frequently asked questions

What Types of Concrete Mix Designs Can I Monitor?

All types of concrete mix designs can be tested (calibrated) per ASTM C1074, which is a precondition for the maturity (strength) monitoring of the concrete with Concrete Sensors.

What Types of Concrete Elements Can I Monitor?

All types of structural and nonstructural concrete elements can be monitored using our Concrete Sensors, including but not limited to slabs, walls, columns, beams, foundations, roads, etc.

What Are The Lab Testing Types?

The Ultimate Lab Testing service consists of approximately (20) 4”x8” cylinders cured in a room-temp water bath and approximately (100) 2” mortar cubes cured in water baths of four different temperatures. Ultimate Lab Testing follows ASTM C1074 Equivalent Age function, but rather than testing at the required minimum of three temperatures, Concrete Sensors decided on four in order to provide increased accuracy.

The Premium Lab Testing service consists of approximately (20) 4”x8” cylinders cured in a room-temp water bath and approximately (25) 2” mortar cubes cured in a room-temp water bath. Premium Lab Testing follows ASTM C1074 Nurse-Saul function, which only requires testing at one temperature, but isn’t as accurate as testing at four temperatures and following the Equivalent Age function. This is especially true when curing temperatures of the in-place concrete vary over a wider range.

What Return on Investment (ROI) Can I Expect?

Concrete Sensors provides accurate, real-time information about your jobsite concrete. Our concrete sensors help you make faster and better decisions, and get your projects done ahead of schedule and under budget.  

Monitoring the temperature of your jobsite concrete with our wireless concrete sensors and customized automatic alerts empower you to take early actions before a problem forms, protecting your concrete from damage. This helps you stay compliant with thermal control plans and potentially reduce heating costs in cold weather.

Which Sensor Models Do I Need?

The Concrete Sensor sales program is designed to best meet the needs of your specific application (type of monitoring) and offers a variety of different models. Please contact Concrete Sensors at concretesensors@hilti.com for a demo or consultation.

How Do I Order Concrete Sensors?

Concrete Sensors can be conveniently ordered through this link. If you need assistance selecting the right sensor model or have other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at concretesensors@hilti.com.

What is the Lead Time to Receive Sensors?

Standard versions of Concrete Sensors are in stock and readily available online. Cabled versions for custom monitoring depths are available upon request with special order. Please contact us for lead time at concretesensors@hilti.com.

How Do I Install the Sensors?

Sensors should be attached to the reinforcement with the included zip-ties at a maximum depth of 6 inches below the concrete surface. Follow the instructions for use or watch the how-to videos titled “How To Install a Sensor to Rebar” or “How To Install B3, B8 or B15 Sensors to Rebar” down below. If you need additional support, please contact us at concretesensors@hilti.com.

How Deep Can Concrete Sensors Be Installed?

The standard Concrete Sensors HCS T1 and HCS T2 with the sensor and transmitter integrated in one housing can be installed up to 6 inches below the concrete surface. The standard cabled versions HCS T1-Bx and HCS T2-Bx allow base modules to be installed up to 6 inches, but the sensor can be installed up to 15 feet deep. Cabled versions with custom installation depths up to 100 feet are available upon request with special order.

What Data Collection Option is Right for Me (Bluetooth or Long Range) and Why?

Long Range data collection with HCS T2 concrete sensors and HCS Gateway is fully automated, and sensors can be accessed anytime 24/7 from virtually anywhere without having to be on the jobsite. This option is very efficient and ideal for projects that require continuous monitoring with real-time alerts, such as mass concrete or cold weather. The required HCS Gateway can be rented from Concrete Sensors for the monitoring period.

Bluetooth data collection is the lower cost option and requires at least 1 person onsite to connect to sensors. This option is efficient and ideal for projects that don’t require continuous off-hours monitoring.

If you are unsure what is the better option for you, please contact Concrete Sensors at concretesensors@hilti.com for a demo or consultation.

How Do I Get the Software Application?

Simply search “Hilti Concrete Sensors” in the Apple App Store for iOS and in Google Play for Android or click the links below to download the free app.

How Do I Review or Share Sensor Data?

Data can be viewed directly on your mobile device with the Concrete Sensors mobile app. It can also be exported as raw data or full in-color PDF graphs/reports. You may invite others to join the project and review data from their own devices at no charge. There is also an option to set up alerts (push notifications) per device for Strength (maturity), Maximum Temperature, Minimum Temperature, and Temperature Differentials. See more in our video titled “How To Set Alerts, Share Data, and Invite Collaborators“ down below.

Why Can’t I Connect to a Sensor?

Bluetooth

• Ensure Bluetooth is turned on in your mobile device. 
• Ensure there are no obstructions between your mobile device and the location of the sensor in the concrete (standing water/ice/snow, equipment, materials, formwork, etc.).  
• Try removing the protective case from your mobile device. 
• Try moving slowly in small circles over the sensor location.

Long Range

• Ensure HCS Gateway is added to the project.
• Ensure there is consistent power to the HCS Gateway.
• Ensure gateway is showing a green checkmark in the mobile app. 

See how to add a sensor in the Hilti Concrete Sensors app by watching our video titled “How To Add a Sensor in the App” down below.

Why Can’t I Invite Collaborators?

For iOS, the Concrete Sensors mobile app will try to connect to your email via the default email app – if you are using a different app for email, please copy the link that appears on screen and paste it into an email or text to the intended collaborator(s). Also, see more in our video titled “How To Set Alerts, Share Data, and Invite Collaborators” down below.

Why Does My Data Look Wrong?

Check whether the pour date/time in the mobile app is correct. If not, go to ‘Edit Pour’ and adjust accordingly. If something still doesn’t look right, please contact us for support at concretesensors@hilti.com.

Why Am I Missing Data?

Check to ensure your mobile device has an internet connection (mobile network and/or WiFi) – it should sync automatically. If something still seems to be missing, please contact us for support at concretesensors@hilti.com.

Why Isn’t My HCS Gateway Showing a Green Checkmark in the Mobile App, Indicating It’s Online?

Ensure the gateway is added to the project and there is consistent power to the gateway. See how to properly set up a gateway with our video “How To Set Up a Gateway” down below. If there is still no green checkmark showing in the mobile app, please contact us for support at concretesensors@hilti.com.