Roadway Surface Imaging for Non-Destructive Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the bulk specific gravity and density of construction materials, particularly asphalt mixtures, are prone to operator-dependent errors, destructive, and lack accuracy due to irregular specimen shapes and water displacement issues, leading to inconsistent quality control in construction projects.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a translation mechanism with material-interacting devices, such as rollers and imaging technology, rotate the construction material sample to non-destructively measure dimensions, volume, and moisture content, minimizing operator judgment and bias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If water displacement methods (Archimedes' principle) are used to determine bulk specific gravity, then the measurement can be obtained, but operator-dependent errors and water displacement issues lead to reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual water displacement methods with an automated imaging system using digital cameras and computer vision algorithms. The system captures images of the specimen in water and air, then automatically calculates bulk specific gravity through image processing, eliminating operator-dependent measurements and improving both precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If dimensional analysis with calipers is used to measure specimen dimensions, then volume can be calculated, but irregular specimen shapes and uneven surfaces reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the specimen's three-dimensional shape through photogrammetry using multiple images captured from different angles. This digital model accurately represents irregular surfaces and shapes, allowing precise volume calculation without physical contact with difficult-to-measure surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional caliper measurements to three-dimensional volumetric analysis by capturing specimens from multiple angles and reconstructing their complete geometry. This dimensional approach naturally handles irregular shapes and uneven surfaces that cannot be adequately measured with linear calipers.
3Measurement precision
If gamma attenuation technology is used to determine electron density, then bulk density can be measured, but the method is destructive and reduces adaptability for further testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gamma radiation-based destructive testing with non-destructive optical imaging methods. Digital cameras capture images of the specimen, and computer vision algorithms extract density and compositional information without altering or damaging the material, preserving it for additional quality control tests.
4Measurement precision
If multiple manual measurements are taken to account for irregular surfaces, then measurement completeness improves, but operator judgment and bias increase device complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing images from multiple angles and using computer vision algorithms to calculate volume and dimensions. The automated image processing eliminates the need for operators to manually measure each irregular surface, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
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, non-destructive measurements of specimen dimensions, volume, and density, enhancing quality control and assurance in construction materials, reducing disputes and improving project outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device to capture images of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a characteristic of a construction material is provided. The method includes imaging the construction material and determining a characteristic of the construction material based off of the imaging.