Method for testing integrity of concrete shafts

Abstract

A method for detecting and locating foreign inclusions in a drilled cylindrical shaft includes the steps of positioning at least one logging tube within the drilled shaft in parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the drilled shaft, providing a temperature sensing means, identifying a plurality of temperature locations along the extent of the logging tube, pouring concrete into the drilled shaft, covering the at least one logging tube and monitoring in real time the temperature at various depths and radial directions within the logging tube during the hydration phase of the concrete curing. Temperature readings that differ from expected readings are deemed positioned in the vicinity of an anomalous inclusion. The range over which these anomalous readings are detected, the magnitude of the variance, and the orientation are used to predict the size and location of anomalies prior to the full curing of the concrete.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.