Since its commercial takeoff in the last three decades, the use of maturity sensors has historically been driven by contractors. In deploying this testing method on their jobsite, contractors get real-time temperature and strength data directly on their mobile devices, allowing them to make quick decisions. Before the use of mobile applications this was not a simple task. Now, with the incorporation of new technology and software, the simplicity of SmartRock’s sensors has solved a lot of existing challenges, such as costly third-party testing and project delays. However, the biggest hurdle that continues to be encountered when introducing the simplicity of this technology, revolves around the education and training of conducting calibration curves.
Explore 12 Futuristic Technology Trends Solving Concrete's Biggest Challenges.
This challenge is what inspired our SmartRock® Plus solution (formerly Smart Concrete) in collaboration with Stoneway Concrete from Seattle. Utilizing SmartRock’s wireless capabilities and working in partnership with this ready-mix producer, not only could we simplify the calibration process, we could also offer producers a service that gave them a chance to gain more insights and knowledge into their concrete than ever before. This has resulted in endless benefits to our licensed SmartRock Plus partner which can more simply be broken down into three core values:
Learn how Labarre Associates reduced break test costs by 40% with SmartRock Plus
1. Empower Contractors
Consistently, contractors are at the mercy of other stakeholders when it comes to waiting on their in-place strength results. Although they are not responsible for conducting cylinder testing, they ARE responsible for the delays incurred if results come back negative. Using sensors gives them the power to make their own decisions and plan ahead of schedule. When contractors sign on to work with a SmartRock Plus producer partner, getting real-time data on their jobsite is as simple as downloading the SmartRock Plus app, selecting the producer they are working with, and accessing the database of mixes available to them. Additionally, their trusted ready-mix provider is locally available to them.
2. Know Your Concrete
When the calibration is done accurately, maturity is arguably the most accurate method for monitoring the in-situ strength of your concrete, especially when compared to cylinder testing. With SmartRock® Plus sensors, though you are using a calculation to monitor strength, you are doing so by recording the true temperature of your concrete, rather than relying on an estimated and inaccurate value obtained from field-cured cylinders. When your contractor receives this real-time data on their concrete temperature and strength, it is sent automatically to the licensed SmartRock Plus producers’ cloud. This gives producers full access and visibility on how their concrete mix gains strength in real-time, without having to visit a single jobsite. With this data, producers are given the opportunity to optimize their mix designs, forecast strength data, analyze results from project to project, and more.
Typically, when concrete is delivered to a site, the curing conditions of that concrete is no longer in the hands of the producer. However, when a problem occurs during strength testing, producers are often the first to have a finger pointed in their direction. With SmartRock Plus sensors, producers have access to consistent and accurate real-time data that protects them from liability issues resulting from a concrete mix design.
3. Win More Business
With the SmartRock Plus solution licensed partners are providing an enhanced customer service experience to contractors that will result in significant time and cost savings, translating into future business opportunities. Take, for example, a recent case study with Geiger Ready Mix. Geiger’s contractor, Bottorff Construction, was experiencing consistent low breaks that were not representative of their in-situ concrete. With the data collected by the SmartRock Plus sensors they proved that their concrete’s strength was accurate and avoided unnecessary delays. As a result, their team stated: “We will never ‘not use’ sensors going forward”. As Geiger Ready Mix is a licensed producer in Kansas City, they’ve made a customer for life! This is only one of the many cases we have seen across the country in which our technology has strengthened the relationship between a producer and their contractor, which is crucial in our industry.
Learn how you can start strengthening your partnerships with producers and offer them a business changing solution. Visit the SmartRock Plus product page for more information or contact Sarah McGuire.
