By measuring temperature differences in concrete you can easily increase quality and drive down costs.
The thermal differential is generally the temperature difference between the inner parts, the core and the surface of concrete structures. The bigger the difference gets, the more probable that thermal cracking develops risking structural problems.
But how can we measure and decrease the difference?
The exothermic reactions of products that contain hydraulic cement generates heat when hydrated, heating the whole product subsequently creating a warmer core. Still, the surface temperature is largely influenced by the external environmental conditions. When production facilities can not manage this thermal stress, small vessels on the surface become cracks and breaks (Mehta et al., 2014).
In practice →
Measuring can be done using digital sensors.
Decreasing the difference can be done by temperature regulation.
Why else measure temperature differences?
Measuring temperature differences can be helpful in many ways:
Strength development by managing the thermal environment during curing. Consistent concrete curing requires consistent temperature control. This results in consistent strength and durability in the whole of the product (Kosmatka et al., 2011).
Meet standards by better complying with construction codes (ACI Committee 301, 2016).
Prevent temperature related cracking by supervising the curing process (Neville, 2011).
Plus remote operations offer many advantages over traditional methods.
Real-time data allows immediate detection of any concerning temperature differentials (Bentz, 2008).
Remote operations reduce the need for on-site presence (ACI Committee 305, 2010).
Machine, AI powered knowledge enables data driven productions which help to maintain a cost-effective operation (Gibbons & Schindler, 2015).
Alerts help production teams with instant notifications if something happens. In automated situations, people can supervise from anywhere. Quick interventions prevent potential damage and hence reduce rework (Bamforth, 2007).
How can you better supervise?
Optimize! Continuously analyze data, control and adjust the setup of curing (Gibbons & Schindler, 2015).
Regulate! Controlling temperature creates better quality products, minimizes energy and material waste. All leading to being cost-effective. It’s an add-on that the environmental impact is decreasing, which also leads to cost-cuts. And as an added benefit carbon quotes can be speared in large scale operations (Neville, 2011).
Make it cheap! On-site work can be also cut down due to remote operations and decreases the risk of rework, leading to cost savings (Mehta & Monteiro, 2014).
What’s next?
Apply the Pareto principle, optimize and control curing processes for large cost-cuts in the short-run.
What you need: sensors, an analytics platform, some devices to control curing.
Reference
- ACI Committee 207. (2005). Guide to Mass Concrete (ACI 207.1R-05). American Concrete Institute.
- ACI Committee 301. (2016). Specifications for Structural Concrete (ACI 301-16). American Concrete Institute.
- ACI Committee 305. (2010). Guide to Hot Weather Concreting (ACI 305R-10). American Concrete Institute.
- Bamforth, P. B. (2007). Early-age thermal crack control in concrete. CIRIA.
- Bentz, D. P. (2008). A Review of Early-Age Properties and Their Effects on Concrete Durability. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- Gibbons, M. E., & Schindler, A. K. (2015). Mitigating Early-Age Thermal Cracking in Mass Concrete Elements. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 27(9), 04014242.
- Kosmatka, S. H., Kerkhoff, B., & Panarese, W. C. (2011). Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures(15th ed.). Portland Cement Association.
- Mehta, P. K., & Monteiro, P. J. M. (2014). Concrete: Microstructure, Properties, and Materials (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of Concrete (5th ed.). Pearson Education Limited.