CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a PCT application claiming priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/406,950, titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DATA TRACKING TO ENHANCE FOUNDATIONS, filed October 12, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/406,946 titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KEEPING FOUNDATIONS FLAT, filed October 12, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to method and apparatus for maintaining a foundation in a manner where it can effectively stay flat forever through the use of data analytics by employing a measuring system. The present disclosure further establishes a database for the express purpose of employing actuarial sciences to provide insurance to guard against the financial impact of foundation movement and a means for returning a foundation to a flat condition.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] In the construction industry, there has been significant effort over time to reduce the impact that soil movement has on the foundation and the edifice that is constructed upon it. Even though foundations have been built for centuries, a foundation that remains flat over long periods of time has been expensive to achieve and eludes most buyers. The risk of foundation movement and damage has resulted in laws requiring builders to maintain a very basic and restricted ten year warranty against structural defects and deficiencies. (Title 24 C.F.R. § 203.200). These laws have been in place for over two decades and yet foundations are still moving and requiring repair. [0004] The property owner and builder (and their third party providers) take on a significant risk when choosing to build a home or acquire a home built by others due the number of unknown factors affecting the foundation deformation and the severity of the financial impact of foundation deformation. The present disclosure seeks to virtually eliminate this risk by creating a useful method for defining and tracking the risk and providing a means of protecting against it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure combines a conduit system disposed within a foundation of a structure designed to carry a load over a period of time and device used to measure the elevation from within said foundation conduit system with a newly developed actuarial database. This elevation data and accompanying actuarial database will be utilized to provide an intuitive risk rating for said foundation, will enable insurance to be obtained to guard against financial risk of foundation movement, provide an independent means to oversee repairs and thus ensure a foundation will stay flat forever.

[0006] An embodiment of a system disposed within a foundation of a structure, for example, can include a conduit disposed within the foundation of the structure to carry a load over a period of time, a device to measure elevation from within the foundation conduit, a database storing risk data therein, and an analyzer responsive to the device and in communication with the database to analyze data from the device and provide a risk rating for the foundation. The device may further measure changes in elevation of the foundation over time and a plurality of data points within the conduit to identify locations of changes in elevation of the foundation. In an embodiment, each of the database and the analyzer may be positioned remote from the foundation, and data from the device may be remotely communicated to the analyzer to analyze measurement data from the device and provide a risk rating responsive to the risk of changes in elevation of the foundation over time. The foundation may be one of a plurality of foundations, the conduit may be one of a plurality of separate conduit each being positioned in a separate one of the plurality of foundations, and the analyzer may be responsive to the device to analyze data from the device and provide risk rating for each of the plurality of the foundations. An embodiment of a device may be one of a plurality of devices each separately positioned to measure elevation from one or more of the plurality of foundations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0008] Figure 1 is a simplified representation of a foundation prior to pouring concrete displaying a representative conduit system of an embodiment of a system for data tracking to enhance foundations of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are simplified contour plots of a foundation over time intended to correspond to the above sample data of an embodiment of a system for data tracking to enhance foundations of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 is a simplified representation of an embodiment of the data or computer network of a system for data tracking to enhance foundations of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is a simplified embodiment of a graphical user interface associated with an embodiment of a system for data tracking to enhance foundations of the present disclosure displaying some representative actuarial data.

[0012] Figure 5 is a simplified embodiment of a risk summary being displaced on a graphical user interface associated with a system for data tracking to enhance foundations of the present disclosure including some risk factors and an overall risk grade.

[0013] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C each provides partial sample data from an embodiment of a system for data tracking to enhance foundations of the present disclosure at various points of time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The systems and methods for data tracking to enhance foundations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0015] It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

[0016] An embodiment of a system disposed within a foundation of a structure, for example, can include a conduit disposed within the foundation of the structure to carry a load over a period of time, a device to measure elevation from within the foundation conduit, a database storing risk data therein, and an analyzer responsive to the device and in communication with the database to analyze data from the device and provide a risk rating for the foundation. The device may further measure changes in elevation of the foundation over time and a plurality of data points within the conduit to identify locations of changes in elevation of the foundation. In an embodiment, each of the database and the analyzer may be positioned remote from the foundation, and data from the device may be remotely communicated to the analyzer to analyze measurement data from the device and provide a risk rating responsive to the risk of changes in elevation of the foundation over time. The foundation may be one of a plurality of foundations, the conduit may be one of a plurality of separate conduit each being positioned in a separate one of the plurality of foundations, and the analyzer may be responsive to the device to analyze data from the device and provide risk rating for each of the plurality of the foundations. An embodiment of a device may be one of a plurality of devices each separately positioned to measure elevation from one or more of the plurality of foundations.

