Passive RFID Sensors for Concrete Curing Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of concrete generates high greenhouse gas emissions due to the large amount of cement required, and existing methods for determining the curing state and compressive strength of concrete are inefficient, leading to over-engineering and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method using passive RFID sensors to accurately measure moisture content, temperature, and other properties within the concrete mixture, allowing for real-time monitoring and reduction of cement usage, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amount of cement is increased to ensure concrete strength and durability, then the reliability and strength of the concrete structure is improved, but the greenhouse gas emissions and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical testing methods (cylinder compression tests) with electromagnetic sensing technology. Passive RFID sensors embedded in the concrete monitor curing processes, moisture content, and strength development in real-time, eliminating the need for physical sample extraction and laboratory testing while providing more accurate data for optimizing cement content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor concrete properties during curing and provide real-time data to adjust curing conditions, moisture levels, and temperature control. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal strength development with minimum cement content, preventing over-engineering while maintaining reliability
2Measurement precision
If traditional cylinder testing methods are used to determine concrete readiness, then some assessment of strength is achieved, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to over-engineering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cylinder testing with electromagnetic sensing. Passive RFID sensors measure dielectric properties, moisture content, and temperature to calculate strength development through algorithms, providing continuous real-time data without physical disruption to the concrete structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual models of concrete strength development by embedding multiple sensors throughout the structure that collectively map the curing process. These sensors generate digital twins of the concrete's internal state, allowing precise prediction of strength without physical testing while capturing spatial variations in curing
3Manufacturing precision
If passive RFID sensors are used to monitor concrete properties in real-time, then the measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive RFID sensors that require no external power source. These sensors harvest energy from the electromagnetic field generated by the interrogator device, eliminating batteries and power management complexity. The sensors autonomously monitor their environment and transmit data when energized, reducing system complexity while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional sensor system where the same passive RFID sensors measure multiple parameters including moisture content, temperature, and dielectric properties. A single sensor platform performs multiple measurement functions, reducing the number of separate devices needed and simplifying the overall system architecture
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
This approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 14% and achieves significant financial savings through precise cement usage, while ensuring the quality and strength of the concrete meet design specifications.
Implementation Method 1
A method using passive RFID sensors to accurately measure moisture content, temperature, and other properties within the concrete mixture
Implementation Method 2
the exothermic process is allowed to occur. During the exothermic process, temperature and moisture content play a key role in the proper curing process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods of greenhouse gas emission reduction by utilizing methods of the present invention in the production of viscous mixtures by determining the relative ratios or percentages of certain characteristics or properties of viscous substances, wherein temperature and/or moisture content is a key determinant. The methods may utilize placement of passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) instrumentation into a slurry or existing viscous mixture of substances. The RFID then reads moisture and/or other physical properties of the substance, typically process parameters such as temperature and/or pH. The readings are queried using an interrogator to acquire the data wirelessly. As a planning step, it is necessary to correlate the data with a variety of specially-developed algorithms specific to a viscous mixture associated with a particular process. The acquired readings will then provide a user with instantaneous information which will be determinative of the degree of completeness or maintenance of a certain property of the process.