AUT Journal of Civil Engineering

AUT Journal of Civil Engineering

Evaluation of In-situ Concrete Strength using Maturity-Based Strength Modification Factor (SMF): A Field Study in Various Climatic Conditions

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
sasan motaghed 1
Amin Mashhadi 2
Abbas Hosseini 3
mohammad sadegh shahidzadeh 4
Hadi sayadpour 3
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran (*sasanmotaghed1@yahoo.com)
2 Faculty of Engineering, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran.
3 Department of Civil Engineering, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran
4 Faculty of Engineering, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran
10.22060/ajce.2026.24163.5924
Abstract
Accurate estimation of in-situ concrete compressive strength is vital for structural safety and optimizing construction schedules. However, significant discrepancies often exist between standard laboratory-cured specimens and actual field performance due to varying on-site temperature and curing conditions. This study proposes a practical approach to bridge this gap by employing the maturity method to derive a site-specific strength modification factor (SMF). The proposed method was rigorously validated using extensive data collected from five active construction sites in southern Iran, which encompassed a wide range of concrete mix designs and local climatic conditions. A total of twelve experimental series were conducted, directly comparing the compressive strength development of standard laboratory-cured specimens with companion field-cured samples at 7 and 28 days of age.The results establish a significant and quantifiable correlation between the calculated SMF and the ambient curing temperature. Specifically, the SMF at 7 days averaged 1.30 during colder seasons, indicating lower early strength in the field, and 0.86 during warmer seasons. By applying this temperature-dependent SMF to standard laboratory results, the mean prediction error for in-situ strength was substantially reduced from approximately 14% to less than 4%. These findings demonstrate that the SMF approach provides a reliable, quantitatively robust framework for adjusting controlled laboratory data to accurately reflect real-world curing environments. Consequently, this method offers a powerful tool for enhancing on-site quality control protocols and enabling safer, more efficient, and data-driven decisions regarding formwork removal and subsequent construction activities.
Keywords
Maturity method
Compressive strength
In-situ concrete
Environmental condition
Ambient temperature
Subjects
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AUT Journal of Civil Engineering
Volume 10, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 249-260