EP0544606B1 - Penetrometer measuring head and casing for the penetrometer, and it's use - Google Patents

Penetrometer measuring head and casing for the penetrometer, and it's use Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0544606B1
EP0544606B1 EP92420438A EP92420438A EP0544606B1 EP 0544606 B1 EP0544606 B1 EP 0544606B1 EP 92420438 A EP92420438 A EP 92420438A EP 92420438 A EP92420438 A EP 92420438A EP 0544606 B1 EP0544606 B1 EP 0544606B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
measuring head
penetrometer
sleeve
meters
central rod
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP92420438A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0544606A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Petit-Maire
Francis Bardot
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AMAP'Sols ATELIERS MOBILES D'AUSCULTATION PAR PENETRATION DES SOLS SA
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AMAP'Sols ATELIERS MOBILES D'AUSCULTATION PAR PENETRATION DES SOLS SA
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D1/00—Investigation of foundation soil in situ
    • E02D1/02—Investigation of foundation soil in situ before construction work
    • E02D1/022—Investigation of foundation soil in situ before construction work by investigating mechanical properties of the soil

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of technical means, commonly called penetrometers, and designed to allow the performance of penetration tests for the recognition of a ground or a ground, with a view to determining its condition and its quality in particular, with regard to density, compactness, strength and hardness.
  • a penetrometer is adapted to allow the insertion into the ground of a probe placed at the lower end of a train of tubes or rods ensuring the transmission of forces to a measuring head located at the top of this drill string.
  • This head makes it possible to measure, during the vertical insertion of the probe, various parameters necessary to recognize the condition or the quality of the ground probed.
  • the lower element of the drill string comprises a probe consisting of a small point, extended by a central rod, and a large point extending the small point and carried by an intermediate tube concentrically surrounding the central rod.
  • the intermediate tube is mounted inside a protective barrel concentric with the intermediate tube.
  • the measuring head is capable of determining the peak force exerted on the small and / or on the large point, the resistance acting on the side wall of the probe and the resistance acting on the entire drill string.
  • Such measurements are made, mainly, during an operation, called static driving, during which a continuous pressure is exerted on the top of the drill string, generally using hydraulic cylinders.
  • Patent FR 2 271 343 discloses such a penetrometer ensuring static driving and dynamic driving.
  • This penetrometer has a fixed structure, provided with vertical slides serving as guides for a mobile carriage controlled in downward or upward movement, by means of two hydraulic cylinders.
  • This mobile carriage is equipped with a threshing hammer acting on an anvil slidingly mounted in slides carried by the mobile frame. Between this anvil located under the sheep, and the top of the train of tubes, is interposed the measuring head capable of performing the various measurements during the static driving operation. For the dynamic driving operation, this measuring head is removed.
  • the patent described above aims, precisely, to replace the manual operation of disassembly and reassembly of the measuring head, by an automatic operation, in order to facilitate such assembly and disassembly operations. It should be noted that the mounting and dismounting of the measuring head must be carried out a large number of times during a survey, due to the implementation, alternately, of static driving and dynamic driving.
  • the above patent proposes to implement a penetrometer frame, the fixed structure of which is articulated around a horizontal axis offset from the axis of the train of tubes.
  • the fixed structure of the frame pivots or swivels around its horizontal axis.
  • the tilting of the fixed structure of the frame is used to automatically bring the measuring head into a position of non-use.
  • the mobile carriage is lowered by means of its two control jacks to bring the measuring head, during its descending trajectory, in relation to a support for support and centering.
  • the reverse movements are then carried out to bring the mobile carriage into alignment with the drill string, so as to authorize the dynamic driving operation.
  • the jacks are controlled according to the movement described above, in order to ensure the loading of the measuring head on the mobile carriage, with a view to bringing it to the top of the drill string.
  • the measuring head undergoes vibrations, or even shocks, during its assembly and disassembly on the mobile carriage and on the support for holding in the non-use position.
  • the sensitive components of the measuring head are then no longer capable of ensuring reliable, reliable and reliable measurements during soil probing operations.
  • Such constraints impose the implementation of repeated calibrations, or even the replacement of certain components of the measuring head, which negates the advantages of such an automatic solution compared to a manual solution for dismantling and mounting the measuring head.
  • the described measuring head is adapted to be implemented, mainly, with a given type of rods and probes, which limits the applications of this measuring head.
  • the object of the present invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a measuring head for a penetrometer, arranged so as to remain in a fixed position during static driving and dynamic driving operations.
  • the measuring head according to the preamble of claim 1 makes it possible to measure, along a measurement axis, the forces transmitted to a drill string during their penetration or tearing, the measuring head comprising at least a first means for capturing the forces transmitted by at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string.
  • the measuring head comprises at least one inner sheath defining a passage passing through the measuring head right through, along the measuring axis, and adapted to allow free sliding, with play, for a shaft of threshing driven in alternating movements by means of a threshing apparatus and equipped, at its terminal part, with a temporary assembly means with an element constituting the drill string, the inner sheath ensuring the transmission of the forces between the 'at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string and the first means for capturing the corresponding transmitted forces.
  • the measuring head also comprises an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath at a distance and ensuring the transmission of forces between at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string and a second means for picking up the corresponding transmitted forces.
  • the inner and outer sleeves of the measuring head each have a threaded end portion intended to ensure the fitting of tools suitable for static driving with a complete drill string or only with the central rod.
  • Object of the invention also aims to provide a threshing shaft freely passing through the measuring head and intended to be temporarily assembled to the central rod, by means of a corresponding tool.
  • the object of the invention thus allows the passage from a static driving mode to a dynamic driving mode by simply changing the connecting tools between the various constituent elements of the drill string and the threshing shaft or the measuring head.
  • the invention also aims to provide a penetrometer frame equipped with a threshing device preferably consisting of a hydraulic hammer which offers the advantage of having an adjustable striking frequency.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a penetrometer according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation view showing the penetrometer being inserted into a drill string.
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation view of a penetrometer illustrated in a characteristic position.
  • Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a measuring head according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a bottom view taken substantially along the lines VV of FIG. 4.
  • Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the measuring head according to the invention, equipped to operate in static driving mode with the complete set of tubes.
  • Fig. 7 is a partial view of the measuring head equipped for driving in static mode with only the central rod of the drill string.
  • Fig. 8 is a view, similar to FIG. 7 , showing another alternative embodiment of the measuring head ensuring operation in static mode, only with the central rod.
  • Fig. 9 is a partial view, in sectional elevation, of another alternative embodiment of a measuring head according to the invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the variant illustrated in FIG. 9 and taken substantially along lines XX.
  • the penetrometer comprises a fixed frame 1 constituting a rigid structure capable of being adapted, by its base 2, on a vehicle chassis.
  • the frame 1 is adapted to support a guide structure 3 oscillating about a horizontal axis a and comprising two symmetrical slides 4, normally vertical, intended to serve as a guide for a mobile carriage 5 moved in upward or downward sliding, by the intermediate of two hydraulic cylinders 7.
  • These cylinders are articulated on the frame 1 around a horizontal axis a ' and on the upper cross member 8 of the movable carriage 5, along a horizontal axis b .
  • the mobile carriage 5 is equipped with a threshing apparatus 12 and a measuring head 13, placed below the threshing apparatus and fixed, for example, on the underside of a bottom cross member 14 of the mobile carriage 5.
  • the measuring head 13 is placed at the top of a train T of sections of rods or of penetration tubes 14 1 , 14 2 ... 14 n ensuring the insertion, in a ground or ground S , a penetration probe placed at the lower end of the drill string. The back pressure exerted on the probe and transmitted by the drill string is measured by the head 13.
  • the lower section 14 1 of the drill string is equipped with the probe consisting of a small point 16 extended by a central rod 17 and a large point 18 extending the cone of the small point and provided with an intermediate tube 19 surrounding the central rod 17.
  • the intermediate tube 19 is surrounded by a protective barrel 20.
