This practice can be used to estimate the in-place strength of concrete to allow the start of critical construction activities such as: (1) removal of formwork and reshoring; (2) post-tensioning of tendons; (3) termination of cold weather protection; and (4) opening of roadways to traffic.

This practice can be used to estimate strength of laboratory specimens cured under non-standard temperature conditions.

The major limitations of the maturity method are: (1) the concrete must be maintained in a condition that permits cement hydration; (2) the method does not take into account the effects of early-age concrete temperature on the long-term strength; and (3) the method needs to be supplemented by other indications of the potential strength of the concrete mixture.

The accuracy of the estimated strength depends, in part, on using the appropriate maturity function for the particular concrete mixture. Annex A1 provides a procedure for determining experimentally the best parameters (datum temperature or value of Q) for the maturity functions described in Section 6.