Ensuring that concrete strength meets or exceeds project specifications is a critical task for construction teams. Many construction teams are now implementing maturity to assess the strength of in-place concrete. Applying this method can give them a more comprehensive look at what is going on with in-place concrete and can potentially help them accelerate construction schedules. Companies like Engineering Consulting Services (ECS), offer services related to implementing maturity that include building maturity curves and using maturity to estimate in-place concrete strength.
Read our companion post on how to create and validate a concrete maturity curve
ECS Southwest LLP is an Austin-based subsidiary of ECS, a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting fields. ECS strives for success by implementing sound solutions that fit their clients’ needs. One such solution, implemented by ECS Austin branch Construction Materials Department Manager Tyler Olfers, is using the maturity method to estimate early-age, in-place concrete strength to potentially fast-track construction schedules. Tyler has experience with using the maturity method for estimating in-place concrete strength on several commercial high-rise construction projects in the Austin area. We asked Tyler about implementing maturity and using COMMAND Center™.
Do you recommend maturity, or do your customers ask for it?
“A little of both. Some clients request it while other times we may suggest it. It is especially handy when the project team seems stuck trying to figure out how they can improve the progress of construction. It serves as a benefit to be able to suggest maturity testing.”
Is the Process of Constructing a maturity curve Difficult?
“Initially the process seems daunting, but it is really a very simple process, especially with COMMAND Center™. It does the hard work for you.”
Why do you have to develop a maturity curve?
“It is required by the testing standard (ASTM International C 1074) and provides the data statistics which contribute to the strength correlation during construction.”
Do you implement the curve or just provide a curve report?
“Mostly, we implement the curve. Only on one occasion have we provided a curve for others to use.”
The Merits of Measuring Concrete Strength with a Maturity Curve
Implementing the maturity method to estimate in-place concrete strength can be a benefit on projects where there is a need to improve or fast-track construction schedules. ECS, and companies like ECS, support the use of maturity when it is appropriate and done correctly. Most offer services that include building curves and implementation on projects. When they do, COMMAND Center™ is at the top of their list of options as a tool for building maturity curves and estimating in-place concrete strength.
COMMAND Center™ features include a maturity curve wizard that enables users to enter break data and automatically calculate maturity. Once a curve is developed, the user can input maturity data into projects on the COMMAND Center™ app and readily see in-place concrete strength from temperature history data collected by the COMMAND Center™ sensors. For more information on COMMAND Center™, request a demo.
Request a Demo today to learn how COMMAND Center™ makes it easy to assess concrete strength and create maturity curves.
