Complete guide: Monitoring concrete strength

In the construction world, the quality and safety of structures rely heavily on the strength of concrete. Accurate and real-time monitoring of this material is crucial to ensuring the durability and success of any project. At Cosmos Engineering, we understand the importance of having reliable, up-to-date data. That´s why we want to share how concrete strength monitoring can elevate construction processes to the next level.

What is concrete strength monitoring?

Concrete strength monitoring is the process of measuring and analyzing the ability of freshly poured concrete to withstand loads and stresses. These systems provide critical data about the chemical reactions occurring within the concrete mix. By using advanced technologies like CoSMoS™: Concrete Strength Monitoring System, real-time information can be gathered on how the concrete evolves over time, from the moment it is poured until it reaches its characteristic strength.

How is this process carried out?

To determine concrete strength, the temperature inside the freshly poured concrete on-site must be continuously monitored at least every 30 minutes. By tracking this temperature and having previously calibrated the concrete mixture being used, strength can be estimated applying the maturity method.

For instance, with the CoSMoS™: Concrete Strength Monitoring System, sensors are installed inside the concrete, fixed to the reinforcement bar, and connected to a transmission device placed outside of the monitored structural element. The device transmits the concrete data through a gateway to our platform, where the significant parameters of the mixture are processed and displayed on any device with internet access.

Key benefits of real-time concrete strength monitoring

Greater accuracy. Unlike traditional methods that rely on sample testing (destructive testing), real-time monitoring provides immediate data directly from the concrete poured on-site. This allows for more reliable evaluations and avoids the inaccuracies associated with lab tests.
Process optimization. Thanks to concrete strength data, construction teams can make informed decisions about the optimal time to remove formwork and move forward with other project phases. This not only improves efficiency but can also shorten the overall projects timeline.
Costs savings. Continuous monitoring helps avoid overly conservative practices that could unnecessarily extend timelines and increase costs. In projects across Spain, we´ve observed and average reduction of 20% in construction times, translating into significant cost savings.
Quality improvement. By controlling the hardening process in real-time, potential issues can be detected early, allowing immediate solutions to be implemented, ensuring quality standards are maintained and preventing long-term structural problems due to a bad curing.
Increased risk prevention. Monitoring concrete strength helps prevent formwork removal before the required strength characteristics are met, reducing the risk of collapses and accidents.

Applications

Concrete strength monitoring is applicable to any type of construction project. From residential and commercial buildings to critical infrastrcture like bridges and tunnels, controlling concrete strength plays a crucial role. The ability to gather accurate, real-time data is invaluable in projects that demand high precision and where there is little room for error.

In conclusion, adopting advanced technologies for concrete strength monitoring is a smart investment for any construction project. Not only does it enhance project accuracy and quality, but it also increases efficiency during the execution of the structure. At Cosmos Engineering, we offer innovative solutions that transform the way construction is done, ensuring better results and greater customer satisfaction.

For more information on how CoSMoS™: Concrete Strength Monitoring System can revolutionize your construction processes, don´t hesitate to contact us.

Discover the future of concrete monitoring with Cosmos Engineering!