Abstract: An exciter device is configured to apply both a vibrational force and an impact force to a device-under-test. A first end of a piston is couplable to the device-under-test and a second end of the piston is aligned with a position of an impact hammer tip. The impact hammer tip and an electromagnet are both coupled to a moveable housing that is positioned around the piston. The exciter device applies a vibrational force to the device-under-test when an alternating magnetic field is applied by the electromagnet to the permanent magnet causing a linear reciprocating movement of the moveable housing relative to the piston. The exciter device applies an impact force to the device-under-test when a magnet field is applied by the electromagnet to the permanent magnet causing a linear movement of the moveable housing that is sufficient to cause the impact hammer to contact the second end of the piston.

Abstract: The invention relates to a track maintenance machine having a tamping unit for tamping sleepers of a track lying in a ballast bed, including a tool carrier which is mounted for vertical adjustment on an assembly frame and on which tamping tools are arranged so as to be squeezable towards one another, wherein the tool carrier is coupled to a vertical adjustment drive actuated by means of a control device. In this, a control circuit is set up for controlling a lowering motion of the tool carrier, the control circuit including a controller, a setting device for the vertical adjustment drive and a measuring device for recording the lowering motion. With this, it is possible to provide an optimal course for the lowering motion.

Abstract: A prestressed fish-belly reaction frame, a pile foundation bearing capacity detection device and application thereof, which includes: a core junction; a reaction beam including a plurality of beam units symmetrically arranged around the core junction with the core junction as a center, each beam unit has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected and fixed to the core junction, and the second end is connected and fixed to a pile top of an anchor pile when the pile foundation bearing capacity is detected; a prestressed assembly including a plurality of prestressed tendons, each prestressed tendon passes through an upper end of the core junction, a first end of each prestressed tendon is connected and fixed to the second end of one beam unit, a second end thereof is connected and fixed to the second end of the symmetrical beam unit.

Abstract: A wheel track monitoring system for an irrigation system monitors the condition of a wheel track and alerts an operator and/or automatically takes corrective action when a wheel track develops ruts or other conditions that may adversely affect operation of the irrigation system. The wheel track monitoring system includes a wheel track condition sensor, a location sensor, and a processing system. The processing system receives and stores wheel track condition data and location data from the sensors as the irrigation system travels across a field and creates a log of wheel track condition data for multiple locations in the field. The processing system also analyzes the wheel track condition data to determine if the condition of the wheel track is unacceptable at any locations in the irrigated field and generates a corrective action signal if the condition is unacceptable.

Abstract: Provided are a testing apparatus for a pile end settlement of a rock-socketed driven PHC tube pile and an installation method thereof. The testing apparatus comprises a PHC tube pile, two measuring tubes, a cross pile tip, a pile tip steel plate, a fixer fixed in the PHC tube pile, a perforated steel plate located at a pile top of the PHC tube pile and a jack pressed on the perforated steel plate. The two measuring tubes are symmetrically arranged, the fixer is provided with two first measuring tube outlet holes, and the two measuring tubes respectively pass through the first measuring tube outlet holes of the fixer; and the perforated steel plate is also provided with two second measuring tube outlet holes, and the two measuring tubes respectively pass through the second measuring tube outlet holes of the perforated steel plate. (FIG.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a deformation controllable compression ring-based mechanical test system for rocks with variable stiffness and a test method thereof, which comprises a loading device, a variable stiffness regulating device, a data monitoring system and a controlling system; the energy storing spring in the loading device allows the rebounding direction of the loading device to be contrary to the strain direction of the test-piece, which eliminates the energy supplement of the loading device to the test-piece and realizes the loading of an oversized stiffness on the test system; the variable stiffness regulating device precisely regulates the loaded stiffness by regulating the loaded stiffness of the test system according to test requirements, which realizes the test of loading different stiffness on the same test system and avoids the influences of differences to loading parameters between different test systems on the test results.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an effective stress cell for direct measurement of effective stress in saturated soil. The effective stress cell comprises a sensing diaphragm, a porous diaphragm, a connector and a strain sensor. The porous diaphragm allows pore-water to enter the interior space between the sensing diaphragm and the porous diaphragm to provide complete balance of pore-water pressures in the front and back of the sensing diaphragm. Thus, the effective stress cell can directly and accurately measure the effective stress in saturated soil using only one diaphragm at one location without measuring pore-water pressure.

