The construction world has witnessed a technological revolution with the advent of smart concrete. This innovative material, developed to monitor and maintain the integrity of infrastructure, is transforming the way we conceive and build structures — from buildings and bridges to other critical assets. Equipped with advanced sensors, smart concrete not only improves the safety and durability of structures, but also enables proactive management of potential faults. Below, we explore how this material is made, its applications, and the benefits it offers.
What is smart concrete?
Smart concrete is used in the construction of retaining walls, known as headwalls. These walls have a specific design with an opening and are placed at the mouth of drainage outlets or culverts to anchor them and prevent water from washing away the surrounding backfill material. This technology not only strengthens structures, but also increases their safety and durability.
How is smart concrete made?
The University of Cambridge has developed a revolutionary 3D-printed concrete piece. This concrete incorporates advanced sensors that continuously monitor the condition of the infrastructure. The sensors provide precise measurements of temperature, humidity, pressure, electrical resistivity, and electrochemical potential. With this innovative technology, it is possible to detect and correct faults before they become serious problems.
Benefits of smart concrete
The use of smart concrete offers numerous benefits for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure. First, its ability to detect faults in real time enables a rapid and effective response, preventing greater and more costly damage. In addition, constant information about environmental and structural conditions helps extend the lifespan of structures. This technology also contributes to sustainability by optimizing material use and reducing the need for frequent repairs.
Practical applications
The applications of smart concrete are broad and varied. It can be used in bridges, tunnels, roads, and buildings, among others. In each of these cases, the technology provides critical data for maintenance and structural safety. For example, in a bridge, sensors can detect changes in pressure and humidity, flagging potential issues before they become critical.
Innovation in construction
The introduction of smart concrete represents a significant advance in the field of construction. This technology not only improves the quality and safety of infrastructure, but also opens new opportunities for innovation in design and maintenance. Over time, we are likely to see wider adoption of these smart materials, transforming the way we build and care for our infrastructure.
Success story: London Airport
A standout example of smart concrete in use can be found at the new London Airport. In this project, sensors have been implemented that provide real-time information on various parameters, including temperature, strength, relative humidity, evaporation rate, maturity, and temperature differential. Each sensor is equipped with a QR code, which is scanned into the Converge software system. The sensor tip acts as a thermometer, taking temperature readings from the concrete after a pour.
The sensor cable protrudes from the freshly poured concrete and transmits its temperature to the cloud, where the data is processed. Finally, an on-site engineer receives a notification on their tablet or device indicating which sensor (identified via QR code) shows that the concrete has reached its target strength. The scale of sensor usage has allowed Converge to develop algorithms that can predict when the concrete will reach the desired strength, optimizing the construction process.
At Trowel we don't manufacture cement, but we are smart
Although Trowelapp does not manufacture smart cement, we can help you manage your construction projects more intelligently. Our project management software offers advanced tools to plan, monitor, and optimize every aspect of your projects, improving efficiency and reducing costs. With Trowelapp, you will have access to detailed reports, real-time tracking, and an intuitive platform that makes team collaboration easier. Don't miss the opportunity to transform how you manage your projects. Request a demo of Trowelapp and discover how Trowelapp can drive the success of your construction business!
