Evaluation of Concrete Compressive Strength Prediction Using the Maturity Method Incorporating Various Curing Temperatures and Binder Compositions

Abstract

This study aims to systematically analyze the effects of different curing temperatures, unit binder content, and the mixture ratios of ground granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash based on ordinary Portland cement in binders on the development of concrete compressive strength. Particularly, the study evaluates strength characteristics by calculating the maturity equivalent to 28 days of curing at 20 °C. A model based on the relationship between maturity and strength was applied to predict the compressive strength, and the experimental data were analyzed to derive strength coefficients for each variable. The results showed that at a low temperature of 5 °C, the actual strength was lower than the predicted strength, leading to higher error rates. In contrast, at temperatures of 20 °C and 40 °C, the coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.90) for the predictive equation was high, and the error rates were reduced to within 10%. The study demonstrates that by combining the maturity method with the strength–maturity relationship, the concrete compressive strength can be effectively predicted under specific curing and binder design conditions.