Getting concrete mixes just right has always been a challenge, and it’s one that can have devastating consequences if the mix does not provide adequate structural strength. Keeping track of curing times helps to ensure structural integrity, avoid surface cracks, and save concrete contractors money. The good news is that it’s 2023, and there are now smart ways to keep track of concrete mixes that will ensure a proper set every time.
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Smart Sensors Offer Advanced Information
For years, contractors have been measuring surface temperatures and moisture levels, then using that information to perform batch tests to check concrete maturity. This system is still in use across many construction sites today, but it doesn’t have to be. Now, the modern concrete curing sensor has replaced surface measurements and batch testing as the gold standard for keeping track of concrete mixes.
Smart sensors form a part of the ever-growing Internet of Things (IoT). They can be embedded into the concrete mix at different points depending on the application. From there, the sensors transmit real-time data about concrete temperature and maturity, sending out automatic notifications to construction site supervisors and maintaining an audit trail in their associated software programs.
AI-Driven Software Provides Accurate Simulations
Although the sensors used to measure the concrete mixes have been the technology generating the most waves, the associated software can be even more helpful over the project lifespan. A good software program allows contractors to simulate development conditions more reliably, making it easier to plan cycle times and decide on the most economic mix.
Once a concrete monitoring software program has been used in conjunction with real-time sensors, it will be able to use prior data fed into machine learning algorithms to further optimize planning, concrete mixes, and pricing. As contractors continue to use wireless concrete strength sensors, the algorithms will become ever more accurate, making it easier to determine when to strip formwork or move on to the next parts of projects.
Why Go Wireless?
There are still concrete thermocouples and wired maturity loggers out there, and they can be less expensive than smart concrete monitoring systems. This fact has some contractors wondering if it’s really worth the investment to go fully wireless. These benefits might make the decision a little clearer:
- Improved accuracy thanks to the fully embedded nature of sensors
- No need to protect wires and external units during the measurement period
- The easier application saves time for workers
- Data analysis occurs automatically so that relevant parties can be alerted
- Project managers and superintendents can keep track of maturity levels from anywhere
- The possibility of using cellular data when using Bluetooth or WiFi is not practical
The result of these and other benefits of using wireless smart sensors is that contractors save money on every project. They may have to make greater initial investments of time and money into buying and learning how to use the software, but the money is recouped quickly in the form of improved efficiency, and the learning curve for high-quality software is usually steep.
Choose the Right Vendor
As the rate of technological development continues to advance across all industries, more companies are jumping into specialized remote sensor production and sales all the time. Work with a vendor that has been around for long enough to develop a reputation in the concrete industry, and make sure the sensors are designed and manufactured to withstand exceptionally harsh conditions.
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