations based on the extensive work of the Mapping the Underworld (MTU) project. MTU’s outcomes are shown to be appropriate for integration into an internationally standardized Sub-surface Utility Engineering (SUE) practice, modelled around that used in North America. In so doing, the paper will present a vision of how the management of utility mapping and location can be significantly enhanced through the integration of tried and tested best-practice guidance and much improved location equipment. It will conclude that an ad-hoc approach to utility location is simply a continuation of current practices, but that a holistic methodology provides the way forward if the social, financial and environmental impacts of poor utility location data are to be properly mitigated and 100% detection rates without local proving excavations are to be approached.
Thomas, A.M., Yelf, R., Gunn, D.A., Self, S., Chapman, D.N., Rogers, C.D.F. and Metje, N. (2008) The Role of Geotechnical Engineering for Informed GPR Planning and Interpretation in Fine-Grained Soils. Proceedings of GPR08 the 12th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, Birmingham, 15-19 June.
Abstract: The use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to image underground features has become a widespread practice over recent years, but the data it provides can be highly variable in fine-grained soils such as clays. Such soils are characterized by electromagnetic properties that vary in the frequency domain, and an understanding of their effects on GPR is essential to the planning of surveys and interpretation of the resulting data. Consequently, the relationships between geotechnical and electromagnetic properties in soils are being investigated to provide tools for GPR planning and interpretation. This paper introduces the effects of a fine-grained soil on GPR survey velocity, details how these effects are linked to geotechnical parameters, and considers how these linkages may be used with geotechnical data to estimate, and even geospatially map, the electromagnetic properties of soils. It will be concluded that geotechnical data can provide a useful predictive framework for estimating soil electromagnetic properties, particularly when used in conjunction with geotechnical databases and other soil characterization data.
Thomas, A. M., Gunn, D. A., Nelder, L. M., Burrows, M. P. N., Metje, N., Rogers, C. D. F. and Chapman, D. N. (2008). Electromagnetic Characterisation of a Victorian Railway Embankment Fill Material. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Site Characterization, Taipei, Taiwan, 1-4 April. 3rd International Conference on Site Characterization (BOOK Keynote papers (258 pages) and CD-ROM full papers (1508 pages), p.
Rogers, C. D. F., Zembillas, N., Thomas, A. M., Metje, N. and Chapman, D. N. (2008) Mapping the Underworld - Enhancing Subsurface Utility Engineering Performance. Proceedings of the Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., 13 – 17 January. (DVD)
Abstract: The location of buried utilities is becoming a major social and financial issue worldwide, largely due to the ever-growing underground infrastructure, the long history of its installation and the lack of accurate positioning records of existing services. Even when records are available, the term 'accurate' is blurred by the distinction between absolute (precise x, y, z coordinate values) and relative positioning, completeness of utility records and differing perspectives on appropriate measurement tolerances.
Thomas A. M., Rogers C. D. F., Metje N. and Chapman D. N. (2007). Soil Electromagnetic Mapping for Enhanced GPR Utility Location. Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Trenchless Installation of Utilities, No-Dig 2007, Rome, Italy, 10th-12th September. (CD ROM).
Abstract: The geographical mapping of soil electromagnetic properties provides many advantages to utility location, including highlighting areas where soil properties cause significant signal loss, providing signal velocity predictions and estimating the smallest detectable feature in a survey. All of these factors can significantly improve the usefulness of utility location survey data. However, the mapping of soil electromagnetic properties is complex, and relies on many geotechnical and environmental variables. Also, higher frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment is required if the detection of small utilities is to be achieved, but this greatly limits the depth of signal penetration. Therefore, the wide signal bandwidth required to balance resolution and penetration results in a need to relate mapping parameters to complex frequency-dependent variations, water contents and temperatures. Mapping these properties over large geographical areas is fraught with difficulties, including the vast number of measurements required to achieve even the most basic geospatial resolution. However, geotechnical testing is widespread and can provide data for the prediction of soil electromagnetic properties. Therefore, Mapping the Underworld (MTU), a major UK research project attempting to significantly improve geophysical utility location, is exploring the possibility of using such data for selected urban mapping of GPR relevant soil properties.
