Wireless RH-ProbE for embedding in concrete
The Smart Concrete probe for measuring relative humidity is a breakthrough in the technology for embedding wireless sensors in concrete and being able to follow the curingprocess with very high accuracy and reliability.
The probe is the result of a joint project carried out by ElectroTech Kalix AB, Lunds Tekniska Högskola, Heidelberg Materials Cement Sverige AB and Thomas Concrete Group AB.
How it works
The wireless RH-probe is mounted before casting the concrete according to simple and clear instructions. When the concrete is poured the probe is activated and begin transmitting temperature and RH-values wirelessly with a precision of +-2% RH. The gathered data can then be displayed by app or computer and can easily be used to see the exact RH at a given time and more importantly, be used to predict when the concrete will have cured enough to allow for installation of surface layer.
The RH-probes precision and lifespan of at least 2 years allow for long time monitoring of the curing process as well as evaluating, increasing or decreasing any measures taken to hasten the curing. This allows for better planning of curing measures, final RH-inspection and scheduling of subcontractors, saving both time and cost.
Facts: Evaluation of the RF-probe
Magnus Åhs, Associate Professor at the Departement for Buildingmaterials at LTH Faculty of Engineering, Lund University has lead the work of testing and evaluating the RH-probe. In laboratory settings the results are outstanding and the goals set for precision and longevity has already been reached. A thorough report will shortly be available for reading or downloading.
Roadmap
Currently fieldtests are ongoing, where ElectroTech Kalix AB in co-operation with Thomas Concrete Group AB are testing and further developing the RH-probe. Below you can see how far we have come in the respective areas, what our end goals are and an estimated timeline for the final product.
Precision
The RH-probe has a proven accuracy of +-2%, allowing for a very precise view of the curing process
Cost savings
The RH-probe will result in substantial cost savings compared to destructive measures as well as optimized building processes and lowered risk of moisture related damages
Longevity
The RF probe has a lifespan of > 2 years, allowing for long time monitoring and the possibility of taking actions before costly damages occur
Integration in customer system
The RF-probe is initially developed to be directly integrated to our larger customers own datasystems
Estimated completion Q2 2025
Reliability
Out goal is a defective ratio of less then 1/10000 RH-probes. Finetuning and validation is ongoing
Estimated completion Q3 2025
Graphic interface
A simpler variant already exists but the development of a nice, clean and simple interface is ongoing
Estimated completion Q4 2025
Available for purchase
When the RH-probe is made available on the public market our goal is that all the previous milestones will be completed and well documented.
Estimated completion Q4 2025
Replace destructive RH-measuring
Our end goal is to completely replace destructive measuring as the established method of measuring relative humidity in concrete.
Estimated completion 2027-2030
About us
Smart Concrete and the rights to the RH-probe is owned by ElectroTech Kalix AB, a company specialized in development and production of electronics and wireless measuring tools for heavy industry. This page and everything written here has been published by ElectroTech Kalix AB. Changes to the product may occur as a natural part of the development process.
We want to thank our partners in this project. Without them this potentially sector transforming product would not have been possible.
”One of the greatest challenges was ensuring that the probes can handle being submerged in concrete and the curing process and that they provide reliable measurements over time even in varying temperatures. The results show that these probes can not only handle being cast in concrete but also deliver accurate data both in the short and long term.
Bygg & teknik, Tema: Betong, 6/2024 (in Swedish)
Interested in finding out more?
If you are interested and want to know more about the ongoing development you can subscribe to our newsletter on the right to get regular updates. News and updates will also be published on this site.
What are the advantages of your RH-probe?
The goal of the RH-probe is to completely replace destructive methods by being a cheaper, more reliable and more versatile way of measuring relative humidity.
Questions?
Contact us at info@smartconcrete.se