Live data from Converge enables Cairn to increase GGBS content without compromising programme, driving low-carbon decision-making.
Cairn’s four-block Shankill project involved a substantial concrete frame built in central Dublin. Keen to improve both productivity and sustainability, the team explored new ways to reduce wait times and lower carbon without introducing risk. With structural cycle times tightly linked to cube breaks, the team turned to Converge to unlock better visibility and performance.
Cairn implemented Converge’s wireless concrete strength monitoring system on two of the four blocks at Shankill, enabling a side-by-side comparison with traditional cube testing. Two sensors were installed per floor slab across the final two blocks, with live data accessed through the Converge app. This allowed the team to monitor in-situ strength and strike props at the right time, based on real performance—not conservative assumptions.
The real-time data had two key benefits. First, it gave the team greater certainty around prop striking, especially on early floors with screed finishes. Instead of waiting a fixed 7–14 days, the team could check live strength values and strike when ready. Second, the insights unlocked the confidence to trial a higher GGBS concrete mix.
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Using Converge’s Mix AI, the team analysed performance across multiple pours and forecasted strength gain in warmer summer conditions. This confirmed they could safely increase GGBS content from standard 20% to 45% without impacting cycle times. The higher blend allowed Cairn to maintain programme while significantly reducing the embodied carbon on the remaining slabs. Using this data, Cain plans to conduct more trials with the hope of reducing their carbon footprint in the future.
Cube results for the high-GGBS mix predicted an 11-day strike cycle. Converge’s live data showed that props could be safely struck at just 7 days in summer conditions—a 4-day saving, verified and signed off by the engineer.
The team increased GGBS content from 20% to 45% using Mix AI forecasts and real-time strength monitoring. This adjustment delivered significant embodied carbon savings, without changing the cycle time.
Sensors were quick to install and simple to use. The site engineer could check live strength with just two taps on the app—giving instant visibility and avoiding delays from chasing cube results by email or spreadsheet.