A concrete sensor device for determining a humidity in a concrete body, a system and a method for determining a humidity in a concrete body using the concrete sensor device

Abstract

A concrete sensor device, system and method for determining humidity in a concrete body are disclosed. The device comprising an insert arrangement; a housing comprising an interior chamber having, at a first portion, a first inlet in communication with the environment; the insert arrangement comprising a second inlet arranged in communication with an interior of the concrete body and a second portion of the interior chamber; a humidity sensor; a plunger arrangement comprising a piston arranged to move between a first and a second position; a processing circuitry configured to cause: the piston to move to the second position to expose the humidity sensor to gas through the second inlet and determine a concrete humidity value; and to the first position to expose the humidity sensor to gas through the first inlet, thereby exposing the humidity sensor to the environment to mitigate saturation of the humidity sensor.

Description

[0001] A concrete sensor device for determining a humidity in a concrete body, a system and a method for determining a humidity in a concrete body using the concrete sensor device

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to determining humidity in concrete. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a concrete sensor device for determining a humidity in a concrete body, a system for monitoring a humidity in a concrete body, a method for determining a humidity in a concrete body by use of the concrete sensor device, and a probe arrangement. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a concrete sensor device, a system, a method and a probe arrangement as defined in the introductory parts of the independent claims.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Many constructions today are built using concrete. Concrete can, for example, consists of sand, gravel or crushed rock mixed with water and cement. The cement is often a finely ground powder with a bonding function. Example of constructions built of concrete are buildings, bridges, roads, tunnels, harbors, etc. Asphalt is also a concrete usually used for road constructions. Often when using concrete, one need to know the humidity of the concrete in order to understand the quality and / or hardness of the concrete. This is crucial in order to e.g. proceed with further building of the construction.

[0006] Measurements of the humidity of concrete is today often achieved by drilling plural holes into a concrete surface of a concrete object, e.g. part of a construction, in order to place a humidity sensor into the hole formed. The hole is then often covered and the humidity sensor rests in the hole of the concrete object. It often requires plural days to establish a humidity equilibrium in the cavity create by the hole in order to do correct measurements of the humidity of the concrete by the humidity sensor. The measurements of the humidity are often made by a user that is at the construction in the vicinity of the humidity sensor.

[0007] Humidity sensors may, however, be saturated or short-circuited, when the humidity is above 80%. This may result in inaccurate or erroneous measurement values. Difficulties inobtaining accurate readings of the humidity of the concrete can e.g. cause delay in the construction or cause an uncertainty in determining the quality of the concrete, which can have an impact on the robustness of a concrete construction, but and also make the concrete construction more expensive and cause a delay in finishing the construction on time.

[0008] There is a therefore a desire to provide devices and methods to allowing for efficient and reliable measurements of the humidity in concrete and without the problem of the humidity sensors being saturated or short-circuited. There is also a desire to minimize the time needed to determine the humidity of the concrete.

[0009] Related, WO 2022 / 250601 Al discloses a system for determination of humidity of concrete. The system comprises a gauge configured to be embedded into the concrete, a first wireless communication module configured for wide area radio communication, and a processing circuitry operatively connected to the gauge and the wireless communication module, configured to cause the system to obtain first measurement data by the gauge, and transfer data wirelessly by the wireless communication module for making a value, defining the humidity of the concrete, available at a remote location. The WO 2022 / 250601 further relates to a method for determination of humidity of concrete and a computer program product.

[0010] There is, however, a need for alternative devices and methods for determining the humidity in concrete. There is, in particular, a need to improve the reliability and / or accuracy at which the humidity is determined.

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above-mentioned problem.

[0012] According to a first aspect there is provided a concrete sensor device for determining a humidity in a concrete body, the concrete sensor device comprising: an insert arrangement arranged to be inserted into the concrete body; a housing comprising an interior chamber having, at a first portion thereof, a first inlet arranged to be in communication with theenvironment surrounding the housing and being exterior to the concrete body; wherein the insert arrangement is projecting out from the housing and comprises a second inlet, the second inlet being arranged to be in communication with an interior of the concrete body, when the insert arrangement is inserted into the concrete body, and in communication with a second portion of the interior chamber; a humidity sensor configured to measure a humidity value pertaining to the humidity inside the interior chamber; a plunger arrangement comprising a piston and a movement device arranged to move the piston within the interior chamber between a first position and a second position; a processing circuitry being operatively connected to the humidity sensor and the plunger arrangement, and being configured to cause: the piston to move to the second position, wherein the piston is arranged to expose the humidity sensor to gas entering through the second inlet, and to determine, using the humidity sensor, a concrete humidity value pertaining to the humidity in the interior of the concrete body; and the piston to move to the first position, wherein the piston is arranged to expose the humidity sensor to gas entering through the first inlet, thereby exposing the humidity sensor to gas pertaining to the environment being exterior to the concrete body such that a saturation of the humidity sensor is mitigated.

[0013] An advantage may be that saturation of the humidity sensor may be mitigated. By exposing the humidity sensor to gas, e.g. air, entering through the first inlet the humidity in the interior chamber may be reduced. Put differently, excess moisture pertaining to the relatively higher humidity in the concrete body may be removed efficiently from the humidity sensor. The ability of the humidity sensor to accurately determine the humidity may thereby be restored. A more accurate monitoring of the drying process of the concrete body may be obtained. A more reliable concrete sensor device may thereby be provided. A more accurate concrete sensor device may further be provided.

[0014] The exposure of gas, such as ambient air, from the environment may be understood as a drying process of the humidity sensor.

[0015] The humidity in the environment may be understood to have a lower humidity than the humidity in the concrete, at least during the drying process of the concrete. By way of example, the concrete body may have a humidity value HC and the environment may have a humidity value HE, wherein HC is larger than HE.

[0016] The wording concrete sensor device may be understood as a device comprising a sensor that is configured to determine the humidity in concrete. The concrete sensor device may be arranged to measure the humidity in the concrete body over time. The concretesensor device may be arranged to monitor the humidity in the concrete body over time. The concrete sensor device may further be arranged to determine or monitor the humidity in the environment surrounding the concreted body.

