Analysing load bearing members
AssigneeStrainsonics Limited
InventorsPeter Seaman, Philip Brian Harper
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of analysing a load bearing member (12), comprises providing the load bearing member in a condition in which it is secured to a formation with a securing assembly (14). A predetermined load is applied to the load bearing member, thereby stressing the securing assembly. A signal is transmitted through a component (24, 108) of the securing assembly transverse to the direction at which the load is applied, and a measurement is taken of an effect on the signal to determine the aforesaid load.
Claims40
A method of analysing a load bearing member, comprising providing the load bearing member in a condition in which it is secured to a formation with a securing assembly, applying a load to the load bearing member, thereby stressing the securing assembly, transmitting a signal through a component of the securing assembly transverse to the direction at which the load is applied, and taking a measurement of an effect on the signal to determine the aforesaid load.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the measurement of the effect on the signal comprises a measurement of the frequency or frequency variation of the signal and/or a measurement of the amplitude or amplitude variation.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the aforesaid component of the securing assembly extends transverse to the load bearing member, and the stressing of the aforesaid component of the securing assembly causes the aforesaid component of the securing assembly to deform.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of transmitting the signal comprises providing an emission point on the aforesaid component of the securing assembly, and emitting the signal from said emission point to a face of the aforesaid component of the securing assembly.
A method according to any preceding claim, comprising transmitting a plurality of signals through the aforesaid component of the securing assembly, and taking a measurement of an effect on each signal to determine the aforesaid load.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of taking the, or each, measurement comprises emitting from a signal emission device at an emission face, a signal to be transmitted through the aforesaid component of the securing assembly transverse to the direction of the load applied to the load bearing member.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the, or each, measurement is taken during elastic load deformation of the aforesaid component of the securing assembly.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein a first signal is transmitted through a region of the aforesaid component of the securing assembly that is in tension during said stressing of the component, and a second signal is transmitted through a region of the aforesaid component of the securing assembly that is in compression during said stressing of the component.
A component of a securing assembly, said securing assembly being for use in securing a load bearing member, wherein the component of the securing assembly comprises body having at least one face and a plurality of marked signal emitting points on the, or at least one, face.
A method of analysing a load bearing member substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A component of a securing assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A securing assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.