Wireless sensors towards an efficient concrete construction

Purpose and goal

The main objective of the project is to develop a commercial wireless measurement system for measuring the temperature of a newly produced concrete structure. The RFID device used for temperature mesaurement should be robust and able to be embedded in concrete. It must also be equipped with electronics that enable the transmission of measured values to a recipient outside the concrete structure. This aim has been achieved and there will be a system ready to measure the temperature of the freshly poured concrete for the construction industry in the second quarter of 2015.

Results and expected effects

The developed system has a good potential to be used to facilitate temperature monitoring of concrete production both in-situ and for prefabrication facilities. It may contribute to a more rational and efficient building production. There is a clear posibility to improve environmental impacts and reduce costs through an optimization of concrete strength, faster cycle times and more efficient use of formwork materials. Overall, this may result in a more cost effective production process and a more satisfied customer.

Approach and implementation

The project has been run as a commercialization project. Electrotech was responsible for the development of an RFID device that measures the temperature of a freshly poured concrete structure and transmits data wirelessly to a data server. The developed product is well suited to its purpose. Cementa AB facilitated the process of finding suitable pilot projects and was a good support for the market introduction. Lund University, Div of Building materials was a good support for the knowledge of the material model which is the basis for the conversion from temperature to concrete strength.