  • the lower section 14 1 is pressed into the ground, according to a given depth, by mounting end to end sections of rods 14 2 ... 14 n , each consisting of a barrel 20, an intermediate tube 19 and a central rod 17, connected to the rods and the barrels of the lower sections.
  • the mobile carriage 5 is subjected, via the jacks 7, to a significant pressure causing it to move down.
  • a first mode of penetration called static driving
  • the mobile carriage 5 causes the downward movement of the train T of rods via the measuring head 13.
  • the threshing device 12 must be used to continue the insertion of the drill string inside of the ground.
  • the measuring head 13 is arranged to remain in position on the carriage 5 when switching from static driving mode to dynamic driving mode, and vice versa.
  • the measuring head 13 is arranged to include a passage 22 passing right through it, along an axis 23 which is parallel to the measuring axis represented, for example, by the penetration axis of the drill string.
  • the passage 22 is adapted to allow the free sliding, with play, of a threshing shaft 24 urged in alternating movement by means of the threshing apparatus 12.
  • the shaft 24 passes through the lower cross member 14 of the carriage 5, by a bore 25 occupied by two pins 26 mounted tangentially with respect to the shaft 24.
  • the pins 26 extend inside a groove 27 formed on the shaft 24, so as to allow the retention of the latter in the down position.
  • the threshing shaft 24 is equipped, at its end part, with a means 28 for temporary assembly with the central rod 17.
  • the threshing shaft 24 is assembled with the central rod by the through a dynamic driving tool 30 consisting of a bolt 31 screwed onto the means 28 consisting of a thread.
  • the tool 30 also includes a threshing pin 32 connected by screwing to the central rod 17 and partially engaged in a housing 33 formed in the chuck 31.
  • the nipple 32 is kept assembled with the chuck 31 by means of a threaded ring 34.
  • the snap 31 carries, on its outer wall, flats 35 to facilitate its operation by a key 36.
  • the measuring head 13 according to the invention is thus not dismantled during the dynamic driving operation, while not undergoing any deterioration or mechanical stress.
  • the transition from a static driving mode to a dynamic driving mode consists, only, in putting in place the assembly tool 30, between the threshing shaft 24 and the central rod 17.
  • the pursuit of penetration, in a static mode simply consists in carrying out the dismantling of the tool 30 and in ensuring the connection of the measuring head with the various elements of the drill string. It should be noted that, during this dynamic driving operation, the measurement of the pull-out resistance of the drill string can be assumed by means of pressure sensors fitted to the jacks 7.
  • the measuring head 13 is also designed to ensure the various measurements made during penetration in static mode.
  • the measuring head 13 comprises at least one inner sheath 37 delimiting the passage 22 for the threshing shaft 24.
  • the sheath 37 ensures the transmission of forces between at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string and a first means 38 for capturing the transmitted forces.
  • the inner sleeve 37 is extended by a flange 38 ' coming to bear on at least one, and in the example illustrated, three force sensors 39 grouped together to form the first detection means 38. Tel that this appears more precisely in fig. 5, the collar 38 has a polygonal and substantially triangular section in the example illustrated, the vertices of which each rest on a corresponding sensor 39 .
  • the measuring head 13 includes at least one outer sheath 40 concentrically surrounding the inner sheath 37 and ensuring the transmission of forces between at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string and a second plea 42 to capture the corresponding transmitted forces.
  • the outer sheath 40 includes a collar 43 also having a polygonal section, triangular in nature in the example illustrated, bearing on three sensors 45 grouped together to form the second detection means 42.
  • the flanges 38 and 43 are angularly offset, as illustrated in FIG. 5, so as to allow the interlaced mounting of the sensors 39, 45 arranged in a circle.
  • the sensors 39, 45 are connected by screws 47 and 48, respectively, to the inner sleeve 37 and to the outer sleeve 40.
  • the sensors 39, 45 are held, by screws 49, on a common mounting plate 51 adapted by means assembly 52, below the lower cross member 14 of the mobile carriage 5.
  • the force sensors are of the type, for example, with strain gauges.
  • the measuring head thus formed is intended to be associated with a tool 55 for static driving with the complete drill string.
  • This tool 55 is constituted by a threaded ring 56 cooperating with a thread 57 formed in the outer sheath 40.
  • the ring 56 is intended to come to bear on the guide barrel 20, in order to allow the measurement of the friction force by the associated sensors 45 .
  • the tool 55 also includes a threaded end 58 cooperating with a thread 59 of the inner sleeve 37.
  • the end piece 58 is intended to come to bear on the central rod 17 and on the intermediate tube 19, in order to ensure the measurement of resistance to penetration by the associated sensors 39 .
  • the threshing shaft 24 penetrates inside the sheath 37, in the rest position, on a given measure authorizing the fitting of the end piece 58 on the sheath 37.
  • the end part of the shaft 24 recedes relative to the bottom of the internal thread 59, when the shaft occupies its lower maximum position corresponding to that where the pins 26 are located resting on the high sides of the groove 27.
  • the ring 56 allows, depending on its degree of screwing in the sleeve 40, to adjust the gap between the probe and the barrel, and thus compensate for the offsets likely to '' intervene between the elements when they are placed end to end.
  • the measuring head according to the invention is also intended to be associated with a tool 60 for static driving performed only with the central rod 17 of the drill string.
  • This static driving is implemented when penetration with the complete drill string is no longer possible.
  • the tool 60 is constituted by a threaded end 61 connected to the inner sleeve 37 and coming to bear on a threaded end 62 which is assembled with the central rod 17, in order to allow the measurement of the resistance to penetration by the associated sensors 39 .
  • the tool 60 also includes a threaded ring 64 assembled with the outer sheath 40 and supporting the end piece 62 linked to the central rod, so that during a tearing operation, the ring 64 drives in displacement the endpiece 62, in order to allow the measurement of the friction force by the associated sensors 45.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a static driving tool 60 ′ produced only with the central rod 17.
  • This tool consists of a ring 70 linked to one of the sleeves and, for example, with the outer sleeve 40.
  • This ring 70 is supported on a stud 71 linked by screwing to the central rod 17, thus allowing the measurement of the resistance to penetration by the sensors 45.
  • the stud 71 is mounted integral with the ring 70, via 'a threaded ring 73, so that during the tearing operation, the stud 71 and the ring 70 are moved to allow the measurement of the friction force by the sensors 45 associated with the sleeve and then working in traction.
  • the measuring head 13 makes it possible to limit the operations necessary to switch from a static driving mode to a dynamic driving mode, while allowing to have a head capable of measuring all the parameters necessary during the insertion of the probe.
  • the measuring head 13, which occupies a fixed position during all the static and dynamic driving operations, while not undergoing mechanical stresses, offers the advantage of making reliable measurements.
  • the measuring head according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be adapted to the top of a string of rods or probes having various structures, characteristics or applications other than those described, by way of example , in the description above.
  • the measuring head 13 can be equipped with a third tubular sheath 74 mounted concentrically with respect to the sheaths 37, 40.
  • the tubular sheath 74 is preferably mounted removably on a support piece 75 provided with two pairs of branches 76 in the shape of a "U" extending symmetrically on either side of the sheath.
  • the support piece 75 is removably mounted, by each of its branches 76, on a yoke 77 using an assembly pin 78 passing through the yoke 77 and the branches 76.
  • the yokes 77 are rigidly fixed on the uprights 5 a of the carriage 5, below the lower cross member 14, so that the sleeve 74 extends in a lower plane relative to the sleeves 37, 40.
  • the ring 56 and tip 58 are extended, respectively, by a nose 56, 58 is intended to partially engage the sleeve 74, to cooperate with the respective elements of the probe.
  • the third sleeve 74 therefore surrounds the elements associated with the sleeves 37, 40.
  • the tubular sheath 74 is intended to act on one of the constituent elements of the drill string, such as, for example, a sleeve 79 surrounding the protective barrel 20.
  • the use of a third tubular sheath 74 thus makes it possible to use it with unit lateral friction measurement probes constituted by four elements 16, 18, 20, 79.
  • This measuring head therefore offers the advantage of having an additional quantity measured by the sensors associated with the hydraulic cylinders 7.
  • the measuring head according to the invention is, advantageously but not exclusively, associated with a threshing device constituted by a hydraulic hammer.
  • a threshing device constituted by a hydraulic hammer.
  • a hammer 12 is provided with two cheeks 80 fixed to the lower cross member 14 of the mobile carriage 5.
  • This hammer which offers the advantage of having a variable striking frequency, is intended to urge, by percussion, the shaft of threshing 24 which is permanently mounted on the crosspiece 14 by penetrating inside the bore 25 and the passage 22 of the measuring head.
  • the movable carriage 5 thus has a reduced weight compared to known carriages of penetrometer.
  • the oscillating structure 3 which is articulated along the horizontal axis a situated substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drill string, can be easily tilted to release the axis of penetration of the drill string.
  • the pivoting of this structure 3 is ensured by two jacks 82 carried by the frame 1 and each actuating two connecting rods 83 and 84 forming a toggle joint ( fig. 3 ) .

