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Monitoring Concrete Placements

Monitoring the temperature and maturity of new concrete placements is vital in determining the timing for processes subsequent to placement. The traditional method for gathering such data involves casting a set of test specimens that remain on site, but such methods can result in measurement errors due to unforeseen differences in curing conditions. However, techniques for monitoring concrete temperature and maturity are changing as technology becomes increasingly advanced and as the Internet of Things (IoT)—a network of devices that communicate wirelessly—continues to grow.

Sensohive Technologies ApS, a company operating out of Odense, Denmark, offers a concrete placement monitoring system called Maturix™ that can be used to determine the temperature and strength of concrete placements. Kryton International Inc. is currently Sensohive’s largest shareholder, having recently acquired a 30% interest, and will be the sole distributor of the Maturix system—one of the company’s Smart Concrete® technologies in North America. The Maturix system comprises type K or type A thermocouples, which are secured to reinforcing bars; and reusable, weatherproof wireless transmitters, which are powered by long-lasting lithium batteries. After placing the thermocouples, users must plug the thermocouples into the transmitters. Transmitters can be mounted on site by carabiners, cable ties, or hooks. Concrete is then placed, and the transmitters begin sending data through the IoT network.

Sigfox 0G. Data from the placement are made available in real time, and users may monitor data through a mobile device or computer. The cloud-based software for the Maturix system is easy to use and can be customized to send notifications via text message and e-mail to alert users to significant changes in a placement. There is no limit to the number of user accounts, allowing all stakeholders to collaborate on the project. The number of reports generated by the system is also unlimited.

Excerpted from Concrete International