Case studies

Temperature monitoring in concrete during curing

During the cement hardening process, known as hydration, a series of chemical reactions occur between cement and mixing water, leading to the formation of products responsible for the mechanical properties of concrete. This process is accompanied by the release of heat of hydration, as the reactions occurring in the early stages are exothermic in nature.

The amount of heat generated and its evolution over time depend on several factors, including the type of cement used, the water/cement ratio, the dimensions of the pour, environmental conditions and curing methods. In large-volume pours, the heat produced can accumulate inside the concrete, generating significant temperature differences between the inner core and the outer surfaces.

These thermal gradients can induce internal stresses and cause thermal shrinkage cracking, compromising the durability and performance of the structure. For this reason, concrete temperature monitoring during the early curing stages represents an essential tool for construction process control.

Tecnopenta temperature probes for concrete monitoring

Tecnopenta designs and manufactures temperature probes dedicated to monitoring the heat developed by cement during curing, designed for direct installation within concrete pours. The probes are positioned at representative points of the structure, enabling continuous measurement of thermal evolution in different areas of the pour.

The probes are designed to operate in harsh environments, ensuring measurement stability, long-term reliability and mechanical resistance. They can be installed individually or in multi-point configurations, allowing analysis of internal thermal gradient evolution.

Control of the curing process and crack prevention

The use of Tecnopenta temperature probes allows detailed monitoring of the entire concrete curing process. The acquired data make it possible to identify the maximum thermal peak, assess the cooling rate and compare the actual behavior of the pour with design predictions.

This information is essential to prevent cracking phenomena, optimize formwork removal timing, improve curing management and support technical decisions on site.

Integration with data acquisition systems and web platform

Tecnopenta temperature probes for concrete can be integrated with data acquisition systems and data loggers, enabling measurement visualization on a web platform and configuration of alarm thresholds. This approach ensures continuous monitoring of the curing process, even remotely.

Thanks to its experience in structural monitoring, Tecnopenta supports designers, contractors and site supervisors in defining reliable solutions for concrete thermal control.