Abstract

The measuring head according to the invention is designed to include a passage (22) crossing right through it, following the measuring axis (23). The passage is adapted to allow a ram (24) to slide freely with play, driven in alternate movements by a ramming device and fitted at its end with a means (28) of temporary assembly with a component element constituting the set of rods. Application to the measuring head of a penetrometer. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des moyens techniques, appelés couramment pénétromètres, et conçus pour permettre la réalisation d'essais de pénétration pour la reconnaissance d'un sol ou d'un terrain, en vue d'en déterminer son état et sa qualité, en particulier, en ce qui concerne la densité, la compacité, la résistance et la dureté.The present invention relates to the field of technical means, commonly called penetrometers, and designed to allow the performance of penetration tests for the recognition of a ground or a ground, with a view to determining its condition and its quality in particular, with regard to density, compactness, strength and hardness.

D'une manière générale, un pénétromètre est adapté pour permettre l'enfoncement dans le sol d'une sonde placée à l'extrémité inférieure d'un train de tubes ou de tiges assurant la transmission des efforts jusqu'à une tête de mesure située au sommet de ce train de tiges. Cette tête permet de mesurer, lors de l'enfoncement vertical de la sonde, différents paramètres nécessaires pour reconnaître l'état ou la qualité du sol sondé.In general, a penetrometer is adapted to allow the insertion into the ground of a probe placed at the lower end of a train of tubes or rods ensuring the transmission of forces to a measuring head located at the top of this drill string. This head makes it possible to measure, during the vertical insertion of the probe, various parameters necessary to recognize the condition or the quality of the ground probed.

Généralement, l'élément inférieur du train de tiges comporte une sonde constituée d'une petite pointe, prolongée par une tige centrale, et d'une grosse pointe prolongeant la petite pointe et portée par un tube intermédiaire entourant concentriquement la tige centrale. Le tube intermédiaire est monté à l'intérieur d'un fût de protection concentrique au tube intermédiaire.Generally, the lower element of the drill string comprises a probe consisting of a small point, extended by a central rod, and a large point extending the small point and carried by an intermediate tube concentrically surrounding the central rod. The intermediate tube is mounted inside a protective barrel concentric with the intermediate tube.

D'une manière classique, la tête de mesure est capable de déterminer l'effort de pointe exercé sur la petite et/ou sur la grosse pointe, la résistance s'exerçant sur la paroi latérale de la sonde et la résistance s'exerçant sur l'ensemble du train de tiges. De telles mesures s'effectuent, principalement, au cours d'une opération, dite de fonçage statique, au cours de laquelle est exercée une pression continue sur le sommet du train de tiges, à l'aide, généralement, de vérins hydrauliques.In a conventional manner, the measuring head is capable of determining the peak force exerted on the small and / or on the large point, the resistance acting on the side wall of the probe and the resistance acting on the entire drill string. Such measurements are made, mainly, during an operation, called static driving, during which a continuous pressure is exerted on the top of the drill string, generally using hydraulic cylinders.

Lorsque le terrain rencontré présente une zone ayant une grande résistance ou dureté, il est possible de poursuivre le fonçage statique uniquement par l'enfoncement de la tige centrale. Lorsque la petite pointe est définitivement bloquée, la pénétration de la sonde est poursuivie, par l'intermédiaire d'un mouton de battage assurant un fonçage, dit dynamique. Lors de l'opération de fonçage dynamique, les mesures sont interrompues pour éviter un endommagement de la tête de mesure.When the terrain encountered has an area with high resistance or hardness, it is possible to continue static driving only by driving in the central rod. When the small point is definitively blocked, the penetration of the probe is continued, via a threshing ensuring a sinking, said dynamic. During the dynamic driving operation, the measurements are interrupted to avoid damage to the measuring head.

Le brevet FR 2 271 343 divulgue un tel pénétromètre assurant un fonçage statique et un fonçage dynamique. Ce pénétromètre comporte une structure fixe, munie de glissières verticales servant de guides à un chariot mobile commandé en déplacement descendant ou ascendant, par l'intermédiaire de deux vérins hydrauliques. Ce chariot mobile est équipé d'un mouton de battage agissant sur une enclume montée coulissante dans des glissières portées par le cadre mobile. Entre cette enclume disposée sous le mouton, et le sommet du train de tubes, est interposée la tête de mesure capable d'effectuer les différentes mesures lors de l'opération de fonçage statique. Pour l'opération de fonçage dynamique, cette tête de mesure est retirée.Patent FR 2 271 343 discloses such a penetrometer ensuring static driving and dynamic driving. This penetrometer has a fixed structure, provided with vertical slides serving as guides for a mobile carriage controlled in downward or upward movement, by means of two hydraulic cylinders. This mobile carriage is equipped with a threshing hammer acting on an anvil slidingly mounted in slides carried by the mobile frame. Between this anvil located under the sheep, and the top of the train of tubes, is interposed the measuring head capable of performing the various measurements during the static driving operation. For the dynamic driving operation, this measuring head is removed.

Le brevet décrit ci-dessus vise, justement, à remplacer l'opération manuelle de démontage et de remontage de la tête de mesure, par une opération automatique, en vue de faciliter de telles opérations de montage et de démontage. Il est à noter que le montage et le démontage de la tête de mesure doivent être effectués un grand nombre de fois au cours d'un sondage, en raison de la mise en oeuvre, alternativement, du fonçage statique et du fonçage dynamique.The patent described above aims, precisely, to replace the manual operation of disassembly and reassembly of the measuring head, by an automatic operation, in order to facilitate such assembly and disassembly operations. It should be noted that the mounting and dismounting of the measuring head must be carried out a large number of times during a survey, due to the implementation, alternately, of static driving and dynamic driving.

Pour tenter de résoudre ce problème, le brevet ci-dessus propose de mettre en oeuvre un bâti de pénétromètre, dont la structure fixe est articulée autour d'un axe horizontal décalé par rapport à l'axe du train de tubes. Lorsque les deux vérins, qui commandent en déplacement le chariot mobile, arrivent en fin de course ascendante, la structure fixe du bâti pivote ou bascule autour de son axe horizontal. Le basculement de la structure fixe du bâti est mis à profit pour amener automatiquement la tête de mesure dans une position de non utilisation.In an attempt to solve this problem, the above patent proposes to implement a penetrometer frame, the fixed structure of which is articulated around a horizontal axis offset from the axis of the train of tubes. When the two jacks, which control the movement of the mobile carriage, arrive at the end of the upward stroke, the fixed structure of the frame pivots or swivels around its horizontal axis. The tilting of the fixed structure of the frame is used to automatically bring the measuring head into a position of non-use.

A cet effet, lorsque le bâti se trouve en position basculée, le chariot mobile est abaissé au moyen de ses deux vérins de commande pour amener la tête de mesure, au cours de sa trajectoire descendante, en relation d'un support de maintien et de centrage. Les mouvements inverses sont ensuite effectués pour amener le chariot mobile dans l'alignement du train de tiges, de manière à autoriser l'opération de fonçage dynamique. Pour une opération de fonçage statique ultérieure, les vérins sont pilotés selon le mouvement décrit ci-dessus, afin d'assurer le chargement de la tête de mesure sur le chariot mobile, en vue de l'amener au sommet du train de tiges.To this end, when the frame is in the tilted position, the mobile carriage is lowered by means of its two control jacks to bring the measuring head, during its descending trajectory, in relation to a support for support and centering. The reverse movements are then carried out to bring the mobile carriage into alignment with the drill string, so as to authorize the dynamic driving operation. For a subsequent static driving operation, the jacks are controlled according to the movement described above, in order to ensure the loading of the measuring head on the mobile carriage, with a view to bringing it to the top of the drill string.

