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SoundPrint:
Continuous Acoustic Monitoring for Structures
The Need
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The effective evaluation and
management of corrosion in unbonded post-tensioned tendons requires an understanding of
the causes of corrosion as well as an appreciation of the measures required to mitigate
future corrosion. Present evaluation methods have been unsuccessful in
accurately assessing the existing condition of post-tensioned
structures. Continuous
monitoring technology allows engineers to locate future failures so that property owners
can implement cost-effective management strategies. |
The spot where all four circles overlap in
the shaded area indicates where the break occurred
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The Technology
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An acoustic monitoring system, SoundPrint®
has been developed which allows continuous monitoring of entire structures. Acoustic
energy released when a prestressed wire breaks is detected by sensors mounted on the
structure. The information generated by the sensors is transmitted to an on-site data
acquisition and signal processing unit. Recorded data is downloaded periodically to a
processing centre, where proprietary software is used to analyse and classify events. Reports are issued tabulating the time and location of probable wire breaks.
This information helps structural engineers and their clients to ensure long-term
structural integrity through periodic replacement of broken tendons. The ability to
calculate the frequency of wire breaks allows statistical techniques to be used to predict
the probability of future failure rates and to assess the probable extent of past
failures. Budgets for future repairs can then be developed.
Localized areas of high failure rates may indicate structural
inadequacy, requiring further investigation and possible repair. |
Acoustic sensors
Console
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The Benefits
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SoundPrint® Acoustic
Monitoring Technology "listens" to structures for wire or strand failure...24
hours a day. And it's non-destructive.
SoundPrint® Analyst
software identifies, locates and reports prestressing failures so that deterioration can
be managed pro-actively and cost-effectively.
Results from installed
systems have shown that structures can be maintained in satisfactory condition at a
fraction of the cost of large scale repairs.
The structures can be
monitored continuously from remote place via the Internet.
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Status
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SoundPrint was invented in
1994 to address concerns about corrosion in unbonded building and parking structures in
Western Canada. Pure Technologies, of Calgary, Alberta, is currently marketing this
innovation for two applications in highway. This technology is currently under evaluation
of CERF's HITEC. Testing of the system for use on grouted
post-tensioned bridges is presently underway in the United Kingdom and applications on
suspension bridge cables and cable stays are anticipated in the near future. |
Barriers
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Applications on on grouted post-tensioned of this technology is still under evaluation. |
Points of Contact
- Jack Elliott, P.Eng., Vice President & General Manager,
1050, 340 - 12 Ave. S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 1L5, Phone: (800)537-2806, (403) 266-6794
Fax: (403) 266-6570, E-mail: jack.elliott@soundprint.com
References
- J.
F. Elliott, P.Eng., Guidelines for Inspection and Evaluation of Unbonded Post-tensioned
Structures, Pure Technologies Ltd.
- Jack Elliott , Morris Schupack and Scott Greenhaus,
Investigation, Repair and Monitoring of Unbonded Post-tensioned Tendons, Pure
Technologies Ltd.
- Jack Elliott and Daniel J. McCarthy, Continuous
Monitoring of Existing Prestressed Concrete Structures: Applications & Results, Pure
Technologies Ltd.
Disclaimer Statement
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Neither the Construction
Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this
technology or represents
that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation. |
MA22
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