- Author
- Carino, N. J.
- Title
- Maturity Method. Chapter 5.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Book or Conf
- CRC Handbook on Nondestructive Testing of Concrete. Chapter 5, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, Malhotra, V. M.; Carino, N. J., Editors, 101-146 p., 1991
- Keywords
- concretes | temperature | curing agents | maturity | equivalent age | strength
- Abstract
- This chapter reviews the history and technical basis of the maturity method, a technique for estimating the strength gain of concrete based upon the measured temperature history during curing. The combined effects of time and temperature on strength gain are quantified by means of a maturity function. The widely used maturity functions are reviewed critically. It is shown that the traditional maturity function is inadequate compared with the function based upon the Arrhenius equation. The concept of equivalent age, which is the most convenient measure of maturity, is explained. The strength gain of a specific concrete mixture is estimated using the measured maturity and the strength vs. maturity relationship for that mixture. Various proposed strength-maturity relationships are reviewed. It is also explained why the maturity method can only be used reliably to estimate relative strength. Examples are presented to illustrate how this technique can be used in combintion with other in-place tests of cocnrete strength. The ASTM standard dealing with the method is also summarized.