Case Studies

 

Maturity Case: Commercial Construction Pours in Frisco, Texas
COMMAND Center was used to save several days per pour during the construction of a six story building and two level parking garage when maturity data showed the necessary strength to stress post-tensioned cables in 33 hours, much earlier than lab cured cylinders.  

Maturity Case: Fast Track Patching on I-64 in Williamsburg, Virginia
COMMAND Center was used to speed the opening time of these I-64 pavement patches by accurately estimating the new concrete’s strength. Traffic was shut down overnight to allow construction crews to saw, remove shattered slabs, drill dowels, and place a fast-track concrete mix with embedded iButton sensors. A maturity curve was created using the data tracked by the sensors, allowing the workers to estimate the strength in-place and in real-time. The pavement was opened to traffic within a matter of hours—something that wouldn’t have been possible using cylinder testing.



Mass Concrete Case: Temperature Gradients on SH 45/Loop 1 in Austin, Texas
The COMMAND Center was used to track mass concrete temperature gradients on SH 45/Loop 1 in Austin, Texas. Here, two sensors were used to determine the gradient between the core and surface of the concrete. Since both maturity data as well as temperature gradients can be automatically recorded by COMMAND Center sensors, no additional sensors were necessary. COMMAND Center helps contractors to meet temperature gradient requirements for mass placements.

Curing Temperature Case: Bridge Construction in Ames, Iowa
In order to allow construction throughout the fall and winter, contractors in Ames, Iowa are using COMMAND Center to verify the minimum specified temperatures (50°F) of in-place concrete. The COMMAND Center provides real-time feedback on the effectiveness of their curing methods, including methods using heaters and blankets. COMMAND Center has allowed contractors to verify their concrete temperatures so that they could keep placing concrete further into the winter than previously allowed.

Research Case: Maturity and Temperature Monitoring in Manchester, Iowa
In 2002, maturity concepts were applied to the construction of a two-lane rural road in Manchester, Iowa. Road-closure times were minimized using The COMMAND Center so that the road could be opened to residential traffic as soon as possible. This paid off for one local resident, who was able to keep his business moving with a rush order of hogs delivered just two days after the completion of the road. He had early-age maturity monitoring to thank for the quick road opening.

Research Case: Freeze/Thaw Monitoring of Stabilized Base Course, Iowa
COMMAND Center sensors were embedded in an unpaved quarry road in Iowa to monitor freeze/thaw cycles throughout the winter and spring seasons. The road consisted of limestone screenings stabilized with fly ash and cement kiln dust. The sensors were compacted into the stabilized base during construction. Not only did they withstand the pressure—a testament to their durability—but they also performed well in a material other than concrete.