[0017] The insert arrangement of the concrete sensor device is arranged to be inserted into the concrete body when the concrete body is formed or built. Put differently, the insert arrangement is arranged to be inserted into the concreted body before the concrete has dried and is hardened. The insert arrangement may thereby be arranged to be inserted into concreted wherein the concreted is at least partly in a plastic or fresh state, i.e. before the concrete undergoes a hydration process which leads to setting and hardening. The insert arrangement may according to some examples be arranged to be inserted into a cavity or hole made in the concrete.

[0018] The humidity sensor is configured to measure humidity in a gas. Put differently, the humidity sensor is configured to detect the amount of water vapor present in air or other gases. The humidity may be understood as a water vapor content, i.e. a gaseous moisture. The humidity sensor may be configured to measure electrical properties or changes thereof. By way of example, the electrical properties may pertain to capacitance, resistance, or thermal conductivity, which may be associated with the humidity.

[0019] The communication between the first inlet and the environment may be understood as gas communication. Put differently gas pertaining to the environment, e.g. ambient air, may enter through the first inlet.

[0020] The communication between the second inlet of the insert arrangement and the second portion of the interior chamber may be understood a gas communication. Put differently, gas pertaining to the interior of the concrete body may be transported and enter through the second inlet.

[0021] The first and / or second inlet may comprise a membrane. The membrane may be arranged to block passage of liquid and to allow for passage of gas. By way of example, water may be blocked to pass through the membrane. The membrane may allow for passage of water vapour.

[0022] The interior chamber may comprise a humidity absorber element. The humidity absorber element may be arranged in the first portion of the interior chamber. The humidity absorbing element may be arranged to be exposed to gas entering through the first inlet. The humidity in the first portion of the interior chamber may thereby be reduced. The humiditysensor may thereby be exposed to the at least partly dehumidified air, when the piston is in the first position.

[0023] The piston and the humidity absorber element may be arranged such that the second portion of the interior chamber may be prevented from being in contact or communication with the humidity absorber element such that the measurement of the humidity in the concrete is not influenced by the humidity absorber element, i.e. when the piston is in the second position.

[0024] The humidity absorber element may comprise of be formed by a material that absorbs and retains moisture from the surrounding air or gas. An advantage may be that the humidity in the interior chamber may be controlled when the piston is in the first position.

[0025] The exposing of the humidity sensor to gas pertaining to the environment, such as the ambient air, may exposure of the humidity sensor of the relatively lower humidity in the in the environment than in the concrete body. Saturation effects of the humidity sensor which may occurs due to condensation and / or prolonged exposure to higher humidity may thereby be alleviated.

[0026] According to some examples, the processing circuitry is configured to determine, using the humidity sensor, an exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment being exterior to the concrete body when the piston is in the first position.

[0027] An advantage may be that the exterior humidity value may be used as a reference value for determining the concrete humidity value. By measuring the humidity when the piston is in the first position, the accuracy of the humidity sensor may be determined. Put differently, it may be determined if the humidity sensor is in a saturated state or in an unsaturated state. It may further be determined if or when the humidity sensor is no longer in a saturated state. A more reliable and faster measurement of the humidity in the concrete body may thereby be obtained. To this end, the accuracy of the humidity sensor may be measured before moving the piston to the second position in which the humidity in the concrete body is determined. A more reliable value of the humidity in the concrete body may thereby be obtained.

[0028] The humidity may be monitored over time. Averages or trends in the determined humidity values may thereby be used for increased accuracy. The drying process or state of the concrete body may be determined.According to some examples, the piston, in the second position, is arranged to block communication between the first inlet and second portion of the interior chamber.

[0029] A more accurate determining of the concrete humidity value pertaining to the humidity in the interior of the concrete body may thereby be obtained.

[0030] According to some examples, the piston in the first position, is arranged to block communication between the second inlet and the first portion of the interior chamber.

[0031] A more efficient desaturation or recover from a saturation state of the humidity sensor may be obtained. Put differently, the humidity sensor may recover to an accurate nonsaturated state faster.

[0032] The humidity sensor may be arranged inside the interior chamber such that the humidity sensor is exposed to the first portion of the interior chamber when the piston is in the first position.

[0033] The humidity sensor may be arranged inside the interior chamber in between and in contact with the first and the second portions of the interior chamber.

[0034] The piston may be arranged to, in the first position, block the humidity sensor from being in communication with the second portion of the interior chamber. The piston may be arranged to, in the second position, block the humidity sensor from being in communication with the first portion of the interior chamber.

[0035] According to some examples, the concrete sensor device comprises a wireless communication module configured for wide area radio communication and wherein the processing circuitry is further arranged to transfer data wirelessly by the wireless communication module to a remote location.

[0036] An advantage may be that there is no need for a user to be in the vicinity of the concrete sensor device, instead the humidity of the concrete body can be made available at a remote location and the transfer of data can occur on a continuous basis, at intervals or when desired. There is further no need to drill a hole and wait for a humidity equilibrium since the concrete sensor device is arranged to be inserted into the concrete body from when the concrete body is formed or built.

[0037] According to some examples, the processing circuitry is configured to cause the piston to be in the second position for a measurement time period of 0.5-2 hours and to cause thehumidity sensor to measure the concrete humidity value pertaining to the interior of the concrete body within the measurement time period.

[0038] An advantage may be that a more accurate measurement of the concrete humidity may be obtained. A more accurate determining of the concrete humidity value may thereby be obtained. Problems associated with saturation of the humidity sensor may be mitigated.

[0039] The measuring of the concrete humidity may be during the full measurement time period or during a portion thereof. Several measurements may be performed during the measurement period. The measurements may be averaged. The measurement may alternatively be made continuously during the measurement time period.

[0040] The processing circuitry may thereby be understood to, by causing the piston to be in the second position for limited time, mitigate saturation of the humidity sensor, i.e. by reducing the time the humidity sensor is exposed to the relatively higher humidity in the concrete body in comparison with the humidity of the surroundings.

[0041] According to some examples, the processing circuitry is configured to cause the piston to be in the first position for a calibration time period and to cause the humidity sensor to measure the exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment exterior to the concrete body within the calibration time period.

[0042] An advantage may be that measurement values delivered by the humidity sensor device when measuring the humidity in the concrete body may be compared to those of the environment. A calibration standard may thereby be provided. Problems associated with saturation of the humidity sensor may thereby be detected.

