Structure Health Monitoring (SHM) System   Recent project description: A construction site was erected in close proximity to the client’s building. As the nearby construction site may cause severe vibration and eventually structural damages to this building, we need to closely monitor the acceleration, velocity as well as displacement of the building. To perform such prevention, 5 sets of GeoSIG vibration monitoring system were installed to closely measure the vibration of the building and provide data with high degree of accuracy and precision. This system is also set to alarm the engineers through email and SMS in case of volatile movements which exceeds a certain set value. Thus, the system provides time for engineers to react accordingly and maintain the structural integrity of the building.   Equipment Including: GeoSIG AC-73 Accelerometer GeoSIG AC-73 sensor package is a true electro-mechanical triaxial accelerometer. Designed for broadband vibration monitoring and vibration measuring which requires highly sensitive and rugged sensors with minimum maintenance and a simple method for periodic testing, GeoSIG AC-73 provides a signal at the utmost accuracy and with a lowest possible noise level. The accelerometer faithfully keeps its scaling and calibration even under extreme conditions.   5 sets of GeoSIG AC-73 Accelerometers were placed in separate locations in the buildings to test its acceleration. With this data, we can have the information on the velocity and displacement of the buildings. Consequently, we can measure and monitor the vibration of the building with this accurate and precise data.   In case of ground motion, AC-73 yields an electrical output proportional to the current used to keep the mass centered. The accelerometer faithfully keeps its scaling and calibration even under extreme conditions. It outputs signal with the highest accuracy and lowest noise.   GeoSIG GMSPlus GeoSIG GMS Plus is the GeoSIG Measuring Systems and data logger with high performance, excellent operational flexibility and enhanced connectivity. The unit is based on the GMS technology of NetQuakes Seismographs, which are developed in close coordination with USGS, and deployed in high quantities in North America establishing the NetQuakes network.   For the vibration monitoring system, the data generated from GeoSIG AC-73 Accelerometer were collected and stored as data logs within different GMSPlus. The data logs were relayed back to the server via Wi-Fi or cellular network.    Other Equipment:    Computer, Wifi Router, Modem.   Software Including:    GeoSIG GeoDas Graphical Vibration Monitoring Software GeoDAS is the primary channel of communication with the sensors. This graphical Microsoft Windows-based application provides the most comprehensive, intuitive and versatile features available in the vibration, seismic, structural, dynamic and static monitoring and measuring industry. It provides live data stream, trigger event and ringbuffer files for analysis.   Also, alarm message could be sent through SMS and email with client’s preferred trigger level setup.   GeoSIG GeoSmart Structural Health Monitoring and Modelling Analysis Software GeoSIG GeoSmart can generate 3D model to simulate the movement of the buildings in great details. It is an innovative graphical Java-based application that provides tools for realtime structural health monitoring for civil engineering structures. GeoSMART, with its "smart" features, can monitor and display the status of a structure that is equipped with GeoSIG measuring instruments.   GeoSMART has been designed to meet fundamental engineering requirements with respect to structural health monitoring applications.   Schematic:   Conclusion: With the GeoSIG vibration monitoring system which requires minimum maintenance, we can perform a real-time monitoring on the vibration of the building. With great accuracy and fast notification system through email and SMS, we can prevent the structural damages of the building from volatile movements caused by extreme vibration.    The GeoSIG vibration monitoring system contains GeoSIG AC-73 Accelerometer and GeoSIG GMSPlus, combined with GeoDAS Graphical Vibration Monitoring Software and GeoSmart Structural Health Monitoring software. With utmost level of accuracy and precision, this system provides a perfect solution for vibration monitoring of the buildings.   

