Underwater Bottom Mechanical Testing via Pressure Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the mechanical properties of an underwater bottom, particularly a mass of rocks, disrupt the coherence of the rocks, leading to inaccurate measurements and reduced load-bearing capacity, especially in shallow layers or with large rock dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support frame and pressure plate that allows for force application without penetration, using a pressure plate that can move laterally and is connected to a drive rod with a ball joint, allowing for accurate displacement and force measurement while minimizing disruption to the underwater bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test probe is driven vertically into the underwater bottom, then the mechanical properties can be measured, but the underwater bottom is disturbed and the coherence of rocks is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the testing system and the underwater bottom. The pressure plate distributes the applied load over a larger area and presses against the bottom surface without penetrating into the rock mass, thereby measuring mechanical properties while preserving the coherence and in-situ conditions of the underwater bottom.
2Measurement precision
If a cone penetrometer is pushed into the bottom, then penetration resistance is measured, but the underwater bottom is disturbed and load-bearing capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate serves as a non-penetrating intermediary that applies controlled pressure to the underwater bottom surface. This allows measurement of mechanical response and load-bearing capacity without the disruptive penetration action of conventional cone penetrometers, thereby preserving the in-situ strength and integrity of the bottom structure.
3Measurement precision
If a sample of the bottom is taken for mechanical testing, then mechanical properties can be determined, but the underwater bottom is disturbed and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate enables in-situ mechanical testing by directly applying load to the underwater bottom surface and measuring the resulting deformation. This eliminates the need to extract samples, thereby determining mechanical properties while maintaining the integrity and undisturbed state of the underwater bottom.
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
Enables representative mechanical property determination of the underwater bottom without disturbing its structure, providing reliable data for foundation analysis in water-based projects.
Implementation Method 1
pressing means for pressing the pressure plate against the bottom with a force; means for measuring the displacement of the pressure plate during pressing
Data Source
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AI summary
Described are a device and method for determining the mechanical properties of an underwater bottom. The device comprises a support frame which provides a fixed support relative to an underwater bottom; and also means for carrying the support frame onto the underwater bottom. Accommodated in the support frame are a pressure plate and pressing means for pressing the pressure plate against the underwater bottom with a force; means for measuring the displacement of the pressure plate during pressing; and computing means allow mechanical properties of the underwater bottom to be determined from the measured displacement and the force.