Abstract: A method of determining shear strength of soil using a fall cone apparatus is provided. The method includes generating a first plot having graph lines defined for penetration depth values ranging from 4 to 20 mm on a first logarithmic paper, deducing a first mathematical model based on the first plot, and generating a second plot having the graph lines extended for a predefined penetration depth range based on the first mathematical model. The method further includes generating a third plot having graph lines corresponding to the extended penetration depth values defined for the W/A ratio values ranging from 0.17 to 13.3 on a second logarithmic paper, deducing a second mathematical model based on the third plot, generating a fourth plot having the graph lines extended for a predefined W/A ratio range based on the second mathematical model, and determining shear strength based on the fourth plot.

Abstract: To provide a game controller with which a detection means for detecting an insertion degree of a length can be simplified. A game controller includes a controller body to which is attached a flexible member having formed therein an insertion hole into which a length is inserted, a laser transmitter/receiver that is installed on an outer periphery of the controller body and measures a distance with respect to a base surface of the length by transmission and reception of a wave to detect an insertion degree of the length inserted from the insertion hole, and a wiring cable and a control circuit that output the insertion degree of the length detected by the laser transmitter/receiver.

Abstract: A free fall ball penetrometer with a booster is dynamically penetrated into the seabed through its kinetic and potential energies. The main measuring instrument is a ball penetrometer, which is subject to end bearing resistance, drag force, and soil buoyant force during the dynamic penetration process within the soil. Based on the measured data from the accelerometer and load cell, the soil strength parameters including the undrained shear strength and strain-rate parameter can be back-analyzed. The added booster can: (1) effectively increase the penetration depth of the ball penetrometer and hence enlarge the range of measured penetration depths; and (2) improve the directional stability and avoid the rotation of the ball penetrometer during the falling process. The force data measured from the load cell, together with the acceleration data from the accelerometer, can further improve the measured accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simulation device for interaction between deep reservoir rock and fluid in a basin and a use method thereof. The simulation device for interaction between deep reservoir rock and fluid in basin includes an automatic control unit, a heating unit, a pressurizing unit, an analysis metering unit, and a peripheral auxiliary unit. An output end of the automatic control unit is electrically connected to input ends of the heating unit, the pressurizing unit, and the peripheral auxiliary unit in a one-way direction, respectively. An output end of the analysis metering unit is electrically connected to an input end of the automatic control unit in a one-way direction. Combining the automatic control unit, the heating unit, the pressurizing unit, the analysis metering unit, and the peripheral auxiliary unit, the present disclosure solves problems of unreasonable evaluation on the interaction between the deep reservoir rock and fluid in a basin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a conductive slip ring for logging while drilling (LWD) instrument. The present disclosure utilizes a mechanical conductive slip ring to solve the problems of transmission of electric power and signals between two structures that have relative rotation, and the conductive slip ring has a simple structure, doesn't involve any complex circuit, and has low cost and high reliability. With the conductive slip ring in the present disclosure, there is no power transmission efficiency problem or signal transmission error rate problem. The conductive slip ring has high temperature-resistant, pressure-proof, and vibration-roof abilities, and can be applied widely.

Abstract: A supercritical CO2 reactor and a test system of creepage, diffusion and erosion of rock mass. The supercritical CO2 reactor includes a reactor body having a test chamber, a heating layer arranged in a side wall of the reactor body, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor arranged in the test chamber, a sealing cover configured to seal an opening of the reactor body, a fixing component arranged on the sealing cover, a hydraulic loading component configured to apply an axial load on the specimen. The reactor body is provided with an air inlet/outlet pipe configured to communicate the test chamber with external environment. The air inlet/outlet pipe is provided with a air valve, and the fixing component includes vertical guide bars, an upper pad and a lower pad slideably arranged on the vertical guide bars. The hydraulic loading component includes a oil-loading tank and an axial loading rod.

