When choosing a method for concrete strength measurement and monitoring, it’s important for project managers to consider the impact each technique will have on their schedule. While some testing processes can be done directly onsite, others…
A lack of productivity onsite is one of the most frustrating issues facing the construction industry today. Think about the hours and hours you spend in a single day with no choice but to sit around…
What Is Concrete Curing? Concrete curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture in concrete within a proper temperature range in order to aid cement hydration at early ages. Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement…
Giatec 360™ is the world’s most advanced web-based dashboard for controlling and predicting the quality of concrete pours. With this latest software, you are introduced to the next level in user management capabilities, reporting, and data…
What is Post-tensioning? Concrete has compressive strength, meaning that it can withstand its own weight within a structure. However, it lacks tensile strength. Therefore, as soon as everyday loads are added to that structure, such as…
Does your company provide condition assessment services to your clients? When was the last time your customers had an accurate understanding of the corrosion levels on the surface of their reinforcement? It’s strongly advised that annual…
During the winter months, when snow has taken over every inch of not only your driveway, but also your jobsite, it can be incredibly frustrating to carry on with regular construction operations. *For eligible new customers…
As the demand for new concrete structures continues to boom, better and more efficient ways to test the quality and durability of concrete are needed. Multiple tests for obtaining and understanding concrete durability by measuring its…
Monitoring Concrete Temperature On-Site According to ASTM Controlling the temperature of concrete on construction sites poses many challenges. Not only is it critical to keep track of your concrete’s temperature differential in order to ensure the…
As the leading wireless sensor for monitoring concrete temperature and strength, SmartRock® gives you reliable and accurate data in real-time. The sensors are fully embedded in the concrete (secured on the rebar) before pouring. Temperature is…
World of Concrete, one of the largest annual construction tradeshows, is just over a month away. With an expected 1,500 companies and 60,000 registered industry professionals, this is an amazing opportunity to see new products and…
One of the most talked about trends, not only in the construction industry, but in every field, is the discussion of the role of “big data”, especially when artificial intelligence comes into play. It’s undeniable that…
The use of data and analytics has permeated all aspects of construction, and concrete is no exception. The value of data and information is really showing itself in this industry. *For eligible new customers only Get…
Concrete is a permeable substance capable of absorbing and releasing moisture, which can continue to affect the RH of a slab long after it’s been placed. Sources of Moisture in Concrete There are many ways that…
The construction job site is now ripe for fundamental changes that enable productivity, safety, process improvement and new tools. The Internet of Things (IoT) is allowing for the deployment of simple low power sensors, like SmartRock®…
Introducing new technology and software into the construction industry has increasingly been a focus in recent years. This software can involve processing large amounts of data on numerous onsite activities, such as project scheduling, budget management,…
Time performance is one of the most crucial factors when working on a project. A delayed schedule not only eats into your profits, it also impacts your ability to start your next project on time. Frequent…
It’s no secret that the construction industry has been dealing with a severe labor shortage. While the industry itself is booming and the need for new buildings – such as residential homes, public housing, commercial real…
Concrete technology firm Giatec is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help producers and contractors optimize their concrete mixes. The Ottawa-based firm, which makes concrete sensors, among other testing technology, has introduced SmartMix, a web-based AI tool that will fine-tune concrete ingredient proportions and reduce cement usage, while still allowing mixes to meet project specifications. Giatec says the new tool, the first of its kind, takes advantage of millions of data points it’s collected from projects its sensors are in use on around the world, and builds on another of its software programs known as Roxi. By helping contractors design optimized mixes, with precise admixture and cement content, the company says the tool could also help lower greenhouse gas emissions tied to concrete production by hundreds of millions of tons annually.
