InSAR Post-Earthquake Building Damage Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating post-earthquake damage to building groups are limited in accuracy and efficiency, particularly in detecting deformation from north to south, and often rely on qualitative assessments rather than quantitative data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) to evaluate post-earthquake damage, which involves determining an investigation region, acquiring pre- and post-earthquake radar images, processing these images using a two-pass differential InSAR method to create deformation maps, and combining these with optical remote sensing images to classify damage levels and locate collapsed buildings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If InSAR is used to evaluate building damage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses InSAR technology as an intermediary remote sensing method to detect building deformation. By acquiring radar images before and after the earthquake and processing them through differential InSAR, the system obtains deformation information without direct contact with the damaged buildings, thus achieving high measurement precision while managing system complexity through remote sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying methods with electromagnetic wave-based InSAR technology. Instead of using physical measurement devices on the ground, the system uses satellite or aerial radar to capture deformation data, substituting mechanical systems with electromagnetic field-based measurement
2Area of stationary object
If multi-temporal SAR is used for damage evaluation, then coverage area is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-area evaluation into two distinct stages: first using InSAR for broad regional deformation detection to identify areas of interest, then using optical remote sensing for precise damage classification in those specific areas. This segmentation allows both large coverage and high precision to be achieved at appropriate scales
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional SAR deformation data to three-dimensional damage assessment by integrating optical remote sensing imagery. This dimensional enhancement allows for more accurate damage classification by adding visual information about building collapse states to the deformation measurements
3Ease of operation
If qualitative evaluation is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the damage evaluation from qualitative descriptions to quantitative measurements by using deformation magnitude thresholds to classify damage levels. Instead of subjective visual assessment, the system uses objective parameters such as deformation amount ranges (e.g., 0-50mm, 50-100mm, >100mm) to determine damage levels, improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables rapid, accurate, and efficient evaluation of post-earthquake damage to building groups, providing detailed deformation maps and damage classifications that support rescue planning and reduce further loss, while being unaffected by weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is an important remote sensing method that has emerged since the 20th century. It has advantages such as large coverage, all-weather availability and capability of collecting high-precision earth surface information
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and system for evaluating post-earthquake damage of building groups based on interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). Method includes: determining an investigation region, acquiring pre- and post-earthquake radar images of a corresponding district, and acquiring radar datasets included in radar images; acquiring a radar line-of-sight (LOS)-direction deformation map of investigation region by processing pre- and post-earthquake radar images using D-InSAR; acquiring a deformation in a main earthquake direction by decomposing an LOS-direction deformation; drawing a deformation classification map of buildings; acquiring pre- and post-earthquake optical remote sensing images of investigation region, and locating post-earthquake collapsed buildings; locating collapsed buildings in deformation classification map, comparing optical remote sensing images with deformation classification map, and locating exact positions of collapsed buildings; and evaluating post-earthquake damage of the buildings by evaluating post-earthquake damage conditions based on position information of collapsed buildings and the deformation classification map.