[0043] The calibration time period may, by way of example, be within a time range of 5 - 12 hours.

[0044] According to some examples, the calibration time period may be understood as a gas, drying period or air-drying period of the humidity sensor.

[0045] According to some examples, the processing circuitry is configured to cause the piston to cycle between the first position and the second position, whereby the measurement time period and the calibration time period are repeated.A more accurate determining of the humidity in the concrete body may be obtained. A more reliable monitoring of changes to the humidity of the concrete body may be achieved. An improved monitoring of the drying process of concrete may be provided.

[0046] According to some examples, the humidity sensor is configured to measure a relative humidity.

[0047] An advantage may be that the amount of water vapor in a material, e.g. concrete, may be determined relative to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature. An accurate measure of the humidity in the concrete body may thereby be provided. Put differently, the relative humidity, RH, may in this context be understood as a percentage (%) of the maximum moisture a material, e.g. concrete, or air can contain at that a given temperature. In concrete, RH may be understood to refer to the amount of moisture in the pores of the concrete compared to the total amount the concreted can hold at equilibrium.

[0048] The concrete humidity value may be a relative humidity value.

[0049] The exterior humidity value may be a relative humidity value.

[0050] The relative humidity in the environment may have a lower humidity than a relative humidity value pertaining the humidity in the concrete, at least during the drying process of the concrete. By way of example, the concrete body may have a relative humidity value RHE and the environment may have a relative humidity value RHE, wherein RHE is larger than RHE.

[0051] The concrete humidity sensor may comprise a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be arranged to measure the temperature inside the interior chamber.

[0052] According to some examples, the concrete sensor device may be configured to measure absolute humidity. The processing circuitry may be configured to convert between relative and absolute humidity based on a known or measured temperature.

[0053] The temperature sensor may be comprised in or form part of the humidity sensor.

[0054] According to some examples, the concrete sensor device further comprises another humidity sensor arranged inside the interior chamber, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine a differential humidity value based on the two humidity sensors.

[0055] An advantage may be that a plurality of humidity sensors provides redundancy, accuracy verification and improved reliability. The use of two humidity sensors may furtherallow for averaging and / or differential measurements to increase accuracy in the determined humidity values. The humidity sensor and the another humidity sensor may be the same type of humidity sensors. Put different, the structure and configuration of the two humidity sensors may be the same, i.e. the physical characteristics may be the same for the two humidity sensors.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the physical characteristics may differ between the humidity sensor and the another humidity sensor. By way of example, the two humidity sensors may have different response times. A faster humidity sensor may be configured to detect faster changes, while a slower humidity sensor may be configured to detect slower changes, i.e. to detect longer trends in humidity of, e.g. the interior of the concrete body.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the concrete sensor device may comprise a pair of humidity sensors are configured to respectively measure a first and a second humidity value pertaining to the humidity inside the interior chamber such that the processing circuit may determine a differential humidity value. The humidity sensor and the another humidity sensor may be arranged opposite to each other inside the interior chamber. Alternatively the humidity sensor and the another humidity sensor may be arranged adjacent to each other inside the interior chamber.

[0058] According to a second aspect there is provided a system for monitoring a humidity in a concrete body, the system comprising: the concrete sensor device according to the first aspect; and an external embedded gas sensor arranged to be embedded in the concrete body; wherein the system is further configured to: determine a calibrated humidity value in the concrete body based on: the, by the external embedded gas sensor, measured presence of a gas inside the concrete body, the presence of gas being associated with a humidity value inside the concrete body; and the, by the concrete sensor device, measured concrete humidity value pertaining to the humidity of the interior of the concrete body.

[0059] An advantage may be that the concrete sensor device may be used to determine a reference humidity for the determined humidity of the concrete body as measured by the external embedded gas sensor emended in the concrete body. A more reliable determination of the humidity at different locations in the concrete body may be achieved.

[0060] The external embedded gas sensor should be understood to be arranged separated from and external to the housing of the concrete sensor device. Put differently, the external gas sensor is embedded into the concrete body. The external embedded gas sensor may beunderstood a gas sensor arranged to be embedded into the concrete body. The embedding may be made before the concrete is in a dry state, i.e. when the concrete is in a wet state, before the concrete has hardened. The gas sensor may be referred to as an embedded gas sensor.

[0061] According to some examples, the external embedded gas sensor may be an oxygen gas displacement sensor. The external embedded gas sensor may comprise processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the external embedded gas sensor may be configured to determine the relative oxygen saturation pertaining to the interior of the concrete body.

[0062] One advantage may be that the gas at the external embedded gas sensor can be analyzed and a relative measure of the concentration of oxygen that is dissolved or carried in the concrete, as a proportion of the maximal concentration that can be dissolved in the concrete, can be determined. The processing circuitry may further be configured to determine the humidity at the external embedded gas sensor based on the determined relative oxygen saturation.

[0063] The external embedded gas sensor may comprise a wireless communication module arranged to communicate with the wireless communication module of the concrete sensor device.

[0064] Alternatively, or in combination, the wireless communication module of the external embedded gas sensor may be arranged to communicate with a remote location via a communication network.

[0065] According to a third aspect there is provided a method for determining a humidity in a concrete body by use of the concrete sensor device, the method comprising: inserting the insert arrangement of the concrete sensor device into the concrete body; moving the piston to the second position, such that the humidity sensor is exposed to gas entering through the second inlet, and determining a concrete humidity value pertaining to the interior of the concrete body; and moving the piston to the first position, such that the humidity sensor is exposed to gas entering through the first inlet thereby exposing the humidity sensor to gas pertaining to the environment being exterior to the concrete body such that a saturation of the humidity sensor is mitigated.

[0066] According to some examples, the method further comprises determining an exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment exterior to the concrete body when the piston is in the first position.According to a fourth aspect there is provided a probe arrangement comprising the concrete sensor device, wherein the probe arrangement comprises: a casing arranged to be inserted or embedded into a concrete body and to form an external chamber surrounding the concrete sensor device; wherein the casing comprises a receiving portion for receiving the insert arrangement of the concrete sensor device whereby the second inlet of the insert arrangement, is brought in communication with an interior of the concrete body, when the probe arrangement is inserted or embedded into the concrete body.

