SmartRock Sensors: Frequently Asked Questions

For strength monitoring, the minimum is two sensors per placement, with a general guideline of roughly one sensor per 100 cubic yards for larger pours. Your Giatec representative can help develop a sensor placement plan based on your structural drawings and pour schedule.

For temperature monitoring, sensor count and placement are determined by the engineer of record based on the specific requirements of the element. Sensors are typically targeted at locations expected to be hottest and coolest within the element. In mass concrete applications, at least two sensors are generally required, one positioned at or near the thermal core and one near the surface, to monitor differential temperature and verify compliance with thermal control plan limits.

Yes, share your drawings and Giatec can recommend sensor count and placement locations.

Standard cable lengths are 1 ft (30cm) and 10 ft (3m); custom lengths up to 30 ft or 50 ft (about 15m) are available for larger orders. Choose based on your embedment depth and formwork/cover requirements.

Typical guidance is embedding within about 2 inches of the surface for reliable signal, keeping standard clear-cover from rebar, often summarized as the ‘5 cm rule’.

Yes, SmartRock sensors are designed to be waterproof for standard concrete pour and curing conditions.

Sensors use a long-life battery designed to last the monitoring period.

Batteries are designed for multi-month shelf life before use; extended storage can gradually reduce available monitoring time.

Yes. Steel-faced formwork and dense rebar can reduce Bluetooth signal strength; positioning adjustments help maintain a reliable connection. Support will help you navigate your installation.

Yes, cables can be trimmed once you no longer need readings from that sensor.

A minimum of 2 inches (50 mm) of concrete coverage over the embedded sensor body is recommended to ensure reliable signal transmission. Confirm cover requirements with your engineer of record, particularly for reinforced elements with specific cover specifications.

SmartRock installation guide

SmartRock primarily measures temperature; humidity is generally sourced from external weather data.

Mass concrete is generally defined as an element with a smallest dimension greater than 1 meter (about 3 feet), where internal heat from cement hydration can cause significant temperature differentials or cracking risk; thicker/larger pours typically need more temperature-monitoring sensors.

Yes, sensors can provide readings at short intervals (e.g., every 15 minutes) to help identify form-stripping strength.

Giatec offers several models (SmartRock, Long Range, Pro) with different connectivity and calibration approaches.

SmartRock is designed and validated for concrete; other applications should be confirmed with Giatec’s engineering team first.

No, current sensors measure temperature and (via the maturity method) estimate strength, not shrinkage.

Temperature monitoring is plug-and-play; strength/maturity readings require a one-time calibration step tied to your mix design.

Maturity-method calibration builds a strength-maturity curve for a specific mix by casting cylinders, recording temperature with sensors, and breaking specimens at multiple ages per ASTM C1074. It does require break data, but from fresh cylinders cast for that mix, not historical records. Calibration is typically performed once per mix and is reusable for future pours using the same design.

Learn more about the maturity method

Calibration is typically performed by an independent/accredited lab or the producer, to avoid conflicts of interest; Giatec can guide the process.

Cross-account visibility is limited by design; shared visibility usually requires adding users to the same company account.

Yes, sub-accounts or project groupings can be configured under one master account with proper control on roles and project access for each individual user.

Flexible terms can often be negotiated with your account manager.

In many cases yes, as long as the mix design and materials stay the same.

When the maturity curve is built correctly and curing conditions match, SmartRock in-place strength estimates track cylinder breaks closely per ASTM C1074. It is worth noting that ASTM C1074 accepts a 10% tolerance between maturity-based estimates and physical breaks as part of its own validation process, and ASTM C39 allows up to 10.6% single-operator variability on cylinder breaks themselves.

Learn more about the maturity method and accuracy

Not entirely. Most jurisdictions still require some physical breaks, but sensor monitoring reduces how many are needed.

Many agencies and DOTs accept the maturity method per ASTM C1074, but acceptance is not universal, always confirm with your local authority having jurisdiction before relying solely on sensor data for form-strike or other critical decisions. Giatec has experience supporting DOT and MOT approval processes and can provide acceptance documentation for your jurisdiction.

