Adaptive Foundation Load Testing Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the load-bearing capacity of foundations are time-consuming and imprecise, often requiring long test times and high costs due to the use of predetermined load increments and times, which delays construction projects.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically adjusts load increments and times based on the foundation's response to previous loads, using feedback from recorded reactions to determine optimal load levels and times, allowing for larger increments and shorter times if the foundation exhibits high load-carrying capacity, and incorporating installation parameters and soil characteristics for precise determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If predetermined small load increments and long loading times are used to ensure precision, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to very time-consuming tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the load increment and loading time adaptive rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the load increment and loading time based on real-time foundation response data from previous loading stages. When the foundation shows high load-bearing capacity with minimal settlement, the system automatically increases the load increment and reduces loading time, thereby improving testing speed while maintaining precision through continuous feedback adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the foundation's response (settlement, displacement) from each loading stage to determine the parameters for the next loading stage. The control device continuously monitors the foundation's reaction and uses this information to adjust subsequent load increments and loading times, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the actual foundation behavior rather than following a predetermined fixed schedule.
2Measurement precision
If many loading stages with small increments are used to determine load-bearing capacity precisely, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple loading and holding phases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the number of loading stages and the increment size based on real-time foundation response. Instead of using a fixed large number of small increments, the control device adjusts the load increment magnitude and the number of stages according to how the foundation actually responds, reducing the total number of stages needed when the foundation shows favorable response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism allows the system to reduce the number of loading stages by using response data from each stage to optimize subsequent stages. When the foundation demonstrates high load-bearing capacity early in the test, the system can confidently increase increment sizes and reduce the total number of stages required to reach the load-bearing capacity determination point.
3Measurement precision
If loading times are extended to ensure foundation response is captured, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to prolonged test duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making loading time adaptive rather than fixed. The control device adjusts the loading time at each stage based on the foundation's response characteristics observed in previous stages. If the foundation responds quickly with minimal settlement, the system reduces the holding time; if the foundation shows slower response or larger settlement, the system extends the loading time appropriately, optimizing the balance between measurement accuracy and testing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism enables the system to determine appropriate loading times by continuously monitoring foundation response. The control device uses response data from each loading stage to determine the optimal loading time for the next stage, creating an adaptive timing system that captures necessary foundation behavior without unnecessarily prolonging the test.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for testing the load-bearing capacity of a foundation comprising the following steps: a. Installing the foundation in the ground and determining installation parameters, b. Determining a first load and a first loading time, c. Loading the foundation with the first load, d. Continuously recording the response of the foundation to the first load, e. Maintaining the load with the first load during the first loading time or until a predetermined response is reached, f. Loading the foundation with a second load, which is one increment greater than the first load, g. Continuously recording the response of the foundation to the second load, h. Maintaining the load with the second load during a second loading time or until a predetermined response is reached, and i.Repeat steps f to h until the recorded response is equal to or greater than a response limit, wherein the first load is determined based on the measured insertion parameters and/or a predetermined load transfer, and wherein the increments and loading times are determined based on the recorded response experienced by the foundation due to the previous load.