Thomas A. M., Rogers C. D. F., Metje N and Chapman D. N. (2007). A Stakeholder Led Accuracy Assessment System for Utility Location. Proceeding of the 4th International Workshop on Advanced Ground Penetrating Radar, Naples, June 27-29. p. 272-277
Thomas A. M., Metje N, Rogers C. D. F. and Chapman D. N. (2006). Underground utility infrastructure: improving sustainability through improved detectability – the stakeholders’ perspective. Proceedings of the 24th International No-Dig Conference and Exhibition, Brisbane, Australia, 29th October-2nd November. (CD ROM).
Lim, H. M. and Atkins, P. R. (2006). A Proposal for Pipe Detection Using Low Frequency Electric Field. Proceedings of Railfound 06, 1st International Conference on Railway Foundations, Birmingham, UK, 11-13 September, p. 84-93.
Abstract: Existing electromagnetic techniques are well-developed to reliably detect metal pipes, but insulating pipes still poses a challenge, due to their low resistivity contrast with the soil. Recent ground penetrating radar (GPR) developments have allowed insulating pipes to be detected, but with severe limitations, especially in conductive soil. This paper presents a new technique for detecting insulating pipes based on injecting low frequency current into the ground and measuring the perturbed electric field near the surface. The potential of this technique is investigated by using finite-element simulations and a simplified mathematical model. Finally, a small-scale indoor experiment was performed to verify the above technique, showing promising results.
Thomas A. M., Lim, H. M.., Metje N., Rogers C. D. F., Chapman D. N. and Atkins, P. R. (2006). The Complexity of GPR Data Interpretation in Railway Foundation Surveys. Proceedings of Railfound 06, 1st International Conference on Railway Foundations, Birmingham, UK, 11-13 September, p 48 – 61.
Rogers C. D. F., Chapman D. N. and Metje N. (2006). Mapping the Underworld – UK Utilities Mapping. Proceedings. of the 11th International Conference. on Ground Probing Radar (GPR2006), Ohio, USA, 19-22 June. (CD ROM)
Thomas A. M., Metje N., Rogers C. D. F. and Chapman D. N. (2006). GPR Interpretation as a Function of Soil Response Complexity in Utility Mapping. Proceedings. of the 11th International Conference. on Ground Probing Radar (GPR2006), Ohio, USA, 19-22 June. (CD ROM)
Rogers C. D. F. (2006). Powering Urban Developments - Utility Mapping Needs for Trenchless HV Cable Installations. Keynote paper to ENGINEERING 2006 - 4th International Conference on Trenchless Technology and Tunnelling, Krakow, Poland, June. (CD ROM)
Leeds
Chen, H. and Cohn, A.G. Buried Utility Pipeline Mapping based on Street Survey and Ground Penetrating Radar, Proceedings of the European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (ECAI'10), Lisbon, Portugal, 2010.
Abstract: In the UK and many other countries, underground networks are used to deliver a range of services to households and industries. Maintaining and upgrading these networks are major undertakings. In order to avoid unnecessary holes dug in wrong places, prior to invasive works it is normally required that excavators should request and obtain record information from all relevant utilities to identify what is buried where. However, the mapping information supplied by utility companies is often of limited use as asset records are usually inaccurate and incomplete. Thus a street survey is often conducted using sensor devices, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR). However, these are costly, and forming a complete picture combining the expectation of the map and the sensor data is an expert task. This paper will investigate an algorithm for utility pipeline mapping based on street survey and GPR data.
Chen, H. and Cohn, A.G. Probabilistic Robust Hyperbola Mixture Model for Interpreting Ground Penetrating Radar Data, Proceedings of the 2010 IEEE World Congress on Computational intelligence (WCCI'10), Barcelona, 2010.
Abstract: This paper proposes a probabilistic robust hyperbola mixture model based on a classification expectation maximization algorithm and applies this algorithm to Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) spatial data interpretation. Previous work tackling this problem using the Hough transform or neural networks for identifying GPR hyperbolae are unsuitable for on-site applications owing to their computational demands and the difficulties of getting sufficient appropriate training data for neural network based approaches. By incorporating a robust hyperbola fitting algorithm based on orthogonal distance into the probabilistic mixture model, the proposed algorithm can identify the hyperbolae in GPR data in real time and further calculate the depth and the size of the buried utility pipes. The number of the hyperbolae can be determined by conducting model selection using a Bayesian information criterion. The experimental results on both the synthetic/simulated and real GPR data show the effectiveness of this algorithm.
