Production Monitoring
Optical assessment of the gradation curve during concrete production
Aggregate size distribution plays an important role in the concrete mix design. In production plants, however, the grading curve of the available aggregate fractions is only known on the basis of individual manual test results and is subject to fluctuations. For robust mix designs, therefore, more cement paste than necessary is often added. To optimise sustainability, costs of concrete mixes (in particular for concrete mixes with reduced cement content, e.g. according to Annex ND from 2025), a more precise knowledge of the aggregate size distribution will be a basic requirement. Optical measurement of the aggregate size distribution during production directly on the conveyor belt could enable a more precise concrete production.
The main objective of this project is to develop a cost-effective, precise and time-efficient method for the optical detection, measurement and geometric characterisation of aggregate distribution during concrete production in concrete plants. Optical detection of the grading curve enables the actual grading curve to be recorded as a supplement to existing quality controls. If this information is forwarded to the plant control system as correction input, the recipe can be readjusted in the event of deviations from the target grading curve.
Such a sensor with the associated evaluation method can be marketed as a product by the implementation partners in the field of sensor technology, for which there will be an increased market with the introduction of Annex ND from 2025 onwards. Integrating the data into production control would exploit the full potential of the development and provide concrete manufacturers with optimal support in improving quality and production accuracy.
Research Partners
Hagerbach Test Gallery
OST
FHNW
Industry Partner
Kaiser Engineering
Fabrimex Systems AG
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