Surface Wave Strength Estimation for Below-Grade Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the compressive strength of concrete, especially below-grade portions, are inefficient, costly, and disruptive, requiring excavation and labor-intensive processes that can damage the structure and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
Estimate compressive strength using surface wave speed measurements without excavation by driving rods through the earth and into contact with the below-grade concrete, utilizing accelerometers to measure wave speed and apply regression analysis or machine learning algorithms for accurate estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If core-sampling is used to test compressive strength, then accurate results are obtained, but the process is expensive, time-consuming, and requires excavation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical core-sampling and laboratory compression testing system with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. Surface waves are generated on the concrete surface and detected by sensors to determine compressive strength, eliminating the need for physical core extraction and laboratory testing, thus providing rapid field measurements without excavation.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete structure itself serves as the test medium by naturally supporting and transmitting surface waves. The wave propagation characteristics through the concrete provide direct information about its compressive strength, eliminating the need for separate sampling and testing procedures.
2Ease of operation
If penetration test or rebound test is used, then compressive strength can be estimated, but excavation is required for below-grade concrete which is labor-intensive and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical penetration tests and rebound tests that require excavation with an acoustic wave-based system. Surface waves are generated and detected on or near the concrete surface to estimate compressive strength, eliminating the need for dangerous excavation operations and heavy machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surface waves as an intermediary to indirectly measure compressive strength without direct contact or excavation. The waves propagate through the concrete and carry information about its mechanical properties, allowing non-invasive testing of both above-grade and below-grade portions.
3Measurement precision
If excavation is performed to expose below-grade concrete, then testing can be conducted, but costs increase and disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the excavation-based testing approach with a non-invasive acoustic wave system. Sensors and wave generation devices are placed on or near the surface to measure compressive strength of below-grade concrete without any excavation, thereby eliminating associated costs and disruptions to structures or utilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the concrete's mechanical properties by measuring surface wave propagation characteristics. This acoustic fingerprint serves as a copy or representation of the concrete's compressive strength, allowing indirect measurement without physical access through excavation.
4Productivity
If multiple batches of concrete are used, then construction can proceed, but homogeneity decreases leading to cracks and weaknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a quality feedback system by rapidly measuring compressive strength at multiple locations including below-grade portions. This allows immediate detection of strength variations between different concrete batches, enabling real-time quality control and identification of potential homogeneity issues before they lead to structural problems.
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 rapid, accurate, and safe estimation of compressive strength for both above- and below-grade concrete, reducing costs and minimizing disruptions, suitable for high-volume projects and various terrains.
Implementation Method 1
determining a speed of surface waves in the concrete foundation
Implementation Method 2
utilizing accelerometers to measure wave speed
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for estimating the strength of a concrete foundation. The disclosed systems and methods can be used to estimate compressive strength of below-grade concrete without excavation. A method of estimating compressive strength may include determining compressive strength measurements corresponding to surface wave speeds for a plurality of concrete test specimens, determining a speed of surface waves in the concrete foundation, and estimating compressive strength of the concrete foundation based on the compressive strength measurements and corresponding surface wave speeds for the plurality of concrete test specimens and the speed of surface waves in the concrete foundation.