ACCIONA operates aggregate and concrete plants for its own construction works where aggregate quality control is currently done through manual sampling and laboratory batch testing. This means that results are not available in real time and depend on each project’s specific requirements, with turnaround times that can reach up to a week. This limitation in continuous process control can generate inefficiencies and coordination challenges between the plant and the work site.

The integration of technologies such as computer vision cameras or real-time analysis systems allows operations and communication between the plant and the construction site to be optimised.

Dynamic adjustment of dosing based on the actual properties of the aggregates enables process and resource optimisation, with the potential to reduce energy use, binder content, and additives.

Moreover, having reliable and detailed batch information supports greater incorporation of recycled materials, improving the use of recycled aggregates and reclaimed asphalt (RA).

ACCIONA is launching this challenge to seek solutions for implementing a continuous, real-time quality control system based on digital image capture and processing.

The solutions should enable:

• Analysis of grain size and particle morphology

• Inclusion of analysis modules that extract geometric and morphological metrics

In particular, solutions that can characterise the granulometric distribution, flake index, and fracture faces — to support decision-making and optimise the production process — will be valued.