Chen, H. and Cohn, A.G. Probabilistic Conic Mixture Model and its Applications to Mining Spatial Ground Penetrating Radar Data, Proceedings of Workshops on Machine Learning and Data Mining for Sustainable Development in SIAM Conference on Data Mining, Columbus, April 2010
Abstract: This paper proposes a probabilistic conic mixture model based on a classification expectation maximization algorithm and applies this algorithm to Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) spatial data interpretation. Previous work tackling this problem using Hough transform or neural networks for identifying GPR hyperbolae are unsuitable for on-site applications owing to their computational demands and the difficulties of getting sufficient appropriate training data for neural network based approaches. By incorporating a swift conic fitting algorithm into the probabilistic mixture model, the proposed algorithm can identify the hyperbolae in GPR data in real time and further calculate the depth and the size of the buried utility pipes. The number of the hyperbolae can be determined by conducting model selection using a Bayesian information criterion. The experimental results on both the synthetic/simulated and real GPR data show the effectiveness of this algorithm.
Southampton
J M Muggleton and M J Brennan, An assessment of laser vibrometry for the measurement of ground vibration. Proceedings of the X International Conference on Recent Advances in Structural Dynamics, 12-14 July 2010, Southampton UK.
Abstract:'Mapping the Underworld' is a UK-wide, multi-disciplinary, multi-university project, which aims to create a novel multi-sensor device that combines complementary technologies for remote buried utility service detection and location without resorting to extensive excavations. An essential technology to be combined into the device is low-frequency vibro-acoustics, and suitable techniques for detecting buried infrastructure, in particular plastic water pipes, are currently being investigated. The proposed vibrational techniques rely on excitation of the ground or infrastructure as it comes up to the surface and subsequent measurement of the ground surface vibration in the vicinity. Up until now, geophones have been used for this ground surface measurement. However, the potential for using laser vibrometry is also being explored, the main perceived advantage being that a laser system would be non-contact, and therefore potentially easier and quicker to deploy. In the preliminary measurements reported here, data acquired using both geophones and a laser vibrometer are compared, with the laser at normal incidence. A variety of ground surfaces are investigated in order to determine the potential scope of a laser system for this application.
Muggleton J. M. and Brennan, M. J, (2006). The Use of Acoustic Methods to Detect And Locate Underground Piping Systems. Proceedings of the IX International Conference on Recent Advances in Structural Dynamics, 17-19 July, Southampton, UK, p.
Articles
Atkins P.R., Brennan M.J., Chapman D.N., Lim H.M., Machell J., Metje N., Muggleton J.M., Parker, J., Pennock S., Ratcliffe J., Redfern M., Rogers C.D.F., Saul A.J., Shan Q., Swingler S., Thomas A.M. (2008) "Mapping the Underworld: Review and Progress", UKWIR Report Ref. No. 08/WM/12/21.
Metje, N. (2006) Mapping the Underworld (MTU). Article submitted both in German and English. UNITRACC. (www.unitracc.de)
Rogers C.D.F., Thomas A.M., Metje N., Chapman D.N., (2007). Improved Detection of Underground Infrastructure – the Stakeholders’ Perspective. Water, Journal of the Australian Water Association, February, p. 50-55.
Rogers C.D.F., Thomas A.M., Metje N., Chapman D.N., (2007). Underground Infrastructure: Assets or Obstacles, Going Underground, Issue 4, pp. 17 – 19.
Rogers C.D.F., Thomas A.M., Metje N., Chapman D.N., (2008). Mapping the Underworld - The UK Tackles a Global Problem", Trenchless Works, Issue 17, January 2008.
Rogers, C.D.F., Royal, A., Chapman, D.N., Hunt, D., Jefferson, I., Lombardi, D., Metje, N., Thomas, A., (2008). Mapping the Underworld. Trenchless World, Issue 12, pp.16 – 18.
Reports
Rogers, C.D.F., Grant, S.A., Thomas, A.M., Chapman, D.N. and Metje, N. (2008) "Shaping the Future of GPR Soils Research: Report on the first US Army workshop on soil spectroscopy research", Mapping the Underworld, Birmingham, UK.
