Concrete strength testing is a critical part of every construction project, ensuring structures are...
At Wavelogix®, we believe concrete testing is overdue for a technology revolution. In a recent Lunch & Learn webinar, we introduced our Director of Product Development, Gerry Vanhorn, who is helping lead this transformation with fresh thinking and proven engineering leadership.
Gerry brings over two decades of experience in technology development across various industries, including automotive, electric utilities, and now infrastructure and construction. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the REBEL® Sensor System, our real-time, in-place concrete strength monitoring solution.
Here’s a deep dive into the key takeaways from the conversation—and how Wavelogix is shaping the future of concrete testing.
From Cylinder Breaks to Real-Time Data: Concrete’s Digital Shift
In every industry, technology evolves to solve pain points. Gerry shared how the utility sector transitioned from manual meter reading to real-time digital meters, saving time, improving accuracy, and eliminating inefficiencies.
“Concrete is experiencing that same inflection point,” Gerry explained. “Cylinder breaks have been around for 100 years. With REBEL®, we’re helping companies break free from outdated, manual processes and get real-time, in-place strength data they can trust.”
At Wavelogix, the REBEL® system eliminates the need for costly on-site labs and reduces the guesswork in determining strength. Contractors, DOT agencies, and precast operators can now make faster, data-driven decisions while improving accuracy and reducing costs.
The Power of IoT and Predictive Technology in Concrete
When asked about emerging technologies, Gerry pointed to IoT (Internet of Things) and predictive analytics as game changers.
“IoT enables teams to monitor strength remotely, without visiting job sites daily,” Gerry said. “That’s a huge advantage for project efficiency—especially for remote pours or large precast operations.”
But it doesn’t stop there. Gerry emphasized the growing potential of predictive tools:
“We’re heading toward dashboards that don’t just show today’s data but predict tomorrow’s performance. From early demolding in precast to traffic-ready decisions on highway projects, predictive analytics will give teams confidence in scheduling without relying solely on breaks.”
The REBEL® dashboard already incorporates real-time strength curves, battery status, GPS location, and environmental temperatures, and Gerry confirmed that future updates will further expand predictive capabilities.
Designing for Both Precast and Infrastructure Projects
One of the key themes of the discussion was how REBEL adapts to the diverse needs of different industries.
Precast operators focus on early strength—how quickly they can safely demold and turn over formwork. DOTs and contractors often need to monitor final strength for long-duration projects or to ensure compliance with standards.
“That’s why we’re designing for flexibility,” Gerry said. “From long-battery options for 28-day monitoring to fast-start sensors for patchwork and precast, REBEL® adapts to both early and final strength requirements.”
Additionally, field feedback led to features like:
- Quick-release cables to prevent equipment damage
- Cylinder sensor kits for lab or off-site testing
- Simplified dashboards that display strength progress in hours and days, making it easier to track critical milestones.
Industry Lessons: Why Concrete is Ready for a Technology Leap
Gerry shared lessons from smart manufacturing and energy infrastructure, where data integration and predictive maintenance transformed operations.
“Concrete is next,” Gerry stated. “The tools are here: IoT devices, predictive software, and integrated dashboards. The challenge is getting the industry to adopt them, and that’s what Wavelogix is solving.”
By working closely with customers and offering practical, easy-to-use solutions, Wavelogix is accelerating industry adoption. As Gerry put it:
“You have to solve a pain point. You have to simplify processes or make them more cost-effective, and then you listen relentlessly to feedback to improve the product.”
Looking Ahead: A Smarter, Faster, More Reliable Industry
Wavelogix’s long-term vision is clear:
- Eliminate reliance on slow, error-prone cylinder breaks
- Empower teams with real-time, in-place strength data
- Use predictive analytics to streamline project timelines
- Help contractors, DOTs, and precast manufacturers reduce costs and improve safety
“We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” Gerry said. “The more data we gather, the smarter the system becomes, and the more value we can deliver to every project.”
Gerry’s Closing Advice: The Skills that Drive Change
In the final moments of the webinar, Gerry reflected on the personal leadership principles that have guided his success across industries and that shape his work at Wavelogix.
“First, be curious,” he advised. “When you enter a new industry, take the time to understand it deeply. Become a subject matter expert—not just a participant.”
“Second, be a self-starter,” Gerry added. “Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. Seek out problems, propose solutions, and take initiative. That’s how meaningful innovation happens.”
“Finally, stay connected to the customer. Real innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when you listen to the people using your product every day,” he concluded.
Ready to see REBEL® in action?
✅ Watch the full webinar replay
✅ Explore the REBEL® Sensor System
✅ Book a demo and experience smarter concrete testing first-hand
At Wavelogix, we’re not just building sensors—we’re building the future of infrastructure. Join us.