[0017] Figure 1 is a simplified plan view of a foundation 1 with conduit system 2 installed prior to concrete 3 (not shown) pouring, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Although a slab-on-grade foundation 1 is depicted here, the foundation technology disclosed in the present disclosure is understood to include any foundation 1 that has a structure that can be identified as separate from the virgin native soil 4 (not shown) as having properties designed to support a structure 5 (not shown) placed upon it. This can include a temporary structure like a crane on matting boards, a shed on crushed gravel, a home or similar structure on a pier and beam style foundation, a mobile home on concrete blocks, a formed basement foundation or any structure that would ordinarily be designed by one skilled in the art of foundation design or construction.

[0018] It is understood that many variations of the conduit system 2 may exist as disclosed in a separate application. However, the purpose of the conduit system is to allow for the accurate location data capture of discrete observation points 6 placed within the concrete 3 and measured in terms of X, Y and Z coordinates relative to a datum 7 at a time T. By placing the conduit system within 2 the concrete 3, the X and Y coordinates are held fixed by virtue of the concrete 3 tensile load bearing components common in the industry like post tension cables (not shown) and rebar (not shown). Although not explicitly shown, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art of examining foundation damage, that it would be highly beneficial to place the observation points 6 directly below or nearly below load bearing elements of the foundation. For example, the observation points could be preferentially placed below a planned load bearing wall or heavy piece of machinery.

[0019] Figures 6A, 6B and 6C represent a partial data set taken at three discrete points in time T. These figures are intended to correspond to the contour plots shown in Figure 2A, 2B and 2C.

[0020] Figure 2A, Figure 2B, and Figure 2C depict a simplified embodiment of contour plots 10 of a foundation 1 at various points in time T. These figures are intended to correspond to the partial data set provided in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C. In Figure 2A, the depicted time is the time of the initial reading (time T=0). The X, Y and Z values represents a reference for future use and a set of data where the foundation was inspected and deemed acceptable for service. In the preferred embodiment, this data is acquired after the concrete has solidified and prior to closing on the home. As an example, Figure 6A shows that at time T=0 years when an appropriate measurement device 8 (not shown) was disposed inside the conduit system 2 and reached an X and Y value of 6.12 ft and 9.34 ft respectively a Z value of -1.139 inches was recorded with respect to relative to the datum 7. In the preferred embodiment, the entire foundation 1 will be inspected in a similar manner and the recorded values of X, Y and Z will be recorded to describe the initial state of the foundation 1 before any settling, heave, or other deformation occurred. The next time that the measuring device 8 is disposed inside the conduit system 2 and reaches the same X and Y value (as guided by the conduit system) a determination can be made if the foundation 1 has risen or fallen and exactly how much. This is important as the surface of the foundation is generally not truly flat due to the methods used to spread the concrete during construction and often is intentionally altered through a remodeling operation. Thus this data set of X, Y, Z, taken at time T = 0 measured along the entire conduit system 2 is used as the baseline data set and the Z elevation values are recorded as the equivalent of zero inches of deformation over the entire surface and shall be called the initial data set 14. All future elevation readings will thus become relative elevation readings along the same conduit system 2 with respect to the initial data set 14. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art of construction that having the data captured below the concrete surface 10 has particular value when locations of walls, cabinets, flooring and other common features that limit the access to the concrete surface 12 after the concrete 4 is poured.

[0021] Figure 2B (along with the corresponding Figure 6B) represents contour plot 10 of the same representative foundation 1 shown in Figure 2A but at a time 2.1 years later in time than the initial data set 14. The contour plot 10 is created from a series of data points shown in Figure 6B taken through the same conduit system 2 as at time t=0 and therefore the measuring device 8 is disposed inside the conduit system 2 reaches the same X and Y value (as guided by the conduit system). Since the conduit system 2 is cast in the foundation 1 with tensile members present, the only variable is the change in elevation Z and time T. This means that the relative change in elevation of the conduit system 2 and the foundation 1 are known precisely and the change in elevation can be plotted as a contour plot depicted in Fig 2B. Specifically, the data in Figure 6B shows that at time T=2.1 years when the measuring device 8 (not shown) was again inside conduit system 2 and the X and Y value of the measuring sensor was again 6.12 ft and 9.34 ft respectively the measuring device 8 recorded a depth of -1.150 inches relative to the datum 7 which corresponds to a very slight change of just -.011 inches deeper position relative to the initial data set 14 in Figure 6A when the measuring device 8 recorded a value of -1.139 inches. One skilled in the art of data acquisition for the purpose of contour plots will realize that there may be a bulk offset applied between the reference datum from the initial time and the second time. Further, one skilled in the art of contour plotting could realize the datum 7 in the Z direction could be an average elevation reading to account for slab tilt. This averaging of the data could result in an additive, subtractive or other mathematical correction to the vertical Z data.