Atkins P. R., Brennan M. J., Chapman D. N., Lim H. M., Machell J., Metje N., Muggleton J. M., Parker, J., Pennock S. R., Ratcliffe J., Redfern M. A., Rogers C. D. F., Saul A. J., Shan Q., Swingler S., and Thomas A. M. (2008) Minimising Street Works Disruption: Mapping the Underworld Sensor Technologies, Review and Progress. UK Water Industry Research Limited, London, Report Ref. No. 08/WM/12/21.
Abstract: Mapping The Underworld is an EPSRC funded programme consisting of 4 projects and a dissemination network, which was originally initiated by UKWIR under the 'Minimising Streetworks Disruption' programme. One of the projects, running for a year, investigated the feasibility of new approaches to locating buried assets. These approaches included different configurations for GPR and acoustic technologies as well as new electro-magnetic technology. The report details the findings during the year and includes proposals for futher work to develop a test location for buried asset location equipment as well as plans to develop the technology to a prototype machine.
Parker, J. M. (2008). - Minimising Street Works Disruption: Data Integration and Display - Mapping the Underworld Seminar April 17th 2007. UK Water Industry Research Limited, London, Report Ref. No. 08/WM/12/22.
Abstract: Mapping The Underworld is an EPSRC funded programme consisting of 4 projects and a dissemination network, which was originally initiated by UKWIR under the 'Minimising Street Works Disruption' programme. The dissemination network was set up with the intention of holding workshops every 6 months to disseminate the output from the research programme and identify directions for future research. The third workshop was held in April 2007 and focussed on the work done in one of the projects and the related DTI funded 'VISTA' project. This work is investigating ways to integrate the wide variety of utilities' data and display it in a readily understandable format. The report gives details of the presentations and subsequent discussions from that workshop.
Parker, J. M. (2008). Minimising Street Works Disruption: Mapping Technologies for Buried Asset Location - Mapping the Underworld Seminar September 14th 2006. UK Water Industry Research Limited, London, Report Ref. No. 08/WM/12/20.
Mapping The Underworld is an EPSRC funded programme consisting of 4 projects and a dissemination network, which was originally initiated by UKWIR under the 'Minimising Streetworks Disruption' programme. The dissemination network was set up with the intention of holding workshops every 6 months to disseminate the output from the research programme and identify directions for future research. The second workshop was held in September 2006 and focussed on the work done within one of the projects and the related Dti funded 'VISTA' project to investigate new and improved techniques to map buried assets. This report gives details of the presentations and subsequent discussions from that workshop.
Parker, J. M. (2007). Minimising Street Works Disruption – Sensors for Buried Asset Location. Mapping the Underworld Seminar April 26th 2006. UK Water Industry Research Limited, London, Report Ref. No. 07/WM/12/15.
Abstract: Mapping The Underworld is an EPSRC funded programme consisting of 4 projects and a dissemination network, which was originally initiated by UKWIR under the 'Minimising Street Works Disruption' programme. The dissemination network was set up with the intention of holding workshops every 6 months to disseminate the output from the research programme and identify directions for future research. The first of these workshops was held in April 2006 and focussed on the work done within one of the projects to carry out feasibility studies of new and improved techniques to locate buried assets. This report gives details of the presentations and subsequent discussions from that workshop.
Thomas, A.M. (2007) "Outcome of the ORFEUS Questionnaire", Report 07/WM/12/18, UK Water Industry Research Limited, London.
Abstract: The European Commission has recognised the potential for plant location technology to safeguard the environment and, under the Sixth Framework Programme (Global Change and Ecosystems), is supporting the ORFEUS project (Optimising Radar to Find Every Utility in the Street) which aims to improve the performance of surface deployed GPR, and develop a new radar to provide a look-ahead capability for Horizontal and Directional Drilling equipment. This report describes the process used, and results from, a stakeholder survey designed to ensure the development of a Specification for new technologies that most closely meets the requirements of users of location technologies and services.
Presentations
Presentation at all VISTA progress meetings with 23 partners.
