Abstract: A system for measuring a deflection has a base, a first laser directed downwardly toward an underlying surface at an acute angle, a second laser in spaced relation to the first laser and directed downwardly toward the underlying surface at an approximately vertical angle, a third laser affixed to the base in spaced relation to the second laser and directed downwardly toward the underlying surface at an acute angle in a direction toward the second laser, a camera directed toward the points of reflectance of the lasers with the underlying surface, and a processor cooperative with the camera so as to measure a distance between the points of reflectance of the first and second lasers and measuring the distance between the points of reflectance of the second and third lasers. The processor compares the measured distances so as to produce an angle of deflection of the underlying surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting scour conditions adjacent a pier has a pipe with a plurality of holes formed through a wall of the pipes in spaced relation to each other along a length of the pipe, a plurality of porous plugs affixed respectively in the plurality of holes, a plurality of tubes connected respectively to the plurality of porous plugs, a pump connected to the tubes for passing compressed air through the plurality of tubes to the plugs, and a monitor connected to the tubes for measuring a rate of pressure bleed-off from the plurality of tubes. The pipe extends in a vertical orientation adjacent to the bridge pier and extends into the earth adjacent the bridge pier. The plurality of porous plugs are spaced at equal intervals from each other.

Abstract: A method for determining a length of a pile which includes the steps of affixing a plurality of sound sensors in a vertical array adjacent to the pile, generating an elastic wave adjacent the pile such that the elastic wave propagates through or from the pile, radiating the elastic wave from the pile such that the sound sensors receive the radiated elastic wave, and analyzing the radiated elastic wave so as to determine the length of the pile. The elastic wave can be radiated so as to create upwardly propagating waves and downwardly propagating waves within the pile. The radiated elastic waves can also produce refracted elastic waves along a length of the pile and diffracted elastic waves at a bottom of the pile. The data from the radiated elastic waves is analyzed so as to be determinative of the length of the pile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring bottom scour adjacent a foundation structure extending into the bottom of a stream of flowing water is disclosed. An elastic wave source is used for transmitting elastic waves through the water, the scour zone, and the bottom adjacent the foundation structure. The elastic waves are transmitted directly to an array of receivers and indirectly through the foundation structure to produce refracted signals that also travel to the receivers. The array of receivers are adapted for substantially vertical positioning such that a portion of the receivers will sense elastic waves that travel through the water above the scour, a portion will sense elastic waves that travel through the scour, and a portion will sense elastic waves that travel through the bottom adjacent the structure. Means are utilized for recording the time required for the elastic waves to reach each receiver to measure the depth of scour next to the foundation structure.