Abstract: In a piling construction management method a support strength of a hole bottom is measured with a penetration testing device before erecting a piling in a piling hole. The piling is erected in the piling hole when the measurement is at least a prescribed value. The penetration testing device has a knocking block with an integrated penetration shaft and the block is struck by a drive hammer in free-fall. The penetration testing device determines the support strength from the number of impacts required for the penetration shaft to penetrate to a prescribed depth from the hole bottom.

Abstract: A device for measuring strain and volume of a soil sample including an enclosure adapted to receive a soil sample within another enclosure. A base adapted to hold the sample enclosure. The device also has a plurality of moveable arms located between the enclosures which may be a spaced distance apart and adapted to move around the sample. Cameras as included on the arms.

Abstract: Proper soil compaction is critical to providing structural support in any geo-construction project, particularly road construction. Described herein are devices, methods, and systems for intelligent soil compaction. In some embodiments, these disclosed systems, methods, and devices can provide up to 100% coverage with mechanistic measurements through machine integrated devices. These novel in-situ material characterization devices and methodologies enable continuous, mechanistic monitoring of soil compaction for use with a variety of geo-construction devices, including static pad foot soil compactors. In one embodiment, a strain gage instrumented pad is integrated into a pad foot soil compactor, and contact force is measured instrumented pad that is sensitive to soil compaction. In other embodiments, the disclosed device may allow for mechanistic measurements that may use a simplified geometry, and numerical and analytical modeling.

Abstract: A gravity-type pore pressure dynamic penetration device for exploration of shallow-layer seabed soil includes a third drop hammer, a second drop hammer, a first drop hammer, a stable empennage, and a probe rod which are sequentially arranged from top to bottom. A sidewall friction sleeve is arranged outside a probe rod lower cylinder. A friction sleeve sensor is provided on an inner sidewall of the sidewall friction sleeve. A first pore water pressure sensor, a conical tip pressure sensor, a temperature compensation sensor, and an inclinometer sensor are provided in the middle of the probe rod lower cylinder. A second pore water pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor are provided in the middle of a probe rod upper cylinder. The tail portion of the probe rod, that is, the upper portion of the probe rod upper cylinder is connected to the stable empennage.

Abstract: An ultrasonic near-surface inundation testing (UNIT) device includes a soil cell device, a head tank feeding fluid into the soil cell and a reservoir tank feeding fluid into the head tank. The soil cell device includes a substantially planar base, at least one removable top plate with at least one pressure equalization port, at least one bottom plate, at least one sample chamber holding a soil sample, bender ports and a bender sensor pair. The base connects to chamber posts. The top plate connects to the chamber posts and has a cell inlet receiving fluid from the head tank. The bottom plate connects to the chamber posts and has a cell outlet passing fluid to the reservoir tank. The sample chamber, including at least one removable chamber plate, is located between the top and bottom plates. The bender sensor pair extend into the sample chamber through the bender ports.

Abstract: Apparatus for physically analyzing soil includes a sample changer for receiving at least two soil-sample holders, and having an element for placing each sample holder and sample thereof in a measurement area, in turns, according to a cycle repeated over time, the apparatus including: elements for measuring the size of the samples; elements for measuring the potential of the samples containing water; and elements for measuring the weight of the samples, wherein all of the measuring elements are grouped together in the measurement area so as to be simultaneously used implemented for a given sample when the latter is placed in the measurement area. The shrinkage curve and water potential curve, obtained from the measurements, represent the change, over time, in the status of the water and structure of the soil sample during the drying thereof, and can be used to determine the hydrostructural characteristics of the soil.