News of SafeAI’s new funding to develop connected, autonomous sites follows Giatec’s launch of SmartMix AI tool. SafeAI has announced $21 million in Series A funding led by Builders VC which will accelerate R&D and fuel global expansion to meet rising demand for autonomous heavy equipment. SafeAI is driving the transformation of the mining and construction industries through connected, autonomous sites. With chronic labour shortages, unsafe working conditions and frequent project delays, these industries are in a unique position to benefit from autonomy. Unlike on-road applications of the technology, autonomous heavy equipment operates in controlled environments, which means companies can create smarter, safer, more productive project sites today that create meaningful, near-term impact. “We are at a tipping point for autonomous heavy equipment,” said Bibhrajit Halder, founder and CEO at SafeAI. “We’ve proven that autonomy makes work sites significantly safer and more productive; now, we are on the cusp of mass adoption. Together with our valued partners, customers and investors, we’re poised to deploy autonomy in off-road industries like construction and mining, at scale, to rethink the way heavy industry operates.” Heavy industry is a…
Giatec® to present on SmartMix™, a new artificial intelligence software program for producers Ottawa, Canada – Giatec®, the leader in concrete testing technology, is proud to debut the world’s first concrete artificial intelligence (AI) tool for producers, SmartMix™, at Engineering-News Record’s FutureTech conference today.SmartMix is the first web-based AI tool that allows producers to optimize concrete ingredient proportions, reduce cement usage, and predict the performance of their mixes while still meeting project specifications. Giatec believes this tool will lower Greenhouse Gas emissions resulting from concrete production by 400 million tons annually, the equivalent of taking 110 million cars off the road. SmartMix builds on Giatec’s first AI software program Roxi™, which has collected millions of data points from the company’s award-winning SmartRock® wireless concrete sensors across 8,000 projects and 80 countries.Giatec’s head of research and development, Andrew Fahim, will be participating at the event in a panel discussion on AI entitled “Listen to the Computer: AI and Analytics Upend Project Delivery” together with experts from Buildots and Charles Pankow Builders Ltd. “ENR’s FutureTech conference demonstrates the importance of artificial intelligence,…
SmartBooster™ Provides SmartRock® Users Safe Access to Real-Time Data Anywhere Onsite Ottawa, ON – Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced the release of the SmartBooster. This intuitive device extends the range of users’ smartphones’ Bluetooth signal, making it possible to connect to the company’s award-winning SmartRock wireless concrete sensors from up to 50% further away. This makes it easier and safer for contractors to collect concrete data. A smartphone is designed to only communicate with devices in close proximity. With the SmartBooster device and an extended Bluetooth signal, real-time data from multiple SmartRock sensors across a user’s jobsite are automatically collected. This provides contractors and project managers constant access to data and insights on how their concrete is performing from anywhere on the construction site. “We are excited to release the SmartBooster device to the market. This product will greatly enhance the user experience of our SmartRock customers and, with an extended signal range, reassure them that their safety is guaranteed while collecting data from their jobsite.” Director of Product Development, Mustafa Salehi, Giatec SmartBooster is designed…
SmartMix™ Online Dashboard Equips Producers with a Comprehensive Platform that Improves Concrete Mix Performance and Reduces CO2 Emissions OTTAWA, Canada: Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that their artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, Roxi™, is now incorporated in SmartMix, a new web-based dashboard that enables producers to optimize concrete materials and predict the performance of their mixes. “The SmartMix platform has helped us communicate with our customers and provide transparency. We can give them better insights into when our mixes will achieve a specified early-age strength to help them with their construction schedule.” Patrick Frawley, P.E., Director of Quality Assurance, Central Concrete. With the SmartMix dashboard, producers can adjust the proportions of their concrete mixes, such as the use of chemical admixtures and amount of cement. With millions of datapoints used to train the AI algorithm, the program’s suggestions ensure that these adjustments will meet a mix’s designed compressive strength and other performance criteria. “This means that a producer can meet concrete mix specifications set out by a project engineer, while cutting down on both material costs and…
