"No Need to Wait 28 Days: AI Enables Advance Prediction of Ready-Mixed Concrete Compressive Strength"

[Rebuild K Construction] POSCO E&C
Achieves Innovation in Concrete Quality Management
AI-Powered Quality Prediction and Automated Production

POSCO E&C has recently achieved a digital transformation in concrete quality management. The company has taken quality control to the next level by commercializing technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the quality of ready-mixed concrete and automate its production. This AI-driven approach is said to overcome the limitations of conventional ready-mixed concrete quality management, where strength variations occurred even with the same mix design due to factors such as operator experience, temperature and humidity, material moisture content, and transportation time.

On December 11, POSCO E&C announced that it has developed "AI-based Ready-Mixed Concrete Quality Prediction and Production Automation Technology" in collaboration with SHLab. This AI production system analyzes the state of ready-mixed concrete during mixing using video and sensor data, enabling real-time monitoring of mix consistency, moisture content, and material proportions, and automatically adjusting the mix within KS standards. Unlike the traditional method that relied on producer experience, this system proactively controls the causes of quality variation.

Monitoring screen applying 'AI-based Ready-Mixed Concrete Quality Prediction and Production Automation Technology.' POSCO E&C.

By utilizing this system, it is possible to analyze the residual moisture inside ready-mixed concrete trucks, thereby preventing factors that could lower strength in advance. A POSCO E&C representative explained, "Ready-mixed concrete exhibits the greatest variability in moisture content between mixing and arrival at the site, but with automatic measurement, we have ensured quality stability."

The time required to confirm compressive strength can also be significantly reduced. Through AI analysis, it is possible to predict in advance whether the target strength will be achieved, based on mixing data and batching patterns. Previously, it took 28 days after pouring to verify if the strength criteria were met. As the ability to control quality on site has increased, the time required for quality-related risk management has also been reduced. Thanks to these achievements, the company was awarded the Grand Innovation Prize at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's "2025 Smart Construction Challenge."

Overview of POSCO E&C's Integrated Concrete Quality Management System. POSCO E&C.

In addition, POSCO E&C has established a system for integrated digital management of the entire process from ready-mixed concrete production, transportation, receipt and inspection, to construction and curing. During transportation, the company applies a GPS-based automatic dispatch and volume monitoring system to minimize variations in continuous pouring management. In the receipt and inspection phase, an OCR-based automatic recognition system for test reports has been implemented to establish a monitoring system for defective deliveries. For construction and curing, IoT curing sensors are used to predict strength development and prevent premature formwork removal accidents.

A POSCO E&C representative stated, "Ready-mixed concrete is a core process directly linked to structural performance, but it is also the material most sensitive to environmental variables. We plan to advance our smart quality management platform by expanding the AI quality prediction system to all phases of concrete pouring and curing, beyond just ready-mixed concrete." The company is also gradually pursuing technology cooperation with public agencies such as Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) and Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation (SH Corporation), as well as major private construction companies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.