Concrete maturity standards FAQ

Yes, Giatec has experience supporting DOT/MOT approval processes in various regions.

The body reading reflects the main housing; the probe reading reflects the extended tip.

Yes, many models support a second monitoring point via an extended probe or secondary cable.

Cable options generally range from 30cm (1 ft) up to about 15m (50 ft) for custom orders, depending on the model.

Price typically increases with longer cable/lead lengths since more material and manufacturing complexity is involved.

Yes, calibration can be configured for very early strength targets (as early as 2-3 hours).

Generally yes. The temperature-based method is largely mix-agnostic, though calibration should be done on your specific mix.

Heavy metal fiber content can somewhat affect wireless signal, similar to dense rebar; placement adjustments help.

Orientation guidance is provided in the installation instructions to ensure reliable scanning.

No. Sensors are generally for single-use per pour once embedded.

Not necessarily. Sensors can often be pre-registered, though confirming pour time on-site is recommended.

Pour time anchors the maturity calculation. Entering it accurately ensures correct strength estimates. Roxi can detect that pouring time for you automatically once you start collecting data.

No. Sensors are embedded at time of pour; hardened concrete generally needs a different device.

Sensors retain readings for 60 days after the pour.

Active battery life is designed to last up to 4 months once the sensor is installed and transmitting.

Learn more about SmartRock

No. Bluetooth sensors sync directly to a phone and don’t require on-site Wi-Fi.

They store data locally and sync via Bluetooth to your phone, uploading once reconnected to Wi-Fi or cellular.

SmartRock sensors operate across a temperature range of -22 to +181°F (-30 to +85°C) with a measurement accuracy of +/-1.8°F (+/-1°C).

SmartRock product page

Yes, thresholds can be configured to trigger alerts for thermal control compliance.

Bluetooth range is short and decreases with depth/obstruction; Long Range extends this substantially using a hub.

Yes, it’s good practice to verify sensor connectivity before embedding.

Sensors withstand typical jobsite conditions once embedded; very deep burial can reduce wireless range.

One sensor can be designated as an ambient reference by placing it outside the pour, exposed to outdoor conditions.

Yes, sensors are commonly used in retaining walls, foundations, and other mass concrete elements.

Lower-cost variants typically have reduced feature sets at a lower price point.

The most affordable SmartRock option is the standard single-use Bluetooth sensor with a 1 ft (30 cm) cable. Contact Giatec for current pricing at your required quantity, volume discounts are available.

Contact Giatec for pricing

Yes. Accumulated SmartRock project data, including temperature history and pour conditions specific to your materials and site, can be used to refine thermal modeling accuracy for future pours. This is particularly valuable for producers and contractors working with consistent mix designs across repeat projects.

Placement determines what a sensor measures. For true core readings, position the sensor at the structure’s thermal center.

Contact support with the sensor ID; troubleshooting steps can often resolve it, or a replacement can be arranged.

Yes, on-site or virtual setup sessions can be arranged, particularly for first-time users.

Support can help interpret specific readings and confirm whether they reflect a real condition or a data issue.

In most cases yes. Data and calibration curves can generally be retained and reused.

Yes, very deep sections may need a longer probe or multiple sensors at different depths.

Yes. Nearby heavy equipment can occasionally interfere with wireless signal.

SmartRock‘s maturity method is designed to align with ASTM C1074 and CSA A23.1. Compliance documentation can be provided to support agency acceptance or owner sign-off. Giatec has experience supporting DOT and MOT approval processes in multiple regions.

Concrete standards and maturity method FAQ

Yes, sensors are used in precast and various specialty applications.

Sensors are activated by removing the cable from the body. They can then be scanned via the app (scanning the QR code and confirming pour time).

Yes, they include a visual/LED indicator confirming activation.

Labeling is often done via QR code scanning tied to project/section names in the app.

Yes. Once calibrated, in-place readings can reduce reliance on field-cured cylinders for early-strength decisions like form-strike timing. It supplements rather than replaces required 28-day acceptance testing, so savings depend on how much early-age testing your project can offset.

