# Cost-Effective Temperature Sensor for Monitoring the Setting Time of Concrete
## 5 Conclusions  
In this study, the setting temperature of concrete specimens with different compositions has been monitored using low-cost sensors and a digital platform that allows the visualization of the results in real time. During the monitoring of the temperature of the concrete samples, it has been observed that the sensors, used accurately, recorded the temperature until the samples reached an age of 180 days, at which point their compression break occurred. This result indicates that the sensors are sufficiently resistant to water and concrete components to maintain proper operation.  
From the comparison of the temperature results obtained during the monitoring of the specimens at 180 days, two conclusions can be drawn. First, most exothermic hydration reactions occur during the first curing periods, and second, the variations observed in more advanced stages are related to external factors rather than intrinsic cement curing processes, since there are no significant variations between the temperatures of the different specimens at later ages.  
After comparing the results obtained in the compressive strength tests, climatic conditions have been revealed as important parameters to be taken into account when selecting the appropriate materials for application, since these conditions can influence the behavior of the concrete.  
After observing the compressive strength results and correlating them with the maximum temperature reached during the setting process, it can be observed that it is very likely that there is a correlation between the hydration temperature and the expected resistance under similar processing conditions, despite not being able to compare specimens.  
Conceptualization, L.P.M., J.A.R.R., J.L.C.M. and D.A.M.S.; methodology, L.P.M., J.A.R.R., J.L.C.M. and D.A.M.S.; validation, J.L.C.M., J.L.P.y.A., M.A.S. and D.A.M.S.; formal analysis, L.P.M., J.A.R.R., J.L.C.M., J.L.P.y.A., M.A.S. and D.A.M.S.; investigation, L.P.M., J.A.R.R., J.L.C.M., J.L.P.y.A., M.A.S. and D.A.M.S.; resources, J.L.C.M., J.L.P.y.A., M.A.S. and D.A.M.S.; data curation, L.P.M. and J.A.R.R.; writing--original draft preparation, L.P.M., J.A.R.R., J.L.C.M. and D.A.M.S.; writing--review and editing, L.P.M., J.A.R.R., J.L.C.M., J.L.P.y.A., M.A.S. and D.A.M.S.; supervision, J.L.C.M., J.L.P.y.A., M.A.S. and D.A.M.S.; project administration, J.L.C.M., J.L.P.y.A., M.A.S. and D.A.M.S.; funding acquisition, J.L.C.M., M.A.S. and D.A.M.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research received no external funding.  
Not applicable.  
Data Availability Statement: Data available on request due to restrictions. The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy reasons.  
We extend our sincere gratitude to LECEM for their support in the calibration of the instrumentation, as well as to LOEMCO for generously providing us with access to their facilities for our tests. Their expertise and support have contributed significantly to the success of our research. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.