Abstract: The invention proposes a system for obtaining information relating to a pipe (4) conveying a flow of fluid (28), and/or relating to the fluid. This system comprises a module (1;30) comprising means (10) of acquiring data, subsequent analysis of which makes it possible to obtain information relating to the pipe and/or the fluid, and means (11) of storing the data which said data acquisition means acquire, the self-contained module being arranged to be pushed by the fluid flow after being introduced into the pipe. It also comprises a mechanical link (2) which is connected to the self-contained module and accessible from outside the pipe.

Abstract: Method for the analysis of the thermal behaviour of a structure including an energy-consuming appliance for providing a thermal environment by heating or cooling, the structure being modelled using a thermal model so that a relationship between a theoretical consumption by said appliance and a reference temperature inside the structure satisfies a determined criterion. According to this method, an actual consumption by said appliance, a temperature actually obtained inside the structure and at least one parameter relating to a use of the structure are measured; a variation between the aforesaid relationship and a corresponding relationship between the actual consumption by said appliance and the temperature actually obtained inside the structure are estimated; and when the estimated variation exceeds a threshold, a contribution relating to the use of the structure to said variation is estimated by taking account of said measured parameter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for detecting a rupture inside a portion (6; 12; 13; 15) at least of one structure, delimited by a first (7; 16) and a second (7; 17) reference points of the structure, said portion having a predetermined stiffness in the absence of rupture and being subjected to a tensile or compressive stress (F). The method includes the following steps: detecting at least one length variation inside the portion of the structure, in response to a variation (?F) of the tensile or compressive stress applied to said portion; deducing from the detected variation length, the existence or not of a rupture inside said portion of the structure.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system for obtaining information relating to a pipe (4) conveying a flow of fluid (28), and/or relating to the fluid. This system comprises a module (1;30) comprising means (10) of acquiring data, subsequent analysis of which makes it possible to obtain information relating to the pipe and/or the fluid, and means (11) of storing the data which said data acquisition means acquire, the self-contained module being arranged to be pushed by the fluid flow after being introduced into the pipe. It also comprises a mechanical link (2) which is connected to the self-contained module and accessible from outside the pipe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for detecting a rupture inside a portion (6; 12; 13; 15) at least of one structure, delimited by a first (7; 16) and a second (7; 17) reference points of the structure, said portion having a predetermined stiffness in the absence of rupture and being subjected to a tensile or compressive stress (F). The method includes the following steps: detecting at least one length variation inside the portion of the structure, in response to a variation (?F) of the tensile or compressive stress applied to said portion; deducing from the detected variation length, the existence or not of a rupture inside said portion of the structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assisting an operator in surveying defects on a building site which consists in providing him with a portable terminal displaying images of the works and inputting data concerning his observations, under the control of a software operating with a database of the works, comprising files defining the images displayed on the terminal graphic interface, data structures relating respectively to types of defects liable to occur in the works, and if any, descriptive data of defects previously observed on the works, organized in accordance with the associated data structures. In response to the selection of a type of fault by the operator, said software activates a dialogue, by means of the associated data structure, to input parameters describing said defects, which are used to constitute a representation of the defect on the image displayed on the graphic interface and to update the data describing the defects.

Abstract: Displacement measuring means are fixed onto the structural element. A hole is drilled in the measurement zone and a supply pressure is applied to a flat actuator introduced into the hole. The displacements measured are analyzed as a function of the supply pressure to determine the stress from a supply pressure which roughly compensates for the deformation of the element due to the drilling of the hole. The measuring means comprise two arms that are fixed to the element at two respective anchoring points aligned parallel to a measuring direction, and at least two displacement sensors mounted on the arms on each side of the anchoring points to measure the variations in separation between the anchoring points. The arms leave between them a gap through which the hole is drilled at a central position with respect to the anchoring points.

Abstract: Displacement measuring means (15, 16) are fixed onto the structural element. A hole (20, 21) is pierced in the measurement zone and a supply pressure is applied to a flat actuator introduced into the hole. The displacements measured are analyzed as a function of the supply pressure to determine the stress from a supply pressure which roughly compensates for the deformation of the element due to the piercing of the hole. The measuring means comprise two arms (15) that are fixed to the element at two respective anchoring points (X) aligned parallel to a measuring direction, and at least two displacement sensors (16) mounted on the arms on each side of the anchoring points to measure the variations in separation between the anchoring points. The arms (15) leave between them a gap through which the hole is pierced at a central position with respect to the anchoring points.

Abstract: In order to measure in situ the residual tension F1 of a pre-stressed bar braced between two anchorages, the two-way propagation time T1 of an ultra-sonic wave between the two ends of the bar is measured, and F1 is evaluated by the formula F1=F0+kb.(T1−T0). During a preliminary calibration carried out without demounting, the bar is subjected to a variable traction effort F.

Abstract: In order to measure in situ the residual tension F1 of a pre-stressed bar braced between two anchorages, the two-way propagation time T1 of an ultra-sonic wave between the two ends of the bar is measured, and F1 is evaluated by the formula