A lot depends on the strength development of concrete on a construction site. Weather and temperature conditions can have a massive influence on the progress of construction work. In this context, the maturity method represents an important procedure for determining the compressive strength. By using it correctly, you can make many relevant decisions more reliably and quickly. Do heating devices need to be installed to accelerate maturity? Or are cooling measures even required to prevent cracks and other defects?
In this article, we’ll explain how to use the maturity method on your jobsite to determine the right time for stripping, scheduling re-formwork, or traffic clearances.
You first need to create a maturity curve that shows the correlation between maturity and strength development. Sensors that measure the temperature directly in the concrete and transmit it directly to software provide significant support in this process.
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1. Determine measuring points
Which points in the concrete should be monitored? You should think about this carefully at the very beginning. The most unfavorable points, such as sections near the surface, shaded areas, points where it is affected by environmental conditions, are the most important to consider.
2. Attach temperature sensors
Fix the sensors with cable ties and make sure that they do not move out of position even if they are under load.
3. Make the connection
The temperature sensors automatically establish contact with the user portal in the cloud.
4. Start concrete casting
When all the basics are met, you can pour the concrete.
5. Calculate the degree of maturity
Enter the parameters into the software so that the appropriate maturity functions can be applied to the recorded hydration temperature.
How does the maturity calculation work? We have compiled the most common methods for you.
6. Determine the strength on the spot
Using the maturity curve from steps 1 through 5, you can estimate the strength development at the site. To do this, draw a vertical line upward until you reach the maturity curve. Then connect the point with a horizontal line to the left. Here you can then read the corresponding strength.
Our example shows:
If the maturity of the structure is 10 hours at 20 degrees Celsius, the corresponding strength at the site is 25 MPa.
Here's how ConcR makes determining maturity easier for you
With ConcR’s concrete monitoring system, you can make steps 5 and 6 much more efficient. That’s because instead of performing the records manually, the proprietary software does the job for you. So avoid possible sources of error and save time:
- You only determine the desired maturity function. ConcR then calculates the running time and the associated strength automatically.
- There is also no need for tedious documentation: all information is stored in the cloud and can be accessed from any internet-enabled device. You don’t even have to be on site to do this.
- Instead of constantly checking the values, you can also set the system to automatically inform you when certain target values are reached.
Did you know that ConcR also has reusable sensors for concrete monitoring in its range with the R series? Our online store shows you both models.