Abstract: A two-tier wireless soil measurement apparatus is disclosed, including a top head and a plurality of sensors, wherein the top head being placed on or above the ground and the plurality of sensors being buried under the soil for sensing soil conditions, generating soil data representing the sensed soil conditions, and transmitting generated soil conditions to the top head; the plurality of sensors able to be assembled into a pole and each of the plurality of sensors including a sensor unit for sensing a soil condition; a circuit module connected to the sensor unit for transmitting sensed soil condition to the top head, a sensor housing for housing the sensor unit and the circuit module; and an engaging element for engaging two sensors in a head-to-tail manner for form a pole.

Abstract: Field testing apparatus includes load device with drop weight for generating force impact and load stamp for introducing the force impact into asphalt. Load stamp is guided in a guide element. The load stamp is guided with its stamp face resting flat on the asphalt surface for testing. Time dependence of acceleration of load stamp is measured with acceleration sensor and movement of the load stamp is measured with displacement sensor. When impact force generated by the device is applied, the load stamp penetrates into the asphalt for testing. This penetration has a dynamic and a static depth (sdyn, sst). Load stamp is subjected to force impacts: For each force impact, time dependence of acceleration of load stamp and movement of load stamp are measured and temporarily stored, until static penetration depth (sst) is smaller than or equal to the predetermined minimum static penetration depth (sstmin).

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a resistance to penetration as the sensing unit is being driven into a layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including temperature, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer hardness according to depth based on the sensed resistance to penetration and identifying areas of concern which may indicate an avalanche risk. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining optimal design conditions for structures incorporating geosynthetically confined soils. A testing apparatus referred to as a load frame simulates a particular geostructural construction without having to construct a full-scale or near full-scale model. The load frame includes an enclosure made from materials such as concrete block or rigid panels that enclose a plurality of layers of geosynthetic materials and lifts of representative soil and aggregate obtained from the jobsite of the geostructural construction. An upper load plate and lower load plate confine the lifts and geosynthetic materials. A load is applied to the upper load plate in order to compact the contents within the load frame. Both static and vibratory energy can be applied for the loading, thereby closely replicating actual compaction efforts at the job site. Once the contents have been compacted, compaction testing can be conducted to confirm design parameters.

Abstract: A method and a device for assessing the level of microbial activity of a substrate (9), preferably agricultural soil, biomass and other contexts, where there is enzymatic activity. The method includes: preparing one or more biodegradable threads (8); tensioning the one or more biodegradable threads with a pre-defined tension; introducing the one or more tensioned biodegradable threads partially in the substrate; leaving the one or more biodegradable threads in the substrate; measuring the time elapsed from the introduction of the one or more biodegradable threads in the substrate to the breakage of the one or more threads. The device includes one or more biodegradable threads (8) with a first fixing element (12) suited to fix one end of the biodegradable thread and a second fixing element (20) suited to fix the other end of the biodegradable thread, between which each biodegradable thread can be independently tightened with a pre-defined tension.

Abstract: An in situ device for soil investigation including a probe for inserting into and advancing into the ground, the probe including: at least one dilatometer presenting at least one expandable membrane, a chamber for fluid to be fed to the dilatometer and expand the membrane, a compression/pressure regulator unit connected to the chamber and dilatometer, to generate and/or regulate the fluid pressure, a control unit for the connector and the dilatometer, electrical powering unit to power the dilatometer, compression/pressure regulator unit, control unit, and a pressure measurement unit, unit for storing pressure values, measured by the measurement unit, for the fluid fed to said dilatometer. These components all housed within the probe. The probe being a closed body without connections to the outside for feeding pressurized fluid to the dilatometer and/or for feeding control signals for the device. The chamber being the only fluid feed source for the dilatometer.

Abstract: A dual aerial-drop penetrometer system includes a high-velocity (>30 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit combined with a low-velocity (<10 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit. The primary penetrometer is formed as an outer shell having the secondary penetrometer received in telescoping fashion within, which is ejected by a spring ejection mechanism upon impact of the outer shell. Both penetrometers provide deceleration information as they penetrate the soil of interest. The data from the two penetrometers, after analysis, can be used to assess soil strength as well as trafficability for the deployment of remotely-controlled vehicles, for example.

