Patent ID: 7898903
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: E02D

Abstract:
1. A probe assembly for attaching to a dilatometer probe, the dilatometer probe having a pressure chamber which communicates with the outside via at least one opening sealed by a membrane and a first internally wired gas conduit providing electrical and pneumatic connection to the dilatometer probe and an external compressed gas source, the first internally wired gas conduit including a first pressurized gas conduit coupled to the pressure chamber and containing compressed gas, and a first wire located in the first pressurized gas conduit transmitting electric signals, the probe assembly comprising a seismic module, the seismic module comprising: a tubular element; a second internally wired gas conduit located within the tubular element providing electrical and pneumatic connection between the dilatometer probe and an external circuit located at the soil surface, the second internally wired gas conduit comprising: a second pressurized gas conduit configured to contain compressed gas inflated by the external compressed gas source and able to cause the membrane to move, a second wire located in the gas conduit, a connection to the first internally wired gas conduit comprising an electrical connection to the first wire, and airtight connections provided at the ends of the second internally wired gas conduit connecting to the dilatometer probe and to the first internally wired gas conduit; at least one seismic transducer element configured to carry out dynamic or seismic measurements of soil parameters; and an electronic board connected to the seismic transducer element and comprising a transmitter capable of exchanging electric signals between the electronic board and the external circuit; and wherein the seismic module is arranged for transmitting through the second internally wired gas conduit: wherein the seismic module is arranged to transmit through the second wire all electric signals between the first wire, the electronic board and the external circuit.