[0067] An advantage may be that the casing may form a more controlled environment surrounding the concrete sensor device. The concrete sensor device may, moreover, be protected in a more efficient manner.

[0068] The probe arrangement may be inserted into a concrete body to measure the internal humidity at a specific depth, e.g. 40% of the body thickness. Thus may, by way of example, provide an accurate representation of the moisture condition inside the concrete body. This may, for instance, be valuable to determine before conducting flooring installations as high relative humidity levels, for example, above 75-85%, may lead to adhesion failures, mould growth, and / or other moisture-related problems.

[0069] According to some examples, the external chamber comprises a humidity absorber element and wherein the concrete sensor device is arranged inside the external chamber whereby the first inlet is in communication with the interior of the external chamber and exposing the humidity sensor to gas pertaining to the interior of the external chamber when the piston is in the first position such that a saturation of the humidity sensor is mitigated.

[0070] Effects and features of the second through fourth aspects are to a large extent analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Examples mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second through fourth aspects.

[0071] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred examples of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

[0072] Hence, it is to be understood that the herein disclosed disclosure is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described since such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology usedherein is for purpose of describing particular examples only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context explicitly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0073] Brief of the

[0074]

[0075] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of examples of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Figure la and lb show a schematic cross-sectional view of a concrete sensor device according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 2a and 2b show a schematic cross-sectional view of a concrete sensor device according to other examples of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating the position of the piston of the concrete sensor device versus time according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating the position of the piston of the concrete sensor device and relative humidity versus time according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system for monitoring a humidity in a concrete body according to some example of the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 6 shows schematically a flow chart of a method for determining a humidity in a concrete body by use of the concrete sensor device according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a probe arrangement comprising the concrete sensor device according to some examples of the present disclosure.Figures 8a and 8b show schematically the use of probe arrangements comprising the concrete sensor device according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0083] Detailed description

[0084] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred examples of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed examples. The disclosed examples are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0085] Figure la and lb show a schematic cross-sectional view of a concrete sensor device according to some examples of the present disclosure. The concrete sensor device 100 is configured to determine a humidity in a concrete body 104. With reference to Figures la and lb, the concrete sensor device 100 comprises an insert arrangement 102 arranged to be inserted into the concrete body 104. The insert arrangement 104 may be inserted into the concrete body 104 before the concreted has hardened. No drilling in the concrete may be needed.

[0086] The concrete sensor device 100 comprises a housing 106. The housing 106 may be of metal. The housing 106 comprises an interior chamber 108. The interior chamber 108 has, at a first portion 109 thereof, a first inlet 110, see Figure la. The first inlet 110 is arranged to be in communication 112 with the environment 114 surrounding the housing 106 and being exterior to the concrete body 104. The humidity in the environment may be lower that the humidity in the concrete, at lest during the drying of the concrete. The communication may be understood as communication of gas between the first inlet 110 and the environment 114.

[0087] The insert arrangement 102 may be projecting out from the housing 106 and comprises a second inlet 116. The second inlet 116 is arranged to be in communication with an interior 118 of the concrete body 104, when the insert arrangement 102 is inserted into the concrete body 104, see Figure lb. The second inlet 116 is further arranged to be in communication with a second portion 120 of the interior chamber 108. Gas, e.g. water vapour, from within the interior 118 of the concrete body 104 may thereby the transported from into to the interior chamber 108.The concrete sensor device 100 comprises a humidity sensor 122. The humidity sensor 122 is configured to measure a humidity value pertaining to the humidity inside the interior chamber 108. The humidity sensor 122 is arrange to be in contact with gas inside the interior chamber 108.

[0088] The concrete sensor device 100 comprises a plunger arrangement 124. The plunger arrangement 124 comprises a piston 126 and a movement device 128. The movement device 128, e.g. a motor, is arranged to move the piston 126 within the interior chamber 108 between a first position 130 and a second position 132, compare Figures la and lb.

[0089] The concrete sensor device 100 comprises a processing circuitry 134. The processing circuitry 134 is operatively connected to the humidity sensor 122 and the plunger arrangement 124.

[0090] The processing circuitry 134 is configured to cause: the piston 126 to move to the second position 132. Put differently, the processing circuitry 134 may be arranged to cause the movement device 128 to drive the piston 126 to the second position 132. At the second position 132 the piston 126 is arranged to expose the humidity sensor 122 to gas, e.g. water vapour, entering through the second inlet 116. In other words, when the piston 126 is moved to the second position 132 the humidity sensor 122 is exposed to gas originating from the interior of the concrete body 104 and entering into the interior chamber 108 through the second inlet 116, see the arrow 112 in Figure lb. The processing circuitry 134 is configured to determine, using the humidity sensor 122, a concrete humidity value pertaining to the humidity in the interior of the concrete body 104. Put differently, the humidity of the concrete may be determined.

[0091] The processing circuitry 134 may further be configured to cause the piston 126 to move to the first position 130. At the first position 130 the piston 126 is arranged to expose the humidity sensor 122 to gas entering through the first inlet 110, see Figure la. The humidity sensor 122 is thereby exposed to gas from the environment 114, see the arrow 112 in Figure la. The environment 114 is exterior to the concrete body 104 whereby a saturation of the humidity sensor 122 is mitigated. In other words, the humidity sensor 122 may be exposed to ambient air whereby the saturation of the humidity sensor 122 may be prevented or the humidity sensor 122 may recovered after a saturation.The processing circuitry 134 may be configured to determine, using the humidity sensor 122, an exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment 114 being exterior to the concrete body 104 when the piston 126 is in the first position 130, se Figure la.

[0092] The processing circuitry 134 may form part of a control unit. The processing circuitry 134 may be configured for executing computer instructions. The processing circuitry 134 may further direct and / or determine input and output parameters, receive and / or send data and / or instructions to run computer code. The processing circuitry 134 may also be configured to monitor or direct other elements and / or devices by control and timing signals, e.g. the humidity sensor and / or the movement device.

[0093] The piston 126 may, in the second position 132, be arranged to block communication between the first inlet 110 and the second portion 120 of the interior chamber 108. Gas pertaining to the environment 114 may thereby be prevented to reach the humidity sensor 122.

