Intelligent Automated Monitoring and Curing System for Cracks in Concrete Elements Using Integrated Sensors and Embedded Controllers

Ascona García P.P.; Ordoñez Carpio G.E.; Zelada Zamora W.M.; Aguirre Camacho M.A.; Rojas Pintado W.; Cuadros Rojas E.J.; Mundaca Ramos H.M.; Arce Fernández N. · Technologies (2025) · DOI: 10.3390/technologies13070284

Resumen

This study addresses the formation, detection, and repair of cracks in concrete elements exposed to temperatures above 25 °C, where accelerated evaporation compromises their structural strength. An automated intelligent curing system with embedded sensors (DS18B20, HD-38) and Arduino controllers was developed and applied to solid slabs, columns, and concrete test specimens (1:2:3.5 mix ratio). The electronic design was simulated in Proteus and validated experimentally under tropical conditions. Data with normal distribution (p > 0.05) showed a significant correlation between internal and ambient temperature (r = 0.587; p = 0.001) and a low correlation in humidity (r = 0.143; p = 0.468), indicating hygrometric independence. The system healed cracks of 0.01 mm observed two hours after pouring the mixture, associated with an evaporation rate of 1.097 mL/s in 4 m2. For 28 days, automated irrigation cycles were applied every 30 to 60 min, with a total of 1680 L, achieving a 20% reduction in water consumption compared to traditional methods. The system maintained stable thermal conditions in the concrete despite ambient temperatures of up to 33.85 °C. A critical evaporation range was identified between 11:00 and 16:00 (UTC-5). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the embedded system in optimizing curing, water efficiency, and concrete durability.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas; Universidad Nacional de Jaén; Universidad Nacional Intercultural Fabiola Salazar Leguía de Bagua