Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Echo systems – Distance or direction finding
Patent
1987-10-16
1989-08-08
Tarcza, Thomas H.
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Echo systems
Distance or direction finding
367908, 73290V, 33713, G01S 1508
Patent
active
048559660
ABSTRACT:
In one embodiment of a technique for monitoring scouring around structural members which are at least partially submerged in the soil bed material at the bottom of a body of water, the distance between a fixed point on the structural member and the topmost portion of the soil bed material near the member is determined and compared to a predetermined value. When scouring occurs, removal of some of the soil bed material results in an increase in the measured distance, which increase can be used to indicate the occurrence of scouring in an appropriate manner, such as by utilizing a display, by recording the data, or even by telecommunicating the data to another location. The distance determination may be made either only when called for or periodically at predetermined times, in order to provide continuous monitoring. In an alternative embodiment, scour monitoring is provided by one or more probes disposed so as to initially rest on top of the soil bed material located near the structural member. When soil bed material is removed by scouring, the probe moves downwardly due to the force of gravity. The probe is further configured so that it remains in its displaced position even if the scoured area is later refilled by the flow pattern of the body of water. The extent of the downward movement of the probe is determined by a commercially available means. As with the first technique, the data thus obtained may be displayed, recorded, or sent to another location.
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Pihulic Daniel T.
Tarcza Thomas H.
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