Il apparaît que l'opération de montage de la tête de mesure sur le chariot mobile, ainsi que son positionnement sur un support fixe, sont effectués automatiquement, par le basculement de la structure fixe sur le bâti. La solution technique proposée par ce brevet limite, indéniablement, les opérations manuelles de manutention de la tête de mesure, pour passer d'une opération de fonçage statique à une opération de fonçage dynamique, et inversement.It appears that the operation of mounting the measuring head on the mobile carriage, as well as its positioning on a fixed support, are carried out automatically, by the tilting of the fixed structure on the frame. The technical solution proposed by this patent undeniably limits the manual operations of handling the measuring head, to go from a static driving operation to a dynamic driving operation, and vice versa.

Toutefois, une telle solution ne donne pas satisfaction en pratique.However, such a solution is not satisfactory in practice.

En effet, la tête de mesure subit des vibrations, voire des chocs, lors de son montage et démontage sur le chariot mobile et sur le support de maintien en position de non utilisation. Les composants sensibles de la tête de mesure ne sont alors plus capable d'assurer des mesures fiables, sûres et fidèles, au cours des opérations de sondage d'un sol. De telles contraintes imposent la mise en oeuvre d'étalonnages répétés, voire le remplacement de certains composants constitutifs de la tête de mesure, ce qui annihile les avantages d'une telle solution automatique par rapport à une solution manuelle de démontage et de montage de la tête de mesure.Indeed, the measuring head undergoes vibrations, or even shocks, during its assembly and disassembly on the mobile carriage and on the support for holding in the non-use position. The sensitive components of the measuring head are then no longer capable of ensuring reliable, reliable and reliable measurements during soil probing operations. Such constraints impose the implementation of repeated calibrations, or even the replacement of certain components of the measuring head, which negates the advantages of such an automatic solution compared to a manual solution for dismantling and mounting the measuring head.

De plus, il apparaît que les opérations de manutention de la tête de mesure imposent le déplacement complet de la structure du pénétromètre, ce qui constitue une opération relativement complexe et d'exécution difficile, dans le cas où le bâti, équipé de son mouton de battage, représente un poids important.In addition, it appears that the operations of handling the measuring head require the complete displacement of the structure of the penetrometer, which constitutes a relatively complex operation and difficult to execute, in the case where the frame, equipped with its threshing, represents a significant weight.

Par ailleurs, la tête de mesure décrite est adaptée pour être mise en oeuvre, principalement, avec un type donné de tiges et de sondes, ce qui limite les applications de cette tête de mesure.Furthermore, the described measuring head is adapted to be implemented, mainly, with a given type of rods and probes, which limits the applications of this measuring head.

L'objet de la présente invention vise donc à remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant une tête de mesure pour pénétromètre, agencée de manière à rester dans une position fixe lors des opérations de fonçage statique et de fonçage dynamique.The object of the present invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a measuring head for a penetrometer, arranged so as to remain in a fixed position during static driving and dynamic driving operations.

La tête de mesure conforme au préambule de la revendication 1 permet de mesurer, selon un axe de mesure, les efforts transmis à un train de tiges lors de leur pénétration ou arrachage, la tête de mesure comportant au moins un premier moyen pour capter les efforts transmis par l'un au moins des éléments constitutifs du train de tiges.The measuring head according to the preamble of claim 1 makes it possible to measure, along a measurement axis, the forces transmitted to a drill string during their penetration or tearing, the measuring head comprising at least a first means for capturing the forces transmitted by at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string.

Selon l'invention, la tête de mesure comporte au moins un fourreau intérieur délimitant un passage traversant la tête de mesure de part en part, selon l'axe de mesure, et adapté pour autoriser le libre coulissement, avec jeu, pour un arbre de battage entraîné en déplacements alternatifs par l'intermédiaire d'un appareil de battage et équipé, à sa partie terminale, d'un moyen d'assemblage temporaire avec un élément constitutif du train de tiges, le fourreau intérieur assurant la transmission des efforts entre l'un au moins des éléments constitutifs du train de tiges et le premier moyen pour capter les efforts transmis correspondants.According to the invention, the measuring head comprises at least one inner sheath defining a passage passing through the measuring head right through, along the measuring axis, and adapted to allow free sliding, with play, for a shaft of threshing driven in alternating movements by means of a threshing apparatus and equipped, at its terminal part, with a temporary assembly means with an element constituting the drill string, the inner sheath ensuring the transmission of the forces between the 'at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string and the first means for capturing the corresponding transmitted forces.

Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, la tête de mesure comporte, également, un fourreau extérieur entourant à distance le fourreau intérieur et assurant la transmission des efforts entre au moins l'un des éléments constitutifs du train de tiges et un second moyen pour capter les efforts transmis correspondants.According to an advantageous embodiment, the measuring head also comprises an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath at a distance and ensuring the transmission of forces between at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string and a second means for picking up the corresponding transmitted forces.

Les fourreaux intérieur et extérieur de la tête de mesure comportent chacun une partie terminale filetée destinée à assurer le montage d'outillages adaptés pour le fonçage statique avec un train de tiges complet ou uniquement avec la tige centrale. L'objet de l'invention vise, également, à proposer un arbre de battage traversant librement la tête de mesure et destiné à être assemblé temporairement à la tige centrale, par l'intermédiaire d'un outillage correspondant.The inner and outer sleeves of the measuring head each have a threaded end portion intended to ensure the fitting of tools suitable for static driving with a complete drill string or only with the central rod. Object of the invention also aims to provide a threshing shaft freely passing through the measuring head and intended to be temporarily assembled to the central rod, by means of a corresponding tool.

L'objet de l'invention permet ainsi, le passage d'un mode de fonçage statique à un mode de fonçage dynamique par le simple changement des outillages de liaison entre les divers éléments constitutifs du train de tiges et l'arbre de battage ou la tête de mesure.The object of the invention thus allows the passage from a static driving mode to a dynamic driving mode by simply changing the connecting tools between the various constituent elements of the drill string and the threshing shaft or the measuring head.

L'invention vise, également, à proposer un bâti de pénétromètre équipé d'un appareil de battage constitué, de préférence, par un marteau hydraulique qui offre l'avantage de présenter une fréquence de frappe réglable.The invention also aims to provide a penetrometer frame equipped with a threshing device preferably consisting of a hydraulic hammer which offers the advantage of having an adjustable striking frequency.

Diverses autres caractéristiques ressortent de la description faite ci-dessous en référence aux dessins annexés qui montrent, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, des formes de réalisation de l'objet de l'invention.Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

La fig. 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée montrant un pénétromètre conforme à l'invention. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a penetrometer according to the invention.

La fig. 2 est une vue en coupe-élévation montrant le pénétromètre en cours d'enfoncement d'un train de tiges. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation view showing the penetrometer being inserted into a drill string.

La fig. 3 est une vue en coupe-élévation d'un pénétromètre illustré dans une position caractéristique. Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation view of a penetrometer illustrated in a characteristic position.

La fig. 4 est une vue en coupe d'une tête de mesure conforme à l'invention. Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a measuring head according to the invention.

La fig. 5 est une vue de dessous prise sensiblement selon les lignes V-V de la fig. 4. Fig. 5 is a bottom view taken substantially along the lines VV of FIG. 4.

La fig. 6 est une vue en coupe de la tête de mesure selon l'invention, équipée pour fonctionner en mode de fonçage statique avec le jeu complet de tubes. Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the measuring head according to the invention, equipped to operate in static driving mode with the complete set of tubes.

La fig. 7 est une vue partielle de la tête de mesure équipée pour assurer le fonçage en mode statique avec uniquement la tige centrale du train de tiges. Fig. 7 is a partial view of the measuring head equipped for driving in static mode with only the central rod of the drill string.

La fig. 8 est une vue, analogue à la fig. 7, montrant une autre variante de réalisation de la tête de mésure assurant un fonctionnement en mode statique, uniquement avec la tige centrale. Fig. 8 is a view, similar to FIG. 7 , showing another alternative embodiment of the measuring head ensuring operation in static mode, only with the central rod.

