Patent · US Active

Photoelastic coating for structural monitoring

US8432537B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
35References
21Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 10, 2009
Grant dateApr 30, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 6, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01B11/168
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A photoelastic coating for structural monitoring of bridges, buildings, and other structures comprises an optically translucent or transparent photoelastic layer. The photoelastic coating is applied to the structure as a solvent-based liquid or gel. The photoelastic properties of the photoelastic layer are used to detect stress and strain or plastic deformation in the structure using photoelastic techniques. Also described is a method of structural monitoring comprising applying a photoelastic coating to a structure as a solvent-based liquid or gel. Presence of fringe patterns in the reflected light from the photoelastic layer indicates the presence of stress and strain in the photoelastic layer. Stress and strain in the photoelastic layer indicates stress and strain or plastic deformation in the underlying structure. The invention can be used for detecting when structures have been overloaded or when stress limits have been exceeded.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.