Avoid expensive concrete repairs Apply “power” to the reinforcement Many reinforced concrete structures suffer from premature degradation. The most widespread cause has been found to be chloride contamination of the concrete at the level of the steel reinforcement. Cathodic protection is an established repair method for reinforced concrete. Chloride contamination Often the chloride has come from the structures environ- ment such as marine conditions, de-icing salts or swimming pool disinfectant. The presence of chloride does not nor- mally directly affect the concrete but allows corrosion of the steel reinforcement to occur. This corrosion is normally prevented by the alkaline nature of the concrete. There are several approaches to stop ongoing corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete which is contaminated with chloride. The simplest and most direct solution is to demol- ish the structure and replace with a new, and hopefully, improved construction. Another approach is to remove the areas of concrete where the chloride concentration is great- est and replace with uncontaminated mortar or concrete. Why cathodic protection? Cathodic protection of an existing structure does not re- quire that the concrete or masonry is removed which has important implications for the strength of the structure or in buildings its listing, which requires you to keep the structure as original as possible. The effectiveness of cathodic protec- tion is well documented with various European standards defining how effective it is in preventing future corrosion. The durAnode® system can be completely hidden. Thus it can be used in historic buildings to protect steel girders. DurAnode4 standard The durAnode4 consist of an anode head and an active anode. The active anode can be made in any length from 50 mm to several meters.   Why the durAnode system is a world leader? The hardest part of applying the CP to a concrete and masonry structure is finding a suitable anode material and design as there are many particular requirements and the concrete or stone is a relatively poor electrical conductor. Over the last 50 years many types of anodes have been tried in many different countries. The durAnode is the only an- ode system to have been evolved over a long period of time and is now in its fourth generation. Advantages The durAnode® system can be installed using few tools: cover meter, hammer drill. The durAnode® system does not increase the weight and dimension of the structure. This is of particular importance in car parks where the height is very lim- ited and on some type of bridges. Several durAnodes can be connected on a single feeder wire which reduces the installation work. The durAnode4 has a build-in pre-resistor to prevent short of all anodes on a string in case of one single short, and off- sets the output in concrete with various conductivity which reduces the number of zones. The durAnode4 has a screw of Titanium that penetrates the insulation and makes a connection to the feeder wire. This means that the wire shall not be stripped but just placed in the anode top. DurAnode4 vertical The durAnode4 is designed to be mounted in the soffit of structures. The interference fit plug has a hole in it through which the grout is injected with a syringe. The clear plastic pipe allows the air to escape and leave a vacuum holding the grout until it cures. The durAnode4 has a titanium grub screw that penetrates the insulation and makes a connection to the coated feeder wire. This means that the feeder wire does not have to be stripped. A special torque screwdriver and spanner are made by CP International for the connection The durAnode4 can be made in any length from 50mm to several meters. The durAnode4 has a built in pre-resistor which can have several resistances depending on the anodes length.

DIVCON Inc. Spokane Valley, Washington Using wireless real-time data on concrete maturity, strength, and temperatures, the Divcon team was able to reduce liability and make fast, accurate decisions to ensure the complete safety and integrity of a 40,000 square foot elevated post-tensioned podium slab deck they were building. PROBLEM Messy and unreliable wired maturity systems For decades Divcon Inc., a full-service general contractor based in Washington state, relied on wired maturity sensors to monitor concrete strength and maturity in the field. Eventually, they became frustrated with: mislabeled wires accidental cutting of wires accidental damage to sensors reading errors caused by wire cross-over Finally, they decided to look for a better, more reliable way to monitor the strength of concrete in the field. Photo Credit: DIVCON Inc. SOLUTION SmartRock wireless maturity sensors for concrete Divcon adopted SmartRock wireless temperature and strength sensors for a 40,000 square foot elevated post tension podium slab deck. They tagged 18 sensors and tied them directly to the rebar around the entire perimeter of the slab’s frame. Once connected, the sensors started sending real-time temperature and strength measurements directly to the crew’s smartphones. RESULTS Remote monitoring & data sharing Concrete temperature and strength data was recorded in the free SmartRock app (available for iOS and Android), where it could be accessed from anywhere at any time by the site team. This ability to share data instantly was a big time-saver and allowed for fast and informed decision making. Increased accuracy of results When compared to cylinder break tests, maturity sensors provided much more accurate and consistent results, thereby ensuring the complete safety and integrity of the concrete Divcon was delivering. Reduced liability & unexpected costs With the automated reports generated by the Smartrock app, Divcon was able to show that the temperature of the ready-mix concrete never dropped.  

