Improvements in reflectometry analysis for detecting faults on anchoring systems using particle swarm optimization

• Published in: Measurement : journal of the International Measurement Confederation Vol. 187; p. 110290
• Main Authors: Alves, Marcelo M., de Melo, M.T., Lourenço Novo, Lauro R.G.S., de Medeiros, Luiz H.A., Coutinho, Marcelo S., Barbosa, Douglas C.P., Tarragô, Vinícius L., dos Santos, Renan G.M., Lott Neto, Henrique B.D.T., Gama, Paulo H.R.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2022; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Electromagnetic modeling; Fault detection; Fault diagnosis; Fault locating; Fault tolerance; Guy wires; Measurement; Measurement and simulation; Nondestructive technique; Particle Swarm Optimization; Reflectometry; Reliability; Rods; Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882-1945); Transmission towers; Electromagnetic modeling; Reflectometry; Measurement and simulation; Nondestructive technique; Fault locating; Particle Swarm Optimization
• ISSN: 0263-2241; 1873-412X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2021.110290

•Cable-stayed towers provide advantages for electricity companies.•Corrosion in the anchorage system may lead to structural faults.•Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) may be used to detect faults on anchor rods.•Impedance changes occur along the rod due to faults.•PSO algorithm may automatically reduce reflections not stemming from the fault.
Metallic anchor rods are used to fix transmission tower guy wires. In order to perform visual inspections on the integrity of the anchor rods, electricity companies are obliged to undertake soil excavation, which is both costly and hazardous. Despite this, Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) may be used to detect faults on anchor rods, and is enabled by a robust, high-frequency microwave device for support and connection. Impedance changes occur along the rod due to faults, thereby causing reflections, which are detected during FDR measurement analysis. However, auxiliary structures on the anchorage system also provide similar results during the analysis, and may therefore be confused with faults. An innovative, new approach is proposed in order to minimize the effects of small structures positioned at a distance from the fault, so that the fault reflection remains the same. Preliminary results have indicated reductions of up to 95% of the undesired reflection values.