One of the major problems of inconsistency in batching concrete is the ever varying moisture content of the sand and aggregates from one batch to another. Moisture content in stored sand and aggregates can have dramatic effects on the water/cement ratio, the aggregate/cement ratio, yield and the colour of the mix. Measuring the moisture content of the raw materials can enable the plant controller to adjust water addition into the mix in real time, minimising these effects. This enables batch after batch of concrete to be produced to the same, consistent quality. The installation of moisture measurement sensors into the manufacturing process provides the producer with an on-line system that operates in real time and enables the accurate control of the water/cement or aggregate/cement ratios. Other problems are in the drying process of concrete related to temperature and moisture content.
