ABSTRACT
This paper presents preliminary evaluation of the GPR technique for the detection of stratified geological formations of high cutting resistance and hard rock inclusions during the excavation by Bucket Wheel Excavators. 2D and 3D GPR simulations were performed with tools capable of modeling the behavior of boulders and the surrounding geological formations. Various scenarios have been examined corresponding to a stratified geological structure. Three boulders have been placed at varying depth. Apart from the reflections corresponding to three sub-horizontal interfaces, reflected waves are observed from the top and bottom of the boulders. A 3D model was constructed consisting of four layers as in the 2D models and 3 boulders. The resulting radargrams showed that in all examined scenarios the presence of boulders was detected at depths less than four meters. The simulations verified the potential of the GPR method and justified further investigation through field tests.