The World’s Leading Sustainable Construction Innovators Converging at #N0CC This Week Converging at #N0CC This Week OTTAWA, Canada: Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that they will be kicking off a premier virtual event, the Net Zero Construction Conference, on January 28th, 2021. The one-day conference will bring together top leaders from North America and around the world to discuss the trends and technologies that are driving sustainable construction forward. Attendees will hear from experts from major organizations like the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Lafarge, Skanska, National Research Council of Canada, U.S. Concrete, and more. Topics to be covered include: Sustainable Construction Practices That Pay Off with Kiewit Sustainability Coordinator Ben Everswick The Drive to Net Zero: Going from “Talking the Talk” to “Walking the Walk” with LaFarge Canada’s Director of Environment & Public Affairs, Robert Cumming Procore & Power of Platform with Raquel Casares Villaverde, Solutions Engineer at Procore Setting the Foundation for our Future Panel with experts from CarbonCure Technologies, Skanska, CO2Concrete, National Research Council of Canada, and Giatec Ready Mix Producer Perspective to Low…
How will COVID-19 change the construction industry in 2021: Giatec’s review OTTAWA, Canada: Giatec, a global company known for the first wireless concrete testing sensor and artificial intelligence, unveils their predictions for the construction industry in 2021 including a significant increase in the use of labor-saving tools, digital technologies and software, and growth in online learning. Jobsites are trying to adapt and find solutions to the challenges presented by the pandemic since it began in late 2019. It is predicted that the use of new technologies and construction automation software will increase because it will assist in reducing the amount of close contact between individuals onsite and follow health and safety guidelines in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These trends will help offset setbacks resulting from new working conditions and counter construction slowdown. “As construction firms take on the challenge of future proofing beyond 2021, leaders have an opportunity to drive an innovation mindset and rethink their technology investment and adoption strategy.” Says Allison Scott of Autodesk in their report on construction trends for 2021. How will…
Roxi, the First Artificial Intelligence Program for Concrete Testing, Helps Reduce Cement Usage on Jobsites OTTAWA, Canada: Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that their SmartRock® artificial intelligence program, Roxi™, has been recognized by the IEEE Ottawa Section as the winner of their 2020 Outstanding Clean Technology Company Recognition Award for its ability to “reduce cement usage and cut CO2 emissions”. Roxi was the first AI program created for concrete testing, built for Giatec’s award-winning SmartRock wireless concrete sensors. In addition to many other features, the program can analyze and suggest the amount of cement concrete producers need to include in their mixes during the design stage without compromising the concrete’s setting time or strength development. With less cement needed, this feature helps decrease the cost of concrete mixtures and improve profitability for producers. As a result, CO2 emissions resulting from the manufacturing of concrete also decrease. The IEEE Ottawa Section belongs to Region 7 of the IEEE that is better known as IEEE Canada. The Ottawa Section represents more than 2,000 individual members and serves to promote local events significant to Electrical, Computing, and Software…
Giatec IoT-Based Concrete Testing Sensors Encourage Remote Work on Jobsites and Position Construction Companies Well for Recovery OTTAWA, Canada: Giatec, frontrunner in concrete testing technologies, is leading the way in emphasizing safety on construction jobsites during COVID-19 with wireless concrete monitoring sensors, SmartRock®. These award-winning sensors give contractors access to a comprehensive analysis of their concrete’s performance directly on their mobile devices. This speeds up and enhances the process of collecting, analyzing, and sharing important data without the need to be in close contact with other workers on the jobsite. Since the global pandemic began in late 2019 construction projects around the world have been decreasing the number of workers onsite, or shutting down altogether, in an effort to reduce contact between individuals and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Project managers are turning to advanced technologies to offset resulting setbacks while continuing to meet the housing, building, and infrastructure needs of the future. This trend, which can be seen in the U.S. and around the world, was highlighted in “How We Build Now Canada: The State of Construction and Technology…
Giatec’s Leading Wireless Sensor App Delivers Ease-of-Use and Deeper Insights Into Real-Time Concrete Data OTTAWA, Canada: Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that their SmartRock® mobile application has seen a fresh and intuitive mobile app and user interface design, giving contractors access to a more comprehensive analysis of concrete performance. All the updates have been designed to reflect SmartRock customers’ fast-paced environment on construction jobsites by speeding up and enhancing the ease with which they can collect and analyze important concrete data, a process which oftentimes directly effects project schedules. With these upgrades, SmartRock users can now activate multi-sensor processing options which allow them to automatically connect to every embedded sensor within range and download their data all on one page within the app. This streamlines the process of collecting and analyzing sensor data. Furthermore, the new design of the app includes easy-to-interpret gauges that provide more thorough details and insights into the temperature and curing conditions of placed concrete. “My experience with the Giatec system has been outstanding. With this new development to the SmartRock mobile…
