Compaction Control System for Spatial Ground Property Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the construction of engineered ground, such as compaction of soil or aggregate, are limited by their inability to accurately determine spatial uniformity of engineering properties, soil moisture content, and material consistency, leading to potential issues like non-uniform settlement and excessive stresses in underlying layers.
Innovation Solution
A compaction control system equipped with sensors and geo-spatial data analytic algorithms that provide real-time, spatially-significant measurements of stiffness and optional moisture content and consistency, allowing for accurate determination of engineering properties and visual records of results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional discrete point testing methods are used to verify ground compaction, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the measurement coverage is very limited (less than one percent of project area) and results are erroneous and grossly over-simplistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical discrete-point testing with a sensor-based system that uses GPS, accelerometers, and other sensors mounted on compaction equipment to continuously measure ground properties across the entire project area, transforming mechanical point-testing into an electronic continuous measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional discrete point measurements to two-dimensional spatially-distributed continuous measurements by mounting sensors on compaction equipment that moves across the project area, enabling measurement of engineering properties across the entire surface rather than at isolated points
2Area of stationary object
If existing roller-ground measurement systems are used to collect data over greater coverage area, then the spatial coverage is improved, but the measurement accuracy is poor with large variations in measured results and inability to accurately determine soil moisture content and material consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types (GPS, accelerometers, moisture sensors, compaction force sensors) into a single multi-functional measurement system that simultaneously measures multiple engineering properties including stiffness, moisture content, material consistency, and compaction force across the entire project area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where sensor measurements are immediately processed and used to adjust compaction parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors and corrects compaction quality to maintain measurement accuracy and engineering property uniformity
3Productivity
If existing compaction measurement systems are deployed, then data collection efficiency is improved, but the systems lack confidence and reliability causing narrow deployment and experimental use only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of all sensors before deployment and establishes baseline measurements for comparison, ensuring that the measurement system is properly configured and validated before actual compaction measurements begin, thereby establishing reliability from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time monitoring and adjustment of measurement parameters such as sensor sampling rates, GPS accuracy settings, and compaction force thresholds to optimize measurement reliability and adapt to varying site conditions, ensuring consistent data quality across different project environments
Data Source
AI summary
A compaction control system for and methods of accurately determining properties of compacted and/or existing ground materials is disclosed. The compaction control system includes a compaction machine that further includes a vibratory drum (or roller). The compaction machine is equipped with sensors to determine position and heading, vibration amplitudes at selected frequencies, and material type and moisture content information. Further, the compaction control system includes a controller and certain algorithms for processing the sensor information. Namely, a method is provided of using the sensor information to assess the improvement in compaction and then determine whether and/or when further ground improvement solutions are needed.