System and methods for determining structure stiffness

摘要

Systems and methods for determining the stiffness of a structure based on vertical track modulus. Vertical deflection data is collected along a particular section of a structure, such as a railroad track. A first set of vertical modulus is determined, based in part, on the collected vertical deflection data. At a second time, vertical deflection data is again collected along the particular section of the structure to be used in determining a second set of vertical modulus. At least the first and second sets of vertical modulus are analyzed to determine a mathematical algorithm that facilitates developing a trend in the vertical track modulus of the structure and evaluating the stiffness of the structure.

主权项

1. A system for estimating stiffness of a structure, the system comprising:
a. a sensing apparatus configured for measuring the vertical structure deflection along a portion of the structure; and b. a computing device configured for trending vertical structure deflection data based on two or more vertical structure deflection data measurements obtained at different times along the portion of the structure, wherein the computing device is configured to:
i. establish structure stiffness based on the two or more vertical deflection data measurements obtained over time;ii. generate a graphical forecast of structure stiffness along the structure by way of the vertical structure deflection data; andiii. generate a notification indicating structure stiffness is forecast to be below a predefined threshold.