Abstract: System for performing dilatometer tests on the seafloor including a unit to rest on the seafloor, including: a pushing rod including at its lower end a dilatometer blade, and a driver device to drive the pushing rod, and cause the dilatometer blade to penetrate into the seafloor and bring the dilatometer into a plurality of predetermined test depths; the driver device including: a clamping member to clamp the pushing rod, at least a pushing member for pushing down to the seafloor the clamping member when the clamping member is clamping the pushing rod, causing the rod and dilatometer blade to penetrate into the seafloor, and for pushing up the clamping member when the clamping member is not clamping the pushing rod, wherein the pushing member moves up and down the clamping member, and moves in an intermittent way the dilatometer between a predetermined test depth and the subsequent one.

Abstract: A seabed region (18) that lies under a seabed surface area of at least one square meter, is analyzed by an acoustic analysis of the region. Locations of the generation and detection of sound are precisely correlated to the location of a vertical drill hole in the sea bed by mounting an acoustic imaging apparatus (16) that holds acoustic transducers (44, 46), on a carriage (26) that is positioned with respect to the drill hole, using the drill hole as the horizontal position reference. The carriage of the acoustic imager apparatus is clamped to a post that lies in the drill hole. An arm (30 and/or 32) is supported on the carriage through a frame (28), with at least one acoustic generator (44) and one acoustic echo detector (46) mounted on the arm. The arm can be rotated to positions lying about the hole axis (14) to accurately scan a wide area.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the unconfined yield strength and time unconfined yield strength of bulk granular materials and powders. A sample of bulk material is consolidated under controlled pressure in a sample cup with a hole or holes in the bottom. A moveable base smaller than the internal cup dimensions covers the hole(s) to prevent material from escaping the cup and to provide a base for removing the consolidated sample from the cup. After a predetermined time, the consolidated sample is removed from the cup by lifting the base relative to the cup walls through the hole(s) in the bottom of the cup. Once removed from the cup, the strength of the consolidated sample is measured by applying pressure to the top of the sample until the sample breaks. For time tests, the sample is consolidate with weights over predetermined time periods.

Abstract: A mobile turf instrument apparatus has a wheeled frame that may be propelled over the ground by a motive device, such as by a separate vehicle or by its own engine and drive train. A driven arm is carried on the frame and revolves in circles to periodically insert the probe(s) of a probe assembly into the ground during motion of the frame. The drive to the arm is momentarily disengaged when the probe(s) of the probe assembly are inserted into the ground. The probe assembly comprises two parts that rock relative to one another. Two soil measurement devices are connected to the probe assembly. A soil moisture sensor is coupled to the probe assembly for measuring soil moisture when the probe(s) are inserted into the ground. A load cell is responsive to the amount of rocking of the two parts of the probe assembly to measure soil compaction.

Abstract: A dual aerial-drop penetrometer system includes a high-velocity (>30 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit combined with a low-velocity (<10 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit. The primary penetrometer is formed as an outer shell having the secondary penetrometer received in telescoping fashion within, which is ejected by a spring ejection mechanism upon impact of the outer shell. Both penetrometers provide deceleration information as they penetrate the soil of interest. The data from the two penetrometers, after analysis, can be used to assess soil strength as well as trafficability for the deployment of remotely-controlled vehicles, for example.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.

Abstract: A mobile turf instrument apparatus has a wheeled frame that may be propelled over the ground by a motive device, such as by a separate vehicle or by its own engine and drive train. A driven arm is carried on the frame and revolves in circles to periodically insert the probe(s) of a probe assembly into the ground during motion of the frame. The drive to the arm is momentarily disengaged when the probe(s) of the probe assembly are inserted into the ground. The probe assembly comprises two parts that rock relative to one another. Two soil measurement devices are connected to the probe assembly. A soil moisture sensor is coupled to the probe assembly for measuring soil moisture when the probe(s) are inserted into the ground. A load cell is responsive to the amount of rocking of the two parts of the probe assembly to measure soil compaction.