A commonly cited rule of thumb is roughly 1 sensor per 100 cubic yards, adjusted per project risk.

Yes, calibration is specific to your mix design and materials, including cement source.

Giatec can advise on interim calibration approaches, though full accuracy needs a completed curve.

Admixtures can affect the strength-temperature relationship, which is why calibration should include admixture dosage. Support can help you navigate your use cases.

Standard SmartRock connects via Bluetooth for phone-based readout; Long Range pairs with a hub for continuous, hands-off remote monitoring over much greater distances.

Typical real-world range is around 300 meters (roughly 1,000 feet), depending on obstructions.

No. Long Range sensors communicate with a hub using LTE/cellular or LoRa-style connectivity.

Larger or more spread-out sites may need multiple hubs to maintain coverage.

It can be used for any duration, though the added cost is most easily justified for larger or higher-risk pours.

Yes, longer or more obstructed sites may need additional hub placement.

Depth guidance is the same for both; deeper placements may benefit from a longer lead to reach the hub reliably.

Long Range sensors and the hub typically cost more due to the extended connectivity hardware.

Yes, both types can be used together and viewed within the same dashboard.

Yes, Long Range models retain the dual-point reading capability of the standard line.

It enables continuous, hands-off monitoring without needing staff to manually retrieve data via Bluetooth.

No. SmartRock Long Range connectivity does not require a separate subscription or ongoing connectivity fee.

SmartRock Long Range product page

It’s well-suited to large-footprint projects, providing continuous monitoring across wide pour areas.

In many cases yes, though check specific terms with your rep.

SmartRock Long Range uses LoRa wireless to communicate with the SmartHub, which then transmits data via LTE cellular. In areas with weak cellular coverage, the hub buffers data and syncs once connectivity is restored. For sites with no cellular coverage at all, contact Giatec to discuss alternative connectivity options before deployment.

SmartRock Long Range product page

It provides more frequent, automatic updates rather than only when someone connects via Bluetooth.

Yes, both are managed within the same Giatec app/platform.

There’s no strict minimum. It’s a cost/benefit decision based on your project.

Yes, threshold-based alerts can be configured to notify automatically.

Placement guidance is largely similar; the main difference is added hub setup.

Active battery life for SmartRock Long Range sensors is designed to last up to 4 months under continuous transmission conditions.

SmartRock Long Range product page

Its extended connectivity makes it suitable for longer-term monitoring beyond initial curing.

Yes, Long Range sensors communicate through a SmartHub rather than directly to a phone.

Pricing generally scales with sensor and hub count; large deployments may qualify for volume pricing.

Yes, all sensor data is unified within the same Giatec dashboard.

SmartHub is a gateway that relays data from Long Range sensors to the cloud continuously, so you don’t need to manually retrieve data via Bluetooth.

Typical range is up to roughly 300 meters (about 1,000 feet) line of sight, depending on obstructions.

Yes, hubs can be configured for battery, solar, or generator power for off-grid or remote job sites.

Hubs generally tolerate brief power interruptions, buffering data until power resumes, though prolonged outages may cause gaps. If frequent outages are a concern, the solar panel hub would be the best solution.

Central, elevated, and unobstructed placement is recommended to maximize range and reliability.

It’s generally better placed in an open, elevated outdoor location.

All hubs use their own built-in cellular (LTE/SIM) connection rather than relying on site Wi-Fi.

Larger or more spread-out projects may need multiple hubs to maintain coverage across all sensors.

Yes, each hub has a unique identifier used to register and link it to your account during setup.

Contact support for a return shipping label and replacement process, specifying the hub model and reason for return.

Common causes include power issues, being out of sensor range, or connectivity/SIM issues. Support can help diagnose.

Yes, hubs are designed for outdoor jobsite use.

Yes, hubs can be redeployed across projects as long as they remain compatible with your current sensor generation.

A stable power source and reliable cellular coverage are recommended for uninterrupted multi-month monitoring. A solar powered version is also available.

Promotional offers including free or discounted SmartHub units with qualifying sensor orders are available periodically. Contact your Giatec representative to ask about current bundle offers.

