Remote Concrete ASR Detection System with UV Fluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in situ methods for detecting alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) in concrete are invasive, impractical, and lack the necessary features for ergonomic and operator-friendly use, such as proper UV light exposure, image capture capabilities, and safety during inspections.
Innovation Solution
A remote inspection system equipped with a mirrorless camera, short-wave UV lights, and daylight sources, which can be controlled remotely, allowing for safe and efficient detection of ASR in concrete structures without the need for an eyepiece or continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional in situ inspection methods are used, then ASR detection can be performed, but the operator must hold bulky apparatus while standing on ladders, creating safety hazards and limiting accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into separate functional modules: a remote control unit and a handheld inspection apparatus. The inspection apparatus includes the UV light source, camera, and housing, while the remote control unit handles operation and image retrieval. This segmentation allows the operator to perform inspections from a safe distance without needing to physically contact or closely approach hazardous structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote control unit as an intermediary between the operator and the inspection apparatus. The operator controls the inspection apparatus remotely through wireless communication, eliminating the need for direct physical handling of the apparatus during inspection. This intermediary system enables safe operation in difficult-to-reach locations while maintaining full control over the inspection process.
2Measurement precision
If conventional inspection apparatus are used, then ASR detection is possible, but ambient light interference prevents clear observation of fluorescent signals
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus takes preliminary anti-action by actively blocking ambient light before it can interfere with the fluorescence observation. The housing incorporates light-tight sealing and opaque materials to prevent external light from entering the observation chamber. This proactive light blocking ensures that only the UV-induced fluorescence from the concrete surface is visible, eliminating ambient light interference completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optically inert environment within the inspection apparatus housing by using opaque materials and light-tight seals. This inert optical atmosphere isolates the fluorescence observation from external light contamination, allowing clear detection of the yellowish-green fluorescent signals that indicate ASR presence without any ambient light interference.
3Loss of information
If conventional apparatus without image capture are used, then inspection can be performed, but observations cannot be documented for later analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the handheld inspection apparatus: UV light emission, fluorescence observation, and digital image capture are integrated into a single device. The camera is positioned to capture images through the observation chamber, automatically recording the fluorescent signals for later analysis. This merging eliminates the need for separate documentation equipment while maintaining relatively simple system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates optical copies of the fluorescent signals by capturing images of the ASR-affected concrete surfaces. These digital copies preserve the inspection results for later review and analysis, allowing operators to document findings without altering the original observation process. The copied images serve as permanent records of the inspection results.
4Reliability
If fixed UV light position is used, then apparatus structure is simple, but specimen surface cannot be properly exposed to UV light
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is made dynamic by allowing it to rotate or adjust its position relative to the concrete surface. This dynamic positioning enables the operator to properly expose various areas of the specimen surface to UV light, ensuring complete coverage and accurate fluorescence detection. The dynamic light source adapts to different inspection scenarios while maintaining relatively simple apparatus structure.
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 precise and non-invasive detection of ASR, allowing for safer and more efficient inspections, with the ability to capture and document images for later analysis, thereby improving the assessment of concrete structures.
Implementation Method 1
The test involves treating a concrete specimen with uranyl acetate, which can replace the cations in ASR gel with UO2+ ions, which produce a characteristic yellowish-green fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet (UV) light.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure include a remote inspection system for detecting and assessing the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in situ in concrete, the system including an image acquisition device capable of excluding ambient light from a concrete surface and being placed against and imaging the concrete surface, the image acquisition device comprising a mirrorless camera and daylight and short-range UV light sources wherein the light sources and mirrorless camera are capable of being controlled remotely.Aspects of the present disclosure includes a method of inspecting in situ the level of ASR present in concrete, including placing an image acquisition device as described above. In yet another aspects, the method further includes acquiring at least one image of said concrete surface prior to treatment with uranyl acetate to assess natural fluorescence in the concrete and acquiring at least one image of said concrete surface after treatment with uranyl acetate.