This practice can be used to estimate the in-place strength of concrete to allow the start of critical construction activities such as: (1) removal of formwork and reshoring; (2) post-tensioning of tendons; (3) termination of cold weather protection; and (4) opening of roadways to traffic.

This practice can be used to estimate strength of laboratory specimens cured under non-standard temperature conditions.

The major limitations of the maturity method are: (1) the concrete must be maintained in a condition that permits cement hydration; (2) the method does not take into account the effects of early-age concrete temperature on the long-term strength; and (3) the method needs to be supplemented by other indications of the potential strength of the concrete mixture.

The accuracy of the estimated strength depends, in part, on using the appropriate maturity function for the particular concrete mixture. Annex A1 provides a procedure for determining experimentally the best parameters (datum temperature or value of Q) for the maturity functions described in Section 6.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice provides a procedure for estimating concrete strength by means of the maturity method. The maturity index is expressed either in terms of the temperature-time factor or in terms of the equivalent age at a specified temperature.

1.2 This practice requires establishing the strength-maturity relationship of the concrete mixture in the laboratory and recording the temperature history of the concrete for which strength is to be estimated.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (WarningFresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure. )

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field

C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens

C78 Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading)

C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)

C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory

C403/C403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resistance

C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes

C684 Test Method for Making, Accelerated Curing, and Testing Concrete Compression Test Specimens

C803/C803M Test Method for Penetration Resistance of Hardened Concrete

C873/C873M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Concrete Cylinders Cast in Place in Cylindrical Molds

C900 Test Method for Pullout Strength of Hardened Concrete

C918/C918M Test Method for Measuring Early-Age Compressive Strength and Projecting Later-Age Strength

Keywords

in-place strength; maturity method; nondestructive testing; temperature; Cold-weather concrete; Concrete; Concrete strength; Field testing--concrete/aggregates; Flexural testing--concrete; Formwork removal; In-place strength; Maturity method; Nondestructive evaluation (NDE)--concrete/masonry; Post-tensioning of tendons; Removal of forms; Reshoring; Sensors; Strength--cement/concrete mixtures/applications; Temperature tests; Temperature-time factor;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.100.30 (Concrete and concrete products)

Citing ASTM Standards

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