La fig. 9 est une vue partielle, en coupe-élévation, d'une autre variante de réalisation d'une tête de mesure conforme à l'invention. Fig. 9 is a partial view, in sectional elevation, of another alternative embodiment of a measuring head according to the invention.

La fig. 10 est une vue de dessous de la variante illustrée à la fig. 9 et prise sensiblement selon les lignes X-X. Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the variant illustrated in FIG. 9 and taken substantially along lines XX.

Tel que cela apparaît plus précisément aux fig. 1 à 3, le pénétromètre selon l'invention comporte un bâti fixe 1 constituant une structure rigide susceptible d'être adaptée, par son socle 2, sur un châssis de véhicule. Le bâti 1 est adapté pour supporter une structure de guidage 3 oscillante autour d'un axe horizontal a et comportant deux glissières symétriques 4, normalement verticales, destinées à servir de guide à un chariot mobile 5 déplacé en coulissement ascendant ou descendant, par l'intermédiaire de deux vérins hydrauliques 7. Ces vérins sont articulés sur le bâti 1 autour d'un axe horizontal a' et sur la traverse haute 8 du chariot mobile 5, selon un axe horizontal b. As shown more precisely in Figs. 1 to 3, the penetrometer according to the invention comprises a fixed frame 1 constituting a rigid structure capable of being adapted, by its base 2, on a vehicle chassis. The frame 1 is adapted to support a guide structure 3 oscillating about a horizontal axis a and comprising two symmetrical slides 4, normally vertical, intended to serve as a guide for a mobile carriage 5 moved in upward or downward sliding, by the intermediate of two hydraulic cylinders 7. These cylinders are articulated on the frame 1 around a horizontal axis a ' and on the upper cross member 8 of the movable carriage 5, along a horizontal axis b .

Le chariot mobile 5 est équipé d'un appareil de battage 12 et d'une tête de mesure 13, placée en dessous de l'appareil de battage et fixée, par exemple, sur la face inférieure d'une traverse basse 14 du chariot mobile 5. Dans l'exemple illustré, la tête de mesure 13 est mise en place au sommet d'un train T de tronçons de tiges ou de tubes de pénétration 14 1 , 14 2 ...14 n assurant l'enfoncement, dans un sol ou terrains S, d'une sonde de pénétration placée à l'extrémité inférieure du train de tiges. La contre-pression exercée sur la sonde et transmise par le train de tiges est mesurée par la tête 13. Classiquement, le tronçon inférieur 14 1 du train de tiges est équipée de la sonde constituée d'une petite pointe 16 prolongée par une tige centrale 17 et d'une grosse pointe 18 prolongeant le cône de la petite pointe et pourvue d'un tube intermédiaire 19 entourant la tige centrale 17. Le tube intermédiaire 19 est entouré par un fût de protection 20. Le tronçon inférieur 14 1 est enfoncé dans le sol, selon une profondeur donnée, en montant bout à bout des tronçons de tiges 14 2 ... 14 n , constitués chacun d'un fût 20, d'un tube intermédiaire 19 et d'une tige centrale 17, raccordés aux tiges et aux fûts des tronçons inférieurs.The mobile carriage 5 is equipped with a threshing apparatus 12 and a measuring head 13, placed below the threshing apparatus and fixed, for example, on the underside of a bottom cross member 14 of the mobile carriage 5. In the example illustrated, the measuring head 13 is placed at the top of a train T of sections of rods or of penetration tubes 14 1 , 14 2 ... 14 n ensuring the insertion, in a ground or ground S , a penetration probe placed at the lower end of the drill string. The back pressure exerted on the probe and transmitted by the drill string is measured by the head 13. Conventionally, the lower section 14 1 of the drill string is equipped with the probe consisting of a small point 16 extended by a central rod 17 and a large point 18 extending the cone of the small point and provided with an intermediate tube 19 surrounding the central rod 17. The intermediate tube 19 is surrounded by a protective barrel 20. The lower section 14 1 is pressed into the ground, according to a given depth, by mounting end to end sections of rods 14 2 ... 14 n , each consisting of a barrel 20, an intermediate tube 19 and a central rod 17, connected to the rods and the barrels of the lower sections.

D'une manière classique, le chariot mobile 5 est soumis, par l'intermédiaire des vérins 7, à une pression importante l'entraînant en déplacement descendant. Selon un premier mode de pénétration, dit de fonçage statique, le chariot mobile 5 provoque le déplacement descendant du train T de tiges par l'intermédiaire de la tête de mesure 13. Lorsque la sonde ne peut plus être enfoncée d'une manière statique, c'est-à-dire à l'aide d'une pression continue, en raison de la nature du terrain rencontrée, l'appareil de battage 12 doit être mis en oeuvre pour continuer l'enfoncement du train de tiges à l'intérieur du sol.In a conventional manner, the mobile carriage 5 is subjected, via the jacks 7, to a significant pressure causing it to move down. According to a first mode of penetration, called static driving, the mobile carriage 5 causes the downward movement of the train T of rods via the measuring head 13. When the probe can no longer be inserted statically, that is to say using continuous pressure, due to the nature of the terrain encountered, the threshing device 12 must be used to continue the insertion of the drill string inside of the ground.

Selon l'invention, la tête de mesure 13 est aménagée pour rester en position sur le chariot 5 lors du passage du mode de fonçage statique au mode de fonçage dynamique, et inversement.According to the invention, the measuring head 13 is arranged to remain in position on the carriage 5 when switching from static driving mode to dynamic driving mode, and vice versa.

A cet effet, tel que cela ressort plus précisément des fig. 4 et 5, la tête de mesure 13 est aménagée pour comporter un passage 22 la traversant de part en part, selon un axe 23 qui est parallèle à l'axe de mesure représenté, à titre d'exemple, par l'axe de pénétration du train de tiges. Le passage 22 est adapté pour autoriser le libre coulissement, avec jeu, d'un arbre de battage 24 sollicité en déplacement alternatif par l'intermédiaire de l'appareil de battage 12. L'arbre 24 passe à travers la traverse inférieure 14 du chariot 5, par un alésage 25 occupé par deux goupilles 26 montées tangentiellement par rapport à l'arbre 24. Les goupilles 26 s'étendent à l'intérieur d'une gorge 27 ménagée sur l'arbre 24, de manière à permettre la retenue de ce dernier en position descendante.To this end, as shown more precisely in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the measuring head 13 is arranged to include a passage 22 passing right through it, along an axis 23 which is parallel to the measuring axis represented, for example, by the penetration axis of the drill string. The passage 22 is adapted to allow the free sliding, with play, of a threshing shaft 24 urged in alternating movement by means of the threshing apparatus 12. The shaft 24 passes through the lower cross member 14 of the carriage 5, by a bore 25 occupied by two pins 26 mounted tangentially with respect to the shaft 24. The pins 26 extend inside a groove 27 formed on the shaft 24, so as to allow the retention of the latter in the down position.

L'arbre de battage 24 est équipé, à sa partie terminale, d'un moyen 28 d'assemblage temporaire avec la tige centrale 17. D'une manière avantageuse, l'arbre de battage 24 est assemblé à la tige centrale par l'intermédiaire d'un outillage de fonçage dynamique 30 constitué par une bouterolle 31 vissée sur le moyen 28 constitué par un taraudage. L'outillage 30 comporte, également, un téton de battage 32 lié par vissage à la tige centrale 17 et engagé partiellement dans un logement 33 ménagé dans la bouterolle 31. Le téton 32 est maintenu assemblé avec la bouterolle 31 par l'intermédiaire d'une bague filetée 34. Tel que cela ressort plus précisément de la fig. 4, la bouterolle 31 porte, sur sa paroi extérieure, des méplats 35 pour faciliter sa manoeuvre par une clé 36. The threshing shaft 24 is equipped, at its end part, with a means 28 for temporary assembly with the central rod 17. Advantageously, the threshing shaft 24 is assembled with the central rod by the through a dynamic driving tool 30 consisting of a bolt 31 screwed onto the means 28 consisting of a thread. The tool 30 also includes a threshing pin 32 connected by screwing to the central rod 17 and partially engaged in a housing 33 formed in the chuck 31. The nipple 32 is kept assembled with the chuck 31 by means of a threaded ring 34. As can be seen more precisely in FIG. 4, the snap 31 carries, on its outer wall, flats 35 to facilitate its operation by a key 36.

