Cross-Hole Radar Soil Analysis Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indirect methods for soil compactness and water content measurement, such as SPT and CPT, are limited in providing reliable and accurate data, especially for heterogeneous soils, and fail to offer a comprehensive 2D image of soil compactness, relying on empirical correlations and being cumbersome and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic soil analysis method and device using a cross-hole radar system that measures the speed of propagation of radio signals between antennas in boreholes to determine soil compactness, water content, and dielectric constants, allowing for a 2D diagram of soil composition, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by providing precise and cost-effective in-situ analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SPT or CPT methods are used to measure soil compactness, then punctual compactness data can be obtained, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for heterogeneous soils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 1-D punctual measurements (SPT/CPT) to 2-D cross-sectional imaging by introducing a second spatial dimension through multiple boreholes and antenna pairs, enabling comprehensive mapping of soil properties across an area rather than at single points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical penetration methods (SPT/CPT) with electromagnetic wave propagation methods, using radar signals to detect soil properties without physical contact or mechanical force, thereby avoiding disturbance and enabling measurement in heterogeneous soils
2Loss of information
If SPT or CPT methods are used, then soil compactness can be determined at specific depths, but a comprehensive 2D image of soil compactness cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements 2-D cross-sectional imaging by coordinating multiple antennas in different boreholes to map soil properties across horizontal and vertical dimensions, providing comprehensive spatial information that single-point methods cannot deliver
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system performs multiple functions simultaneously: determining soil compactness, identifying stratigraphy, detecting voids, and mapping groundwater tables, all through a single integrated electromagnetic measurement approach
3Measurement precision
If direct measurement methods are used to obtain undisturbed samples, then accurate void ratio measurement is possible, but the methods are cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling and laboratory testing procedures with non-intrusive electromagnetic radar measurements, eliminating the need for undisturbed sample collection while achieving accurate in-situ soil property determination
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system performs measurements directly in the field without requiring sample extraction, transportation, or laboratory analysis, allowing the soil itself to provide the measurement data through its electromagnetic properties
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
Enables accurate determination of soil compactness and water content, offering a 2D representation of soil composition, improving upon the limitations of traditional methods with enhanced precision and cost-effectiveness, suitable for heterogeneous soils and providing reliable data for geotechnical engineering.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna (101) radiates a predetermined radio signal (s1(t)) according to a predefined radiation pattern across a portion (31) of said soil (30) so that said predetermined radio signal (s1(t)) may be received by a second antenna (102)
Implementation Method 2
measuring the speed of propagation of said predetermined radio signal (s1(t)) between said first antenna (101) and said second antenna (102) or the delay with which said predetermined radio signal (s1(t)) transmitted by said first antenna (101) reaches said second antenna (102)
Implementation Method 3
determining or calculating the amount of water (x water ) and/or humidity and/or dielectric constant (ε') of a portion (31) of soil (30)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention discloses an electromagnetic soil analysis method comprising: - a step of making a first borehole (10) in a first predetermined position in the soil (30); - a step of making a second borehole (20) in a second predetermined position in the soil (30), the second position being different from the first position; - a step of introducing a first antenna (101) in the first borehole (10) and a second antenna (102) in the second borehole (20); - a step of feeding a predetermined radio signal (s1(t)) to the first antenna (101), so that the first antenna (101) radiates the predetermined radio signal according to a predefined radiation pattern across a portion (31) of the soil (30); - a step of soil compactness analysis, by determining or calculating the amount of water (xwater) and/or humidity and/or dielectric constant (ε') of a portion (31) of soil (30) measured by the radiation of the first antenna, the portion (31) of soil (30) being positioned between the first antenna (101) and the second antenna (102), - whereby the step of determining or calculating the amount of water (xwater) and/or humidity and/or dielectric constant (ε') of the portion (31) of soil (30) is performed by electronically measuring the speed of propagation of the predetermined radio signal (s1(t)) between the first antenna (101) and the second antenna (102) or the delay with which the signal transmitted by the first antenna (101) or through a transmitter (103) connected to the first antenna (110) reaches the second antenna (102) or a receiver (104) connected to the second antenna (102). The invention further discloses an electromagnetic soil analysis device and a system for soil analysis.