Sensor-based decision making in precast concrete production

Creagh concrete required a digital solution to reduce the factory occupation time, enable smart storage/retrieval, faster inventory, and efficient product tracking at site. Working with Queen’s University Belfast, the team developed a four-part solution for this problem. A wireless in-concrete sensor that provides temperature and location tracking, a receiver (node) that can connect to several of these sensors and have environmental sensing capability, a wired receiver (family) that integrate several nodes and a LoRa gateway mounted at altitude to integrate all family and cover the entire production yard. This article outlines the features of the digital solution, curing duration and influence of the ambient environment, benefits to the production and challenges that lay ahead.