Method and apparatus for measurement of maturity of concrete control combined effect of temperature and time in concrete hardening process

摘要

The method and apparatus for the measurement of maturity of concrete control the combined effect of temperature and time in the concrete hardening process. The process is based on the principle that the variation of the viscosity of liquids follows the same function as the hydration of the cement and consequently the maturity of the concrete. The apparatus indicates the maturity of the concrete at all times since it maintains the same temperature as the concrete. It is constituted by two reservoirs interconnected by a hole of adequate diameter, permitting passage of liquid by gravity. The volume of liquid in the lower reservoir, or alternatively the residual volume in the upper reservoir, duly graduated, indicates directly the value of maturity at all times. Alternatively, a graduated tube can be used with a specific liquid and an object immersed in the liquid in free fall. The fall of the object is controlled independently of the characteristics of the object by the fluidity of the liquid. The value of the maturity of the concrete is at all times indicated by the position of the object.