Patent ID: 9157828
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: E04D,G01M,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting a defect in a structural component, the structural component comprising a membrane for fluid impermeability, a deck for supporting the membrane, and a plurality of electrically conductive elements adjacent the membrane and electrically insulated from each other, the method comprising: (a) determining electrical resistance between respective said elements of each of a plurality of pairs of said elements disposed at an upper surface of the membrane opposite the deck; (b) supplying an electrically conductive fluid to the membrane at said upper surface until determining by step (a) that said electrically conductive fluid is in contact with a first said element, a second said element separate from said first element, and at least one said element other than said first and second elements; and then (c) sensing the potential difference between said first and second elements when an electrical power generating circuit is selectably connected by a switching circuit to said at least one element such that said generating circuit is generating an electrical potential between the deck and said electrically conductive fluid.