Inspection of installed/manufactured material

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two mixed components use a sensor for detecting taggant particles in one of the components of the mixed material after installation. The sensor is positioned adjacent a surface of the installed mixture and is connected to a control device for displaying an indication of a mixture ratio of the components below the surface. The control device also generates a profile of the mixture ratio of the installed mixed material versus a distance from the surface.

1 . A method for monitoring a mixture ratio of an installed mixed material comprising the steps of:
 a. positioning a sensor adjacent a surface of an installed mixed material containing a first material with taggant particles and a second material without the taggant particles;   b. generating a sense signal from the sensor representing an amount of the taggant particles per unit volume of the mixed material below the surface of the mixed material; and   c. displaying an indication a mixture ratio of the first and second materials based upon the sense signal.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  including mounting the sensor on the surface of the installed mixed material. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  including mounting the sensor on a transporting means and further comprising a step of transporting the sensor across the surface of the installed mixed material. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  including removing a sample of the installed mixed material and wherein the surface is a surface of the sample. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  including permanently fixing the sensor adjacent the installed mixed material. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  including monitoring the installed mixed material by the sensor over a period of time to facilitate preventative maintenance. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  including profiling the mixture ratio of the installed mixed material versus a distance from the surface at the time of installation. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  including profiling the mixture ratio of the installed mixed material versus a distance from the surface at a time after installation. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mixed material is one of asphalt and concrete. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  including non-destructive testing of the installed mixed material for at least one of compaction, material depth, top-down crack detection, bottom-up crack detection and temperature compensation.