Possibility of using GPR Radar to localize human bodies under the rubble caused by an earthquake

Ground penetrating Radar (GPR) is an interesting device that can allow a non-destructive auscultation of the underground without any excavation. It is based on the use of high frequency electromagnetic waves, including reflection or diffraction that allows the detection of buried objects. In this work, we studied the possibility of using GPR for detecting of human targets under the rubble caused by an earthquake. Results were obtained after simulating some models whose dielectric characteristics are those of human tissues. The models studied are assumed to be buried under construction debris. The simulation is performed using GprMax software, whose calculations are based on the finite difference time domain (FDTD). Our results revealed that the use of GPR as a tool to detect human target, existing eventually under rubble containing some level of iron will be very difficult and even impossible. However, in the absence of conductive substances such as iron remains GPR may be useful as a detection tool for buried human bodies under rubble caused by an earthquake for example. KeywordsEarthquake Ground Penetrating Radar; Simulation;