Embedded Wireless Sensors for Concrete Curing and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of real-time monitoring and quality control for concrete made with bagged cement, as laboratory tests are not typically performed on site, leading to uncertainties in curing and performance.
Innovation Solution
Embedding self-contained wireless sensors (SMArt rocks or SMAKs) within concrete that monitor properties like electrical resistivity and compressive strength, wirelessly transmitting data to portable devices for continuous monitoring and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-contained wireless sensors are embedded in concrete, then real-time monitoring and quality control capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (temperature, humidity, electrical resistivity measurement) and data processing capabilities into a single self-contained wireless sensor unit embedded in concrete. This integration eliminates the need for separate external monitoring equipment and complex wiring systems, thereby improving quality control reliability while managing device complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs self-contained data acquisition, processing, and wireless transmission without requiring external power sources or monitoring equipment. The embedded sensor system autonomously monitors concrete properties and communicates results, eliminating the need for complex external infrastructure while maintaining reliable quality control capabilities throughout the concrete's lifecycle.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory tests are performed on site, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical laboratory testing procedures with wireless sensor-based electrical resistivity measurement and data analysis. The embedded sensors continuously monitor concrete properties in real-time, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical tests while providing precise measurements of concrete strength and curing progress, thereby maintaining measurement precision without sacrificing construction productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides continuous real-time monitoring of concrete curing and strength development without interruption. Unlike periodic laboratory tests, the embedded sensors operate continuously from placement through curing, providing uninterrupted data streams that enable real-time quality control decisions and accelerate construction timelines while maintaining precise measurement capabilities.
3Productivity
If automated monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into discrete, modular sensor units that can be independently embedded in concrete sections. Each sensor is a self-contained module with integrated measurement and communication capabilities, allowing the system to be scaled by simply adding more identical modules rather than implementing a complex centralized system, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through standardization and modularity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time data acquisition and prediction of concrete curing and strength, optimizing construction processes and reducing the risk of structural issues by providing accurate, on-site monitoring and data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
performing at least a measurement of a plurality of measurements upon the mixture of the first material with the self-contained sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Concrete can be one of the most durable building materials where consumption is projected to reach approximately 40 billion tons in 2017 alone. Despite this the testing of concrete at all stages of its life cycle is still in its infancy although testing for corrosion is well established. Further many of the tests today are time consuming, expensive, and provide results only after it has been poured and set. Accordingly, by exploiting self-contained wireless sensor devices, which are deployed with the wet concrete, the in-situ curing and maturity measurement data can be established and employed together with batch specific concrete data to provide rapid initial tests and evolving performance data regarding the concrete cure, performance, corrosion of concrete at different points in its life cycle. Such sensors remove subjectivity, allow for rapid assessment, are integrable to the construction process, and provide full life cycle assessment.