In the dynamic world of ready-mixed concrete, technology and innovation are driving solutions forward. Recently, HDI held a technical talk in Neuquén showcasing the latest developments for the sector.
On Thursday, May 23, the technical talk “Concrete 4.0” took place in the Rainbow room at the Casino Magic Hotel in Neuquén, focusing on new technologies applied to the ready-mixed concrete industry.
The event was organized by Hormigonera del Interior SRL (HDI), and engineer Pablo Pili kicked off the session with a brief talk on how artificial intelligence is transforming decision-making in our lives. Projected images illustrated HDI’s progressive modernization from the 1990s to today, emphasizing technological changes that have significantly boosted the company’s productivity and the quality of ready-mixed concrete.
Innovation in Concrete Plant Management
The first technical talk was conducted by engineer Ricardo Villanueva, representing LOOP software. He presented the advantages of their software for concrete plant management, explaining how it integrates resources and optimizes processes without additional maintenance costs. The software automatically stores and updates information in a secure cloud, allowing multiple users to access information anytime, anywhere. This remote access capability facilitates operational supervision and control. Villanueva highlighted the software’s versatility in interaction, administrative time savings, minimization of order loading errors, complete traceability of orders, automatic generation of delivery notes for trucks, and reduction of CO2 emissions. During the talk, he demonstrated real-time examples using LOOP’s mobile application, showcasing how the software optimizes production and simplifies daily plant management. Additionally, he explained that customers can track the traceability of their concrete orders through the mobile app.
Contact LOOP: LOOP Website
New Software and Materials Presented to Participants Concrete in the palm of your hand. Its evolution.
The second talk was delivered by engineer Joaquín Graham from iot Provoleta, who discussed monitoring concrete strength using maturity curves. Provoleta is a reusable wireless device connected to a disposable sensor that measures temperature within the concrete mass. Using maturity methods, it translates these data into concrete strength, complying with regulations CIRSOC 201:2005 and ASTM C1074.
Advantages include real-time monitoring, device versatility and reusability, reduction of errors associated with manual estimations, process optimization, and sustainability by reducing waiting times and material usage. This innovative technology accelerates decision-making, improves construction timelines, and ensures structures achieve desired strength before proceeding with subsequent construction stages, such as formwork removal for faster progress to upper floors. Graham also presented a case study of its application in a building under construction in Neuquén city.
Contact iot Provoleta: iot Provoleta Website
Design of Industrial Floors: Use of Macrofibers by MAPEI ARGENTINA
Finally, engineer Lucas Guzmán from MAPEI ARGENTINA discussed the use of macrofibers in industrial floors. These fibers enhance tensile strength and durability of concrete, reducing cracking and improving structural integrity of floors. They can also decrease the need for non-structural meshes or reinforcements, cutting costs and installation times. Macrofibers distribute forces more effectively within the concrete matrix, improving its performance under dynamic and static loads. Guzmán explained that the dosage of macrofibers depends on project specifications, typically ranging from 1 to 5 kg per m³ depending on the case. During the talk, he presented examples of successful projects using these products, highlighting improvements in strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. He also addressed questions about macrofiber use, stressing the need for all design variables to be tailored to each specific case.
Contact MAPEI: MAPEI Website