Using the concrete maturity meter for QA/QC; executive summary

The chief objectives of this research project were to evaluate the concrete maturity method as a quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) tool for Pennsylvania highway concrete structures, and to provide protocol and specifications for use based on the evaluation. The concrete maturity method is a form of nondestructive testing that is used to estimate the strength of concrete structures based on the monitored temperature history. Representative concrete cylinders fabricated and cured with the product are time-consuming to make and do not always attain the same strengths as the product because of probable temperature history differences. By accepting the maturity method into practice, the number of companion cylinders cured with the product can be reduced. A pier, a bridge deck, and a pavement slab with mixtures containing approximately 35% ground granulated blast furnace slag (as a replacement of total cementitious material) were investigated and three separate maturity-recording devices were evaluated. Based on the findings of the case studies and a review of the literature, recommendations and a proposed protocol dealing with the use of maturity were developed and are included in this report. The current state of national Department of Transportation progress dealing with the maturity concept is also provided.