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Western Dam Engineering <br /> Technical Note <br /> <br /> May 2016 <br /> <br />6 <br />Structural Applications <br />There are several useful mobile apps for quickly <br />checking structural elements in the field. <br />LetsConstruct Suite (LetsConstruct, Android, $9.66): <br />LetsConstruct has developed a suite of ten applications <br />that cover all facets of structural engineering. The <br />apps include structural analysis tools, steel design with <br />shape properties, reinforced concrete design, weld <br />design, Mohr’s circle, and many more. This app has an <br />easy-to-use interface that allows for a quick free-body <br />diagram sketch and application of loads, easily solving <br />statically determinate and indeterminate problems. <br />Other aspects of the app suite allow for quick capacity <br />calculations for reinforced concrete and steel sections. <br />With this app, one can quickly evaluate why a concrete <br />retaining wall is cracking or gate hoist frame is showing <br />signs of distress. Some features require data <br />connectivity but most aspects of the application <br />function offline. Prices vary per app or the entire suite <br />can be purchased for $9.66 for Android devices. <br /> Figure 5 – LetsConstruct Beam Analysis <br />SmartRockTM (Giatec Scientific Inc., Android/iOS, <br />Free/ Requires Equipment Purchase, Data Required): <br />The SmartRock app from Giatec Scientific Inc. is part of <br />an innovative system that monitors concrete maturity <br />in the field. The app was introduced last year and is <br />quickly gaining popularity. Prior to concrete <br />placement, a temperature sensor and wireless <br />transmitter is attached to the rebar (Figure 6). After <br />placement, the app uses Bluetooth to monitor and <br />record the temperature history measured by the in- <br />concrete sensor and estimates the concrete strength <br />using the maturity method, as described in ASTM <br />1074. <br />The maturity method is a technique for predicting <br />concrete strength based on temperature history. <br />Strength increases as cement hydrates and the amount <br />of cement hydration depends on how long the <br />concrete has cured and at what curing temperature. <br />The transmitter is placed approximately 2 inches from <br />the concrete surface, and at this embedment, the <br />mobile device can communicate with the sensor from <br />a distance of up to about 25 feet. The transmitter <br />comes with a standard 16-inch long temperature cable, <br />such that the temperature sensor can be placed <br />anywhere within 18 inches of the concrete surface. <br />Estimating the concrete strength in real-time is useful <br />in determining allowable times for formwork removal, <br />load application, and post-tensioning. Although the <br />app has a maturity curve database, calibration with <br />site-specific physical testing of the concrete mix and <br />curing conditions is recommended. The authors have <br />not vetted this app in the field yet but are interested in <br />the prospect of the system. The wireless <br />sensors/transmitters are available from Giatec <br />Scientific Inc. and range in $70-$85 per unit depending <br />on the quantity purchased. <br /> Source: http://www.humboldtmfg.com/smartrock/ <br />Figure 6 – SmartRockTM System