Ultrasonic borescope for drilled shaft inspection

An ultrasonic penetrometer, comprising:

• an enclosure including a channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the channel is tapered outward from the first end to the second end such that the second end is wider than the first end;
• an ultrasound sensor provided at the first end of the channel and configured to generate an ultrasound signal through the second end of the channel, wherein an output from the ultrasound sensor is used to determine a thickness or stiffness of sediment;
• and
• a rod having a proximal end facing the ultrasound sensor and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the rod being configured to move relative to the enclosure and the distal end being configured to contact the sediment, wherein the enclosure is configured to be fluid-tight relative to an exterior of the enclosure such that the generated ultrasound signal travels in a single medium.

An ultrasonic penetrometer, comprising:

• an enclosure including a channel having a first end and a second end;
• an ultrasound sensor provided at the first end of the channel and configured to generate an ultrasound signal through the second end of the channel, wherein an output from the ultrasound sensor is used to determine a thickness or stiffness of sediment;
• a rod having a proximal end facing the ultrasound sensor and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the rod being configured to move relative to the enclosure and the distal end being configured to contact the sediment, wherein the enclosure is configured to be fluid-tight relative to an exterior of the enclosure such that the generated ultrasound signal travels in a single medium;
• and
• at least one seal configured to seal the channel, wherein the seal is an O-ring surrounding the channel and/or the rod.