Embedded Electrical Sensors for Construction Material Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing construction materials, particularly concrete, are inadequate for rapid and automated characterization, especially in large infrastructure projects, due to the challenges of corrosion and the need for precise resistivity measurements that vary with environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
Embedding compact self-contained electrical sensors with wireless interfaces within construction materials to perform time domain reflectometry, microwave signal processing, resistivity measurements, and acoustic measurements to determine dielectric constants, conductivity, and density, enabling real-time monitoring and data logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual testing methods are used for construction materials, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity is significantly reduced due to the inability to perform rapid automated characterization across large infrastructure projects
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-contained measurements with embedded sensors that automatically characterize construction materials without requiring external testing equipment or manual intervention, enabling rapid automated characterization while maintaining measurement precision through integrated measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional manual mechanical testing methods are replaced with electrical measurement techniques using embedded sensors that perform time domain reflectometry, microwave signal processing, and acoustic measurements to characterize materials electronically rather than through manual mechanical means
2Measurement precision
If electrical sensors are embedded within construction materials for real-time monitoring, then measurement precision and continuous monitoring capability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for integrated sensors with wireless interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement functions (time domain reflectometry, microwave signal processing, resistivity measurements, and acoustic measurements) are merged into a single integrated sensor system with embedded wireless interface, consolidating what would otherwise be separate complex systems into one unified device
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded sensor system is designed to perform multiple characterization functions simultaneously - measuring dielectric constants, conductivity, density, moisture content, and structural integrity - making it a universal monitoring solution that reduces the need for multiple specialized devices
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 accurate, real-time characterization of construction materials, allowing for improved monitoring of corrosion, moisture content, and structural integrity, facilitating predictive maintenance and optimized construction processes.
Implementation Method 1
performing a time domain reflectometry (TDR) measurement using an electrical signal applied to the transmission line probe to establish an effective dielectric constant for the construction material
Implementation Method 2
embedding a device within a construction material comprising at least a microwave circuit for generating and processing microwave signals
Implementation Method 3
allowing the porous material to reach equilibrium with a pore solution within pores in the construction material; measuring the resistivity of the porous material with the pore solution of the construction material
Implementation Method 4
establishing in dependence upon timing information relating to the received acoustic signal an acoustic velocity for the intervening construction material between the another device and the device; determining in dependence upon the acoustic velocity a density measurement of the construction material
Data Source
AI summary
Globally our environment comprises structures built to perform a meet different requirements including residential, commercial, retail, recreational and service infrastructure. Whilst, millions of tons of construction materials are deployed annually the quality control procedures in many instances have not changed to reflect today's demands. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide construction companies, engineering companies, infrastructure owners, regulators, etc. with means to automated testing/characterization of construction materials during at least one of its manufacture, deployment in construction and subsequent infrastructure life. It would be further beneficial for such automated methods to exploit self-contained data acquisition/logging modules allowing them to be employed with ease at the different points in the life cycle of a construction material and/or construction project.