Low Voltage Accelerated Curing Systems for Concrete

LOVACS

The two-year project, entitled Low Voltage Accelerated Curing Systems for Concrete (LOVACS) is funded by an award, which came from the European Union's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

It is envisaged that it will develop new IPR within the field of concrete production, develop the Inditherm technology based systems as the leading technology for the production of in-situ and precast concrete both in cold ambient conditions and in precast concrete plants. It will also influence the development of codes of practices and International standards, offer the project partners a market lead by improving production techniques, reduce manufacturing costs, improve working conditions and health and safety.

The heat source for the project will be based on Inditherm's conductive polymer, which can run on voltages as low as 6V, and at 48V can produce temperatures of up to 120°C. The polymer is sandwiched into an insulated heating blanket that can be only 6mm thick. The technology is used in areas such as sports physiotherapy, undersoil heating for soccer pitches, the "curing" of concrete and provision of warm clothing.

The LOVACS project is coordinated by Sheffield Hallam University. The consortium includes academics, precast concrete mould manufacturers and end users — such as specialist concrete contractors and precast concrete manufacturers — from Britain, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Poland.

This technology is expected to have a massive impact on construction processes, speeding up the completion of major infrastructure projects and meaning less delays for the construction industry, especially in the lean winter period. Rotherham-based Inditherm plc makes flexible polymers which transfer heat evenly, so there are no hot and cold spots.

The project is nearing completion and the consortium has successfully developed prototypes for the following applications:

• Thermal curing blankets for precast and insitu concrete
• Heated moulds for precast concrete elements
• Heated formwork for insitu wall construction