Borehole inspecting and testing device and method of using the same

Abstract

A borehole inspection device and method of using the same to measure the condition of the bottom extent of a borehole, the system having a head unit assembly with top and bottom sides and including at least one downwardly extending force sensor configured to measure a reaction force applied to the at least one sensor as it engages a bottom extent of the borehole, the inspection device being configured to be lowered into a borehole and to bring the sensor(s) into contact with the bottom extent wherein continued downward movement of the head unit creates the reaction force on the sensor(s) to determine at least one of a location of an associated debris layer, a bearing capacity of the associated debris layer, the thickness of the associated debris layer, the location of an associated bearing layer and / or the bearing capacity of the associated bearing layer.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority in provisional patent applications Ser. No. 61 / 912,206 that was filed on Dec. 5, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein.[0002]The invention of this application relates to a borehole measuring device. More particularly, the invention of this application relates to a measuring device that can be deployed in a borehole to inspect the borehole, in particular, to inspect the shaft bottom and / or side walls of the borehole and provide fast and reliable information about the quality and bearing capacity of the soils in the borehole.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0003]McVay et al.—U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,502 discloses a wireless apparatus and method for analysis of piles which is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. In addition, Mullins et al.—U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,273 discloses a method for testing integrity of concrete shafts which is also incorporated by reference in this application for showing the same. Piscsalko et al.—U.S. Pat. N...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a device that can quickly and accurately measure the quality and bearing capacity of the soil underneath the bottom of a borehole. This device can provide designers with more reliable information, allowing them to include end bearing in their design and potentially save money. The device can also measure the condition of the side walls of the borehole, which can affect the overall load-bearing capacity. Additionally, the device can use the weight of the drilling equipment as a reaction load, eliminating the need for additional equipment and reducing time delays. The device can be quickly connected to the drilling equipment and operated by skilled personnel without entering the borehole.

Problems solved by technology

By using the device of this application, designers can with more confidence include end bearing in their design and thus potentially save significant amounts of money in the overall cost of the pile.

Images