La tête de mesure 13 selon l'invention n'est ainsi pas démontée lors de l'opération de fonçage dynamique, tout en ne subissant aucune détérioration ou contrainte mécanique. Le passage d'un mode de fonçage statique à un mode de fonçage dynamique consiste, uniquement, à mettre en place l'outillage d'assemblage 30, entre l'arbre de battage 24 et la tige centrale 17. La poursuite de la pénétration, selon un mode statique, consiste simplement à réaliser le démontage de l'outillage 30 et à assurer la liaison de la tête de mesure avec les différents éléments du train de tiges. Il est à noter que, lors de cette opération de fonçage dynamique, la mesure de la résistance à l'arrachement du train de tiges peut être assumée par l'intermédiaire de capteurs de pression équipant les vérins 7. The measuring head 13 according to the invention is thus not dismantled during the dynamic driving operation, while not undergoing any deterioration or mechanical stress. The transition from a static driving mode to a dynamic driving mode consists, only, in putting in place the assembly tool 30, between the threshing shaft 24 and the central rod 17. The pursuit of penetration, in a static mode, simply consists in carrying out the dismantling of the tool 30 and in ensuring the connection of the measuring head with the various elements of the drill string. It should be noted that, during this dynamic driving operation, the measurement of the pull-out resistance of the drill string can be assumed by means of pressure sensors fitted to the jacks 7.

La tête de mesure 13 selon l'invention est également conçue pour assurer les différentes mesures effectuées lors de la pénétration en mode statique. A cet effet, la tête de mesure 13 comporte au moins un fourreau intérieur 37 délimitant le passage 22 pour l'arbre de battage 24. Le fourreau 37 assure la transmission des efforts entre l'un au moins des éléments constitutifs du train de tiges et un premier moyen 38 pour capter les efforts transmis. Selon une forme de réalisation préférée, le fourreau intérieur 37 est prolongé par une collerette 38' venant en appui sur au moins un, et dans l'exemple illustré, trois capteurs de force 39 regroupés ensemble pour former le premier moyen de détection 38. Tel que cela apparaît plus précisément à la fig. 5, la collerette 38 présente une section de forme polygonale et sensiblement triangulaire dans l'exemple illustré dont les sommets reposent chacun sur un capteur 39 correspondant.The measuring head 13 according to the invention is also designed to ensure the various measurements made during penetration in static mode. To this end, the measuring head 13 comprises at least one inner sheath 37 delimiting the passage 22 for the threshing shaft 24. The sheath 37 ensures the transmission of forces between at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string and a first means 38 for capturing the transmitted forces. According to a preferred embodiment, the inner sleeve 37 is extended by a flange 38 ' coming to bear on at least one, and in the example illustrated, three force sensors 39 grouped together to form the first detection means 38. Tel that this appears more precisely in fig. 5, the collar 38 has a polygonal and substantially triangular section in the example illustrated, the vertices of which each rest on a corresponding sensor 39 .

Selon une forme de réalisation préférée, la tête de mesure 13 comporte au moins un fourreau extérieur 40 entourant à distance, de manière concentrique, le fourreau intérieur 37 et assurant la transmission des efforts entre l'un au moins des éléments constitutifs du train de tiges et un deuxième moyen 42 pour capter les efforts transmis correspondants. Le fourreau extérieur 40 comporte une collerette 43 présentant, également, une section de forme polygonale, à caractère triangulaire dans l'exemple illustré, venant en appui sur trois capteurs 45 regroupés pour former le deuxième moyen de détection 42. According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring head 13 includes at least one outer sheath 40 concentrically surrounding the inner sheath 37 and ensuring the transmission of forces between at least one of the constituent elements of the drill string and a second plea 42 to capture the corresponding transmitted forces. The outer sheath 40 includes a collar 43 also having a polygonal section, triangular in nature in the example illustrated, bearing on three sensors 45 grouped together to form the second detection means 42.

D'une manière avantageuse, les collerettes 38 et 43 sont décalées angulairement, comme illustré à la fig. 5, de manière à permettre le montage entrelacé des capteurs 39, 45 disposés selon un cercle. Les capteurs 39, 45 sont reliés par des vis 47 et 48, respectivement, au fourreau intérieur 37 et au fourreau extérieur 40. Les capteurs 39, 45 sont maintenus, par des vis 49, sur une platine commune de montage 51 adaptée par des moyens d'assemblage 52, en dessous de la traverse inférieure 14 du chariot mobile 5. Les capteurs de forces sont du type, par exemple, à jauges d'extensométrie.Advantageously, the flanges 38 and 43 are angularly offset, as illustrated in FIG. 5, so as to allow the interlaced mounting of the sensors 39, 45 arranged in a circle. The sensors 39, 45 are connected by screws 47 and 48, respectively, to the inner sleeve 37 and to the outer sleeve 40. The sensors 39, 45 are held, by screws 49, on a common mounting plate 51 adapted by means assembly 52, below the lower cross member 14 of the mobile carriage 5. The force sensors are of the type, for example, with strain gauges.

Tel que cela apparaît plus précisément à la fig. 6, la tête de mesure ainsi constituée est destinée à être associée à un outillage 55 pour le fonçage statique avec le train de tiges complet. Cet outillage 55 est constitué par une bague filetée 56 coopérant avec un taraudage 57 ménagé dans le fourreau extérieur 40. La bague 56 est destinée à venir en appui sur le fût de guidage 20, en vue de permettre la mesure de l'effort de frottement par les capteurs 45 associés. L'outillage 55 comporte, également, un embout fileté 58 coopérant avec un taraudage 59 du fourreau intérieur 37. L'embout 58 est destiné à venir en appui sur la tige centrale 17 et sur le tube intermédiaire 19, en vue d'assurer la mesure de la résistance à la pénétration par les capteurs 39 associés.As shown more precisely in fig. 6, the measuring head thus formed is intended to be associated with a tool 55 for static driving with the complete drill string. This tool 55 is constituted by a threaded ring 56 cooperating with a thread 57 formed in the outer sheath 40. The ring 56 is intended to come to bear on the guide barrel 20, in order to allow the measurement of the friction force by the associated sensors 45 . The tool 55 also includes a threaded end 58 cooperating with a thread 59 of the inner sleeve 37. The end piece 58 is intended to come to bear on the central rod 17 and on the intermediate tube 19, in order to ensure the measurement of resistance to penetration by the associated sensors 39 .

Il est à noter que l'arbre de battage 24 pénètre à l'intérieur du fourreau 37, en position de repos, sur une mesure donnée autorisant le montage de l'embout 58 sur le fourreau 37. A cet effet, tel que cela ressort clairement de la fig. 6, la partie terminale de l'arbre 24 vient en retrait par rapport au fond du taraudage 59, lorsque l'arbre occupe sa position maximale inférieure correspondant à celle où les goupilles 26 se trouvent en appui sur les flancs hauts de la gorge 27. Par ailleurs, la bague 56 permet, selon son degré de vissage dans le fourreau 40, d'ajuster l'écart entre la sonde et le fût, et de compenser ainsi les décalages susceptibles d'intervenir entre les éléments lors de leur mise bout à bout.It should be noted that the threshing shaft 24 penetrates inside the sheath 37, in the rest position, on a given measure authorizing the fitting of the end piece 58 on the sheath 37. For this purpose, as shown clearly from fig. 6, the end part of the shaft 24 recedes relative to the bottom of the internal thread 59, when the shaft occupies its lower maximum position corresponding to that where the pins 26 are located resting on the high sides of the groove 27. Furthermore, the ring 56 allows, depending on its degree of screwing in the sleeve 40, to adjust the gap between the probe and the barrel, and thus compensate for the offsets likely to '' intervene between the elements when they are placed end to end.

