Title: Generalization of the Abrams’ Law - Prediction of Strength Development of Concrete from Cement Properties

Author(s): Sandor Popovics

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 78

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 123-129

Keywords: age-strength relation; compressive strength; concretes; C3A; C3S; flexural strength; mix proportioning; models; portland cement compound composition; water-cement ratio.

DOI: 10.14359/6930

Date: 3/1/1981

Abstract:
The paper presents a generalized form of the well-known Abrams’ formula f = A/B”/c for the strength versus water-cement ratio re- lationship. This generalization permits the prediction of the strength development of concrete regardless of the fineness and composition (type) of the portland cement and the age of the concrete at testing within the limits of 1 day and 1 year. Formulas are offered for the estimation of the compressive and flexural strengths of concrete at any age within these time limits from the water-cement ratio as well as from the experimentally obtained l-day strengths. A rationale for the new formulas is also offered pointing out that they repre- sent a catalytic action by the C,A on the calcium silicates of the portland cement during the hardening. It is demonstrated that the average difference between the calculated and measured 28-day strengths is approximately 10 percent in most cases; that is, the new formulas are supported well by a wide range of experimental results.