Maturity of Concrete: Method for Predicting Early-Stage Strength

Various expressions of maturity of concrete are studied with particular regard to the influence of temperature. A parabolic maturity function is proposed that is materially identical to one based on the Aarrhenius equation of reaction rate. The applicability of various maturity functions as well as strength-maturity equations are reviewed by analyzing a series of published data. It is concluded that the maturity concept may serve as an effective means of predicting the early-stage strength of in situ concrete in spite of its inherent limitations. The principle and performance of a commercial maturity meter, which is based on the evaporation of liquid are examined.