Abstract:
A timber access mat having an electrical grounding feature includes an electrically conductive cover layer that is removably carried over the top of the body of the timber access mat. The electrically conductive cover layer can be formed from one or more sheets of expanded metal such as expanded steel. The layer is joined to a perimeter frame that includes offset connector tabs that allow mats to be positioned side-by-side. The connector tabs are paired with cable guides to protect the cable leads that connect the mats. The perimeter frame and conductive cover layer can be added to traditional timber access mats when electrical grounding is required and then removed and stored when not required.
Abstract:
A timber access mat having an electrical grounding feature includes an electrically conductive cover layer that is removably carried over the top of the body of the timber access mat. The electrically conductive cover layer can be formed from one or more sheets of expanded metal such as expanded steel. The layer is joined to a perimeter frame that includes offset connector tabs that allow mats to be positioned side-by-side. The connector tabs are paired with cable guides to protect the cable leads that connect the mats. The perimeter frame and conductive cover layer can be added to traditional timber access mats when electrical grounding is required and then removed and stored when not required.
Abstract:
An electrically groundable, reusable, load-supporting surface includes a plurality of planar mats and a plurality of removable, electrically-conductive covers. At least one cover is configured to be coupled to each respective mat. Each cover includes at least one mesh portion constructed at least partially of electrically conductive material. The respective covers of adjacent mats in the load-supporting surface are configured to be electrically interconnected. At least one grounding rod is electrically connectable between at least one cover and the earth to electrically ground the load supporting surface.
Abstract:
Apparatus for electrically connecting and grounding at least two mechanically interconnectable, planar mats in a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least one removable, electrically-conductive cover configured to be engaged with each mat and extend at least partially across the top and/or bottom face thereof. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically connect its associated mat with at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface.
Abstract:
A roadway segment includes a body having a length along a direction of travel, a width along a width axis, and top and bottom halves along a depth axis. The segment also includes a strain sensor array with one or more optical fiber cables embedded in the bottom half of the body. The strain sensor array includes vehicle-strain sensors configured to detect strain on the body resulting from vehicles traveling across the top surface. The segment also includes a processor that operates the plurality of vehicle-strain sensors at a resolution of not greater than one picometer (1 pm). Any segments of the optical fiber cable(s) that intersect are separated from one another depth wise by at least two-tenths of an inch (0.2 in.). Each of the sensors is separated from each other along the width axis by at least two inches (2 in.).
Abstract:
A modular cell that may be used with other cells to form a matrix under a load bearing feature, the cell being a single piece molding that supports a compressive load placed thereon, the molding including a void space defined within: a skirt shaped support member defining a substantially planar surface with an opening therein; and at least one leg integral to and extending from the support member. The cell further includes at least one separate linking member that releasably links together multiple cells to form a matrix of cells. The cells may be linked together vertically and/or horizontally. The cell and matrix include greater load bearing capacity and rigidity through aligned legs to carry the weight as well as interlinking members that act to share the load among the various cells. The design also requires less material hence is cheaper to produce. The void space is also easily accessed hence allowing for easy access, filling and laying of utility lines where needed.
Abstract:
Apparatus for electrically connecting and grounding at least two mechanically interconnectable, planar mats in a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least one removable, electrically-conductive cover configured to be engaged with each mat and extend at least partially across the top and/or bottom face thereof. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically connect its associated mat with at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface.
Abstract:
A modular pavement slab comprises a body, a strain sensor array, and a sensor processor. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The modular pavement slab is configured to be coupled to at least one other modular pavement slab via connectors along at least one of the side surfaces. The strain sensor array is retained within the body and is configured to detect a plurality of strains on the body resulting from vehicular traffic across the top surface of the body. The sensor processor is in communication with the strain sensor array. The sensor processor is configured to communicate input signals to the strain sensor array, receive output signals from the strain sensor array, and determine a plurality of time-varying strain values, each strain value indicating a strain experienced over time by a successive one of a plurality of regions of the body.
Abstract:
A system for pavement slab analysis based on data regarding transfer of force through a sensing volume responsive to exertion of weight on the sensing volume by passing objects including a precast pavement slab defining the sensing volume and having a top surface, a plurality of strain gauges embedded in the pavement slab within the sensing volume, and load-transferring connector(s) attaching the pavement slab to an adjacent slab. The strain gauges are distributed across an XY coordinate plane parallel to the top surface. The system also includes a processing element and computer-readable instructions for receipt of electrical signals from the strain gauges and to analysis of the electrical signals to determine one or more of the following: (A) risk of a structural defect in the pavement slab, (B) risk of a problem with underlying sub-grade beneath the pavement slab, and (C) movement of the passing objects across the top surface.
Abstract:
A modular cell that may be used with other cells to form a matrix under a load bearing feature, the cell being a single piece molding that supports a compressive load placed thereon, the molding including a void space defined within: a skirt shaped support member defining a substantially planar surface with an opening therein; and at least one leg integral to and extending from the support member. The cell further includes at least one linking member that releasably links together multiple cells to form a matrix of cells. The cells may be linked together vertically and/or horizontally. The cell and matrix include greater load bearing capacity and rigidity through aligned legs to carry the weight and interlinking members that act to share the load among the various cells. The design is cheaper to produce and allows easy access of the void space for filling and laying utility lines.