Full autonomous sensor and actuator network for maturity estimation in early age concrete structures

Maturity monitoring is a simple and nondestructive method for estimating the strength gain of concrete structures at early stages. This technique reduces cost and optimizes the construction workflow in civil engineering. The maturity concept is based on the principle that concrete strength is directly related both to its age and temperature history. In this paper a new full autonomous system integrating maturity methods with the traditional technique based on field-cured cylinders of concrete is proposed. This highly reliable electronic system is based on a wireless sensor and actuator network (WSAN) providing remote data access and control. The main advantage of the system is that its operation is fully automated, it is tolerant to environmental and electrical disturbances and it does not require qualified experts for its configuration or use.