La tête de mesure selon l'invention est destinée, également, à être associée à un outillage 60 pour le fonçage statique réalisé uniquement avec la tige centrale 17 du train de tiges. Ce fonçage statique est mis en oeuvre lorsque la pénétration avec le train de tiges complet n'est plus possible. Tel que cela ressort de la fig. 7, l'outillage 60 est constitué par un embout fileté 61 lié au fourreau intérieur 37 et venant en appui sur un embout fileté 62 qui est assemblé avec la tige centrale 17, en vue de permettre la mesure de la résistance à la pénétration par les capteurs 39 associés. L'outillage 60 comporte, également, une bague filetée 64 assemblée avec le fourreau extérieur 40 et supportant l'embout 62 lié à la tige centrale, de manière qu'au cours d'une opération d'arrachage, la bague 64 entraîne en déplacement l'embout 62, en vue de permettre la mesure de l'effort de frottement par les capteurs associés 45. The measuring head according to the invention is also intended to be associated with a tool 60 for static driving performed only with the central rod 17 of the drill string. This static driving is implemented when penetration with the complete drill string is no longer possible. As shown in fig. 7, the tool 60 is constituted by a threaded end 61 connected to the inner sleeve 37 and coming to bear on a threaded end 62 which is assembled with the central rod 17, in order to allow the measurement of the resistance to penetration by the associated sensors 39 . The tool 60 also includes a threaded ring 64 assembled with the outer sheath 40 and supporting the end piece 62 linked to the central rod, so that during a tearing operation, the ring 64 drives in displacement the endpiece 62, in order to allow the measurement of the friction force by the associated sensors 45.

La fig. 8 illustre une autre variante de réalisation d'un outillage de fonçage statique 60' réalisé uniquement avec la tige centrale 17. Cet outillage est constitué par une bague 70 liée à l'un des fourreaux et, par exemple, avec le fourreau extérieur 40. Cette bague 70 est en appui sur un téton 71 lié par vissage à la tige centrale 17, permettant ainsi la mesure de la résistance à la pénétration par les capteurs 45. Le téton 71 est monté solidaire de la bague 70, par l'intermédiaire d'un anneau fileté 73, de manière qu'au cours de l'opération d'arrachage, le téton 71 et la bague 70 se trouvent déplacés pour permettre la mesure de l'effort de frottement par les capteurs 45 associés au fourreau et travaillant alors en traction. Fig. 8 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a static driving tool 60 ′ produced only with the central rod 17. This tool consists of a ring 70 linked to one of the sleeves and, for example, with the outer sleeve 40. This ring 70 is supported on a stud 71 linked by screwing to the central rod 17, thus allowing the measurement of the resistance to penetration by the sensors 45. The stud 71 is mounted integral with the ring 70, via 'a threaded ring 73, so that during the tearing operation, the stud 71 and the ring 70 are moved to allow the measurement of the friction force by the sensors 45 associated with the sleeve and then working in traction.

Tel que cela ressort de la description qui précède, la tête de mesure 13 selon l'invention permet de limiter les opérations nécessaires pour passer d'un mode de fonçage statique à un mode de fonçage dynamique, tout en permettant de disposer d'une tête apte à mesurer tous les paramètres nécessaires lors de l'enfoncement de la sonde. La tête de mesure 13, qui occupe une position fixe pendant toutes les opérations de fonçage statique et dynamique, tout en ne subissant pas de contraintes mécaniques, offre l'avantage de réaliser des mesures fiables. De plus, la tête de mesure selon l'invention présente l'avantage de pouvoir être adaptée au sommet d'un train de tiges ou de sondes présentant des structures, des caractéristiques ou des applications diverses autres que celles décrites, à titre d'exemple, dans la description qui précède.As can be seen from the above description, the measuring head 13 according to the invention makes it possible to limit the operations necessary to switch from a static driving mode to a dynamic driving mode, while allowing to have a head capable of measuring all the parameters necessary during the insertion of the probe. The measuring head 13, which occupies a fixed position during all the static and dynamic driving operations, while not undergoing mechanical stresses, offers the advantage of making reliable measurements. In addition, the measuring head according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be adapted to the top of a string of rods or probes having various structures, characteristics or applications other than those described, by way of example , in the description above.

Tel que cela ressort plus précisément des fig. 9 et 10, la tête de mesure 13 selon l'invention peut être équipée d'un troisième fourreau tubulaire 74 monté concentriquement par rapport aux fourreaux 37, 40. Le fourreau tubulaire 74 est monté, de préférence, de manière amovible sur une pièce support 75 pourvue de deux paires de branches 76 en forme de "U" s'étendant de manière symétrique de part et d'autre du fourreau. Avantageusement, la pièce support 75 est montée de façon amovible, par chacune de ses branches 76, sur une chape 77 à l'aide d'un axe d'assemblage 78 traversant la chape 77 et les branches 76. Les chapes 77 sont fixées rigidement sur les montants 5a du chariot 5, en dessous de la traverse basse 14, de manière que le fourreau 74 s'étende dans un plan inférieur par rapport aux fourreaux 37, 40. A cet égard, il est à noter que la bague 56 et l'embout 58 sont prolongés, respectivement, par des nez 56a, 58a destinés à s'engager partiellement dans le fourreau 74, afin de coopérer avec les éléments respectifs de la sonde. Le troisième fourreau 74 entoure donc les éléments associés aux fourreaux 37, 40. As can be seen more precisely from FIGS. 9 and 10, the measuring head 13 according to the invention can be equipped with a third tubular sheath 74 mounted concentrically with respect to the sheaths 37, 40. The tubular sheath 74 is preferably mounted removably on a support piece 75 provided with two pairs of branches 76 in the shape of a "U" extending symmetrically on either side of the sheath. Advantageously, the support piece 75 is removably mounted, by each of its branches 76, on a yoke 77 using an assembly pin 78 passing through the yoke 77 and the branches 76. The yokes 77 are rigidly fixed on the uprights 5 a of the carriage 5, below the lower cross member 14, so that the sleeve 74 extends in a lower plane relative to the sleeves 37, 40. In this regard, it should be noted that the ring 56 and tip 58 are extended, respectively, by a nose 56, 58 is intended to partially engage the sleeve 74, to cooperate with the respective elements of the probe. The third sleeve 74 therefore surrounds the elements associated with the sleeves 37, 40.

Le fourreau tubulaire 74 est destiné à agir sur l'un des éléments constitutifs du train de tiges, tel que, par exemple, un manchon 79 entourant le fût de protection 20. La mise en oeuvre d'un troisième fourreau tubulaire 74 permet ainsi de l'utiliser avec des sondes de mesure à frottement latéral unitaire constituées par quatre éléments 16, 18, 20, 79. Cette tête de mesure offre donc l'avantage de disposer d'une grandeur supplémentaire mesurée par les capteurs associés aux vérins hydrauliques 7. The tubular sheath 74 is intended to act on one of the constituent elements of the drill string, such as, for example, a sleeve 79 surrounding the protective barrel 20. The use of a third tubular sheath 74 thus makes it possible to use it with unit lateral friction measurement probes constituted by four elements 16, 18, 20, 79. This measuring head therefore offers the advantage of having an additional quantity measured by the sensors associated with the hydraulic cylinders 7.

La tête de mesure selon l'invention est, avantageusement mais non exclusivement, associée à un appareil de battage constitué par un marteau hydraulique. Tel qu'illustré à la fig. 1, un tel marteau 12 est pourvu de deux joues 80 fixées à la traverse inférieure 14 du chariot mobile 5. Ce marteau, qui offre l'avantage de présenter une fréquence de frappe variable, est destiné à solliciter, par percussion, l'arbre de battage 24 qui est monté à demeure sur la traverse 14 en pénétrant à l'intérieur de l'alésage 25 et du passage 22 de la tête de mesure. Le chariot mobile 5 présente ainsi un poids réduit par rapport aux chariots connus de pénétromètre. Par conséquent, la structure oscillante 3, qui est articulée selon l'axe horizontal a situé sensiblement à l'aplomb de l'axe du train de tiges, peut être facilement basculée pour dégager l'axe de pénétration du train de tiges. Le pivotement de cette structure 3 est assuré par deux vérins 82 portés par le bâti 1 et actionnant chacun deux bielles 83 et 84 formant une genouillère (fig. 3). The measuring head according to the invention is, advantageously but not exclusively, associated with a threshing device constituted by a hydraulic hammer. As illustrated in fig. 1, such a hammer 12 is provided with two cheeks 80 fixed to the lower cross member 14 of the mobile carriage 5. This hammer, which offers the advantage of having a variable striking frequency, is intended to urge, by percussion, the shaft of threshing 24 which is permanently mounted on the crosspiece 14 by penetrating inside the bore 25 and the passage 22 of the measuring head. The movable carriage 5 thus has a reduced weight compared to known carriages of penetrometer. Consequently, the oscillating structure 3, which is articulated along the horizontal axis a situated substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drill string, can be easily tilted to release the axis of penetration of the drill string. The pivoting of this structure 3 is ensured by two jacks 82 carried by the frame 1 and each actuating two connecting rods 83 and 84 forming a toggle joint ( fig. 3 ) .