Canadian Business unveils annual list of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies Ottawa, Canada: Canadian Business today ranked Giatec No. 66 on the 32nd annual Growth List, the definitive ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies. Produced by Canada’s premier business and current affairs media brands, the Growth List ranks Canadian businesses on five-year revenue growth. Giatec made the 2020 Growth List with five-year revenue growth of 1,359%. Founded in 2010, Giatec is a global company revolutionizing the construction industry by bringing smart testing technologies and real-time data collection to the forefront of every jobsite. Giatec’s suite of hardware & software products has leveraged advanced technologies such as; Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT), including; wireless concrete sensors, mobile apps, and advanced non-destructive technologies (NDT) to drive innovation throughout concrete’s lifecycle. With this technology, they have helped the construction industry redefine business models and value propositions by turning concrete testing into a process which speeds up construction, rather than slow it down. As a result, their products have won numerous industry awards and have been used in over 7,500 projects worldwide, across 85…
Roxi, the First Artificial Intelligence Program for Concrete Testing, Helps Reduce Cement Usage with Funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada OTTAWA, Ontario, October 13, 2020 (Newswire) -Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that their artificial intelligence (AI) program, Roxi, has been trained with the help of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) funding to reduce cement usage on construction jobsites during concrete testing. Traditionally, concrete producers do not have thorough visibility into the rate at which their concrete hardens on jobsites or in specific ambient conditions. As a result, they often add more cement than needed to their mixes to ensure specified strength targets are met. Now, Roxi provides more insights regarding the amount of cement that is needed, including the amount that can be removed without compromising the concrete’s setting time or strength development. As a result, CO2 emissions resulting from the manufacturing of concrete will also decrease. This new feature will help decrease the cost of concrete mixtures and improve profitability for producers. Giatec received funding of $2.4 million from SDTC to help with the training, research, and development of Roxi. This…
Giatec ranked No. 281 in field of 400 of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2020 OTTAWA, Canada – Giatec Scientific Inc. is pleased to announce they have placed number 281 in the inaugural Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies. This list ranks Canadian companies on three-year revenue growth. Giatec earned its spot with a three-year growth of 128%. Founded in 2010, Giatec is a global company revolutionizing the construction industry by bringing smart testing technologies and real-time data collection to the forefront of every jobsite. Giatec’s suite of hardware & software products has leveraged advanced technologies such as; Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT), including; wireless concrete sensors, mobile apps, and advanced non-destructive technologies (NDT) to drive innovation throughout concrete’s lifecycle. With this technology, they have helped the construction industry redefine business models and value propositions by turning concrete testing into a process which speeds up construction, rather than slow it down. As a result, their products have won numerous industry awards and have been used in over 7,500 projects worldwide, across 85 countries. Launched…
Giatec Delivers Most Innovative Generation of SmartRock Wireless Sensor to the Market OTTAWA, Canada: Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that the re-design of their award-winning flagship product, SmartRock, now available to pre-order, has been re-engineered with game-changing dual temperature monitoring capabilities for mass concrete applications. First announced in February of 2020 at World of Concrete, this latest generation of SmartRock takes concrete testing to a whole new level. In addition to an update in the sensor’s design, activation, installation, and wireless signal range, ‘SmartRock 3’ has been equipped with dual-temperature monitoring capabilities. This enables users to measure temperature values at two locations simultaneously. One temperature probe is located at the tip of the white temperature cable, another in the body of the sensor where the black transmitter is located. This function allows users to easily monitor temperature differentials between the concrete’s core and surface for mass pour applications. “We are very happy with the new dual temperature functionality of the SmartRock 3 sensor. The temperature readings are very precise, helping us to accurately monitor temperature differentials…
