Abstract
The purpose of this work was to develop a prototype of a soil stress sensor using a new technique for converting mechanical quantities, with functions for measuring stress changes in soils emerging under the action of a dynamic load associated with earthworks using construction machinery, impact of transport, underground explosions and earthquakes. The development is intended to solve problems in increasing the overall efficiency of monitoring buildings and structures and measurement accuracy. Within the framework of the study, the basic requirements for primary converters of mechanical quantities operating underground were formulated. The design solutions of such sensors, which affect the quality of the information received, have been evaluated. As a result of the study, a new effect of “elastic charging of the interfacial layer of a solid metal electrode” for measuring normal stress in soils was explored and proposed eligible for this purpose. Consequently it became possible to apply this new approach to developing the soil stress measurement sensor, including the creation of its functional scheme of operation, and selection of the hardware set, construction elements and materials taking into account the nature of sensor work. Eventually, laboratory experiments obtaining numerical characteristics were carried out.
Highlights
The determination of the hardware set of the prototype soil stress sensor was based on the expected characteristics of the output signal, based on the electrochemical principle of the sensor, the nature of the input signal and its operating conditions:
One of the main advantages of the sensor based on the “effect of elastic charging of the interphase layer of a solid metal electrode” is the direct transformation of the deformation of an elastic element into an electrical signal, which increases the reliability of measurements under dynamic loads rapidly changing in time [13]
The soil stress sensor works as follows: when dynamic and quasi-static stresses occur in soils, they are perceived by the working cover in the form of a steel plate, while the hydraulic fluid deforms the upper elastic metal membrane, and the liquid electrolyte, in turn, transfers mechanical deformation to the lower elastic metal membrane of the electrochemical cell
Summary
Under the influence of external forces, as well as from their own weight in soils, which are natural multicomponent dynamic systems, stresses and deformations arise, the study of which is currently necessary to solve a number of complex but urgent technical problems. This problem lies in an insufficient volume of experimental research, and in terms of mathematical analysis and reliable modeling of soil parameters, which does not allow us to fully see the picture of the behavior of the environment under the influence of high dynamic loads and deformations. This problem is confirmed by the most recent studies on this topic [6], reporting a fairly large difference between the conclusions based on the results of mathematical analysis and the data obtained experimentally. A new device is proposed that is installed in the active zone of the soil, below the point of application of the dynamic load and perpendicular to the direction of stress distribution to measure the relative value of these stresses
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