Non-contact inspection system for large concrete structures
US6823737B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/015
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for performing non-contact inspection of large concrete structures such as dams. A phrased array acoustic source transmits an acoustic wave onto the concrete structure. A laser transmitter-receiver unit transmits a laser beam onto the surface of the structure such that the beam is modulated by the acoustic wave and reflected back to the receiver portion of the unit. The acoustic wave will be distorted by defects or anomalies in the concrete structure and this will affect the signal content of the received laser beam. The laser beam is ultimately converted into a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional tomographic image for further processing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.