L'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples décrits et représentés, car diverses modifications peuvent y être apportées sans sortir de son cadre.The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown, since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.

Claims (14)

  1. Head for penetrometer, which measures, along a measuring axis (23), the stresses transmitted to a set (T) of boring rods during penetration or extraction, the measuring head comprising at least first means (38) for detecting the stresses transmitted by at least one of the components of the set of boring rods, characterized in that it comprises at least one internal sleeve (37) which defines a passage (22) passing through the measuring head from one side to the other, along the measuring axis (23), and designed in such a way as to allow enough play for a driving shaft (24) to slide along it freely, this being driven in alternative movements by means of a driving apparatus and equipped, at the end, with means (28) for temporary connection to one component of the boring rod set, the internal sleeve (37) ensuring the transmission of stresses between at least one of the components of the set of boring rods and the first means (38) for detecting the corresponding transmitted stresses.
  2. Measuring head as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an external sleeve (40) surrounding the internal sleeve (37) with a space in between, which ensures the transmission of the stresses between at least one of the components of the boring rod set and second means (42) for detecting the corresponding transmitted stresses.
  3. Measuring head as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the internal (37) and external (40) sleeves are mounted concentrically in relation to each other and that each comprises a polygonal collar (38', 43), offset at an angle to each other and connected to at least one and, preferably, a series of force meters (39, 45) grouped together to form the first means (38) and the second means (42) for detecting the transmitted stresses respectively, the meters (39, 45) being fixed on a communal mounting plate (51).
  4. Measuring head as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the internal (37) and external (40) sleeves each comprise a threaded end part (59, 57), for the attachment of tools (55, 60, 60') adapted to ensure the transmission of stresses between the sleeves and the various components of the boring rod set.
  5. Measuring head as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that it is connected to a tool (55) for static sinking with the complete boring rod set, this tool (55) being formed, on the one hand from a ring nut (56) attached to the external sleeve (40) and bearing on the guiding rod (20), in order to allow the frictional force to be measured by the meters (45) connected to the external sleeve, and, on the other hand, from a threaded joining piece (58) which is connected to the internal sleeve (37) and which bears on the central rod (17) and the intermediate pipe (19), in order to allow the meters (39) connected to the internal sleeve to measure the penetration resistance.
  6. Measuring head as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that it is joined to a tool (60) for static sinking with the central rod (17) only, this tool (60) being formed, on the one hand, from a threaded joining piece (61) connected to the internal sleeve (37) and bearing on a threaded joining piece (62) connected to the central rod (17), in order to allow the meters (39) connected to the internal sleeve to measure the penetration resistance, and, on the other hand, from a ring nut (64) fitted to the external sleeve (40) and supporting the joining piece (62) attached to the central rod, in such a way that during the extraction operation, the nut (64) causes the joining piece (62) connected to the central rod to move, in order to allow the frictional force to be measured by the meters connected to the external sleeve.
  7. Measuring head as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that it is connected to a tool (60') for static sinking with only the central rod, this tool being formed from a ring nut (70) connected to one of the sleeves and bearing on a lug (71) which is screwed onto the central rod (17), allowing the penetration resistance to be measured by the meters connected to the sleeve, the lug (71) being mounted on the nut by means of a threaded ring (73), in such a way that during the extraction operation, the lug (71) and the nut (70) are moved to allow the frictional force to be measured by the meters (45) connected to the sleeve and then working in traction.
  8. Measuring head as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a third tubular sleeve (74) which is concentric to the internal (37) and external (40) sleeves and which ensures the transmission of stresses between at least one of the components of the boring rod set and the force meters.
  9. Frame for penetrometer comprising an oscillating guiding structure equipped with sliding rails (4) serving as guides for a mobile carriage (5) equipped with a measuring head (13) and a driving apparatus (12), characterized in that the measuring head (13) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 is fixed on the mobile carriage (5) by means of the mounting plate (51) and that the driving apparatus (12) is securely mounted on the mobile carriage (5), in such a way as to act upon a driving shaft (24) passing through the central passage (22) of the measuring head so that it is temporarily joined to the central rod (17) of the boring rod set.
  10. Frame for penetrometer as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the driving apparatus (12) is formed from a hammer with a variable driving frequency, designed to act upon the shaft (24) permanently mounted inside the measuring head (13) .
  11. Frame for penetrometer as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the driving shaft (24) is fixed to the central rod (17) by means of dynamic sinking tool (30), formed from a snap head (31) screwed onto the driving shaft and by a driving lug (32) connected to the central rod (17) and retained on the snap head by means of a ring nut (34).
  12. Frame for penetrometer as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the driving shaft (24) is held in the downward position by means of two pins (26) housed on a crosspiece (14) of the carriage and mounted tangentially in relation to the shaft in such a way as to extend inside a groove (27) formed in the shaft.
  13. Frame for penetrometer as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the mobile carriage (5) is controlled to move upwardly or downwardly by means of two screw jacks (7) equipped with pressure meters for measuring the resistance to extraction of the set of boring rods.
  14. Frame for penetrometer as claimed in claim 9 or 13, characterized in that the guiding structure (3) is hinged around a horizontal axis (a) which is roughly vertical to the axis of the pipe set and controlled in a pivoting movement around this axis, by means of two screw jacks (82) each of which activates a pair of hinged connection rods (83, 84).
EP92420438A 1991-11-25 1992-11-25 Penetrometer measuring head and casing for the penetrometer, and it's use Expired - Lifetime EP0544606B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9114763 1991-11-25
FR9114763A FR2684183B1 (en) 1991-11-25 1991-11-25 MEASURING HEAD FOR PENETROMETER AND PENETROMETER FRAME USING THE SAME.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0544606A1 EP0544606A1 (en) 1993-06-02
EP0544606B1 true EP0544606B1 (en) 1997-02-19

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92420438A Expired - Lifetime EP0544606B1 (en) 1991-11-25 1992-11-25 Penetrometer measuring head and casing for the penetrometer, and it's use

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0544606B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE149051T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69217537T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2684183B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2184536B1 (en) * 1999-07-12 2004-03-01 Univ Almeria MACHINE TO MEASURE THE RESISTANCE TO SOIL PENETRATION.
FR2822950B1 (en) * 2001-03-30 2003-05-16 Sol Solution AUTOMATIC THRESHING DEVICE FOR SOIL COMPACTION MEASURING EQUIPMENT
FR2976669B1 (en) * 2011-06-16 2014-08-29 Hydro Geotechnique DEVICE FOR MEASURING RESISTANCE TO PENETRATION OF A SOIL
CN110295581B (en) * 2019-07-29 2024-01-26 广东省地质装备中心 Supporting device of dynamic sounding equipment and dynamic sounding equipment
CN112411510A (en) * 2020-10-19 2021-02-26 深圳亚纳海洋科技有限公司 Static sounding device based on controllable radioactive source and testing method thereof

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2271343B1 (en) * 1974-01-29 1976-10-08 Fondasol Tech
NL7507567A (en) * 1975-06-25 1976-12-28 Goudsche Machinefabriek Bv PROBE DEVICE FOR SOIL EXAMINATION.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69217537T2 (en) 1997-09-25
DE69217537D1 (en) 1997-03-27
FR2684183B1 (en) 1994-02-25
EP0544606A1 (en) 1993-06-02
FR2684183A1 (en) 1993-05-28
ATE149051T1 (en) 1997-03-15

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