Embeddable corrosion monitoring-instrument for steel reinforced structures

Abstract

A system for monitoring the material changes in a structure through the use of monitoring instruments (40) is shown in Figure 1. The instruments (40) have at least one sensor (16, 48, 50, 160) with electrodes (42, 44, 52, 54, 56) in contact with the surrounding materials and electronics that are contained within the instrument. The sensor signals are converted to digital and transmitted to an external data logger or computer for display of the signals. The connection between the microcontroller (30) and the data logger can be either through hardwire (60) or RF. Power is provided to the electronic sensors through either external or local methods. A power management system (16) can be used to place the electronics in sleep mode when not in use. The electronics are encapsulated within potting material within an instrument case (600) that is manufactured from a material having a flexural modulus equal to, or greater than, the surrounding material to prevent mechanical failure of the device before failure of the surrounding material. The case has protective trays (540, 560) to protect the electrodes (42, 44, 52, 54, 56) and rounded adjacent connection lengths to prevent the case from developing cracks.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a device for monitoring corrosion and other structural changes in steel reinforced structures such as concrete bridges, driveways and load supports. This instrument is fully embedded and forms a permanent component of the structure. Background technique [0002] Corrosion monitoring is a recognized problem and addressed by the prior art. Unfortunately, this prior art has too many shortcomings to allow for more accurate readings. Furthermore, these prior art techniques focus on specially designed instruments embedded in reinforced concrete structures to monitor parameters related to galvanic corrosion and cannot be used for other purposes. These prior art corrosion monitors embed electrodes containing probes in the concrete with a cable connecting the electrodes to electronics and power sources outside the structure. While doing so allows easy access to the electronics and power supply, the system has the disadvantage...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While doing so allows easy access to the electronics and power supply, the system has the disadvantage of affecting the accuracy of the readings as the length and accuracy of the cables between the electrodes and the analog signal processing electronics are inversely proportional

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