[0094] The piston 126 may, in the first position 130, be arranged to block communication between the second inlet 116 and the first portion 109 of the interior chamber 108. Gas pertaining to the interior 118 of the concrete body 104 may thereby be prevented to reach the humidity sensor 122.

[0095] The concrete sensor device 100 may further comprise a wireless communication module 136, see Figures la and lb. The wireless communication module 136 may be configured for wide area radio communication. The processing circuitry 134 may further be arranged to transfer data wirelessly by the wireless communication module 136 to a remote location 138. The remote location 138 being, by way of example, represented by a wireless communication network, or cloud comprising, e.g. a server 139.

[0096] The wireless communication network may be a Long Range, LoRa, communication 430-923 MHz network. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication network is a standardized wireless wide area network such as a Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, Extended GSM, General Packet Radio Service, GPRS, Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution, EDGE, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, WCDMA, Long Term Evolution, LTE, Narrowband-loT, 5G, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX or Ultra Mobile Broadband, UMB or similar network.

[0097] The wireless communication module 136 may be configured for wide area radio communication. According to some embodiments the wireless communication module 136 isconfigured for wide area radio communication using a frequency between 430-923 MHz, also known as long range, LoRa, communication. An advantage with a frequency between 430-923 MHz, i.e. long range, LoRa communication, is that the radio signal penetrates concrete better than a local area radio communication interface such as a Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN, Bluetooth™, ZigBee, Ultra-Wideband, UWB, Radio Frequency Identification, RFID, or similar local area radio communication network. Hence, the wireless communication module 136 may be configured to communicate via wide area radio communication even if the concrete sensor device is inserted into the concrete body 104. A further advantage with the long range, LoRa, communication, is that the radio signal propagates well over a wide area, so that there is no need to have users in the vicinity of the concrete body 104 for determining the humidity, but instead a value, defining the humidity of the concrete, can be made available at a remote location via the long range, LoRa, communication. In some examples, the long range coverage, may be well over 1000 meters.

[0098] The humidity sensor 122 may be configured to measure a relative humidity.

[0099] In concrete, the relative humidity refers may be understood to be the amount of moisture in the pores of the concrete compared to the total it could hold at equilibrium. The concrete humidity value may be a relative concrete humidity value.

[0100] The exterior humidity value may be a relative exterior humidity value.

[0101] The concrete sensor device 100 may comprise a battery 142. The battery 142 may be connected to the movement device 128, the processing circuit 134 and the wireless communication module 136. The battery 142 may be arranged to power the operation of the concrete sensor device 100. The battery 142 may be arranged to power the humidity sensor 122.

[0102] The concrete sensor device 100 may comprise a memory 143 configured to store data, wherein the memory 143 is operatively connected to the processing circuitry 134. The memory 143 may store data pertaining to measured sensor data. The memory 143 may store data pertaining to the determined concrete humidity value and / or the exterior humidity value.

[0103] The concrete sensor device 100 may comprise a membrane 144, illustrated by the dashed line in Figures la and lb. The membrane 144 may be a gas permeable membrane. The membrane 144 may be arranged to block passage of liquid and to allow for passage of gas. The membrane 144 may allow for passage of water vapour. The first and / or the second inlets 110, 116 may comprise a membrane 144.The concrete gas sensor 100 may comprise a temperature sensor 146. The temperature sensor 146 may be arranged to measure the temperature inside the interior chamber 108.

[0104] The concrete gas sensor 100 may comprise a humidity absorber element 148.

[0105] The humidity absorber element 148 may be arranged in the first portion 109 of the interior chamber 108. The humidity absorbing element 148 may be arranged to be exposed to gas entering through the first inlet 110. A more controlled humidity in the first portion 109 of the interior chamber 108 may be provided. The humidity of the air from the environment 114 may be reduced. A more efficient mitigation of a saturation of the humidity sensor 122 may thereby be provided. A faster recovery after saturation may alternatively be obtained for the humidity sensor 122.

[0106] Figure 2a and 2b show a schematic cross-sectional view of a concrete sensor device lOOaccording to other examples of the present disclosure. The concrete sensor device 100 is configured for determining a humidity in a concrete body 104. The concrete sensor device 100 comprises an insert arrangement 102 arranged to be inserted into the concrete body 104.

[0107] The concrete sensor device 100 comprises a housing 106. The housing 106 comprises an interior chamber 108. The interior chamber 108 has, at a first portion 109 thereof, a first inlet 110. The first inlet 110 is arranged to be in communication 112 with the environment 114 surrounding the housing 106 and being exterior to the concrete body 104. The first inlet 100 may be formed by two inlets portions 110a and 110b. The two inlets portions 110a, 110b may be opposite to each other. Put differently, the housing 106 may have one or more inlets 110 to the interior chamber 108.

[0108] The first inlet 110 may according to some examples be referred to as an external inlet. The externa inlet being arranged to be in communication with the environment outside the housing 106.

[0109] The insert arrangement 102 may be projecting out from the housing 106 and having a second inlet 116. The second inlet 116 is arranged to be in communication with an interior 118 of the concrete body 104, when the insert arrangement 102 is inserted into the concrete body 104. The second inlet 116 is further arranged to be in communication with a second portion 120 of the interior chamber 108. To this end the second inlet 116 may be referred to as a concrete body inlet.The concrete sensor device 100 comprises a plunger arrangement 124. The plunger arrangement 124 comprises a piston 126 and a movement device 128. The movement device 128, e.g. a motor, is arranged to move the piston 126 within the interior chamber 108 between a first position 130 and a second position 132. The motor may be an electrical motor.

[0110] The concrete sensor device 100 comprises a humidity sensor 122. The humidity sensor 122 is configured to measure a humidity value pertaining to the humidity inside the interior chamber 108.

[0111] The concrete sensor device 100 comprises a processing circuitry 134. The processing circuitry 134 is operatively connected to the humidity sensor 122 and the plunger arrangement 124.

[0112] As illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, the concrete sensor device 100 may further comprises another humidity sensor 140. The another humidity sensor 140 may be arranged inside the interior chamber 108. The two humidity sensors 122, 140 may be arranged opposite to each other. According to other examples the concrete sensor device may comprise a plurality of humidity sensors.

