Concrete Moisture Measurement Using Eddy Current and GPR Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting water leaks in concrete structures are often destructive and lack the reliability to provide early detection, especially in storage tanks where water leakage can lead to significant damage.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus combining an eddy current sensor and a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) sensor is used to contact the concrete structure, allowing for the measurement of moisture content and mechanical properties without causing damage, thereby improving the reliability of measurement results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If destructive testing methods are used to detect water leaks in concrete structures, then detection capability is improved, but the structure suffers damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical testing methods with non-destructive electromagnetic sensing methods. Specifically, it uses eddy current sensors to detect moisture content changes and GPR sensors to detect water accumulation behind the concrete structure, thereby eliminating the need for physical damage to the concrete while maintaining effective water leak detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as intermediaries to detect water leaks. The eddy current sensor uses electromagnetic induction to detect moisture content changes in the concrete, and the GPR sensor uses electromagnetic wave reflection to detect water accumulation, allowing indirect detection of leaks without direct contact or damage to the concrete structure
2Reliability
If a single sensing method is used to measure moisture content, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different sensing methods (eddy current sensing and GPR sensing) into a single integrated measurement system. The eddy current sensor measures moisture content changes within the concrete, while the GPR sensor detects water accumulation behind the concrete. By merging these complementary methods, the system achieves higher measurement reliability for water leak detection than either method could provide alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional measurement apparatus that can perform multiple detection functions: the eddy current sensor detects moisture content changes in the concrete, the GPR sensor detects water accumulation behind the concrete, and together they provide comprehensive water leak detection. This universal system can handle different detection scenarios and provides redundant verification for improved reliability
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 apparatus effectively detects water leaks in concrete structures by accurately measuring moisture content and mechanical properties, enabling early detection of leaks before they progress to the outermost layer of the concrete, thus preventing extensive damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil configured to receive an alternating current (AC) input signal and to generate a first magnetic field based on the AC input signal, wherein the first magnetic field generates an eddy current in a portion of the concrete structure
Implementation Method 2
a second coil configured to generate an induced voltage signal based on the first magnetic field and a second magnetic field generated by the eddy current
Implementation Method 3
a GPR transmitter configured to receive an electromagnetic pulse input signal and transmit the electromagnetic pulse input signal toward the portion of the concrete structure; and a GPR receiver configured to receive an electromagnetic pulse reflection signal which is the electromagnetic pulse input signal reflected from an interface of the concrete structure
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus for a concrete structure includes an eddy current sensor configured to contact the concrete structure; a ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensor configured to contact the concrete structure; at least one memory storing one or more instructions; and a controller operably connected to the eddy current sensor, the GPR sensor, and the at least one memory, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the controller, cause the apparatus to: provide a first input signal to the eddy current sensor and a second input signal to the GPR sensor, obtain a first moisture content of a portion of the concrete structure based on an output of the eddy current sensor, obtain a second moisture content of the portion of the concrete structure based on an output of the GPR sensor, and obtain a final moisture content of the portion of the concrete structure based on at least one of the first moisture content and the second moisture content.