PT-SMS · Novel structural monitoring solution for safe and sustainable post-tensioned infrastructure

Collapsing buildings, bridges and other infrastructure are unfortunately still a common occurrence. Since 2000 more than 100 bridges have collapsed killing over 700 people and costing billions of euros in lawsuits, repairs and replacements. The recent Genoa bridge collapse is a tragic example. Many of the concrete infrastructure in Europe does not have structural health monitoring solutions (SHM) in place as a result of the high complexity and costs of available solutions. PT-SMS innovation project aims to commercialize a novel Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) solution for post-tensioned concrete. Post-tensioning is a popular method to strengthen concrete buildings, bridges, dams and other infrastructure. 3S'TECH has developed a unique strain-gauge based sensor system optimized for post-tensioned (PT) monostrand monitoring that is easy-to-install, low-cost, 95% accurate and durable (20+ years), thereby providing superior performance over current market solutions. Backed by a Big Data Platform and Artificial Intelligence, PT-SMS will allow infrastructure owners to ensure the safety of their structures while reducing OPEX by 25% through predictive maintenance. Construction companies on the other hand benefit from much higher control over the tensioning process drastically reducing delays and delivering high quality work. Its design simplicity allowing self-nstallation by PT construction workers will provide a fast path to market entry through partnerships with leading European PT companies such as VSL and Freyssinet. The SHM market for concrete is growing fast with bridges alone reaching 464 M€ and CAGR of 15.6%. Ptototype tests have already been successfully carried out at a VSL construction site. Upon full commercialization of our technology in 2021, 3S'TECH will establish a new niche market and grow its revenues from 0.92 M€ in the first year to over 5 M€ in the third year, reaching a ROI of 3.5 over the total expected investment of 0.9 M€.