With mobile apps, sensors, and the first concrete AI, Ottawa-based tech company celebrates 10 years of success. OTTAWA, ON – Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, is excited to be celebrating their 10-year anniversary. Co-founded in 2010 by Dr. Pouria Ghods, CEO, and Dr. Aali Alizadeh, CTO, Giatec has been revolutionizing the construction industry by bringing smart IoT-based technologies and real-time data collection to the forefront of every jobsite. Giatec has been recognized by the Best Ottawa Business Awards, in Canadian Business and Macleans’ Growth 500 list of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies, and as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail multiple years in a row. The company is also renowned for their product innovation, having won numerous awards from top industry associations, such as; the American Concrete Institute and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). Over the past decade, Dr. Ghods and Dr. Alizadeh have grown their company from a small incubator space at Invest Ottawa to a global company with a team of almost 50 experts all working towards driving innovation in construction,…
Andrew Fahim, Head of Research & Development at Giatec, to Lead Development of Corrosion Testing Methods. Ottawa, Canada: Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that their head of research and development, Andrew Fahim, M.Sc.E., has been chosen to join the ASTM WK68960 and ASTM G01.11.5: “New Test Method for Measuring Corrosion Rate of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in Concrete” committee. As no standard currently exists, this ASTM committee has been established to review and standardize proposed methods that will be used to measure the corrosion rate of uncoated reinforcing steel in field and laboratory concrete. Giatec’s authority in the field of concrete testing and corrosion detection led to Mr. Fahim’s appointment to the ASTM committee. Last year, the company’s non-destructive testing device, iCOR®, the most advanced wireless corrosion measurement device for evaluating the health of reinforced concrete structures, was presented the 2019 Corrosion Innovation Award by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE | website: https://nace.org/). The iCOR has been used for the condition assessments in many projects, including the Federal Bridge Corporation, Public Works Canada, and CTL…
Roxi, the First Artificial Intelligence Program for Concrete Testing, Now Verifies Maturity Calibrations & Mix Proportions OTTAWA, Canada: Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that their artificial intelligence program, Roxi™, has been trained with the ability to detect possible errors in concrete maturity calibrations and mix proportions. Roxi was the first AI program created for concrete testing. It was developed in conjunction with Montreal Institute of Learning Algorithms, Mila, Quebec’s World-Renowned Artificial Intelligence Institute. With the help of Mila and Giatec’s team of AI experts, Roxi provides new insights into concrete curing by using machine learning algorithms. With this latest update, Roxi can uncover human error that may occur when concrete mixes are set up for maturity calibration, offering suggestions to correct calibration data. This includes the ability to analyze concrete mix proportions such as specified strength, slump, and air content. “My team and I are excited to be working with Giatec, a company that has a revolutionary approach to leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to solve real-world problems in the construction industry,” says Frédéric Laurin,…
SmartRock Plus Program for Ready-Mix Producers Now Offered in Sweden Ottawa, Canada: Giatec, world leader in concrete testing technologies, has announced that their SmartRock® Plus solution for ready-mix concrete producers is now available internationally. As a value-added solution offered by high-quality ready-mix producers, SmartRock Plus enables contractors to see concrete temperature and strength data in real-time using Giatec’s SmartRock wireless sensors, allowing producers to “know their concrete” beyond the pour. As the first truly wireless sensor introduced to the market in 2015, SmartRock is the leading concrete maturity sensor for accurate monitoring of concrete curing and hardening. Unlike time-consuming and error-prone break tests, or cumbersome wired sensors, Giatec’s patented maturity sensor uses a highly accurate ASTM-approved testing method. This has translated into faster, safer, and more economical concrete construction. Conventionally, contractors are left to their own devices when monitoring the curing conditions and quality of their concrete mixes. With SmartRock Plus, producers can simplify this process and offer a level of convenience and accuracy to contractors that otherwise would not be possible. In the process, producers gain valuable insights on…
