Anchor Tensile Strength Testing via Acoustic Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the tensile strength of anchors in walls or ceilings are not reproducible and reliable due to external influences and the inability to isolate the anchoring movement from elastic and plastic deformations in guy ropes and their fastening systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that apply a tensile force transversely to the anchor, supported on the wall or ceiling, detect movement relative to the test device, and use acoustic detection to determine tensile strength by evaluating structure-borne noise, eliminating external influences and allowing for high accuracy and reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crane-like device is used to apply tensile load to the anchor via a guy rope, then the anchor can be tested for anchoring strength, but the measurement results are not reproducible and reliable due to elastic and plastic deformations in the guy rope and fastening system, as well as movement of the device on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic guy rope and fastening system from the test setup. By applying the tensile load directly to the anchor through a testing device supported on the wall or ceiling, the measurement system no longer includes the deformable guy rope and fastening components that compromised measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new intermediary - the testing device supported on the wall or ceiling - that directly connects the load application mechanism to the anchor. This intermediary eliminates the need for the guy rope as a mediator, thereby removing the source of elastic and plastic deformations that affected measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic detection is used to test the flexural strength of upright anchored masts, then the flexural strength can be assessed through sound events from fiber bursting, but this method cannot be applied to determine the tensile strength of anchors in walls or ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the acoustic detection method, previously limited to flexural strength testing of masts, to also determine the tensile strength of anchors. By applying acoustic sensors to detect sound events during tensile loading, the method achieves multi-functionality across different test types and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with acoustic detection. Instead of relying solely on mechanical displacement sensors or load cells, the system uses acoustic sensors to detect sound events generated during anchor loading, providing a non-contact measurement approach that works for both flexural and tensile strength testing.
3Measurement precision
If a testing device is supported on the wall or ceiling to apply tensile force directly to the anchor, then accurate measurement of anchor movement is achieved, but the device requires secure support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the testing device supported on the wall or ceiling rather than having the anchor supported by the testing device. This inversion allows the wall or ceiling structure, which is inherently strong and stable, to provide the support, thereby achieving both measurement precision and structural strength requirements.
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
The method provides accurate and reliable determination of tensile strength by isolating anchor movement and noise events, ensuring the connection between the anchor and the wall or ceiling is intact, with the ability to apply high tensile forces without risking failure, and eliminates the need for complex equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a possible movement of the anchor in relation to the testing device is detected and based on the detected movement, a specific tensile strength is determined
Implementation Method 2
acoustic detection also takes place during the application of the tensile load, preferably structure-borne noise detection of the anchor and/or wall or ceiling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~5
Figure 3c
AI summary
The method involves loading an anchor (9) with a tensile force perpendicular to a wall (4) or ceiling by a testing device, where the testing device is supported at the wall or ceiling. A possible movement of the anchor is detected according to the testing device, where a certain tensile strength is determined based on the detected movement. An independent claim is included for a testing device for testing the tensile strength of an anchor fastened in a wall or ceiling.