ICE Geospatial Engineering Board
LHAUC Expo 2006 and 2007
Presentations at the No Dig conferences (Brisbane 2006, Rome 2007)
International Trenchless Technology Research Colloquia (Delft, September 2005; Sydney, Australia, October 2006; Rome September 2007) – colloquia attended by researchers and users of research)
Seminar at Queens University, Kingston, Canada (December 2006)
Keynote Paper to International Association of Engineering Geologists Quadrennial Conference by Rogers (Nottingham, September 2006 covering this and other projects)
Water Industry Forum on ‘Minimising Street Works Disruption’ (July 2006)
Poster presentation at the British Tunnelling Society – Research Showcase, London, UK (June 2006)
UK / Canada Geotechnical Research Seminar, Belfast (May 2006)
Presentation at the World Tunnelling Congress and the Centre for Quality Research in Construction (April 2006)
‘Utility Connections – Improving Efficiency’ on (Feb 2006) to SBGI and SBWWI
Cambridge / MIT Workshop on Smart Infrastructure Wireless Sensor Networks (Feb 2006)
US TRB Annual Conference (Jan 2006)
two committee meetings
two workshops
Saul A J (2006) Research of the Pennine Water Group, Invited Lecture, University of Queensland, Brisbane, April.
Saul A J and Machell J M. (2006). Mapping the Underworld. Presentation to Senior Managers at Yorkshire Water Services, Bradford, April
Saul A J (2006) Some UK aspects of flood risk and asset management in the urban areas. Presentation to Dutch Embassy, Rotterdam, May.
Saul A J, Machell J M and Unwin D M (2006) Mapping the Underworld in the UK, Presentation to Japanese Geophysical Society, Kyoto, June.
Saul A J (2005) Mapping the Underworld. Presentation at UKWIR Technology Transfer Workshop, UKWIR, London, November
Saul A J (2004) Whole Life Costs in Sewerage. EPSRC Technology Transfer Workshop, ICE London, November
Metje N, Rogers C D F, Chapman D N, Thomas A M and Parker J M (2008), "Minimizing Streetworks Disruption by Mapping the Underworld", Proceedings of Pipelines 2008, American Society of Civil Engineers, Atlanta, 22nd – 25th July (CDROM).
Rogers, C.D.F., Zembillas, N., Metje, N., Chapman, D.N. and Thomas, A.M. (2008) “Extending GPR Utility Location Performance - The Mapping The Underworld Project”, 12th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, Birmingham, UK, June 16-19 (CDROM).
Rogers, C.D.F., Zembillas, N., Thomas, A.M., Metje, N. and Chapman, D.N. (2008) "Mapping the Underworld - Enhancing Subsurface Utility Engineering Performance", Transportation Research Board 87th Annual meeting, Washington D.C., January 13 – 17.
Thomas, A.M., Yelf, R., Gunn, D.A., Self, S., Chapman, D.N., Rogers, C.D.F. and Metje, N. (2008) “The Role of Geotechnical Engineering for Informed GPR Planning and Interpretation in Fine Soils”, 12th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, Birmingham, UK, June 16-19 (CDROM).
Thomas, A.M., Gunn, D.A., Nelder, L.M., Burrows, M.P.N., Metje, N., Rogers, C.D.F. and Chapman, D.N. (2008). "Electromagnetic Characterisation of a Victorian Railway Embankment Fill Material", 3rd International Conference on Site Characterization, Taipee, Taiwan, April 1-4.
Thomas AM, Rogers CDF, Metje N and Chapman DN (2007). “A Stakeholder Led Accuracy Assessment System for Utility Location", Proceeding of the 4th International Workshop on Advanced Ground Penetrating Radar, Naples, June 27-29, p.272-277.
Thomas AM, Lim HM, Metje N, Rogers CDF, Chapman DN and Atkins PR (2006). "The Complexity of GPR Data Interpretation in Railway Foundation Surveys". Proc. of RailFound 06, 1st International Conference on Railway Foundations, Birmingham, UK, 11th -13th September, p. 48-61.
Thomas AM, Metje N, Rogers CDF and Chapman DN (2006). “Ground Penetrating Radar Interpretation as a Function of Soil Response Complexity in Utility Mapping”. Proc. of 11th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, Columbus, Ohio, USA, June 19-22. (CD ROM).
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