Graham Construction Calgary, Canada Graham Cuts Labor Costs By 85% in Construction of Transit Facility for City of Edmonton PROBLEM Inefficient thermocouples for concrete temperature monitoring For Graham Superintendent, Frank Hoffmann, the construction of a 130 million dollar, 350,000 square foot transit facility for the city of Edmonton proved to be the perfect opportunity to run a side-by-side comparison of regular thermocouples and Giatec’s wireless concrete sensors for real-time temperature monitoring. After 20 years of working in the concrete construction industry, Hoffmann was tired of the inefficiencies of thermocouples, which were numerous: Wires that were prone to damage; The need for an expensive data logger to collect and read results; A time-consuming and labor-intensive data-collection process; and Manual post-processing and analysis of data. Clearly this long, repetitive method of monitoring concrete temperature was taking up too much time and money—and the bigger the project, the more resources it required. Photo Credit: Graham Construction SOLUTION A cost-efficient, fully embedded sensor for concrete temperature monitoring What drew Hoffmann to SmartRock first and foremost was that the sensor itself could be fully embedded in the concrete—keeping it out of harm’s way and providing the most accurate in-situ concrete temperature data. Another surprising feature of the SmartRock sensors was their accuracy when used as a maturity meter, not just in delivering concrete temperature data in real time but also in consistently achieving 90% accuracy in maturity-based strength estimation when compared to standard concrete cylinder breaks—the only difference being that SmartRock didn’t require paying a lab technician, waiting on results, and dealing with inconclusive breaks. And when it came to installing the sensors and viewing data in the app, Hoffman claims, “It was very easy and self-explanatory. No need even for training. It took me 30 minutes to install 10 sensors. Anyone on my jobsite could do it.” RESULTS SmartRock reduces labor costs by an impressive 85% Using this transit facility project as a trial for Giatec’s SmartRock sensors, the Graham team gathered undeniable evidence that SmartRock maturity meters far surpass any other concrete temperature and strength monitoring device on the market today. One of the main reasons why SmartRock sensors were able to cut costs so drastically was because they eliminated the need for a technician to visit the jobsite every eight hours to plug into each and every thermocouple, record the temperatures, and go back to the office to save and analyze the data. “I could go to the jobsite myself once every 7 days, take readings and historical data instantly, and send them to the office right off my phone. It was great,” stated Hoffmann. Furthermore, he claimed that his team saved even more time and money in the data analysis, report generation, and data sharing processes, which were done automatically in the free SmartRock app. Hoffmann was also quick to point out that these astounding cost reductions didn’t even take into account potential savings related to concrete strength testing. The potential to cut costs there is just as promising, considering that SmartRock sensors are able to minimize (if not completely eliminate) cylinder breaks, thereby cutting material and laboratory testing costs and minimizing delays. Overall, Frank Hoffmann confidently stands behind Giatec’s technology and is excited to use it in his upcoming projects.

S&F Concrete Contractors Hudson, Massachusetts “Once the sensors were set up, we didn’t look back,” said Project Manager Steve Pirrello when asked if S&F Concrete was happy with their decision to switch to SmartRock maturity meters. PROBLEM: Finding an accurate way to monitor both concrete temperature and strength in the company's first post-tensioning project During the construction of the 28-storey Wynn Hotel and Casino in Boston, Massachusetts—a region in which post-tensioned buildings are not common—S&F Concrete Contractors needed an accurate temperature monitoring system that would also be able to provide reliable concrete strength data. After researching various concrete testing products online, Project Manager Steve Pirrello saw promise in Giatec’s concrete maturity meters and their ability to accurately measure concrete strength without the hassle of time-consuming lab testing and concrete cylinder breaks. Steve aimed to convince the project engineers that these wireless sensors would speed up their construction schedule without compromising the quality of the data. The Wynn Hotel and Casino project was the perfect opportunity to test his hypothesis. Photo Credit: S&F Concrete Contractors SOLUTION: SmartRock wireless maturity meters for in-situ concrete strength With 150,000 yards of concrete poured in this high-rise construction, the S&F team used three SmartRock sensors for each 300-yard concrete slab. Aside from monitoring concrete maturity and strength, the sensors were also used to monitor temperature gradients during the mass pour in the hotel’s basement