Contact Giatec

In some very remote deployments, customers have paired hubs with alternative connectivity like satellite internet. Confirm compatibility with your rep.

Standard SmartHub hardware is rated for typical outdoor jobsite conditions. For deployments in harsh, corrosive, or chemically aggressive environments, contact Giatec to confirm whether your specific conditions fall within rated operating parameters.

Contact Giatec

Data is typically buffered and syncs once connectivity is restored, minimizing permanent data loss from short outages.

Yes, a single hub relays data from multiple sensors within its range simultaneously, up to a model-specific limit.

Yes, each SmartHub model has a maximum supported sensor count. Contact Giatec or consult your SmartHub spec sheet to confirm the sensor limit applicable to your specific hub model and firmware version.

Contact Giatec

Rent-vs-buy options may be available depending on your rep and region.

Random disconnects can stem from power issues, out-of-range sensors, or mounting displacement. Support can help troubleshoot.

During setup, you’ll scan or enter the hub’s unique identifier in the app to link it to your account.

SmartRock Web is the web-based dashboard for monitoring, managing, and reporting on concrete pours, showing sensor data, thresholds, alerts, and project organization in one place. SmartRock Web is the app within SmartRock Web.

The dashboard supports filtering by project, plant, date, and other parameters, plus adding notes at the project level.

Currently, saved views are generally user-specific rather than shareable team templates; this is an area of active product feedback.

Admin users can manage roles (admin, editor, viewer, owner, collector) within account settings; self-service admin controls continue to expand.

Roles typically differ in what they can create, edit, or only view. Confirm exact permissions for your account version with support.

New users can be invited individually through account settings.

This can result from permission settings, project-visibility configuration, or a sync delay. Support can help.

Projects and sections can be created directly in the dashboard; naming conventions are up to you.

Yes, external stakeholders can typically be added as viewer-level users.

Thresholds are configurable within each project/sensor’s settings and can be edited at any time.

Threshold-based alerts can be configured to notify automatically; manual dashboard checks are also always available.

This is usually a connectivity, registration, or hub-range issue. Support can help trace the cause.

Yes, most dashboards support exporting reports and raw data in common formats.

Yes, secure sharing options are available for sharing data with external stakeholders.

Units can typically be set as a preference at the account or project level.

Some settings are self-service; others may require contacting support.

Yes, the app is designed to work broadly across common phone models and OS versions.

This can be a first-sync delay or a permissions issue. Signing out/in usually resolves it.

No, historical data cannot be imported from a third party into SmartRock product.

The dashboard displays core-vs-surface differential over time; support can walk through interpreting this against your plan limits.

Sensors tied to the same project/company account are unified in one view; separate accounts would need consolidation. Please contact your sales rep for any questions.

Yes, project/sensor data can generally be reorganized or reassigned between jobs.

SmartRock Web does not support importing temperature data from third-party concrete sensors. The only external temperature data integrated into the platform is ambient weather data via API, which provides site-level environmental context alongside sensor readings.

SmartRock Web product page

Basic branding/logo customization is available for reports in many cases.

Yes, phone and ticket-based support are available.

Self-service calibration curve and data uploads are fully supported within SmartRock Web. If your team has historically relied on Giatec staff for uploads, request a training session to get set up for independent operation.

Request a training session

Yes, the dashboard is accessible anytime online, and hub-connected sensors report data automatically.

Mix IDs are assigned to sensors during setup. Pick the correct calibrated mix from your account’s mix list.

Yes, all sensors support manual Bluetooth retrieval via the mobile app as a fallback.

Unused projects/accounts can typically be archived or deleted through admin settings.

Yes; ask support if you don’t see this option.

Use the password reset flow first; if issues persist, contact support to manually update credentials.

It lets you assign a custom label to a specific sensor/cable for easier identification on the dashboard.

This determines whether ambient temperature comes from an external weather feed or a designated ambient sensor.

Yes, projects can generate a closeout/summary report exportable as PDF.

Some integrations exist with common construction management platforms. Confirm current availability with your rep.

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