Abstract: A performance evaluation device and a design method of a cement for well cementing in a penetrated hydrate layer are provided. The performance evaluation device includes an equivalent wellbore, an inner circulation system, an outer circulation system, a thermal insulation cover, a bracket, a temperature sensing system, and a cement mold. The device can simulate a true downhole situation, conduct an evaluation experiment on the heat insulation performance of a cementing cement, and conduct experiments at different temperatures with automatic temperature control. The design method is to use a low-hydration, early-strength, and heat-insulating cement slurry system during the well cementing in a penetrated hydrate layer, where the low-hydration and early-strength characteristics ensure the effective sealing of a hydrate layer during a cementing process, and the heat insulation characteristic results in low heat conductivity and thus can ensure the stability of a hydrate layer during a production operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure-bearing device for simulating an excavation unloading test of a high-energy-storage rock mass. The pressure-bearing device comprises pressure-bearing blocks, a casing pipe and sealing rings, wherein the two pressure-bearing blocks are respectively arranged at two ends of a to-be-tested rock mass; the casing pipe can be arranged outside the to-be-tested rock mass and the pressure-bearing blocks in a sleeving mode and is attached to the to-be-tested rock mass and the pressure-bearing blocks; and the sealing rings are arranged outside the pressure-bearing blocks and the casing pipe in a sleeving mode, so that the sealing rings can be tightly pressed on the casing pipe and the pressure-bearing blocks through fastening elements. Further disclosed is a sealing method for simulating an excavation unloading test of a high-energy-storage rock mass.

Abstract: A performance evaluation device and a design method of a cement for well cementing in a penetrated hydrate layer are provided. The performance evaluation device includes an equivalent wellbore, an inner circulation system, an outer circulation system, a thermal insulation cover, a bracket, a temperature sensing system, and a cement mold. The device can simulate a true downhole situation, conduct an evaluation experiment on the heat insulation performance of a cementing cement, and conduct experiments at different temperatures with automatic temperature control. The design method is to use a low-hydration, early-strength, and heat-insulating cement slurry system during the well cementing in a penetrated hydrate layer, where the low-hydration and early-strength characteristics ensure the effective sealing of a hydrate layer during a cementing process, and the heat insulation characteristic results in low heat conductivity and thus can ensure the stability of a hydrate layer during a production operation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of sensors, a position locator, and an evaluator. The plurality of sensors detect elastic waves. The position locator locates positions of elastic wave sources by using the elastic waves among the plurality of elastic waves respectively detected by the plurality of sensors having an amplitude exceeding a threshold value determined according to positions of the sources of the plurality of elastic waves and the positions of the plurality of disposed sensors. The evaluator evaluates a deteriorated state of the structure on the basis of results of the position locating of the elastic wave sources which is performed by the position locator.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the field of petroleum exploration and development and, in particular, relates to a system and a method for analyzing while-drilling rock fragments in oil and gas field. The system includes a sample preparation mold and a sample scanning apparatus; the mold is configured to quickly batch prepare fragments into scanning ready samples; the apparatus is portable and configured for batch scanning and analyzing the samples, and having the capabilities of anti-vibration, temperature control, dust prevention, and adaptability to a harsh well site environment; the method includes a scanning step where surface images, elements and mineral types of rock can be rapidly quantitatively analyzed, and lithologies thereof can be identified; the method also includes the analysis step in which rock's elastic parameters and target zone of the vertical well are determined, and geosteering and design of staged fracturing of horizontal well can be provided.

Abstract: A tester for evaluating pullout load capacity and bond quality of anchor bolts embedded in concrete includes a Schmidt hammer for measuring a rebound number and an ultrasonic pulse velocity tester for measuring the transit time of a pulse transmitted through concrete surrounding an anchor bolt. The rebound number and the transit time are combined and matched against a database record which identifies the pullout load capacity and the bond quality. The transit time is matched to thresholds of transit times associated with porosity, internal cracking, air voids, and water pockets located around the embedded anchor bolt. The Schmidt hammer is further modified by the incorporation of a digital level for measuring the vertical and horizontal angles of inclination of the plunger with the concrete surface, a guide tube for supporting the plunger, and by using a convex plunger tip for improved registration with anchor bolt head.

