Predicition of concrete compressive strength

A compressive strength of concrete is considered as its basic material property. The conventional practice is that other mechanical and physical properties are brought into correlation with the compressive strength. Therefore, the prediction of compressive strength has always been of the greatest importance. A number of models for the prediction of compressive strength have been developed. Generally, these models could be divided into three groups: 1. Models which predict the compressive strength of concrete after 28 days or an ultimate compressive strength for concrete of a certain composition. Concrete is assumed as a composite combined of cement, water, aggregate and air. 2. Models which predict the development of compressive strength with time from a moment of casting. In these models concrete is considered homogenous. They are based on the experimentally obtained correlation for concrete of a certain composition (e.g. maturity method). 3. Models where concrete is considered as a composite and, on the basis of its composition (w/c ratio, type of cement, type and packing density of aggregate), the compressive strength of its constituents and degree of the hydration time development of the compressive strength are predicted. This paper presents an overview of the models for concrete compressive strength prediction.