Moisture sensors enhance construction safety
Glostrup Hospital is embarking on the construction of a new neurorehabilitation center spanning 25,000 m2, dedicated to caring for patients with brain and spinal cord injuries. The integration of intelligent moisture sensors, facilitated by collaboration between the construction firm and consulting company COWI, enhances safety measures for developers.
This case study explores the strategic placement and proactive monitoring of moisture levels in exposed areas of the construction, highlighting the sensor's pivotal role in quality assurance and sustainability efforts.
Challenge
The consulting company, COWI, takes part in the project with responsibility for construction management and professional supervision. To do so, they have chosen to include Tector’s moisture management solution, which, among other things, is to monitor timber facades. The entire hospital is covered in more than 100 prefabricated timber elements.
The construction site's exposure to moisture poses significant risks to the integrity of the structure until it is fully enclosed. Lars Møller, Construction Site Manager at COWI, highlights the challenge, stating,
"Until the construction is completely closed, water is a risk factor in all construction cases."
Identifying and mitigating these risks demanded a proactive approach and close collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the safety and integrity of the development.
Solution
In collaboration with COWI, Tector has recommended sensor placements at particularly exposed risk areas of the building, such as around the base, in the parapet, and on the north-facing facades.
The sensors are also placed on facade elements at each facade in order to collect data for reference. Sensors are located at the top and at the ground level, at different corners. Additionally, the sensors have been used to continuously monitor that the elements are drying out correctly.
Lars Møller, Construction Site Manager at COWI, underscores the importance of integrating moisture sensors to mitigate risks, stating, "It started with the construction firm proposing to place the sensor in the wooden elements to increase security for the developer.".
Strategic placement of Tector sensors, targeted vulnerable areas, facilitating real-time monitoring and proactive risk management.
“In larger timber constructions, I would clearly recommend a QA with built-in sensors. It creates a safety for both developer and construction firm that the documentation is in order.” - Lars Møller, Construction Site Manager, COWI.
Impact
The inclusion of Tector moisture management solution in the quality plan of the construction firm enhances documentation and safeguards against moisture-related issues. Marianne Friis from Arkitema emphasizes the broader benefits, stating,
"By taking a proactive approach to moisture measurement in construction, it is possible to save the construction firm both time and money on the quality assurance, while simultaneously reducing resource consumption and thus CO2 emissions with the replacement of damaged materials."
Furthermore, the integration of sensor technology sets a precedent for future timber projects, aligning with COWI-Arkitema's vision of leveraging technology for sustainable construction practices. Marianne Friis, Arkitema, continues: “At COWI/Arkitema, we believe that sustainability, digitalization and new technologies must be combined to achieve our ambitious climate goals. It has become clear to us that a collaboration with Tector’s solution is a step in the right direction to achieve our goals.”
