A low-cost maturity method implementation based on open-source developments

Abstract

Even though the maturity method [1] is well known in the civil engineering area, it can still be complicated to implement for small to middle size companies. Indeed, the commercial devices found on the market can represent a non-negligible investment for these companies both in terms of equipment acquisition and services. Moreover, there are frequent subscription models, for software and hardware services, bringing the user to the verge of vendor lock-in. Another issue is the dissemination of the data into the supplier’s servers, which can create data security problems. In order to get independent from any supplier, a fully open-source solution was developed, using relatively low-cost electronics (~250€ for a full setup). The solution offers the possibility to collect data from a structure, and to have samples aging in a climatic chamber at the same conditions as the structure, to verify the maturity level of concrete and make predictions of the compressive strength. A user-friendly interface was integrated and the database together with the webpage displaying the results are hosted on the company servers. This maturity system was demonstrated in a prefabrication plant, and the documentation will be publicly shared on GitHub. This paper will present the maturity system developed, as well as its advantages and limits.