A method for detecting state of concrete

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least a parameter of concrete (1) poured over an area, comprising; providing a sensor (2) that are buried under concrete (1) upon pouring of the same and wherein the sensors (2) transmit data wirelessly related to at least a parameter related to a status of the concrete (1) to a nearby sensor (2) and to a receiver (3), distributing the sensors (2) with a predetermined distance from each other inside the concrete (1) to cover a maximum volume of concrete (1).

Description

[0001] A METHOD FOR DETECTING STATE OF CONCRETE

[0002] Technical Field of the Present Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to at least a method for detecting humidity and other various parameters of concrete (1) poured over an area.

[0004] Background of the Present Invention

[0005] Incorporating sensors into the concrete have been known to detect parameters of the concrete such dryness and humidity. In order to continue with further construction, it is of vital importance to determine the state of the concrete. This information is used for further curing processes such as watering and glazing of the concrete, therefore preventing formation of crack on the concrete. However, a problem with the prior art is that the sensors are operating individually and are therefore unable to detect the state the concrete is in. Another problem with the prior art is that the users must monitor each sensor individually which in turn increases time spent and therefore labor required. Therefore, it is an aim of the present invention to overcome aforementioned problems.

[0006] A prior art publication in the technical field of the present invention may be referred to as WO2022223774 disclosing a sensor device for collecting data on a material in which the sensor device is inserted on concrete during a curing process of said concrete, comprises an elongate sensor body, extending along a longitudinal direction, and having a head end and a tip end, at opposite axial ends of the sensor bod; at least two first sensor elements, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, both of which being configured for sensing at least one first parameter relating to the concrete material at a respective position along the longitudinal direction, and a locking surface which faces towards the head end, an exterior thread extending helically along at least a portion of the sensor body.

[0007] A prior art publication in the technical field of the present invention may be referred to as US2017160111, the document disclosing methods and systems for monitoring properties of building structures (e.g., monitoring the strength and humidity of concrete structures) using sensor devices embedded in the building structures. The sensor devices collect sensor data and wirelessly transmit the data to portable computer devices operated by users.

[0008] It is an aim of the present invention to decrease cracking of concrete by providing an automated system.

[0009] Another aim of the present invention is to decrease the time required to monitor the concrete.

[0010] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a method that is able to notify the user once the predetermined concrete parameters are reached.

[0011] The method realized to achieve the aim of the present invention and disclosed in the first claim and the dependent claims discloses a method for detecting parameters of concrete poured over an area or a volume over time. The method comprises providing at least two sensors to be buried under the concrete wherein the said sensors are configured to transmit data wirelessly related to at least a parameter of the concrete to an adjacent sensor or to a receiver. The sensors are arranged with a distance from each other inside the concrete to form a matrix inside the same. Therefore, a multi-dimensional parameter map of the concrete is achieved. Additionally, a data collection server is provided in communication with the sensors to gather data coming from the sensors. The data collection server then transmits data to a computational unit. The computational unit, by using parameters received via the sensors, creates at least a two-dimensional map for the parameters of the concrete. The computational unit compares said parameters with the predetermined parameters and decides on the status of the concrete. If the value of the parameters is equal or close to the predetermined parameters, the computational unit notifies the user. As a result of this, users do not have to monitor the status of the concrete and are automatically notified of the changes. The user then may apply water, glazing or other finishing processes to the concrete.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the method, the data transmitted to the data collection server is related humidity and temperature and pressure of the concrete. Additionally, sensors emit data related to their relative position. By means of said parameters, the state the concrete can be monitored in real time. As a result, crack formations or other faults that occur during drying of the concrete can be prevented automatically.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the method, the sensor comprises an identifier code which are used to identify sensors from each other. Along with the position data provided by the sensors, the identifier code ensures that the location of the sensors inside the concrete is not mixed, thus ensuring an accurate reading.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the method, data is stored inside the data collection server for future use. By means of this, time dependent reports can be exported.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the method, the computational unit has access to previously stored data. By means of this, the computational unit can create time dependent graphs of the parameters of the concrete and notify the user when and if the concrete is ready to be watered or glazed.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the method, the data can be visualized by a portable device. The computational unit, transmits graphs and trend charts to the portable device thus providing the user with parameters and predictions on when the concrete will be ready for further applications such as watering, curing or glazing. In the preferred embodiment of the method, the computational unit notifies the user by means of a signal which can be a smart device notification, audio or visual signal. The signal is then transmitted to the portable device used by users.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the method, the sensor has a temperature measuring range between -40°C and 90°C, an accuracy percentage of ±0.2 and a sensitivity of ± 0.1°C. Said temperature range of -40°C to 90°C and has a humidity measuring range between %0 and %100, a sensitivity of ±0.1% wherein the sensor has an accuracy percentage of ±2% and ±1.5% between %80 to %100 and between %0 to %80 humidity respectively. Additionally, the battery life of the sensor is 6 months and its range is 50 meters.