Abstract: An experimental method for indoor real-time dynamic monitoring of a hydraulic fracture width, comprising the steps of: test piece preparation: assembling a prefabricating mold and fixing a fiber grating therein; mounting a simulated wellbore in the prefabricating mold, pouring agitated cement mortar into the prefabricating mold, and the cement mortar is solidified to form a test piece; mounting the test piece into a confining pressure chamber of a true triaxial hydraulic fracturing simulation device, connecting a liquid injection line to the true triaxial hydraulic fracturing simulation device, and connecting the fiber grating to a modem that is connected to a computer; hydraulic fracture width monitoring test: injecting liquid into the confining pressure chamber of the true triaxial hydraulic fracturing simulation device through the liquid injection line to apply three-direction confining pressures to the test piece, injecting liquid into the simulated wellbore, and starting the fiber grating and the modem t

Abstract: The use of recycled materials can have significant economic value. With the increasing quantity of recycled material used in viscoelastic materials, especially asphalt mixture, understanding how they interact with original materials to produce a mixture that performs successfully, becomes critical. Currently, the technology to determine the effect of additives on the performance of asphalt mixture is lacking. The present invention relates to a new unified methodology for mechanical testing of asphalt mixture and other viscoelastic materials that improves the current practice in speed, convenience, and accuracy. A new improved specimen mounting method on Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), a new recovery method for fine portion of asphalt mixture, and three new tests for the performance of recovered material using DSR is disclosed. The new methods provide performance grading of asphalt mixtures that is new to the industry and provide necessary tools for determining the effect of recycled materials on performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pull-out tester (1) for a setting tool used for setting a setting bolt (3), comprising a retaining part (4) for holding the setting bolt (3), an elastic element (7), at least one means (9) for transmitting a pull-out force acting on the setting bolt (3) onto the elastic element (7) such that if a pull-out testing force acting on the setting bolt (3) is exceeded, the connection between the setting bolt (3) and the pull-out tester (1) can be detached due to a deformation of the elastic element (7). The problem addressed by the invention is that of being able to provide a substantially constant pull-out testing force, even in different temperatures and with a different pull-out speed of the pull-out tester (1).

Abstract: A system for monitoring tension forces of tendons in post-tensioning includes a hydraulic jack to apply the tension force to the tendon, a hydraulic pump to supply a hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic jack, a digital elongation length measurement sensor to measure the elongation length of the piston, a measurement unit having a data logger adapted to receive and store the elongation length data measured by the digital elongation length measurement sensor and to send the elongation length data to a main server, a digital pressure measurement sensor, and a control module adapted to receive the elongation length data from the data logger or the main server, calculate the tension force, compensate for the coefficient of elasticity of the tendon according to the ratio of the real-time elongation length data to the pressure data, and compensate for the tension force calculated.

Abstract: An integrated-style shear apparatus for testing a rock structural plane includes a frame system, a vertical loading system, a horizontal loading system, and a shearing system. Both the vertical loading system and the horizontal loading system are fixed on the frame system, and the shearing system is installed inside the frame system. The shearing system is used to prepare the sample of structural plane and actualize the shear test. The vertical loading system and the horizontal loading system are used to provide normal stress and shear stress for the shearing system respectively.

Abstract: A device and method for applying an internal pressure and resultant hoop stress to a hollow cylindrical object, such as a test cylinder, utilizing an expandable cylinder and upper and lower conically shaped rams. The device is inserted into a test cylinder, and when a compressive force is applied to the upper and lower conically shaped rams, the rams move vertically into upper and lower conically shaped cavities of the expandable cylinder. The sloped inner surfaces of the conically shaped upper and lower cavities convert the vertical motion into an outward radial motion, applying an internal pressure and resultant hoop stress to the cylindrical object.

Abstract: A cement testing apparatus has a pressure vessel system defining a first interior volume sealed from a second interior volume. The pressure vessel system has a confining pressure port in fluid communication with the first interior volume and a rebalance pressure port in fluid communication with the second interior volume. A cement sample container is provided within the first interior volume. A displacement indicator is coupled to move with deformation of a cement sample supported by the sample container. The displacement indicator has a first portion inside the first interior volume, a second portion inside the second interior volume, and a third portion traversing a space between the first and second interior volumes.