garage. Once installed on the rebar and embedded into the fresh concrete, the sensors started transmitting concrete strength data wirelessly to workers’ smartphones. The data was then shared with the entire team in order to determine when to tension the slabs. According to Steve, who has been with the company for over 6 years, everyone on the team was able to access information easily using the SmartRock app. RESULTS: Reduction in break tests Before any work started, the project engineers ran tests comparing the SmartRock sensor data to the results of the cylinder breaks. Repeatedly, they found that the maturity meters provided similar, if not more accurate, results than the lab break tests. As such, the engineers felt confident enough to eliminate early break tests, and by the time they reached the fifth floor of the high-rise, they eliminated break tests entirely. Steve and his team noted that they were more comfortable relying on sensor readings than concrete cylinders, which had too many variables and inaccuracies. “One cylinder not being at strength could cost us an entire day on site,” said Steve. Optimized post-tensioning Relying solely on SmartRock sensor data, the S&F team was able to schedule tensioning of slabs within an hour of the concrete achieving the required strength instead of waiting a minimum of 24 hours for break test results. If the first break wasn’t at strength, they would have to wait an additional 6, 12, or even 24 hours to perform another break. Because this was the first post-tensioned building that S&F Concrete Construction worked on, it is difficult to say exactly how much time was saved; however, from first pour to finish, this massive, 28-storey high-rise took six months to complete. Cost-efficiency SmartRock proved to be the most cost-effective and economical option for S&F Concrete. During his decision-making process, Steve looked at a number of similar concrete monitoring systems, but none of them matched Giatec’s SmartRock in terms of cost, capabilities, and value. “Once the sensors were set up, we didn’t look back,” says Steve, who was using the maturity method for the first time. Facilitated internal data sharing According to Steve, the ability to share real-time data internally with his contractors and engineers was the best feature of SmartRock maturity sensors. Communicating with the project’s foreman and scheduling post-tensioning was as easy as sending a screenshot of the sensor data (located in the SmartRock app) the minute the concrete reached the required strength. They could then tension the slabs within the hour without waiting on results from the lab.

The Industrial Company (TIC) Englewood, Colorado Using SmartRock, the TIC team was able to strip forms 1.5 weeks ahead of schedule PROBLEM Relying on expensive wired devices to track concrete properties In an industry where every project is time-sensitive, The Industrial Company (TIC) was searching for a more efficient method of testing concrete temperature and strength in their construction projects. Prior to discovering SmartRock™ wireless maturity sensors, the TIC team depended on wired temperature loggers that cost nearly $3000 apiece and break tests that were slow and often gave unreliable results. Photo Credit: The Industrial Company SOLUTION SmartRock™—a versatile, all-in-one solution for concrete testing After visiting World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Christopher Webb, Concrete Superintendent for TIC, saw promise in Giatec’s SmartRock maturity meters and their versatility. During the construction of a wood power plant in Alabama, SmartRock sensors were used to monitor temperature gradients in a 3000 cubic yard concrete foundation mass pour. Typically, for every 1000 cubic yards of concrete poured, TIC would use four sensors—two in the center of the placement and two near the surface. “Overall a great, cost-efficient product,” Christopher Webb, TIC Project Manager. The SmartRock sensors also proved to be a valuable tool in the scheduling of formwork removal, allowing the TIC team to strip forms days, and even weeks, ahead of schedule. Instead of waiting on labs for break test results, Webb was able to get accurate temperature, strength, and maturity data directly on his phone, then share it just as quickly with his co-workers. RESULTS Project schedules cut by weeks With real-time concrete temperature and strength data delivered to his phone every 30 minutes, Webb and his team were able to strip forms the moment the concrete had reached the required strength. Ultimately, this allowed them to shorten their schedule in the Alabama power plant project by 1.5 weeks. Similar time savings and scheduling efficiencies were experienced in TIC’s other projects across Pennsylvania and California. And even though cylinder breaks for testing concrete strength were still required by most project owners, the results were within 50 to 100 psi of the sensor data, proving once again the reliability of the SmartRock sensors. Easy access to data & simplified data sharing According to Webb, viewing results in the SmartRock phone app proved to be one of