[0018] The drawings are not meant to delimit the scope of protection as identified in the claims nor should they be referred to alone in an effort to interpret the scope identified in the claims without recourse to the technical disclosure in the description of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 - is a diagram of the method

[0020] The following numerals are assigned to different parts demonstrated in the drawings and referred to in the present detailed description of the invention:

[0021] 1. Concrete

[0022] 2. Sensor

[0023] 3. Receiver

[0024] 4. Data collection server

[0025] 5. Computational unit Detailed Description of the Present Invention

[0026] The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least a parameter of concrete (1) poured over an area, comprising; providing at least two sensors (2) that are buried under concrete (1) upon pouring of the same and wherein the sensors (2) transmit data wirelessly related to at least a parameter related to a status of the concrete (1) to a nearby sensor (2) and to a receiver (3), distributing the sensors (2) with a predetermined distance from each other inside the concrete (1) to cover a maximum volume of concrete (1).

[0027] The present invention further relates to a method wherein a data collection server (4) is provided in communication with the receiver (3) and wherein the data collection server (4) transmits data to a computational unit (5), wherein the computational unit (5) creates at least a two-dimensional map of the sensors (2) and wherein the computational unit (5) decides on the state of the concrete (1) using the data and notifies a user. The sensors (2) are placed to the area or volume onto which the concrete (1) is to be poured. This is preferably done by attaching the sensors (2) onto metal bars by means of common attachment means. Once the sensors (2) are secured in place, the concrete (1) is poured onto the area or volume, thus embedding the sensors (2) inside the concrete (1). The sensors (2) comprise means of data transmission wherein said means are able to do the same wirelessly. The sensors (2) measure and transmit at least a parameter related to the status of the concrete (1) wherein the said transmission is received by the nearby receiver (3). At least two sensors (2) are embedded inside the concrete (1) but it is to be understood that multiple number of sensors (2) can also be used. Especially in an area or volume which is big to sense by means of a few sensors (2), multiple sensors (2) can be utilized. The sensors (2) are preferably placed from each other with a predetermined distance, thus ensuring that the parameters of the concrete (1) can be measured accurately. By means of this, a maximum volume of concrete (1) can be measured efficiently. The receiver (3) can be a mobile receiver (3) carried along the construction site to receive signals from a large number of sensors (2) or the receiver (3) can be a long-range receiver (3) to automatically collect parameters from a multitude of sensors (2). In either case, the receiver (3), is in communication with the data collection server (4). The communication between said two components can be both wireless or wired. Due to the harsh environment of construction sites however, wireless connection is preferred. The data collection server (4) can be a computer or any other hardware based electronic equipment. In case the transmission is achieved by means of wireless means, the data collection server (4) can be a cloud application or any other cloud like application known to the person skilled in the art. The data collection server (4) is configured to store previous data received from the sensors (2). The data collection server (4) then forwards data received from the sensors (2) to the computational unit (5) which in turn creates a parameter related map of the concrete (1) according to the data. The computational unit (5) then compares the data received from the receiver (3) to a predetermined data and notifies the user if the data is closer to a threshold value predetermined. By means of this, real time parameters of the concrete (1) can be measured and observed without the need of a human intervention. Additionally, notification urges the user to water the cement and / or glazing the cement (1) in order to achieve a high-quality concrete (1).

[0028] In the preferred method of the invention, the data is related to humidity and / or temperature and / or pressure of the concrete (1) and / or location of the sensor (2). The sensors (3) comprise a wide range of sensing means configured to sense humidity, temperature, pressure of the concrete (1). Additionally, the sensor (2) comprises a means to detect the location of the same. By means of plurality of sensing means, the sensor (2) can measure a wide range of environmental conditions thus decreasing the need for multiple sensors (2).

[0029] In the preferred method of the invention, the data that is related to the state of the concrete (1) is evaluated by means of a decision matrix. Said date related to humidity and / or temperature and / or pressure of the concrete (1) is placed into the decision matrix and then the computational unit (5) or the data collection server (4) decides on the final state of the concrete (1) and notifies the user to start watering and / or glazing and / or other required processes applied to the concrete (1).

