Vincent P Drnevich

US Patent:

7040145, May 9, 2006

Filed:

Feb 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/779899

Inventors:

Vincent P. Drnevich - West Lafayette IN, US
Xiong Yu - West Lafayette IN, US

Assignee:

Purdue Research Foundation - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

G01N 25/56
G01N 5/02
G01R 27/04
G01R 27/32

US Classification:

73 73, 324643

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for measuring dry density and gravimetric water content of soil includes the steps of providing a plurality of spikes adapted to be driven into the soil and driving the spikes into the soil in spaced relationship. An electrical signal is applied to the spikes and a reflected signal is analyzed using time domain reflectometry to determine an apparent dielectric constant and the bulk electrical conductivity of the soil. With these parameters, the dry density and gravimetric water content of the soil can be calculated using a predetermined relationship between apparent dielectric constant, bulk electrical conductivity, dry density and gravimetric water content. The predetermined relationship includes experimentally determined soil specific calibration constants. The calculated value of the bulk electrical conductivity as determined by time domain reflectometry is adjusted to correspond to a value for which values of the constants are known. The value of the apparent dielectric constant is adjusted to compensate for temperature.

US Patent:

7289916, Oct 30, 2007

Filed:

Feb 28, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/067867

Inventors:

Vincent P. Drnevich - West Lafayette IN, US
Xiong Yu - Cleveland OH, US

Assignee:

Purdue Research Foundation - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

702 43, 702 53, 702138, 702189

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus using time domain reflectometry to determine electrical properties of concrete for calculating physical and mechanical properties of the concrete that are indicative of concrete quality and durability. The dielectric constant of a concrete is determined to calculate the gravimetric water content of the concrete for use in finding the water-cement ratio of the concrete. Electrical conductivity of curing concrete is determined to calculate compressive strength of the concrete for use in predicting strength development in the concrete.

US Patent:

6215317, Apr 10, 2001

Filed:

Apr 27, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/300208

Inventors:

Shafiqul I. Siddiqui - Mishawaka IN
Vincent P. Drnevich - West Lafayette IN

Assignee:

Purdue Research Foundation - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

G01R 2704
G01R 2728

US Classification:

324643

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for measuring in-place soil density and moisture content. A cylindrical cell is disclosed which may be used to measure the density and the dielectric constant of a soil sample placed within the cylindrical cell. Also disclosed is a multiple rod probe which is designed to contact spikes driven into the ground to measure the in-place dielectric constant of soil. The multiple rod probe includes adjustable studs which ensure complete contact with the spikes. Both measurements are performed using time domain reflectometry. The present invention develops equations for determining the density of the soil in-place from the measured dielectric constant of the soil in-place and the measured density and dielectric constant of the soil in the cylindrical cell.

US Patent:

58015370, Sep 1, 1998

Filed:

Aug 30, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/705606

Inventors:

Shafiqul I. Siddiqui - Mishawaka IN
Vincent P. Drnevich - West Lafayette IN

Assignee:

Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Transfer - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

G01N 2204
G01R 2726

US Classification:

324643

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for measuring in-place soil density and moisture content. A cylindrical cell is disclosed which may be used to measure the density and the dielectric constant of a soil sample placed within the cylindrical cell. Also disclosed is a multiple rod probe which is designed to contact spikes driven into the ground to measure the in-place dielectric constant of soil. The multiple rod probe includes adjustable studs which ensure complete contact with the spikes. Both measurements are performed using time domain reflectometry. The present invention develops equations for determining the density of the soil in-place from the measured dielectric constant of the soil in-place and the measured density and dielectric constant of the soil in the cylindrical cell.

US Patent:

59330155, Aug 3, 1999

Filed:

Jun 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/098908

Inventors:

Shafiqul I. Siddiqui - Mishawaka IN
Vincent P. Drnevich - West Lafayette IN

Assignee:

Purdue Research Foundation - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

G01R 2726

US Classification:

324643

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for measuring in-place soil density and moisture content. A cylindrical cell is disclosed which may be used to measure the density and the dielectric constant of a soil sample placed within the cylindrical cell. Also disclosed is a multiple rod probe which is designed to contact spikes driven into the ground to measure the in-place dielectric constant of soil. The multiple rod probe includes adjustable studs which ensure complete contact with the spikes. Both measurements are performed using time domain reflectometry. The present invention develops equations for determining the density of the soil in-place from the measured dielectric constant of the soil in-place and the measured density and dielectric constant of the soil in the cylindrical cell.