[0113] The processing circuitry 134 is configured to cause: the piston 126 to move to the second position 132. Put differently, the processing circuitry 134 may be arranged to cause the movement device 128 to drive the piston 126 to the second position 132. At the second position the piston 126 is arranged to expose the humidity sensor 122 and the another humidity sensor 140 to gas, e.g. water vapour, entering through the second inlet 116. In other words, when the piston 126 is moved to the second position the humidity sensor 122 and the another humidity sensor 140 are exposed to gas originating from the interior of the concrete body 104 and entering into the interior chamber 108 through the second inlet 116, see the arrow 112 in Figure 2b.

[0114] The processing circuitry 134 is configured to determine, using the humidity sensor 122 and the another humidity sensor 140, a concrete humidity value pertaining to the humidity in the interior of the concrete body 104.

[0115] The processing circuitry 134 may be configured to determine a differential humidity value based on the two humidity sensors 122,140. The differential humidity value may be based on determined concrete humidity values pertaining to the humidity in the interior of the concrete body 104.As discussed also in relation to Figures la and lb, the processing circuitry 134 may further be configured to cause the piston 126 to move to the first position 130. In the first position 130 the piston 126 is arranged to expose the humidity sensor 122 and the another humidity sensor 140 to gas entering through the first inlet 110, see Figure 2a. The humidity sensor 122 and the another humidity sensor 140 are thereby exposed to gas pertaining to the environment 114 being exterior to the concrete body 104, see the arrow 112 in Figure 2a, such that a saturation of the humidity sensor 122 is mitigated. The processing circuitry 134 may be configured to determine a differential humidity value based on the two humidity sensors 122, 140. In other words, the humidity sensors 122, 140 are exposed to ambient air whereby the saturation of the humidity sensors 122,140 may be prevented or the humidity sensors 122, 140 being recovered after a saturation.

[0116] With further reference to Figure 2b, it is illustrated that the pistonl26 may, in the second position 132, be arranged to block communication between the first inlet 110 and the second portion 120 of the interior chamber 108. By way of example, this may be achieved by the piston 126 having a sealing element 150, see Figures 2a and 2b.

[0117] The sealing element 150 may be arranged to mitigate leakage of fluids, i.e. liquids or gases, between the first portion 109 and the second portion 120 of the interior chamber 108. The sealing element may block passage of moisture. The sealing element 150 may be a gasket or an O-ring. The sealing element 150 may comprise or be formed by an elastomer. The sealing element 150 may be of rubber. To this end, the piston 126 may, in the first position 130, be arranged to block communication between the second inlet 116 and the first portion 109 of interior chamber 108.

[0118] The concrete gas sensor 100 may further comprise one or more temperature sensors 146a, 146b. The one or more temperature sensors 146a, 146b may be arranged to measure the temperature inside the interior chamber.

[0119] The first portion of the interior chamber may comprise a humidity absorber element as discussed above.

[0120] Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating the position, P, of the piston of the concrete sensor device versus time according to some examples. With reference to Figure 3 and Figures 1 and 2, the processing circuitry 134 may be configured to cause the piston 126 to be in the second position 132 (P2) for a measurement time period of 0.5-2 hours and to cause the humidity sensor 122 to measure the concrete humidity value pertaining to the interior of theconcrete body 104 within the measurement time period. The measurement period is indicated by "C" in Figure 3 indicating that the measurement time period pertains to measuring the humidity of the concreted body 104.

[0121] To this end, the processing circuitry 134 may be configured to cause the piston 126 to be in the first position 130 (Pl) for a calibration time period to cause the humidity sensor 122 to measure the exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment 114 exterior to the concrete body 104 within the calibration time period. The calibration period is indicated by "E" in Figure 3 indicating that the calibration time period pertains to the humidity in the environment 114 outside the concrete body 104.

[0122] The processing circuitry 134 may be configured to cause the piston 126 to cycle between the first position 130 and the second position 132, whereby the measurement time period and the calibration time periods are repeated, see Figure 3.

[0123] By way of example, the measurement time period and calibration time period may be 1 hour and 12 hours, respectively.

[0124] Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating the position of the piston of the concrete sensor device and relative humidity versus time according to some examples. With reference to Figure 4 and Figures 1 and 2, the processing circuitry 134 may be configured to cause the piston 126 to be in the second position 132 (P2) for a measurement time period of 0.5-2 hours and to cause the humidity sensor 122 to measure the concrete humidity value pertaining to the interior of the concrete body 104 within the measurement time period. The measurement period is indicated by "C" in Figure 3 indicating that the measurement time period pertains to measuring the humidity of the concreted body 104.

[0125] The measuring of the concrete humidity may be during the full measurement time period or during a portion thereof. Several measurements may be performed during the measurement period. The measurements may be averaged. The measurement may alternatively be made continuously during the measurement time period.

[0126] To this end, the processing circuitry 134 may be configured to cause the piston 126 to be in the first position 130 (Pl) for a calibration time period to cause the humidity sensor 122 to measure the exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment 114 exterior to the concrete body 104 within the calibration time period. The calibration period is indicated by "E" in Figure 4 indicating that the calibration time period pertains to the humidity in the environment 114 outside the concrete body 104.The processing circuitry 134 may thereby be understood to, by causing the piston 126 to be in the second position 132 for a predetermined time duration, mitigate saturation of the humidity sensor 122, i.e. by reducing the time the humidity sensor 122 is exposed to the relatively higher humidity in the concrete body 104 in comparison with the humidity of the surroundings 114. A more accurate measurement of the humidity in the concrete may thereby be obtained. By utilizing the calibration time periods problems associated with saturation of the humidity sensor 122 may be mitigated.

[0127] Figure 4 further illustrates that the processing circuitry 134 may be configured to cause the piston 126 to cycle between the first position 130 and the second position 132, whereby the measurement time period and the calibration time periods are repeated. By way of example, the measurement time period and calibration time period may be 0.5 hour and 6 hours, respectively. The concrete humidity values and the exterior humidity value may be according to this example be understood a relative humidity, RH, values.