[0030] In the preferred method of the invention, the sensors (2) each have an identifier code. The sensors (2) communicate with each other and use other as a communication array to transmit the data further. By means of the identifier code, it becomes possible to identify which data is received from which sensor (2) which in turn helps creating a map of data.

[0031] In the preferred method of the invention, the data collection server (4) stores previous data related to the status of the concrete (1). As a result of this, the previous data can be downloaded and exported. This helps visualize data over time and detect patterns during the drying of the concrete (1).

[0032] In the preferred method of the invention, the computation unit (5) has access to previous data related to the status of the concrete (1) that was stored in the data collection server (4).

[0033] In the preferred method of the invention, the data can be visualized by a portable device. The portable device can be used to visualize data over time which in turn helps visualize data over time in the form of graphs similar methods of visualization. This facilitates detection of the state of the concrete (1).

[0034] In the preferred method of the invention, the computational unit (5) notifies the user by means of a signal. The signal can be in the form of an audio or a visual signal. It is also possible to transmit a notification stating the current situation regarding the concrete (1) and urge the user accordingly In the preferred method of the invention, the signal is transmitted to the portable device. As a result of this, the user may be instantly notified of the situation of the concrete (1).

[0035] In the preferred method of the invention, the sensor (2) provided has a temperature measuring range between -40°C and 90°C, an accuracy percentage of ±0.2 and a sensitivity of ± 0.1°C. Said temperature range of -40°C to 90°C, covers all possible environmental factors. Said accuracy range and sensitivity provides high accuracy and sensitivity.

[0036] In the preferred method of the invention, the sensor (2) provided has a humidity measuring range between %0 and %100, a sensitivity of ±0.1% wherein the sensor has an accuracy percentage of ±2% and ±1.5% between %80 to %100 and between %0 to %80 humidity respectively.

[0037] In the preferred method of the invention, the sensor (2) has a battery lifetime of 6 months and a range of at least 50 meters.

[0038] An advantageous effect provided by means of the invention is that the most appropriate time for watering and glazing the concrete (1) can be detected.

[0039] Another advantageous effect provided by means of the invention is that the users will be notified of the current state of the concrete (1) in real time which in turn will help automate processes. As a means of this, watering and glazing of the concrete (1) can be performed at most appropriate time.

[0040] Another advantageous effect provided by means of the invention is that the cracks on the concrete (1) is minimized.

[0041] Another advantageous effect provided by means of the invention is that the labor related costs will be decreased. Another advantageous effect provided by means of the invention is that the users are notified of the state of the concrete (1) automatically, thus decreasing the time required to monitor the state of the concrete (1).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for detecting at least a parameter of concrete (1) poured over an area, comprising; providing a plurality of sensors (2) that are buried under concrete (1) upon pouring of the same and wherein the sensors (2) transmit data wirelessly related to at least a parameter related to a status of the concrete (1) to a nearby sensor (2) and to a receiver (3), distributing the sensors (2) with a predetermined distance from each other inside the concrete (1) to cover a maximum volume of concrete (1), characterized by providing a data collection server (4) in communication with the receiver (3) wherein the data collection server (4) transmits data to a computational unit (5), wherein the computational unit (5) creates at least a two- dimensional map of the sensors (2) and wherein the computational unit (5) decides on the state of the concrete (1) using the data and notifies a user.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the data is related to humidity and / or temperature and / or pressure of the concrete (1) and / or location of the sensor (2).

3. A method according to claim to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensors (2) each have an identifier code.

4. A method according to claim to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data collection server (4) stores previous data related to the status of the concrete (1).

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the computation unit (5) has access to previous data related to the status of the concrete (1) that was stored in the data collection server (4).

6. A method according to claim to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data can be visualized by a portable device.

7. A method according to claim to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computational unit (5) notifies the user by means of a signal.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the signal is transmitted to the portable device.

9. A method according to claim to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (2) provided has a temperature measuring range between -40°C and 90°C, an accuracy percentage of ±0.2 and a sensitivity of ± 0.1°C.

10. A method according to claim to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (2) provided has a humidity measuring range between %0 and %100, a sensitivity of ±0.1% wherein the sensor has an accuracy percentage of ±2% and ±1.5% between %80 and %100 and between %0 and %80 humidity respectively.

11. A method according to claim to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (2) has a battery lifetime of 6 months and a range of at least 50 meters.

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