 SENSOCRETE TECHNOLOGY FOR OPTIMIZATION OF QUALITY & COST OF RMC The new innovative technology has been developed by Sensocrete Inc. of Quebec, Canada. It is successfully applied in Canada. It uses electromagnetic sensors to control ready mix concrete quality, namely slump (± 10 mm), segregation, volume (0.1 – 0.2 m3) and temperature. Conventionally, concrete mix is overdesigned to make up for loss of strength during transit. Water is added to RMC to make up for loss of slump during transit. Both the actions are done arbitrarily resulting in more cement quantity and higher cost and loss of strength due to excess water. The Sensocrete Concrete
Optimizer carries out continuous
measurement, recording and analysis of
slump data during transit, which enables addition of water and chemical
admixtures within mix design parameters. Thus arbitrariness eliminated and concrete is delivered with the required
slump. The
continuous measurement, recording and analysis of slump data during transit informs
Quality Assurance personnel about non-uniformity due to segregation.
In the transit mixer, segregation
suggests improper mixing of concrete or the maintenance of mixer drum. It
also indicates time when concrete gets
completely mixed and to be poured. The
application of Sensocrete Concrete Optimizer enables exact quantity of concrete
delivered at the site, due to accurate measurement of volume (0.1 – 0.2 m3). The
continuous measurement of temperature keeps track of setting process. The
set retarder can be added by Quality
Assurance personnel, when increase in temperature is observed. The
delivery of concrete with required volume and slump saves back charges for
incorrect slump, decreases mistakes that lead to liability claims, provides information on trouble shooting and
improves entire delivery process. Using
this process, concrete producers could reduce cost, cutting the “margin of safety”
in water and cement and still maintain
water/cement ratio for required strength. |