Rheological Probe Concrete Workability Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the workability of fresh concrete are time-consuming and prone to manipulation errors, and using a single calibration table can introduce biases, especially for high strength concrete or mixtures with different viscosities.
Innovation Solution
A system with a rheological probe mounted in a concrete mixer that measures pressure and viscosity, using multiple calibration tables associated with different reference viscosity values to determine workability by comparing measured values to calibration data sets, thereby reducing measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard workability tests (slump test, spread test) are performed manually, then workability indication can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and prone to manipulation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical workability tests with an automated rheological probe system that measures pressure and viscosity parameters electronically. The rheological probe uses a rotating element to measure the concrete's resistance to flow and deformation, converting mechanical properties into electrical signals for automated analysis, thereby eliminating manual manipulation errors and reducing test time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and automated measurements without requiring operator intervention. The rheological probe automatically measures pressure and viscosity, the processor compares readings against stored calibration data, and the system independently determines workability parameters, eliminating the need for manual test execution and interpretation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single calibration table is used for workability determination, then the system is simple to operate, but biases are introduced especially for high strength concrete or mixtures with different viscosities
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration data is segmented into multiple calibration tables, each corresponding to a specific reference viscosity value. The system divides the concrete mixture space into segments based on viscosity ranges, allowing separate calibration curves to be applied to each segment. This segmentation enables accurate workability determination for different concrete types (normal strength, high strength, different aggregate contents) by selecting the appropriate calibration table based on the measured viscosity.
3Productivity
If rheological probe measures pressure at high test speed, then measurement time is reduced, but viscosity effects significantly bias the pressure reading
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct pressure measurement alone with a combined measurement approach using both pressure and viscosity sensors. By measuring viscosity simultaneously, the system can compensate for viscosity effects on pressure readings through computational correction, allowing faster measurements without sacrificing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses viscosity measurement as feedback to correct pressure readings. The measured viscosity value is used by the processor to adjust and compensate the pressure reading, creating a closed-loop measurement system that maintains accuracy even at higher test speeds where viscosity effects would otherwise be significant.
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
This approach provides more accurate and efficient determination of fresh concrete workability by accounting for varying viscosities, reducing biases and improving precision in workability measurements.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a pressure value indicative of a pressure exerted on the rheological probe by the fresh concrete
Implementation Method 2
receiving a viscosity value of the fresh concrete
Data Source
AI summary
The method of handling fresh concrete generally includes the steps of receiving a viscosity value of the fresh concrete and a pressure value of a pressure exerted on a Theological probe moving in the fresh concrete; using a processor, accessing at least two calibration data sets, the at least two calibration data sets including combinations of different reference pressure values and associated reference workability values for a corresponding one of at least two reference viscosity values; determining a viscosity difference value by comparing the received viscosity value to the at least two reference viscosity values; and determining a workability value of the workability of the fresh concrete based on the reference workability values associated with reference pressure values corresponding to the received pressure value in the at least two calibration data sets and on the viscosity difference value; and handling the fresh concrete based on the determined workability value.