Structural monitoring sensor system

A method of monitoring the corrosion of metallic reinforcing elements which are subject to corrosion by environmental elements in a concrete structure having an outer surface, a cavity in the outer surface, the cavity being defined by an interior surface, said method comprising the following steps:

• (a) inserting a monitoring assembly into said cavity, said monitoring assembly having a probe which has an end surface and is made of a material which is subject to corrosion by said environmental forces, said probe being biased toward said interior surface so that said end surface engages the interior surface of said cavity and said probe is movable relative to said interior surface as a result of corrosion of said end surface by said environmental forces, said monitoring assembly having a detector for indicating movement of said probe relative to said interior surface;
• (b) sealing said probe from contact from said environmental forces except for said end surface said sealing means allowing said probe to move relative to said interior surface as a result of corrosion at said end surface;
• and
• (c) closing the opening of said cavity.

A method of monitoring the corrosion of metallic reinforcing elements which are subject to corrosion by environmental elements in a concrete structure having an outer surface, said method comprising the following steps:

• (a) forming a bore in the outer surface of said concrete, said bore being defined by an interior surface and an opening at said outer surface;
• (b) inserting a monitoring assembly into said bore, said monitoring assembly having a probe which has an end surface and is made of a material which is subject to corrosion by said environmental forces, said probe being biased toward said interior surface so that said end surface engages the interior surface of said bore and said probe is movable relative to said interior surface as a result of corrosion of said end surface by said environmental forces, said monitoring assembly having a detector for indicating movement of said probe relative to said interior surface;
• (c) employing sealing means for sealing said probe from contact from said environmental forces except for said end surface said sealing means allowing said probe to move relative to said interior surface as a result of corrosion at said end surface;
• and
• (d) closing the opening of said bore.

A corrosion monitor for a concrete structure having an outer surface and containing metallic reinforcing elements which are subject to corrosion by corrosive environmental forces, said corrosion monitor comprising:

• (a) a housing;
• (b) fastening means for fixing said housing to said surface;
• (c) a rigid probe of material which is subject to corrosion by said environmental forces, said probe having an end surface, said probe being located within said cavity so that said end surface engages the surface of said concrete structure;
• (d) biasing means for biasing said probe toward said outer surface so that said end surface is maintained in engagement with said outer surface and to enable said probe to move relative to said outer surface as a result of corrosion at said end surface by said environmental forces;
• (e) a detector operatively connected to said probe for indicating movement of said probe relative to said outer surface;
• and
• (f) sealing means for protecting said probe from contact from said environmental forces except through the contact of end surface with said outer surface while allowing said probe to move relative to said outer surface.

A mechanical integrity monitor for a concrete structure having a target surface, said concrete structure being subject to degradation which results in the loss of compressive strength of the concrete structure, said mechanical integrity monitor comprising:

• (a) a housing having an access opening;
• (b) fastening means for fixing said housing to said surface so that said access opening is at said target surface;
• (c) a rigid probe of having an end surface, said probe being located within said cavity so that said end surface engages said target surface;
• (d) biasing means for biasing said probe toward said target surface so that said end surface is maintained in engagement with said target surface and to enable said probe to move relative to said target surface as a result of mechanical degradation of said concrete structure at said target surface;
• (e) a detector operatively connected to said probe for indicating movement of said probe relative to said target surface;
• and
• (f) sealing means for sealing said access opening and said target surface from the environment outside of said housing, forces except through the contact of end surface with said outer surface while allowing said probe to move relative to said target surface.