Abstract: In some implementations, a cement testing system includes an upper end module and a lower end module. Casing-emulating tubing couples to the upper end module and to the lower end module and emulates a wellbore casing. A plurality of intermediate well-wall-emulating modules is configured to couple end-to-end and to couple to the upper end module and the lower end module to form an annulus around the casing emulating tubing. Each of the plurality of intermediate well-wall emulating modules is configured to emulate one or more characteristics of a well wall.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for rendering a three dimensional animation of a past event. A request is received, at a processor, for re-creation of a past event associated with a job site. Input data is accessed, at the processor, regarding the past even associated with the job site wherein the input data pertains to past movements and lifts of at least one lifting device associated with the job site. A three dimensional (3D) animation is generated, at the processor, of the past event involving the past movements of the at least one lifting device. The 3D animation is displayed, on a display, depicting the past event wherein the displaying comprises playback controls for controlling the displaying.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for measuring polarization crosstalk in polarization maintaining fiber by placing the PM fiber in a 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional configuration for sensing stress or strain exerted on the PM fiber at different locations along the fiber with a high spatial sensing resolution.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for rendering a job site in a three dimensional simulation. A stream of input data is received at a processor about a job site wherein the data pertains to movements and lifts of at least one lifting device associated with the job site and at least one partially constructed building associated with the job site. A three dimensional (3D) simulation is generated, at the processor, of the at least one lifting device and the at least one partially constructed building. The 3D simulation is updated in real time, at the processor, to simulate movements of the at least one lifting and the at least one partially constructed building. The 3D simulation is sent from the processor to a display.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by applying force in a first direction until the first portion of the cement sample fails in compression or tension; and applying force a second direction opposite the first direction until the second portion of the cement sample fails in tension or compression.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for testing the self-sealing properties of a concrete sample. The method may include providing an apparatus for creating a consistent and reproducible crack in a concrete sample and creating a consistent and reproducible crack in the concrete sample with the apparatus. The method may further include providing a fluidic delivery system that provides a consistent flow of fluid for testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample and testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample with the system.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are included, without limitation, a method of cementing includes providing a settable composition comprising water and a cementitious component having a determined reactive index; and allowing the settable composition to set to form a hardened mass.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by applying force in a first direction until the first portion of the cement sample fails in compression or tension; and applying force a second direction opposite the first direction until the second portion of the cement sample fails in tension or compression.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device, which is used in a continuous casting machine, measures the surface temperature of a part or all of a cast slab in a width direction of the cast slab, which is drawn from a mold and conveyed by rollers, in a secondary cooling zone of the continuous casting machine. The temperature measuring device includes a support member that is installed on the side of roller support parts by which the rollers are rotatably supported; an arm member of which a proximal portion is rotatably mounted on the support member; and a radiation thermometer which is provided at a distal end portion of the arm member and of which a light receiving opening is disposed at a position corresponding to a height in the range of 1.0 to 4.5 m from the surface of the cast slab.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by measuring both axial shrinkage/expansion and radial shrinkage/expansion of a sample.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining shear bond strength of a cement to be set within a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation consists of a housing, a vertical rod which extends from the uppermost portion of the housing through the lowermost portion of the housing, a base plate for positioning onto the bottom of the housing and for supporting the lowermost portion of the vertical rod, and a test plate for positioning onto the top of the housing through which the uppermost portion of the vertical rod extends. The apparatus may further contain a push rod. Shear bond strength is determined by introducing into the housing a sample core of the formation prior to introduction of a slurry containing the cement. The force required to break the bond between the vertical rod and the set cement may be used to determine the shear strength between the casing within the wellbore and the set cement when the cement is hardened within the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gasbag type pavement testing apparatus, comprising a main frame (7), roller wheels (1) and a pneumatic suspension frame system which consists of gasbags (2), ventilated bolts (5), spokes (6), an inflating valve (10), a communicating shaft (11) and rockers (3). The gasbags (2), ventilated bolts (5), spokes (6), inflating valve (10), and communicating shaft (11) constitute an air storing space interconnecting each gasbag, the air storing space is inflated or deflated through the inflating valve (10), and the rockers (3) are hinge-jointed with the spokes (6). The spokes (6), rockers (3) and the communicating shaft (11) constitute a spoke assembly. The roller wheels (1) are driven by the spoke assembly to rotate round the communicating shaft (11), the roller wheels (1) contact the pavement in turn under the joint action of the gasbags (2) and the spoke assembly to simulate the practical situation and hence conduct the rolling test for the pavement.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided herein a method of determining the air void distribution in a sample of fresh concrete. One embodiment of the invention determines a parameter related to air void distribution by applying a known pressure to a fresh concrete sample, measuring a first value representative of the volume under compression, releases at least a portion of the pressure, reapplies the same pressure to the sample, measures a second value representative of the volume under the second compression, and uses differential between the first and second values to estimate a parameter related to the air void distribution.

