In this paper a methodology for the quality control of the curing process in precast concrete plants is presented by non-destructive testing techniques. This methodology consists on a remote monitoring system and a method to estimate the strength gain of the precast elements during the curing process. The remote monitoring system is based on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) provided with temperature, humidity and ultrasonic sensors. The compressive strength is estimated using two different procedures, one based on temperature and the other one on ultrasonic velocity measurements. Comparing the compressive strength estimations obtained using temperature and ultrasonic velocity measurements, the concrete quality during early ages of curing can be controlled, and arising problems can immediately be detected. This methodology was tested in three different precast concrete plants in Spain.
Acknowledgments
Support from the Spanish Economy and Competitiveness Ministry, through research projects BIA2009-14395-C04-01, TEC2012-38402-C04-03, IPT-020000-2010-26 and from the Institute for Small and Medium Industry of the Generalitat Valenciana (IMPIVA) through the IMIDIC/2010/224 reference project, is greatly acknowledged. J. Ranz thanks the Spanish Economy and Competitiveness Ministry for the FPI (Spanish initials) grant awarded.