the most convenient features of the wireless sensors. He was able to see updated temperature and strength data every 30 minutes as well as to go back and review past data. Though the sensors’ battery is guaranteed to last up to four months, in some cases, Webb and his teammates were able to access concrete temperature data up to seven months after the installation of the sensor. Lastly, the ability to share PDF reports with engineers and field workers on site was also a huge time saver. Reduced equipment costs By switching to SmartRock, TIC eliminated the need for a $2,500 data logger. “With SmartRock, all you’re paying for is the sensor. Everyone on the jobsite has a phone so there’s no need for an expensive reader,” emphasized Webb, adding that the SmartRock app is free and data can be shared with the entire team instantly, without having to go to the jobsite and plug cables into a cumbersome logger. For the team, Giatec’s wireless maturity meters were the only logical choice given their low cost and innumerable advantages over traditional wired systems. Technical support that goes above and beyond Webb was equally impressed with Giatec’s technical and customer support, noting that the SmartRock agent on his account would check in with him every week to ensure that everything was running smoothly. On top of that, he found Giatec’s YouTube videos to be a great go-to resource for information regarding the installation and operation of the smart sensors. From the initial installation of the sensors to viewing data and sharing reports, Webb describes the entire process as seamless. Given his positive experience using SmartRock, it’s no wonder that these concrete sensors are making a regular appearance in TIC projects all over North America.

Concrete Materials Sioux Falls, South Dakota Smart Concrete™ Passes South Dakota DOT Test with Flying Colours Mobile Sensor-based Technology to be a ‘Standard’ on Major Concrete Projects for Leading Ready-Mix Supplier and Major Contractor PROBLEM A shortage of skilled labor in a fast-growing city forces ready-mix producer to search for innovative methods of increasing efficiency during large interstate project. Established in 1952, Concrete Materials is the largest ready-mix supplier in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As a company that’s always striving to provide the highest-quality materials and service to construction companies, Concrete Materials needed to find outside-the-box solutions for its customers during a challenging employment climate coupled with demanding schedules of large-scale construction projects. Photo Credit: Concrete Materials SOLUTION Smart Concrete™ value-added solution for ready-mix suppliers Increasing efficiency was a key factor in Concrete Materials’ decision to test Giatec’s Smart Concrete™ technology on a major highway project with T&R Contracting. The test also needed the direct involvement of South Dakota’s Department of Transportation (DOT) because the wireless sensor technology had never been used in the state before. By integrating wireless, mobile-based maturity sensors into their ready-mix operation, Concrete Materials gave T&R contractors the tools they needed to reduce costs and speed up project timelines. The only thing that the contractors had to do was to install Smart Concrete™ sensors on the concrete formwork before pouring. They could then monitor concrete temperature and maturity it real time from their smartphones using the free app provided by Concrete Materials. For contractors, the primary appeal is the opportunity to reduce or eliminate field cure cylinders, which lowers their labor costs and accelerates their pour schedule in order to achieve important schedule efficiencies. For ready-mix producers, the clear benefit is the ability to add value to their concrete mixes and increase profit margins significantly. Smart Concrete™ also provides suppliers a way of differentiating their business with innovative mobile technologies. RESULTS Reduced cylinder break tests Following the success of the Smart Concrete™ highway test project, the South Dakota DOT decided to reduce cylinder testing to once per month instead of four times per month—a decision that freed up inspectors for other tasks. Saved time and labor T&R Contracting appreciated the fact that their contractors did not need to wait for a DOT inspector to come to the jobsite to check concrete strength. Instead, Project Manager Ryan Gulbrandson was able to see concrete strength data directly on his phone and share it instantly with the field team, optimizing project scheduling, saving time, and reducing labor costs. “Depending on how many phases, and the number of pours, you may be able to save days on some jobs and weeks on others,” Ryan Gulbrandson, Project Manager, T&R Contracting. Brand differentiation According to Jim Simunek, Ready Mix Sales at Concrete Materials, the Smart Concrete™ solution gave the company a significant advantage over their competitors by giving their customers firsthand, real-time information that allowed them to optimize project schedules and increase profitability.  

