Geological Survey of Urban Roadbeds Utilizing Rapid Detection System Based on Transient Electromagnetic Method

Urban road foundation disasters pose a significant threat to human life and property, underscoring the need for efficient, precise nondestructive testing methods. This study introduces a rapid, real-time remote detection system based on transient electromagnetic methods (rTEM), capable of collecting data at 5 km/h with integrated real-time data transmission and synchronous imaging. Based on this detection system, we propose a data processing workflow using deep denoising autoencoder and iterative reweighted least squares (DDAE-IRLS). This method enables the automatic screening and reconstruction of data affected by interference, allowing the detection system to operate without disrupting normal traffic. The system’s effectiveness is demonstrated through two case studies: one in topographically varied areas with shallow bedrock, where it accurately mapped soil layer structures and granite weathering beneath road foundations, evidenced by borehole data; and another in flat terrains, assessing groundwater threats in subway construction zones. These applications highlight the rTEM system’s potential in urban geological investigations, particularly in detecting varied road foundation conditions and assessing groundwater-related risks. This study provides valuable references for geological testing and monitoring of road foundations in highly urbanized areas.