Abstract: There are provided a method by which a stress history of an object can be measured with high reliability if the object, which has temporarily been elastically deformed upon receiving an external force, recovers from the elastic deformation, and a composite material containing cement as a main component, of which a stress history can be measured with high reliability without reducing the strength of the material itself and without breaking the structure. To achieve the above-mentioned advantages, the method includes the steps of: acquiring an initial value of a twin density for calcite particles contained in an object to be measured that is elastically deformable upon receiving an external force; and measuring a history of stresses received by the object to be measured on the basis of a difference from the initial value in respect of the twin density for the calcite particles after the object to be measured receives the external force.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by measuring both axial shrinkage/expansion and radial shrinkage/expansion of a sample.

Abstract: A method of determining setting period of a chemically-active material is disclosed. The method comprises: continuously measuring an electrical property such as of the material to provide a time-dependence of the property, and using the time-dependence for defining a setting-start time and a setting-finish time. The setting-start time is defined as a time of onset of a fastest rise of the resistivity and the setting-finish time is defined as a time of local maximum of the resistivity.

Abstract: A system for measuring one or more physical properties of cementitious material is operable to cure a slurry of cementitious material under desired conditions of temperature and pressure. Particularly, the system may be operable to cure the slurry under a temperature and pressure expected to be experienced downhole. The system may also be used to determine properties of the cured cementitious material, such as maximum yield strength and shear bond strength at the desired temperature and pressure. The desired conditions of temperature and pressure may be applied both during curing and testing of the cementitious material.

Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes an embeddable antenna assembly as well as a sensor package that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna provides wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided, and life cycle monitoring is also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a jack incorporating one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges can be positioned on, within, or integral to the jack. When a load or force is applied by the jack, one or more materials within the jack are deformed or displaced as a result of the applied load. The one or more strain gauges are used to measure the deformation or displacement and thus measure the strain. The measured strain can be used to determine the magnitude of the load applied by the jack. In an embodiment, a plurality of strain gauges are used and the resulting strain measurements can be combined to determine the applied load.

Abstract: A method for testing a curing composition, comprising includes a curing composition; injecting the curing composition into a mold; curing the curing composition into a cured composition, in the mold at a controlled curing pressure; measuring at least one physical or mechanical property of the cured sample at a controlled test pressure, in the mold; the mold being rigid relatively to the cured sample during the curing step.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide field test devices and methods for testing the compressive gradient strength of installed vehicle arresting systems, such as those installed on airport runways. Current methods of testing such arresting systems are conducted on sample materials in-house, and these methods are not applicable or useful when tests need to be conducted on currently-installed systems in the field.

Abstract: A system for detection of stress and deformation in a structural asset, for instance, one of reinforced concrete. An area on the asset may have a structure interface, such as a patch, attached to it with a fastening mechanism which may be a layer of an epoxy or other material, or be items such as screws, bolts, welds, or the like. One or more surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors may be attached to the interface with an adhesive layer of epoxy or other material, or with mechanical items. Stress may be transmitted by the interface to the strain sensors. The sensors may be interrogated with a wire or wireless reader to obtain strain measurements. The measurements may indicate stress and deformations such as bulges and breaks in the asset. The measurements may also be a basis for determining location and extent of the stress and deformations.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code.

Abstract: A non-invasive Time Domain Reflectometry transmission line system and method for measuring one or more parameters of an electromagnetic Radio Frequency pulse transmitted, and reflected, along a transmission line, the parameters including at least one of; amplitude, propagation velocity and/or propagation time between defined predetermined instances. The system includes a transmission line structure including three or more elongated transmission elements each having two distal ends. Each element is capable of being selectively activated in at least two distinct pairs having distinct geometric configurations relative to each other to generate at least two distinct electric field potentials without physical displacement of the transmission line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determination of susceptibility of asphalt concrete materials to moisture damage. An asphalt sample of known bulk specific gravity (density) is placed inside a chamber filled with water, which is capable of heating the sample to a predetermined temperature. The chamber is pressurized by introduction of air pressure to a flexible membrane that decreases the volume within a chamber containing the sample and water, increasing the pore pressure in the sample. The pressure is then released and allowed to come to ambient pressure. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (cycles). When a selected number of cycles are complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and its bulk specific gravity (density) measured again. The difference between the density before and after conditioning is an excellent method of rating the degree at which moisture would deteriorate asphalt samples due to introduction of moisture.