Flood Testing Laboratories Inc. Chicago, Illinois Flood Laboratories Uses SmartRock™ to Provide Market Leadership and Gain a Competitive Advantage PROBLEM Wired maturity systems requiring expensive specialized readers, where data was limited to the physical device A family-run business with decades of experience in construction materials testing, Flood Testing Laboratories (FTL) faced several challenges with their usual maturity monitoring systems: Clunky, wired maturity systems requiring expensive, specialized readers; Extruding wires vulnerable to damage and accidents; and Complicated data sharing and communication with team members Photo Credit: Flood Testing Laboratories Inc. SOLUTION SmartRock wireless maturity monitoring systems In their struggle to find more modern methods of concrete testing, FTL came across Giatec’s SmartRock sensors for wireless, real-time monitoring of concrete maturity. These innovative sensors were exactly what FTL was looking for, calling them “the next wave in concrete maturity technology.” Using wireless technology, SmartRock sends real-time concrete temperature and strength information to contractors’ mobile devices using Giatec’s free app (for iOS and Android devices). The solution eliminates the need for expensive readers and wired sensors. Instead, a small wireless “tag sensor” is attached to the rebar using a simple twist tie. Once the sensor is installed on the formwork, concrete is poured as usual. The sensor then calculates maturity and strength based on the ASTM C1074 standard. With SmartRock, concrete temperature and strength can be monitored effortlessly from any location using any mobile device by any member of the construction team. RESULTS Greater project efficiency Optimized project scheduling for curing, formwork removal, and post tensioning resulted in time savings and cost reductions. According to Walt III, “you couldn’t do the construction schedules that we have now without it.” Responsive technical support “They’ve been very, very good to us as far as reacting to our feedback and incorporating that into the product,” say Walt III, Secretary and Treasurer of Flood Testing Laboratories. He adds, “They’re really responsive; really willing to listen to comments and criticism and use that to improve the product. It’s one of the reasons we’ve worked so well with them and for so long and plan to continue doing so.” Less accidents on the jobsite One of the most important benefits of SmartRock wireless sensors according to FTL is that they reduce accidents on the jobsite. Once they are embedded in the concrete, they are out of harm’s way, so they cannot be disturbed or damaged. No specialized equipment needed to read data Unlike other wireless solutions, SmartRock doesn’t require expensive, specialized equipment to access and interpret data. Data is downloaded directly to an inspector’s smartphone and can then be directly shared with contractors. More competitive bidding With the advantages provided by SmartRock, contractors and construction companies gain a significant edge over their competition. According to Walt III, a lot of markets still haven’t picked up on a maturity process enabled by new, wireless technology. In those markets, he says SmartRock gives huge potential for contractors to speed-up their schedules and decrease their overall project costs.  

PCL Across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and Australia Wireless Sensors Reduce Time and Costs on a Major Building Project – Leading to a New Corporate-Wide Best Practice PROBLEM Embracing innovation is at the heart of the company’s strategy for business success. “We’re always looking at new methods that will save us time, and our clients’ money, on projects while differentiating us from other contractors,” says April Smith, PCL field coordinator. Aggressive project schedule on a 55-storey building Testing in-situ field cured specimens is time consuming Photo Credit: PCL SOLUTION SmartRock with real-time information on concrete strength using wireless sensors and mobile technology. In a quest to introduce time and money saving efficiencies, the Edmonton team looked at several technologies before deciding to test SmartRock from Giatec. “SmartRock was the only solution that met our evaluation criteria,” says Smith. RESULTS On the heels of this successful test project, PCL has shared the benefits of using SmartRock across the company’s operational units. Shawn Kitt, a superintendent with PCL,  shares the opinion that there are advantages to using SmartRock anywhere the company is pouring concrete and the field crew needs to know early concrete strength. “For me personally, the next project I go to, whether it’s a bridge, a low-rise construction, or a high-rise building, if I’m pouring concrete, I’m going to seriously think about using this technology rather than field cures – just because I have seen the advantages first hand,” he says. Eliminates the need for a third-party lab testing Gives control of information to field crew on job site Substantial time savings and project efficiencies Ability to check results anytime without incurring additional costs or destruction No need to do repair work on destructive testing