Abstract: A system and method for de-watering porous material, e.g., concrete. In select embodiments, durable, dimensionally stable anodes (DDAs), preferably configured as arrays on a strip, are impressed into the concrete and a pulsed signal is provided by a DC power supply to the DDAs and cathode rods inserted in soil. The DDAs comprise a valve metal substrate mesh having a semi-conductive coating of a precious metal, cement or ceramic. In select embodiments, conducting grout of a hydraulic cement-based mineral-aggregate may be used to emplace the DDAs. In select embodiments, a single cycle of the signal comprises a pulse train consisting of an initial positive pulse followed by a shorter duration negative pulse and ending with a short off period before re-cycling. The cycles continue until the porous material has been sufficiently treated.

Abstract: An Electro-Osmotic Pulse (EOP) system is used to dewater structure, both natural and manmade. Preferably, the system employs durable, dimensionally stable anodes affixed to structure in a configuration designed to maximize electrical contact with the structure and minimize electrode gas generation. The anodes and cathodes are attached to a DC power supply that provides a voltage potential between them. DC power is cycled until the structure has been sufficiently treated. Select embodiments employ perforated metal pipes as cathodes for the purpose of transport and drainage of fluids. In select embodiments of the present invention, the cathodes are connected to variable resistors designed to reduce opportunity for corrosion of buried metal objects in the vicinity of the EOP system. Select embodiments employ a pre-specified pulse train of DC voltage pulses to migrate water from under a crawl space while moving available cations in the soil. Select embodiments also protect large structures such as concrete dams.

Abstract: A configuration for use with a processor that incorporates a suite of agents in a “flat” hardware architecture and superimposes thereon a self-forming, self-healing, hierarchical architecture implemented in software. Embodiments may be employed in various applications, such as maintaining network integrity. In one embodiment a building security monitoring network provides for automated network agents to each be capable of communication with any other automated agents on a network at network startup. Shortly after network initialization, the software architecture is superimposed on the flat hardware architecture, re-arranging communication links to provide an efficient hierarchy of control and substituting working agents for compromised agents as necessary in the network. All of this is done in a “live” network, not requiring shutdown, or even reduced operation to accomplish.

Abstract: A device and method to nondestructively measure bulk stress in a member by employing an acoustic source, preferably an ultrasonic source, a processor, and a uniquely configured acoustic sensor package. The sensor package is configured to transmit both a longitudinal wave signal and a shear wave signal into the member. The processor is configured to capture reflections of the two impressed signals along a principal stress axis of the member and calculate the roundtrip time of the two signals. Knowing the length of the member along a principal stress axis, from the roundtrip times of the two signals, two velocities are calculated. By employing an equation that calculates bulk stress as a function of these shear and longitudinal wave velocities, a measure of bulk stress is calculated via the processor. The device measures bulk stress of a member that offers limited access in its permanent installation, such as dam reinforcements.

Abstract: A barrier to fluid passage is embedded within, instead of atop, porous material to retain the durability of the surface of the porous material. In one embodiment, a thin set mortar is applied to a concrete slab. A pleated metal foil is pressed into the wet mortar and a bond is established. The mortar is allowed to set and a top, or finish, section of concrete is then poured over the foil and finished conventionally. Provisions are made for sealing expansion joints in concrete slab floors and at the juncture of floor and wall. The foil may be provided in multiple layers to provide a mechanical bond via mortar oozing through perforations or along pleats in each of the top and bottoms layers, while providing a solid layer through which a fluid will not pass, at least in one direction.

Abstract: A barrier to fluid passage is embedded within, instead of atop, porous material to retain the durability of the surface of the porous material. In one embodiment, a thin set mortar is applied to a concrete slab. A pleated metal foil is pressed into the wet mortar and a bond is established. The mortar is allowed to set and a top, or finish, section of concrete is then poured over the foil and finished conventionally. Provisions are made for sealing expansion joints in concrete slab floors and at the juncture of floor and wall. The foil may be provided in multiple layers to provide a mechanical bond via mortar oozing through perforations or along pleats in each of the top and bottoms layers, while providing a solid layer through which a fluid will not pass, at least in one direction.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering particulate materials employs an improved dewatering probe generally including a single non-conducting pipe having a plurality of holes or slots, an anode mounted on the pipe adjacent one end of the pipe, and a cathode mounted on the pipe adjacent the opposite end of the pipe. The pipe serves as both a sonde for mounting the anode and cathode and as a well for extracting water that collects around the outside of the pipe and flows into the interior of the pipe through the holes or slots via gravitational and electro-osmotic forces. A pump may be used to extract both collected water and accumulated electrolytic gases from the pipe's interior. In embodiments, an array of guide electrodes is mounted on the pipe in addition to the anode and the cathode in order to deflect the major current flow out into the body of surrounding particulate materials. The guide electrodes also facilitate rapid depolarization of the probe.

Abstract: A configuration and treatment for degrading porous material, e.g., concrete, brick, or other masonry material, via rapid, efficient electro-osmosis. One application carries dehydration to an extent that it weakens a structure for demolition by significantly dehydrating its structural material. A durable, dimensionally stable anode is affixed to the structure and attached to a wire from a DC power supply. The anode is composed of a valve metal substrate with a semiconductive coating of a precious metal, cement or ceramic. Connection to a cathode through the power supply completes the circuit. A DC voltage is applied to the concrete structure by cycling a pro-specified pulse train from the power supply. One pulse train consists of an initial positive pulse followed by a shorter duration negative pulse and ends with a short off period before the pulse train is reinitiated. The cycle continues until the porous material has been determined to be sufficiently degraded.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering particulate materials employs an improved dewatering probe generally including a single non-conducting pipe having a plurality of holes or slots, an anode mounted on the pipe adjacent one end of the pipe, and a cathode mounted on the pipe adjacent the opposite end of the pipe. The pipe serves as both a sonde for mounting the anode and cathode and as a well for extracting water that collects around the outside of the pipe and flows into the interior of the pipe through the holes or slots via gravitational and electro-osmotic forces. A pump may be used to extract both collected water and accumulated electrolytic gases from the pipe's interior. In embodiments, an array of guide electrodes is mounted on the pipe in addition to the anode and the cathode in order to deflect the major current flow out into the body of surrounding particulate materials. The guide electrodes also facilitate rapid depolarization of the probe.

Abstract: A system and method for treating porous material, e.g., concrete, brick, or other masonry material, via electro-osmosis. One application carries dehydration to an extent that it weakens a structure for demolition by significantly dehydrating its structural material. A durable, dimensionally stable anode is affixed to the structure and attached to a wire from a DC power supply. The anode is composed of a valve metal substrate with a semiconductive coating of a precious metal, cermet or ceramic. Connection to a cathode through the power supply completes the circuit. A DC voltage is applied to the concrete structure by cycling a pre-specified pulse train from the power supply. One pulse train consists of an initial positive pulse followed by a shorter duration negative pulse and ends with a short off period before the pulse train is reinitiated. The cycle continues until the porous material has been determined to be sufficiently treated.