Abstract: An annular assembly, or ring cell, is provided for testing the load bearing capacity of piles. The ring cell walls of the annular assembly can be made of stamped material. The ring cell walls can be an outer ring wall and an inner ring wall. Alternately, the ring cell walls can have a “U”-type shape cross-section including an outer ring wall, an inner ring wall, and a top wall. Fluid can be provided to the annular assembly through fluid supply lines into an expansion zone. The expansion zone can be a space having a bladder for filling with fluid. In another embodiment, the expansion zone can be a space between a filler material capable of withstanding high pressure separated with a membrane. The pressure of the fluid in the expansion zone can be monitored during testing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described that determine the compressive strength of a solid by rebound. The method and apparatus have a reduced sensitivity to error sources, i.e. gravity, internal friction and operator interference (unsteady holding of the instrument). The improvements are achieved by contactless measuring of the quotient of rebound to inbound velocity recorded immediately before and after the impact. Matching the mass of the mallet (3) to the plunger (5) yields higher efficiency, less angular variation of the impact energy and lighter weight. Added benefits of the invention are: Extended range of measurement and simplified mechanical adjustments, calibration and maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gasbag type pavement testing apparatus, comprising a main frame (7), roller wheels (1) and a pneumatic suspension frame system which consists of gasbags (2), ventilated bolts (5), spokes (6), an inflating valve (10), a communicating shaft (11) and rockers (3). The gasbags (2), ventilated bolts (5), spokes (6), inflating valve (10), and communicating shaft (11) constitute an air storing space interconnecting each gasbag, the air storing space is inflated or deflated through the inflating valve (10), and the rockers (3) are hinge-jointed with the spokes (6). The spokes (6), rockers (3) and the communicating shaft (11) constitute a spoke assembly. The roller wheels (1) are driven by the spoke assembly to rotate round the communicating shaft (11), the roller wheels (1) contact the pavement in turn under the joint action of the gasbags (2) and the spoke assembly to simulate the practical situation and hence conduct the rolling test for the pavement.

Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes one or more embeddable antenna assemblies as well as sensor packages that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna(s) provide wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided.

Abstract: A method for casting monitored pilings and a pour diverter used in connection with the method is provided. The method includes positioning a plurality of pile strands in a form, and then connecting a suspension assembly having at least one sensor to at least one of the pile strands so that the at least one sensor is located in a piling core area. A pour diverter, having a generally V-shaped configuration, is positioned over the suspension assembly. Concrete is poured into the form over the pour diverter so that a flow of the concrete into the form is split and flows down on either side of the suspension assembly until the at least one sensor is covered. The pour diverter is then removed to finish the casting. Preferably, provisions are provided on the pour diverter for holding or covering an antenna assembly during the pour, prior to it being placed into the concrete forming the piling.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling and monitoring the quality of concrete based on the concrete's maturity (which is a function of its time-temperature profile, or temperature history). Five different applications or embodiments of the present invention are discussed, namely, Enhanced Maturity, Moisture-Loss Maturity, Improved Maturity, SPC Maturity, Loggers, Readers, and Software. Enhanced Maturity involves a maturity calibration method to account for the water-to-cementitious-materials ratio, air content, and gross unit weight of the concrete. Moisture-Loss Maturity is a method for determining the appropriate time to terminate moisture-loss protection of concrete and concrete structures. Improved Maturity is a method and system for determining the strength of curing concrete using improved maturity calculations.

Abstract: There are provided a method by which a stress history of an object can be measured with high reliability if the object, which has temporarily been elastically deformed upon receiving an external force, recovers from the elastic deformation, and a composite material containing cement as a main component, of which a stress history can be measured with high reliability without reducing the strength of the material itself and without breaking the structure. To achieve the above-mentioned advantages, the method includes the steps of: acquiring an initial value of a twin density for calcite particles contained in an object to be measured that is elastically deformable upon receiving an external force; and measuring a history of stresses received by the object to be measured on the basis of a difference from the initial value in respect of the twin density for the calcite particles after the object to be measured receives the external force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determination of susceptibility of asphalt concrete materials to moisture damage. An asphalt sample of known bulk specific gravity (density) is placed inside a chamber filled with water, which is capable of heating the sample to a pre-determined temperature. The chamber is pressurized by introduction of air pressure to a flexible membrane that decreases the volume within a chamber containing the sample and water, increasing the pore pressure in the sample. The pressure is then released and allowed to come to ambient pressure. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (cycles). When a selected number of cycles are complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and its bulk specific gravity (density) measured again. The difference between the density before and after conditioning is an excellent method of rating the degree at which moisture would deteriorate asphalt samples due to introduction of moisture.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the health of a structure, e.g., a concrete wall, bridge, pillars, using a smart aggregate is disclosed. The smart aggregate includes a piezoceramic transducer(s) and associated communication links. The transducer is embedded into the structure prior to the manufacture of the structure. The disclosed system can monitor internal stresses, cracks and other physical forces in the structures during the structures' life. The system is capable of providing an early indication of the health of the structure before a failure of the structure can occur.