Construction Webinar Recap: Concrete QA with Ross Armstrong & Joe Turek

At Wavelogix, we know that real innovation starts on the job site. On June 12th, 2025, we hosted a special Lunch & Learn webinar that brought together two powerhouses in concrete quality assurance: Ross Armstrong, Quality Control Manager at Southern Concrete Products and West Tennessee Ready Mix, and Joe Turek, President & COO of Wavelogix.

This insightful conversation bridged decades of field-tested experience with the latest advancements in concrete sensor technology—offering attendees a rare look into both the practical realities and the future of concrete strength testing.

👷‍♂️ Meet the Panelists: Grounded Experience Meets Game-Changing Innovation

Ross Armstrong has over 30 years of experience managing quality control across some of the most demanding projects in the Mid-South. With certifications in concrete testing from more than eight states and leadership roles at several major ready-mix companies, Ross is widely regarded as a go-to expert for navigating DOT compliance, field performance, and high-stakes QC/QA decisions. His approach is practical, detail-oriented, and focused on what actually works in the field.

Joe Turek, President and COO of Wavelogix, brings a background in engineering, manufacturing, and sensor technology. With five patents and deep expertise in electronics and data systems, Joe helped pioneer the REBEL® Concrete Strength Sensing System—a patented, real-time alternative to traditional concrete maturity and break testing methods.

Together, they unpacked what it really takes to deliver consistent, durable concrete in today’s fast-moving construction environment.

🧱 The Problem: Legacy Testing Creates Delays, Costs, and Risk

During the webinar, Ross walked through several examples of the day-to-day challenges QC professionals face on job sites, ranging from inconsistent break results to the pressure of meeting deadlines without cutting corners.

He explained how cylinder testing, though long considered standard practice, often leaves too much room for error: results can vary widely, testing requires waiting 7–28 days, and any deviation can result in costly delays or rework.

Joe built on this by outlining how traditional strength testing methods are often labor-intensive and reactive. He described how these legacy approaches can limit decision-making and slow down timelines for roadwork, bridge construction, and precast operations.

📡 The Solution: Real-Time Strength Monitoring with REBEL®

The conversation then shifted to how new technology is stepping in to solve old problems. Joe introduced the REBEL® Concrete Strength Sensor System, which uses acoustic resonance and temperature data to monitor strength in real-time, up to 56 days or more.

Highlights of the system include:

• No Calibration Needed: Unlike maturity methods, REBEL doesn’t require preset mix-specific curves.
• AASHTO T 412 Compliant: Aligned with the latest industry standards and recently adopted by the Massachusetts DOT.
• Wireless, Durable, and Easy to Deploy: Simply strap it to rebar or drop it on a roadbed. Data is transmitted automatically to the cloud via the REBEL data logger.
• Lower Variability: Testing shows that REBEL data is more consistent than data from cylinder, beam, or core tests.
• Accelerated Timelines: With real-time data, QC teams can strip forms, open traffic lanes, or ship precast units earlier, with confidence.

🧠 Lessons from the Field: Ross’s Take on Sensor Integration

Ross offered valuable insights on how technology like REBEL is being incorporated into real-world QC operations. He spoke candidly about the need for data that is both reliable and intuitive, especially when managing multiple projects, DOT specs, and weather conditions.

According to Ross, sensors like REBEL don’t replace experience; they enhance it. By providing continuous data, they give QC professionals more visibility and control, especially when timing is critical. He emphasized how the system can act as a second set of eyes, giving his team greater peace of mind when making key decisions.

💡 Key Takeaways for Contractors, DOTs, and Producers

• Real-Time Strength Data is the Future: It’s faster, more precise, and aligns with evolving DOT standards.
• Sensor Technology Can Reduce Risk: When used correctly, it allows teams to act sooner and avoid costly errors.
• Partnerships Matter: Tools like REBEL are most effective when paired with deep field knowledge from experienced QC professionals like Ross Armstrong.

🚀 What’s Next? Join the Movement Toward Smarter Concrete

If you missed the live session, don’t worry. We’re committed to continuing this conversation and helping our partners explore the tools that are transforming concrete construction.

📩 Want a link to the recording? Email us at sales@wavelogix.tech
📅 Ready for a demo? Book a meeting with our team

At Wavelogix, we’re proud to work with professionals like Ross Armstrong who bring integrity, curiosity, and proven leadership to our industry. With REBEL® and the insights of experts in the field, we’re paving the way for a stronger, smarter future in concrete.

Contact us if you'd like to speak more or see how our product can help your team.