Estimation of in-situ compressive strength of concrete based on the maturity coefficient obtained from ambient temperature

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.

2 Associate Prof., Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil engineering and architecture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

3 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran .

4 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran.

10.22124/jcr.2026.31491.1717

Abstract

Non-destructive evaluation of concrete properties at early ages is critical to ensure adequate strength development for the continuation of construction activities. The maturity method is widely recognized as an effective tool for estimating compressive strength based on the temperature history of concrete hydration; however, its reliance on measuring in-situ concrete temperature using embedded instrumentation poses practical challenges on construction sites. This study aims to propose a simplified and more practical site-oriented approach by investigating the feasibility of substituting ambient temperature history for in-concrete temperature data in the maturity model. To this end, strength predictions obtained from the conventional maturity method were compared with those derived from the proposed ambient-temperature-based approach. Evaluations were conducted on concrete specimens at ages less than 28 days under two distinct environmental conditions, corresponding to hot and cold seasons. Quantitative results indicate that the maximum relative error in strength estimation using the proposed method was limited to 5% during the hot season and 10% during the cold season. Considering these relatively small deviations, it can be concluded that employing ambient temperature as the input parameter transforms the maturity method into a practical and cost-effective solution for estimating early-age concrete strength on site, while significantly reducing dependence on complex instrumentation.

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References

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