You have arrived at this blog post because you are interested in evaluating and selecting from the plethora of concrete thermometers available in the market. Before we dive into suggesting some of the best thermometers for curing we have come across, let’s go over a few essential questions. Learn in this blog about the importance of testing for concrete temperature, why it may prevent structural damage, and how opting for the correct thermometer may enhance and simplify your project.
Concrete Temperature: Too High or Too Low?
The ASTM C1064-86 prescribes that concrete temperature must remain between 80.1oF – 95oF or between 26.7oC – 35oC. However, this can change according to project specifications. If the concrete mix is poured at a higher internal temperature, it runs the risk of encountering several problems. One of those is that your concrete could crack due to quick and premature evaporation. Alternatively, pouring the concrete mix at a temperature lower than 25oF could make the concrete freeze. This could result in multiple types of problems, including the concrete becoming severely brittle.
Overall, if your concrete temperature is too high or too low, your project is vulnerable to damages that are time-consuming, expensive, and simply avoidable.
Click here to read more about why concrete temperature testing is important during extreme weather!
Commercial Concrete Thermometers
Below, we review a few concrete curing thermometers that may be ideal for implementation in your next concrete project.
SmartRock®
The concrete testing device manufacturer Giatec offers SmartRock sensors, which are approved by the ASTM C1074 and compliant with the ACI. The sensors are fully embedded in the rebar and do not require wires or testing field-cured cylinders. They are easy to use and allow for quick decision-making onsite. This device is also a type of maturity meter and its dual temperature capability allows the user to closely monitor temperature differentials between the core and edge of mass pours.
The SmartRock app helps you tag sensors quickly via a QR code. Users can receive proactive custom alerts and smart notifications, and provide multiple-company access to project data. The sensor sends data wirelessly to the cloud, and with Giatec 360TM users can get alerts to follow thermal control and curing plans. Giatec 360 is an advanced web-based dashboard that allows you to manage concrete pours. It allows the prediction of concrete temperature, analysis of temperature differentials, and setups of pour thresholds.
HardTrack
Provided by Wake, Inc., this durable temperature monitoring (per ACI 207.4R-05) device offers both handheld and remote wireless versions. This allows the users to collect concrete temperature logs onsite and offsite. Their sealed wireless concrete temperature loggers contain their own wireless radio frequency identification device (RFID), a chip, and either an internal temperature sensor or an external sensor probe. Additionally, they include a remote logger with a cloud connection and one ambient sensor, as well as 4-26 sensor connections allowing external probes to connect with an available lead.
Sensohive
Sensohive’s Maturix uses thermocouple sensors for monitoring concrete temperature. One end of the thermocouple wires is embedded in the concrete. The other end needs to be connected to a node, and each wire needs to have a separate node. The nodes record the concrete temperature data and send it wirelessly to the cloud.
HOBO
ONSET’s HOBO provides multiple thermocouple wires that can be connected to a HOBO box which is installed outside the concrete. It includes a regular logger which records the data that can be processed on a computer. It also has a wireless logger that records and sends the temperature data via Bluetooth to a mobile device. This device has compact, weatherproof housing with built-in mounting, making it compatible with harsher climates. Their free HOBOconnect app lets users observe data in real time.
Myers Dial Face Concrete Thermometer
If you need to opt for going the more analog route, the Dial Face Concrete Thermometers (25oF – 125oF/-3.9oC – 51.7oC) from Myers Construction Materials Testing Equipment might be the one for you. It is a dual-range concrete curing thermometer which also comes with a plastic protective sleeve. Another feature included with this device is an adjustable mounting clip.
Converge
Converge Mesh offers wired sensors that connect to wireless nodes, sending data to a local hub which then is transmitted to a cloud. Their new sensor, called Signal, is a wireless sensor fully embedded in the concrete. This concrete temperature data can also be transmitted to a local hub or mobile device and then to the cloud through cell network.
Click here to read more about monitoring concrete temperature with wireless sensors!
How to Choose The Right Concrete Thermometer for Your Project
As you can see, there are multiple web concrete monitoring devices at your disposal. They range from wired thermocouples and traditional analog thermometers to handheld options and wireless temperature sensors. The thermometer you pick ultimately will depend on a range of factors. They include project specifications, preferring to collect concrete temperature logs onsite or offsite, and compatibility of the project with wired or wireless methods. Whichever path you pick, we hope our blog helped ease that decision for you!
Note: All company, product/service names, and brands used in this article are the property of their respective owners. This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only.
