Activation Energy for the Concrete Maturity Model – Part 1: Compressive Strength Tests at Different Curing Temperatures

Abstract

The article addresses the modelling of the maturity of concrete. The apparent activation energy is the backbone of the Arrhenius model, which is typically used to model the maturity of concrete. The maturity (or the equivalent age) is influenced by the curing temperature and it is applied when modelling the hydration process and the hardening of concrete for instance in order to forecast the early-age strength to determine the time for removal of formwork or the time for prestressing. Part 1 of the article describes the background for the maturity model and the test series carried out at the DTI concrete lab.

Keywords

• activation energy
• maturity
• early-age strength
• curing