[0022] Figure 2C, and corresponding partial data set shown in Figure 1C, represents a contour plot 10 created at a point of time that is still later, in this case 4.3 years after the initial data set 14. This contour plot 10 can be used for comparison of movement of the foundation 1 relative to the initial readings taken at time=0 shown in Figure 2A or relative to the later readings taken at time=2.1 years shown in Figure 2B. For example, the data in Figure 6C shows that at time T=4.3 years when the measuring device 8 was again inside conduit system 2 with the X and Y value of the measuring sensor still at 6.12 ft and 9.34 ft respectively, the measuring device 24 recorded depth Z of -1.139 which corresponds to a very slight change of just +.011 inches relative to the previous recording at T=2.1 years shown in Figure IB and equal to the elevation in the initial data set 14 in Figure 6A. With any two or more data sets taken at separate points in time a rate of change calculation can be made for the respective elevation Z at any X and Y and predictions about future Z positions can be forecast. This should be apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, Figure 2C could be also be a predicted contour plot 10 that represents the contour plot 10 that is anticipated based at time T=4.3 years. This forecasting of future values can be linear or nonlinear as the mathematical models dictate. [0023] Figure 3 is a simplified representation of the data or computer network that is proposed for the practical use of this technology. One skilled in the art will readily be able to ensure that only the appropriate persons with the proper rights be granted access to the appropriate data at the proper time. Further, one skilled in the art of constantly evolving encryption, virus protection, firewall, storage, data queuing, will be able to manage the same details for the data and computer network proposed here. The proposed data acquisition is performed by a portable measuring system 9 that is portable and placed proximate a field location 15 which can include one or more locations as shown. The portable measuring system 9 will include the measuring device 8 (not shown) to measure the X, Y, and Z data for conduit system 2 (not shown) placed in the foundation 3 at time T. In addition, while at a field location 15 aerial photographs 16 may be acquired to document vegetation or other data/metrics may be captured such as concrete properties, soil properties, moisture content, standing water, dry patches, dead grass or vegetation, additions to the foundation, and other details that may contribute to establishing the overall risk grade 17 for the subject foundation 3. To reduce the computing resources required, it is proposed that one mobile field server 18 could capture the data from multiple measuring systems 9 placed at multiple field locations 15 using wireless transmission as set up by a field technician 19. An automated measuring system 9 becomes practical once the measuring system 9 is temporarily anchored to the foundation 3 which would free the field technician 19 up to set up data acquisition on multiple measuring systems 9 simultaneously so long as the measuring systems 9 and field server 18 can stay in communication.

[0024] The data gathered from the automated or manual measuring system 9 is organized by the field server 18 and transmitted via cell tower 21 (not shown) or satellite 20 to a central server 22. This technology and the detailed setup will be apparent to persons skilled in the art of data transmission. Further, it is proposed that portions of the data can be shared with various corporate users 25. The various corporate users 25 are expected to carry out multiple functions surrounding the data. These functions could include: real time (live) support of the field technician, remote support of the field server or measuring system, auditing the streaming of data during operation of the measuring system to confirm quality, providing feedback to the field technician 19 that all data has successfully been transmitted to the central server 22, and providing dispatch instructions for next field location 15. Further it is well documented that training adds value to an organization so some corporate users are expected to fulfill the training, remote auditing, and as deemed appropriate, certifying of field technicians 19 and other corporate users 25 to perform certain functions autonomously. It should be noted that through wireless technology, some corporate user 25 functions such as support and training could be performed by one field technician 19 in the place of the corporate user 25 and the two roles could be interchangeable.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment, the corporate users 25, are expected to divide the data set into appropriate subsets of data and provide limited access to the data gathered to various end users 24. Each end user 24 is likely to have a different need for the data. For example, a neighborhood developer may be interested in partnering with builders with an established high quality record and thus could court a select group of builders whom could help garner a higher premium for lots being prepared for sale. The builder could thus be granted access to summary data regarding builder performance data as stored on the central server 22. In this data search, specific home data would not be shared with the enquiring developer as there is no need to know this data. Another end user 24 could be the builder who may wish to know how their foundations are moving over time to determine if any procedures need revising or review. They could further obtain a comparative analysis that compared their performance to all other builders with data in the central server. A further end user could be a property owner who may wish to obtain a detailed foundation evaluation report before setting a sales price for a home. Likewise, a potential home buyer may wish to make the purchase of the same home contingent on a satisfactory foundation inspection report. Yet another end user 24 could be a foundation repair company who would need access to the specific foundation topographical data history and live monitoring by a field technician 19 or corporate user 25 during repairs. Yet another end user could be an insurance company that is using the foundation data to establish actuarial data in order to determine an insurance premium and terms of insurance.

