The Effect of Cement Mortar Recipe on Early Age Strength Development

Abstract

The paper summarises the results of experimental analysis focused on the maturity method. The method is used to determine the early-age compressive strength of concrete on a construction site to optimise the construction process. All presented calibration curves of different recipes were determined experimentally. Comparison of calibration curves shows effects of specific changes in the recipe on early-age compressive strength development of cement mortar. Investigated changes in the recipe are the following: use of different cement types from different sources, amount of cement, water-cement ratio, used fine aggregates, admixtures and additions. Besides mentioned comparison, the topic of accuracy and deviations is included. Deviations were investigated by repeated determination of calibration curves at a specific time after the creation of the first batch of the calibration curves. The experience acquired during cement mortar experimental analysis will be later used in upcoming experiments at a concrete supplier with different concrete recipes.