Quality control of precast concrete by non-destructive and remote monitoring of the production (CUREND)

(INNPACTO Program: IPT-020000-2010-26.  2010-2013)

The current criteria in precast plants to determine whether a prefabricated item is ready for processing (cutting or removal) is the value of the compressive strength. This value is determined from two cylindrical specimens obtained from the same batch used for manufacture the item. Moreover, curing times are usually calculated by previous experience (measurements) in previous seasons of the year, knowing that in summer they are shortened. The problem arises when changing the constituent materials (raw materials), such as cement, sand or gravel, and/or the weather conditions within a time or season. However, at present, the quality control is performed using precast breaking experiments, which results in a "pass or fail" and a break after 28 days, when its maximum compressive strength is fulfilled, as regulations recommended. The solution to this problem, many times, is to allow the material to cure for more time on the track until it acquires the necessary strength to process the precast element.

The project "Quality control of precast concrete by non-destructive and remote monitoring of the production, CUREND" is a public-private partnership between research organizations and companies within the INNPACTO program (IPT-020000-2010-26). The participating organizations are the previous Center for Applied Acoustics and Nondestructive Evaluation CAEND, the Construction Technology Center AIDICO, the precast companies CALDERON SL, HERMO SL and FORJADOS SECUSA. The project proposes a research aimed at developing a remote monitoring system for the non-destructive quality control of the resistant properties of precast concrete, along the process of setting-cured in the production plants.