[0128] Figure 4, further illustrates, by the solid circles, humidity measurement values obtained as discussed above using of the concrete sensor device 100. In more detail, concrete humidity values are illustrated, which pertain to date obtained within the measurement time periods. The obtained concrete humidity values may be used to determine or monitor a drying of the concrete body, see the dashed line.

[0129] According to some examples, the processing circuitry 134 is further configured to determine, using the humidity sensor 122, the exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment being exterior to the concrete body when the piston is in the first position.

[0130] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system for monitoring a humidity in a concrete body according to some examples of the present disclosure. The system 200 comprises the concrete sensor device 100 as discussed above and an external embedded gas sensor 300. The external embedded gas sensor 300 is arranged to be embedded in the concrete body 104 as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0131] The system 200 is further configured to: determine a calibrated humidity value in the concrete body 104 based on: the, by the external embedded gas sensor 300, measured presence of a gas inside the concrete body 104, the presence of gas being associated with a humidity value inside the concrete body 104; and the, by the concrete sensor device 100, measured concrete humidity value pertaining to the humidity of the interior of the concrete body 104.The external embedded gas sensor 300 may be an oxygen gas displacement sensor. The external gas sensor 300 may comprise processing circuitry 134.

[0132] The embedded external gas sensor 300 may be an oxygen gas displacement sensor and the processing circuitry 134 may further be configured to determine the relative oxygen saturation %O at the external gas sensor. Put differently, the processing circuitry 134 may be configured to determine a humidity at the external embedded gas sensor 300 based on the determined relative oxygen saturation.

[0133] The external embedded gas sensor 300 may comprise a wireless communication module 136. The wireless communication module 136 may be arranged to communicate 302 with a remote location 138 via a communication network, e.g. with a server 139.

[0134] Alternatively, or in combination, the external embedded gas sensor 300 may comprise a wireless communication module 136 arranged to communicate 302 with the wireless communication module 136 of the concrete sensor device 100.

[0135] The processing circuitry 134 of the concrete sensor device 100 may be configured to determine the relative oxygen saturation based on data received from the external embedded gas sensor. The processing circuitry 134 of the concrete sensor device 100 may be configured to determine the humidity at the external embedded gas sensor based on the determined relative oxygen saturation.

[0136] Figure 6 shows schematically a flow chart of a method for determining a humidity in a concrete body by use of the concrete sensor device according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0137] With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 6, the method 400 comprises inserting 402 the insert arrangement 102 of the concrete sensor device 100 into the concrete body 104. The method 400 further comprises moving 404 the piston 126 to the second position 132, such that the humidity sensor 122 is exposed to gas entering through the second inlet 116, and determining 406 a concrete humidity value pertaining to the interior of the concrete body 104.

[0138] The method 200 further comprises moving 408 the piston 126 to the first position 130, such that the humidity sensor 122 is exposed to gas entering through the first inlet 110 thereby exposing the humidity sensor 122 to gas pertaining to the environment 114 beingexterior to the concrete body 104 such that a saturation of the humidity sensor 122 is mitigated.

[0139] The method 400 may further comprise, determining 410 an exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment 114 exterior to the concrete body 104 when the piston 126 is in the first position 130.

[0140] The method 400 may comprise calibrating 412 the determined concrete humidity value pertaining to the interior of the concrete body based on the determined exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment exterior to the concrete body 104.

[0141] The method 400 may comprise causing 414 the piston 126 to be in the second position 132 for a measurement time period of 0.5-2 hours, preferably 1 hour, and cause 416 the humidity sensor 122 to measure the humidity pertaining to the interior of the concrete body 104 for at least a portion of the measurement time period.

[0142] The method 400 may further comprise causing 418 the piston 126 to be in the first position 130 for a calibration time period and causing 420 the humidity sensor 122 to measure the humidity pertaining to the environment exterior to the concrete body 104 during the calibration time period.

[0143] The method 400 may comprise causing 422 the piston 126 to cycle between the first position 130 and the second position 132, whereby the measurement time period and the calibration time period are repeated.

[0144] Figure 7 shows schematically a probe arrangement comprising the concrete sensor device 100 according to some examples of the present disclosure. Figures 8a and 8b show schematically the use of probe arrangements comprising the concrete sensor device 100 according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0145] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the probe arrangement 500 is illustrated to comprise a concrete sensor device 100 discussed above. The probe arrangement 500 further comprises a casing 502. The casing 502 is arranged to be inserted, see Figure 8a, or embedded, see Figure 8b, into a concrete body 104. The casing 502 is arranged to form an external chamber 504 surrounding the concrete sensor device 100. Figure 8a exemplifies that the casing 502 may comprise an opening 503 for communicating with the environment 114 outside the concrete body 104. Figure 8b exemplifies that the casing 502 may enclose 505 the housing 106 of the concrete sensor device 100 thereby preventing for communicating with theenvironment outside the concrete body 104. The concrete sensor device 100 is thereby arranged to, in the first position, communicate with the interior of the external chamber 504.

[0146] Figure 8a further exemplifies that the probe arrangement 500 may be inserted into a concrete body 104 to measure the internal humidity at a specific depth, e.g. 40% of the body thickness. This may, by way of examples, provide an accurate representation of the moisture condition inside the concrete body 104. The probe arrangement 500 may further be arranged in a building element 510 onto which the concrete body 104 is formed.

[0147] The casing 502 may further comprise a receiving portion 506 for receiving the insert arrangement 102 of the concrete sensor device 100 whereby the second inlet 116 of the insert arrangement 102, may be brought in communication 112 with an interior 118 of the concrete body 104, when the probe arrangement 500 is inserted or embedded into the concrete body 104. According to some examples, the concrete body 104 is formed or build on the probe arrangement 500.

[0148] The receiving portion 506 of the casing 502 may comprise an inner threading portion arranged to receive an outer threading of the insert arrangement 102.

[0149] The casing 502 may be tubular 502. The casing 502 may comprise an additional sensor such as a gas sensor. The gas sensor may be a gas displacement sensor.

[0150] The external chamber 504 may comprise a humidity absorber element 508. Upon the concrete sensor device 100 being arranged inside the external chamber 504 the first inlet 110 may be brought in communication with the interior of the external chamber 504. The humidity sensor may thereby be exposed to gas pertaining to the interior of the external chamber 504 when the piston 126 is in the first position 130 such that a saturation of the humidity sensor 122 may be mitigated, see Figures 7 and 8b.

