Geosynthetic sensor array

Abstract

A geosynthetic sensor that incorporates an arrangement of a first layer of lengths of electrically conductive geosynthetic and a second layer of lengths of electrically conductive geosynthetic where each said length undergoes a change in electrical resistance or capacitance when subject to changes in any one or more of: pressure; strain; water content; or temperature.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A sensor that incorporates an arrangement of a first layer of lengths of electrically conductive geosynthetic and a second layer of lengths of electrically conductive geosynthetic, wherein a change in electrical resistance or capacitance between one or more of the lengths in the first layer and one or more of the lengths in the second layers is configured for use in detecting a change in any one or more of: pressure; strain; water content; or temperature. 
     
     
         3 . A sensor according to  claim 2  where one or both of the geosynthetic layers are composed of geotextile. 
     
     
         4 . A sensor according to  claim 2  where one or both of the geosynthetic layers is composed of any one of: geomembrane; geogrid; geomesh; geonet; GCL; geofoam; geocell; or geocomposite. 
     
     
         5 . A sensor according to  claim 2  where each of the layers are composed of lengths of electrically conductive geosynthetic that, at the voltages used to measure resistance or capacitance, are electrically isolated from lengths adjacent in the same layer and at voltages much higher than those used to measure resistance or capacitance are electrically connected. 
     
     
         6 . A sensor according to  claim 5  wherein said lengths of geosynthetic in each of the said layers are arranged in an angular relationship to those in an adjacent layer. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A sensor according to  claim 6  where the angle is less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees; 
     
     
         9 . Use of a sensor according to  claim 5  wherein resistance is measured between each end of each of said lengths of geosynthetic. 
     
     
         10 . Use according to  claim 9 , wherein an electrical connection to measure the resistance is formed by closing one or more switches. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A sensor according to  claim 2 , wherein the resistance and/or capacitance between one length of geosynthetic in a first layer and another length of geosynthetic in a second layer is measured. 
     
     
         15 . A sensor according to  claim 14 , wherein an electrical connection to the measurement circuit is formed by closing one or more switches. 
     
     
         16 . An electrically conductive geosynthetic with one or more electrical pathways that change in resistance and/or capacitance when pressure or strain or water or temperature changes occur. 
     
     
         17 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 16 , wherein the geosynthetic contains some textile and/or fibres. 
     
     
         18 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 17 , wherein the geosynthetic is a non-woven textile. 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 17 , wherein the electrical conduction has been created by incorporating conductive carbon or metal onto or into the textile and/or fibres. 
     
     
         21 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 20 , wherein the conductive carbon is primarily graphene. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 16 , wherein the resistance of the geosynthetic is less than 20,000 Ohms per square. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 16 , wherein the resistance of the geosynthetic is less than 5,000 Ohms per square; 
     
     
         27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 16 , wherein the geosynthetic is one of a geomembrane; a geogrid; a geomesh; a geonet; a GCL; a geofoam; a geocell; or a geocomposite. 
     
     
         29 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 16 , wherein the electrical conductivity is provided by a coating containing graphene on the geosynthetic. 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 16 , further incorporating two or more areas of electrical conductivity separated by one or more electrically insulating areas. 
     
     
         34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 16 , wherein the electrical conductivity of the geosynthetic is sufficient to allow electrical spark or arc inspection for holes in an overlying barrier layer. 
     
     
         40 . A sensor arrangement according to  claim 2 , wherein the lengths of geosynthetic in at least one of said layers has an electrical resistance that differs on each opposing surface. 
     
     
         41 . A sensor according to  claim 40 , wherein the surfaces of highest electrical conductivity of the first layer are arranged in closest proximity to the surfaces of highest electrical conductivity of the second layer. 
     
     
         42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 16 , wherein the electrical conductivity is provided by a coating containing graphene on each side of the geosynthetic, and wherein each coating is substantially electrically isolated from the other. 
     
     
         45 . A geosynthetic according to  claim 44 , wherein said coating is applied in a continuous length on a first side of the geosynthetic and as a discontinuous coating in a periodic pattern on a second side of the geosynthetic. 
     
     
         46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . (canceled) 
     
     
         48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . (canceled)