Abstract: Provided are cone penetrometers for measuring the impedance of the ground. In an embodiment, the cone penetrometer comprises an inner electrode, an outer electrode, an insulator layer and a penetrating rod. The inner electrode includes a cone, a first contact portion to which terminal cables of an impedance meter are connected, and a metal rod. The metal rod has a diameter smaller than that of the cone. The metal rod has a front end connected to the bottom of the cone and a rear end connected to the first contact portion. The outer electrode has an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the cone and is in the form of a hollow tube accommodating the metal rod. The insulator layer is formed between the inner electrode and the outer electrode to prevent short circuits between the two electrodes. The penetrating rod is in the form of a hollow tube accommodating the outer electrode. The use of the cone penetrometers improves the accuracy and reliability of the measured results.

Abstract: A hydrostatically compensated soil resistance probe includes a cylindrical body having a distal tip for insertion into a material, a plurality of load gates for transitioning an axial load on said cylindrical body to a shear load, and a plurality of shear load sensors to measure a transverse loading on said probe due to an axial loading. The axial loading can be the result of the resistance on the probe tip to the insertion of the probe in the soil, or the frictional forces acting on a friction sleeve as the probe passes through the soil.

Abstract: A geotechnical or geophysical probe (50) of the type including a central probe body (1) for supplying one or more fluids (G, L) using one or more fluid (G, L) supply ducts (40, 41), at least one probe member (21, 22, 23) adjacent to the probe body (1), characterized in that it includes a substantially non-deformable tank (53) for containing additional volumes (Vg, Vl) of a first fluid (L) and a second fluid (G), the volume (Vl) of the first fluid of the tank (53) communicating with at least one first supply duct (40) and the volume of the second fluid (Vg) of the tank (53) being at least connected to a second supply duct (41), wherein the ducts (40, 41) are provided in a solid area of the probe body (1).

Abstract: A penetration-type pipe strain gauge easily transportable and easily installable in various places at low cost in a short period of time to measure strain produced in a shallow layer of the ground. Strain gauges are attached to the outer peripheral surface of an inner pipe, and a pipe strain gauge body is formed by integrally incorporating the inner pipe in an outer pipe. A boring screw is provided at the forward end of the pipe strain gauge body. A rotary tool mounting part for mounting a tool for rotating the pipe strain gauge body is formed at the rear end of the strain gauge body. The pipe strain gauge body is buried in the shallow layer of the ground by using the rotary tool.

Abstract: Provided is a searching method for acquiring ground information by mounting a resistor on the leading end of a rod and by piercing the ground with the same. The searching method acquires the ground information on the strength and deformation of the ground, by piercing the ground with the resistor including a frustum of circular cone or an arcuate member containing a deficient sectional shape, in which the angle made between the side face of the resistor having blades in the same direction as the piercing direction and the piercing direction is 5 degrees or less upward and outward from the leading end of the resistor thereby to measure a plurality of transverse ground reactions, and by rotating the resistor having the blades at that depth thereby to measure a plurality of ground shearing forces. The main information such as CøE can be determined in the ground search by inserting an apparatus of one kind into the search depth without moving it up and down.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.

Abstract: A light-weight electronically-controlled hammering module is used to apply a repetitive hammering force under electronic control to the top end of a dynamic cone penetrometer rod. In a preferred embodiment, the hammering module has a battery-powered percussive hammer that applies an electrically-generated impulse hammering force to the top of the rod. The depth of penetration is measured with a range-finder and used to compute the rate of penetration of the rod into the ground and correlated to the strength of the soil. The rate of hammering is controlled to cause the rod to penetrate into the soil at a controlled rate correlated with the strength of the soil.