[0151] The external chamber 504 may further comprise a temperature sensor 146. The temperature sensor 146 may be configured to measure the temperature in the external chamber 504, see Figure 7. The temperature sensor 146 may comprise a wireless communication module.

[0152] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure is not limited to the preferred examples described above. The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0153] Additionally, variations to the disclosed examples can be understood and effected by theskilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

26CLAIMS1. A concrete sensor device (100) for determining a humidity in a concrete body (104), the concrete sensor device (100) comprising:an insert arrangement (102) arranged to be inserted into the concrete body (104);a housing (106) comprising an interior chamber (108) having, at a first portion (109) thereof, a first inlet (110) arranged to be in communication (112) with the environment (114) surrounding the housing (106) and being exterior to the concrete body (104);wherein the insert arrangement (102) is projecting out from the housing (106) and comprises a second inlet (116), the second inlet (116) being arranged to be in communication with an interior (118) of the concrete body (104), when the insert arrangement (102) is inserted into the concrete body (104), and in communication with a second portion (120) of the interior chamber (108);a humidity sensor (122) configured to measure a humidity value pertaining to the humidity inside the interior chamber (108); a plunger arrangement (124) comprising a piston (126) and a movement device (128) arranged to move the piston (126) within the interior chamber (108) between a first position (130) and a second position (132);a processing circuitry (134) being operatively connected to the humidity sensor (122) and the plunger arrangement (124), and being configured to cause:the piston (126) to move to the second position (132), wherein the piston (126) is arranged to expose the humidity sensor (122) to gas entering through the second inlet (116), and to determine, using the humidity sensor (122), a concrete humidity value pertaining to the humidity in the interior of the concrete body (104); andthe piston (126) to move to the first position (130), wherein the piston (126) is arranged to expose the humidity sensor (122) to gas entering through the first inlet (110), thereby exposing the humidity sensor (122) to gas pertaining to the environment (114) being exterior to the concrete body (104) such that a saturation of the humidity sensor (122) is mitigated.

2. The concrete sensor device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry (134) is configured to determine, using the humidity sensor (122), an exteriorhumidity value pertaining to the environment (114) being exterior to the concrete body (104) when the piston (126) is in the first position (130).

3. The concrete sensor device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the piston (126), in the second position (132), is arranged to block communication between the first inlet (110) and second portion (120) of the interior chamber (108).

4. The concrete sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the piston (126) in the first position (130), is arranged to block communication between the second inlet (116) and the first portion (109) of interior chamber (108).

5. The concrete sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a wireless communication module (136) configured for wide area radio communication and wherein the processing circuitry (134) is further arranged to transfer data wirelessly by the wireless communication module (136) to a remote location (138).

6. The concrete sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing circuitry (134) is configured to cause the piston (126) to be in the second position (132) for a measurement time period of 0.5-2 hours and to cause the humidity sensor (122) to measure the concrete humidity value pertaining to the interior of the concrete body (104) within the measurement time period.

7. The concrete sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processing circuitry (134) is configured to cause the piston (126) to be in the first position (130) for a calibration time period and to cause the humidity sensor (122) to measure the exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment (114) exterior to the concrete body within the calibration time period.

8. The concrete sensor device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the processing circuitry (134) is configured to cause the piston (126) to cycle between the first position (130) and the second position (132), whereby the measurement time period and the calibration time periods are repeated.

9. The concrete sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the humidity sensor (122) is configured to measure a relative humidity.

10. The concrete sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprises another humidity sensor (140) arranged inside the interior chamber (108), whereinthe processing circuitry (134) is configured to determine a differential humidity value based on the two humidity sensors (122,140).

11. A system (200) for monitoring a humidity in a concrete body (104), the system (200) comprising:the concrete sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; andan external embedded gas sensor (300) arranged to be embedded in the concrete body (104);wherein the system (200) is further configured to:determine a calibrated humidity value in the concrete body (104) based on:the, by the external embedded gas sensor (300), measured presence of a gasinside the concrete body (104), the presence of gas being associated with a humidity value inside the concrete body (104); andthe, by the concrete sensor device (100), measured concrete humidity valuepertaining to the humidity of the interior of the concrete body (104).

12. A method (400) for determining a humidity in a concrete body (104) by use of the concrete sensor device (100) according to anyone of claims 1 to 10, the method (400) comprising:inserting (402) the insert arrangement (102) of the concrete sensor device (100) into the concrete body (104);moving (404) the piston (126) to the second position (132), such that the humidity sensor (122) is exposed to gas entering through the second inlet (116), and determining (406) a concrete humidity value pertaining to the interior of the concrete body (104); andmoving (408) the piston (126) to the first position (130), such that the humidity sensor (122) is exposed to gas entering through the first inlet (110) thereby exposing the humidity sensor (122) to gas pertaining to the environment (114) being exterior to the concrete body (104) such that a saturation of the humidity sensor (122) is mitigated.2913. The method (400) according to claim 12, wherein the method (400) further comprises, determining (410) an exterior humidity value pertaining to the environment (114) exterior to the concrete body (104) when the piston (126) is in the first position (130).

14. A probe arrangement (500) comprising the concrete sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the probe arrangement (500) comprises:a casing (502) arranged to be inserted or embedded into a concrete body (104) and to form an external chamber (504) surrounding the concrete sensor device (100);wherein the casing (502) comprises a receiving portion (506) for receiving the insert arrangement (102) of the concrete sensor device (100) whereby the second inlet (116) of the insert arrangement (102), is brought in communication (112) with an interior (118) of the concrete body (104), when the probe arrangement (500) is inserted or embedded into the concrete body (104).

15. The probe arrangement (500) according to claim 14, wherein the external chamber (504) comprises a humidity absorber element (508) and wherein the concrete sensor device (100) is arranged inside the external chamber (504) whereby the first inlet (110) is in communication with the interior of the external chamber (504) and exposing the humidity sensor (122) to gas pertaining to the interior of the external chamber (504) when the piston (126) is in the first position (130) such that a saturation of the humidity sensor (122) is mitigated.

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