Instrumented Core Drill for Real-Time Concrete Strength Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the strength of in-place concrete are time-consuming and provide limited data points, as they rely on traditional core sampling and compressive testing, which are inefficient and only offer discrete samples.
Innovation Solution
A concrete strength testing system that uses an instrumented core drill to instantaneously determine the equivalent compressive strength during drilling, allowing for real-time generation of a strength profile and reducing the need for traditional core sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional core sampling and compressive testing are used, then concrete strength can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and provides limited discrete data points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical compressive testing with an acoustic emission-based detection system. Sensors detect acoustic signals generated by the core drill interacting with concrete, and these signals are processed to determine strength characteristics in real-time during drilling, eliminating the need for separate compressive strength testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous strength assessment throughout the core drilling process. Instead of discrete sampling followed by separate testing, the acoustic emission system provides continuous real-time data during drilling, allowing strength determination at multiple depths and locations without interrupting the coring operation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional core sampling is used, then concrete strength can be assessed, but only discrete samples are obtained reducing comprehensive evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic emission system provides continuous real-time strength data throughout the core drilling process, capturing strength characteristics at multiple depths and locations. This continuous measurement approach yields numerous data points representing the entire core length, enabling comprehensive evaluation of concrete strength distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the core drill interaction into multiple measurement zones along the core length. By detecting acoustic emissions at different depths during drilling, the system obtains discrete strength measurements at multiple locations within the continuous core, providing comprehensive spatial distribution data.
3Manufacturing precision
If full-length cores are cut to proper length with squared ends for compression testing, then accurate strength data is obtained, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs strength determination preliminarily during the core drilling process itself, before the core is extracted and processed. By detecting acoustic emissions in real-time during drilling, the system obtains strength data without requiring subsequent core cutting, squaring, or laboratory testing, eliminating the complex post-processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of core preparation and compressive testing with an acoustic emission detection system. Instead of physically preparing samples for laboratory compression testing, the system uses acoustic signal analysis to determine strength characteristics directly during drilling, simplifying the entire process.
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 system enables real-time monitoring of concrete strength, revealing localized weak or strong areas, and provides a more efficient and comprehensive assessment of concrete strength compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an instrumented core drill that is configured to instantaneously determine the equivalent compressive strength during drilling
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a concrete strength testing system includes a core drill having a core barrel, a press associated with the core drill that is configured to drive the core barrel into concrete to be tested, a force sensor associated with the core drill that is configured to measure a force with which the core barrel is driven into the concrete by the press, and a depth measurement device configured to measure a depth into the concrete to which the core barrel is driven by the press.