Abstract: A hydrostatically compensated soil resistance probe includes a cylindrical body having a distal tip for insertion into a material, a plurality of load gates for transitioning an axial load on said cylindrical body to a shear load, and a plurality of shear load sensors to measure a transverse loading on said probe due to an axial loading. The axial loading can be the result of the resistance on the probe tip to the insertion of the probe in the soil, or the frictional forces acting on a friction sleeve as the probe passes through the soil.

Abstract: A mobile turf instrument apparatus has a wheeled frame that may be propelled over the ground by a motive device, such as by a separate vehicle or by its own engine and drive train. A driven arm is carried on the frame and revolves in circles to periodically insert the probe(s) of a probe assembly into the ground during motion of the frame. The drive to the arm is momentarily disengaged when the probe(s) of the probe assembly are inserted into the ground. The probe assembly comprises two parts that rock relative to one another. Two soil measurement devices are connected to the probe assembly. A soil moisture sensor is coupled to the probe assembly for measuring soil moisture when the probe(s) are inserted into the ground. A load cell is responsive to the amount of rocking of the two parts of the probe assembly to measure soil compaction.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing soil shear strength from a vehicle, comprises a plurality of sensors mounted on a vehicle and configured to measure distances from the sensors to the soil surface. The sensors comprise a first sensor disposed on the vehicle and configured to measure a first distance between the first sensor and the soil and a second sensor disposed on the vehicle and configure to measure a second distance between a the sensor and a track made in the soil by the vehicle, wherein the first sensor measures the distance at a location before the vehicle wheel travels over that location and the second sensor measures the distance to the bottom of the track made by the wheel. A processing module is communicatively coupled to the sensors and is configured to calculate track depth as a function of the first and second distance measurements; and to derive soil shear strength as a function of the calculated track depth and the vehicle parameters.

Abstract: A soil compaction device has a vibrated contact element that makes contact with the soil during a contact phase and that is exposed to a contact force exerted by the soil and travels over a contact distance. A dynamic stiffness of the soil is formed from the gradient of the contact force and from the contact distance. Furthermore, a contact surface parameter to take account of the actual contact surface of the contact element with the soil is determined. The dynamic deformation modulus is then the product of the contact surface parameter and the dynamic stiffness. The method allows the determination of the dynamic deformation modulus, and hence of the soil stiffness, during the compaction operation.

Abstract: The force exerted by a reciprocating actuator is estimated as a weighted sum of three quantities: a reaction-mass acceleration, a baseplate acceleration, and a relative acceleration of the reaction-mass relative to the baseplate. In one embodiment, acceleration sensors measure the reaction-mass acceleration and the baseplate acceleration; and a displacement transducer measures a relative displacement of the reaction-mass relative to the baseplate. A double-differentiator generates the value of the relative acceleration from the second derivative of the relative displacement. In the sum, the relative acceleration is weighted by factor representative of the ratio of the difference between the masses of the reaction-mass and the baseplate to the sum of the masses of the reaction-mass and the baseplate.

Abstract: A protocol for characterizing a rock is provided. The protocol includes a crushing operation, wherein a test column of the rock in granular form is subjected to a compressive force orientated parallel to the axis of the column. The protocol further includes a measurement operation, wherein the amount by which the axial length of the test column is reduced through the application of the force is measured. The protocol yet further includes a calculation operation, wherein a characteristic of the rock is calculated using the product of the force applied and the amount by which the length of the test column is reduced through the application of the force. A method for characterizing the hardness of a subject rock is also provided.

Abstract: A ball penetrometer probe for in situ measurement of soft soil properties, particularly in the seabed, comprises a spherical body and slender shaft assembly, and either individually or in combination, an anti-friction sleeve enclosing the shaft and/or a peripheral porous ring on the spherical body with connecting internal passages through the shaft assembly, the shaft being adapted to attach to an electronic transducer module. The ball penetrometer is deployed to penetrate the soil bed, to continuously measure the soil bearing forces resisting penetration and withdrawal of the ball, to optionally measure the pore water pressure of the soil in contact with the ball and to transmit the measurement data from the probe to a remote operating station, either by wireless means such as an acoustic transducer or via a wired electrical connection.