Monitoring of concrete vessels and structures
First Claim
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1. A method of inspection of concrete structures which comprises:
- a) conducting a base test by loading the structure with a base load which is considerably in excess of the load to which the structure is exposed in normal use, b) removing the base load, c) subsequently conducting at least one further test by loading the structure with a test load equal to or less than the base load, and exerting loading in approximately the same location as the test load;
d) noting acoustic signals (if any) which are detected by at least one sensor in contact with the structure while the structure is loaded with the test load.
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Abstract
Microcracking in concrete structures is monitored acoustically. The resulting signals can be used to determine corrosion of metal reinforcing wires or rods, or damage occurring from accident or seismic events.
22 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of inspection of concrete structures which comprises:
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a) conducting a base test by loading the structure with a base load which is considerably in excess of the load to which the structure is exposed in normal use, b) removing the base load, c) subsequently conducting at least one further test by loading the structure with a test load equal to or less than the base load, and exerting loading in approximately the same location as the test load;
d) noting acoustic signals (if any) which are detected by at least one sensor in contact with the structure while the structure is loaded with the test load. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 11, 13)
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4. A method of inspecting concrete structures which comprises
(a) loading the structure to a loading where microcracking occurs, (b) determining the acoustic signature acoustic events arising from of microcracking in the structure (c) subsequently monitoring the structure for acoustic events having that acoustic signature.
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8. A method of inspection of structures which comprises,
a) positioning at least three acoustic sensors in locations to sense acoustic waves within the structure, b) monitoring the output of such sensors, c) if and when such sensors detect signals characteristic of concrete microcracking, determining the probable origin of such signals, and d) inspecting the structure in the vicinity of the probable origin for evidence of damage.
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9. A method of inspection of A concrete structure which is suspected to be damaged which comprises
(a) placing two acoustic sensors to monitor acoustic events occurring in the concrete of the structure, one such acoustic sensor being placed proximate to the suspected damaged area and one acoustic sensor being placed remote from the suspected damaged area in an area believed to be undamaged (b) loading the structure equally at the locations of the two sensors, (c) gradually increasing the loading equally at the locations of the two sensors, and (d) noting whether acoustic events are detected by the sensor proximate the suspected damaged area at a loading at which similar acoustic events are not detected at the sensor remote from the suspected damaged area.
Specification