US 12,000,095 B1 · Systems and computer-implemented methods for analyzing transfer of force through pavement slabs

Abstract

A system for pavement slab analysis based on data regarding transfer of force through a sensing volume responsive to exertion of weight on the sensing volume by passing objects including a precast pavement slab defining the sensing volume and having a top surface, a plurality of strain gauges embedded in the pavement slab within the sensing volume, and load-transferring connector(s) attaching the pavement slab to an adjacent slab. The strain gauges are distributed across an XY coordinate plane parallel to the top surface. The system also includes a processing element and computer-readable instructions for receipt of electrical signals from the strain gauges and to analysis of the electrical signals to determine one or more of the following: (A) risk of a structural defect in the pavement slab, (B) risk of a problem with underlying sub-grade beneath the pavement slab, and (C) movement of the passing objects across the top surface.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A computer-implemented method for pavement slab analysis based on data regarding transfer of force through a sensing volume responsive to exertion of weight on the sensing volume by passing objects, the method comprising:

receiving, at a processing element, electrical signals from a plurality of strain gauges embedded in a precast pavement slab defining the sensing volume, the plurality of strain gauges being distributed across an XY coordinate plane, the XY plane being parallel to a top surface of the pavement slab;
and
analyzing, at the processing element, the electrical signals to determine one or more of the following:
(A) risk of a structural defect in the pavement slab, (B) risk of a problem with underlying sub-grade beneath the pavement slab, and (C) movement of the passing objects across the top surface;
the pavement slab being attached to an adjacent slab with one or more load-transferring connectors.

2 more elements

A system for pavement slab analysis based on data regarding transfer of force through a sensing volume responsive to exertion of weight on the sensing volume by passing objects, the system comprising:

a precast pavement slab defining the sensing volume and having a top surface;
a plurality of strain gauges embedded in the pavement slab within the sensing volume, the plurality of strain gauges being distributed across an XY coordinate plane, the XY plane being parallel to the top surface;
one or more load-transferring connectors attaching the pavement slab to an adjacent slab;
and
a processing element and non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions instructing the processing element to perform the following steps—
receive electrical signals from the plurality of strain gauges,
analyze the electrical signals to determine one or more of the following:
(A) risk of a structural defect in the pavement slab, (B) risk of a problem with underlying sub-grade beneath the pavement slab, and
(C) movement of the passing objects across the top surface.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and computer-implemented methods for analyzing transfer of force through pavement slabs

Life of this patent

Systems and computer-implemented methods for analyzing transfer of force through pavement slabs

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20