Non-Destructive Concrete Strength Testing Without Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the compressive strength of concrete, especially below-grade portions, are inefficient, labor-intensive, costly, and risky, often requiring excavation and causing service disruptions, while existing tests like core-sampling and penetration tests damage the concrete and are impractical for high-volume projects.
Innovation Solution
Estimate compressive strength using surface wave speed measurements by driving rods through the earth to contact below-grade concrete, employing accelerometers to measure wave speed, and using regression analysis or machine learning to correlate wave speed with strength, eliminating the need for excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If core-sampling is used to test compressive strength, then accurate results are obtained, but the process is expensive, time-consuming, and impractical for high-volume projects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical core-sampling and laboratory compression testing system with a surface wave-based mechanical testing system. By using surface wave speed measurements and established correlations between wave speed and compressive strength, the system eliminates the need for destructive core extraction and laboratory testing, achieving both high productivity and maintained measurement accuracy through non-destructive field testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surface wave propagation characteristics as a proxy or copy of the concrete's internal structural properties. Instead of directly measuring compressive strength through destruction, the system measures surface wave speed which correlates with compressive strength, providing an indirect but accurate assessment method that is much faster and non-destructive.
2Measurement precision
If penetration tests are performed on buried concrete, then compressive strength can be measured, but excavation is required which is expensive, labor-intensive, and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the excavation step from the testing process entirely. By using surface wave measurements that can be taken on or near the ground surface, the system eliminates the need to excavate and expose buried concrete, thereby removing the associated costs, labor requirements, safety risks, and environmental disruptions while maintaining the ability to measure compressive strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surface waves as an intermediary medium to transfer information about the buried concrete's compressive strength to the surface where measurements can be taken. The surface waves propagate through the concrete and carry information about its mechanical properties, allowing indirect measurement without direct contact or excavation of the buried structure.
3Ease of operation
If excavation is performed to expose buried concrete, then testing can be conducted, but service disruptions occur and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical excavation process with a wave-based measurement system. Instead of physically removing soil and exposing concrete through heavy equipment, the system uses surface wave propagation that can be generated and measured without disrupting the structure or surrounding services, thereby maintaining service continuity and eliminating safety risks associated with excavation.
4Measurement precision
If core-sampling is used, then accurate compressive strength data is obtained, but the concrete is damaged and must be repaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the destructive mechanical core-sampling process with a non-destructive surface wave measurement system. The surface wave method measures compressive strength through wave propagation characteristics without removing or damaging concrete material, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent repair work while maintaining measurement accuracy through correlation between wave speed and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of wave propagation (which could theoretically cause damage) into a beneficial non-destructive testing method. By using appropriately calibrated surface wave measurements, the system extracts strength information without causing damage, transforming what could be a harmful mechanical process into a safe assessment technique.
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
Provides rapid, accurate, and safe estimation of compressive strength for both above- and below-grade concrete, reducing costs and minimizing disruptions, suitable for high-volume projects and various terrains.
Implementation Method 1
determining a speed of surface waves in the concrete foundation
Implementation Method 2
employing accelerometers to measure wave speed
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for estimating the strength of a concrete foundation. The disclosed systems and methods can be used to estimate compressive strength of below-grade concrete without excavation. A method of estimating compressive strength may include determining compressive strength measurements corresponding to surface wave speeds for a plurality of concrete test specimens, determining a speed of surface waves in the concrete foundation, and estimating compressive strength of the concrete foundation based on the compressive strength measurements and corresponding surface wave speeds for the plurality of concrete test specimens and the speed of surface waves in the concrete foundation.