Application of interferometric synthetic aperture radar technology for assessing deformations of a runway

The technology of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a unique method for monitoring changes of the Earth`s surface. This method is based on using satellite radar systems which emit radio waves and measure the time it takes them to travel to the Earth`s surface and back to the satellite. InSAR technologies enable measuring micro-displacements of the Earth`s surface and man-made structures, and allow detecting early signs of developing deformation processes for decision-making and preventing catastrophic consequences caused by them. The authors discuss application of D-InSAR and PS-InSAR technologies for locating and assessing deformations of an artificial runway at an operational civil aerodrome. Strain areas were defined through making ground observations, comparing the results of trigonometric leveling and the data obtained with the help of InSAR technologies. The maximum deformation value identified in this way reaches 94 mm and correlates with subsidence information using InSAR technologies – up to 120 mm