[0026] One skilled in the art of statistics and probability theory would understand that the probability of future foundation movement could be more accurately determined from the statistical analysis of the movement of other foundations. Figure 4 lists actuarial data 26 under the scope of the present disclosure that is proposed to be captured by the field technician 19 or the corporate user 25 that will be used to establish provide clearer actuarial data for foundation movement and the cost associated with repair. For example, by comparing contour plots 10 over time of one foundation 3 that has experienced a drought season that was captured at various points in time, a probability of the expected movement of a similar foundation could be made if the soil and vegetation conditions representing the drought correlated between the two foundation data sets (the actuarial data 26). The more actuarial data 26 that is acquired, the more accurate the prediction will become. Further, the addition of other descriptive data captured over time will further enhance the predictability of foundation movement. The analysis of statistical data sets like this is well documented and has long been practiced in actuarial science by insurance companies to manage future risks based on historical data. For example, a car owner's credit score has been established to have a strong correlation to the likelihood of a car accident. Similarly, it is expected that ancillary data such as weather, seasons, geography, choice of builder, selection of foundation installation company, foundation repair company and technique employed, the material and spacing of the concrete reinforcements, concrete properties, soil properties, home modifications/improvements, financial metrics of the home like price, the age of the buyers, and other metrics are expected to also correlate to the risk of foundation movement. While this may be intuitive, it is worth noting that with billions of annual dollars lost in foundation repairs, it is very difficult to insure the foundation of a home because a consistent frame of data acquisition does not, until now, exist. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuarial data 26 is explicitly combined with a series of X, Y, and Z data that is captured at various points in time T for the express purpose of predicting future deleterious effects and reporting this risk information back to the end user 24 as appropriate. It is further expected that as the actuarial data becomes available that multiple independent insurance companies will be willing to insure a property owner against a future liability from home via an insurance policy 28. It is further expected that the insurance policy 28 will be largely based on actuarial data that can be quantified by the field technician 19 or the corporate user 25.Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a home foundation 1 would be fitted with a conduit system 2 which would be utilized shortly after concrete solidification to establish an initial data set 14 and combined with actuarial data 26 and thus provide the property owner with an insurance policy 28 prior to or near closing that will eliminate future financial risk, subject to the terms and conditions.

[0027] Since the general audience will not generally understand normal distributions, probability theory, or actuarial science it is proposed that the statistical analysis be reduced to an overall risk grade 17 as shown in simplified embodiment of a risk summary in Figure 5. This will serve as an overall current status and early warning for future risks. It is expected that multiple risk factors 28 will contribute to this overall grade including the inspection history, age of the foundation, the past performance of the builder, the attributes of the concrete and the details surrounding the pouring of the concrete, the past performance of the construction company, aspects of the foundation design, repair history of the foundation, climate history including any anomalies or extremes, developer historical performance, municipality historical performance data, property vegetation data (pre and post construction), irrigation data, tax record data and mortgage payment data.

[0028] This application is a PCT application claiming priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/406,950, titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DATA TRACKING TO ENHANCE FOUNDATIONS, filed October 12, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/406,946 titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KEEPING FOUNDATIONS FLAT, filed October 12, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0029] Potentially, the contour plot 10 or foundation inspection process and resulting overall risk grade 17 or contributing risk factors 28 detailed above may be used to indicate a need for a repair. At this stage, the inspection process previously outlined can be utilized to oversee the repair of a foundation and return of the foundation back to the original state (flat) condition as defined by the initial data set 14 by deploying the measuring system 9 again to the field location 15. The independent foundation elevation inspection is intended to provide the owner, insurance company, and repair company (each an end user 24) with a method to confirm that the work was performed to the specification. The company performing the repair could receive live data during repair to confirm the foundation repair is completed correctly. Once complete, the inspection process outlined above could continue over time T to provide data on the continued success of the repairs that performed by the repair company. Moreover, the data surrounding the repair of homes is expected to allow for an independent evaluation of the long term success of various repair methods and companies on a city, region, national and global scale. Over the lifetime of the foundation, the data will be used to continuously provide a statistically driven, lowest risk option for repair and maintenance of a foundation.