Electronics Engineering

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical principles and practical applications of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method, addressing its physical, instrumental, operational, and interpretative aspects. Particular attention is devoted to applications in civil, environmental, and archaeological engineering, with examples drawn from real case studies and the use of software tools for data simulation and processing. The course is structured into the following thematic units: 1. Basic Principles — approximately 18 hours Introduction to Ground Penetrating Radar. Electromagnetic properties of materials and operational limits of GPR. Data acquisition and representation methods. Practical guidelines for effective GPR use. Understanding checks and exercises. 2. GPR Systems and Antennas — approximately 6 hours Overview of radar systems. GPR systems: operating principles, main components, and architectures. GPR antennas: types, performance, and selection criteria. Understanding checks and exercises. 3. Applications in Civil Engineering — approximately 6 hours Planning a GPR survey: positioning, data acquisition, performance, and compliance checks. GPR for road investigations: methodology, guidelines, and case studies. GPR for subsurface utility detection: methodology, guidelines, and case studies. Applications on bridges, tunnels, railways, and buildings. Understanding checks. 4. Applications in Other Fields — approximately 6 hours GPR for archaeology and cultural heritage management. Humanitarian applications: forensics, detection of unexploded ordnance, and localization of people trapped under debris or avalanches. Environmental applications: precision agriculture, contaminated sites, and tree investigations. Planetary exploration and holographic radar. 5. Processing and Interpretation of Radargrams — approximately 18 hours Data processing using the open-source software matGPR; practical examples. Electromagnetic simulation of GPR scenarios. Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method. Use of the open-source simulator gprMax. Application examples. 6. Complementary Techniques — approximately 3 hours Complementary non-destructive testing methods: electrical tomography, thermography, radar interferometry, ultrasonic testing, and other approaches. 7. Additional Topics — approximately 3 hours History and technological development of GPR. Safety of personnel and equipment during GPR surveys. Urban remote sensing and GPR use on drones. Some parts of the programme may be explored in greater depth or replaced, depending on the interests and academic background of the students.

There are no prerequisites to attend this course.

[1] TU1208 Education Pack: a multimedia educational package on Ground Penetrating Radar, developed by Members of COST (European COoperation in Science and Technology) Action TU1208. Available in open access on www.GPRadar.eu. [2] gprMax user guide. Available in open access on www.gprmax.com. [3] matGPR user guide. Available in open access on http://users.uoa.gr/~atzanis/matgpr/matgpr.html. [4] Further didactical material provided by the teacher (slides, reports) All study materials are on the course's Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/c/MzQ1MTI5ODQ5MDEy?cjc=v56mu7j

Attending the lectures is not mandatory for this course, but it is strongly recommended, for a better understanding of the subject.

The final assessment of the course consists of a combination of written tests, project assignments, and optional oral exams, structured as follows: 1. Written Exam Objective: To verify understanding of GPR principles, electromagnetic properties, survey planning, and data interpretation methods. Method: Exercises are provided in class at the beginning of the test. Timing: At the end of the course and during the official exam sessions; intermediate assessments may also be offered during the semester. Duration: 90–120 minutes per test. Type: Exercises may include close- and open-ended questions, problem-solving, and data interpretation tasks. Evaluation: Numerical scoring on a 30-point scale; the result contributes to the final grade (50%). 2. Project Objective: To develop the ability to apply theoretical and computational knowledge to real or simulated GPR scenarios. Method: Written report and/or oral presentation. Students work individually or in small groups. Timing: Project topics are proposed during the course; submissions can occur at any time during the academic year. Duration: Variable depending on the complexity of the project. Type: Data processing using software (e.g., matGPR), electromagnetic simulations of GPR scenarios (FDTD, gprMax), or analysis of radargrams from case studies. Evaluation: Assessment on a 30-point scale, considering accuracy, independence in execution, clarity of presentation, synthesis, and critical analysis skills. The result contributes to the final grade (50%). 3. Optional Oral Exam Objective: To verify comprehensive understanding of course content, ability to integrate different thematic units, and critical reasoning. Method: Individual oral examination with the instructor. Timing: At the end of the course or during official exam sessions. Duration: Approximately 30 minutes per student. Type: Discussion of theoretical topics, exercises, data analysis, and case studies. Evaluation: Grading on a 30-point scale with possible honors; evaluation includes knowledge, analytical skills, and clarity of exposition. International Students (Incoming) The lectures are given in English and it is possible to take the exam in English or in Italian. The content and objectives of the assessment remain unchanged.

[5] A. Benedetto & L. Pajewski (2015), “Civil engineering applications of Ground Penetrating Radar.” Springer. Book Series: “Springer Transactions in Civil and Environmental Engineering.” ISBN: e-book 978-3-319-04813-0, hardcover 978-3-319-04812-3; doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-04813-0. [6] D. Daniels (2004), “Ground Penetrating Radar.” Inspec/Iee. Book Series: “Iee Radar, Sonar, Navigation and Avionics.” ISBN-10: 0863413609. ISBN-13: 978-0863413605.

Lessons are held in the classroom.