Concrete Strength Prediction by the Maturity Method

In recent years many in-place strength determination methods have come into use. Of these methods, the maturity method has much promise. The maturity of concrete can be estimated by the Nurse-Saul equation. For the prediction test, a total of six different concrete mixes were made. Variables considered were water to cement ratio, source of aggregates and cement, size of aggregates, etc. Maturity value was monitored by a single in-put device, and by a sixchannel recorder. Concrete compressive strengths were determined from standard cylinders and cores. In-place compressive strength based upon the in-place maturity value was predicted and later compared with cores obtained from slabs cast from the same concrete. Other mechanical properties of concrete were also obtained and related with the maturity value. From a predetermined maturity-strength relationship, in-place compressive strength can be reliably predicted.