Complex Maturity Method for Estimating the Concrete Strength Based on Curing Temperature, Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This paper presents a complex maturity method taking into account the influence of ambient temperature, relative humidity. I recommend rejecting the paper because it needs new experiments:

1. The method is not sufficiently well explained. It is not explained how the maturity of i parameter is calculated, it is only indicated that by analogy with equation (1). But in (1) neither the r ambient temperature nor relative humidity appears.
2. Table 1 is empty. It could help to understand the method to provide it filled in with the data of the unique case studied. The maturity results of the different parameters are not even provided in graphs.
3. The method has only been checked with one concrete batch. It seems a clearly insufficient number to assess the validity of the proposed method. In the batch studied, in some cases, internal temperatures are reached below 0ºC, this fact could freeze water in pores and cause resistance losses.
4. Figure 3. C-days is ºC-days.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your comments.

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Only one type of concrete mix was considered for the study. Please include a discussion related to the effects of the type of concrete mixtures (aggregate gradations, cement types, etc) on the proposed method.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your comments.

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

The manuscript entitled "Complex maturity method for estimating the concrete strength based on curing temperature, ambient temperature, and relative humidity" by Yelbek Utepov, Aniskin Aleksej, Assel Tulebekova, Aliya Aldungarova, Shyngys Zharassov, and Assel Sarsembayeva involves the development of a complex maturity method for estimating the concrete strength. The proposed method takes into account the essential external and internal parameters- curing temperature, ambient temperature, and relative humidity.  The article is well structured and the results are clearly presented.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your comments.

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 4 Report

Congratulations to the authors of an interesting work, the aim of which is a comprehensive method of assessing the maturation of concrete based on the ambient temperature and humidity.

When analyzing the literature, it should be emphasized that the main parameter in the calculations is the internal temperature of the concrete that accumulates during the chemical reaction of concrete maturation, while external factors such as ambient temperature and relative humidity are wrongly ignored. In the reviewed article, a complex maturation method was developed based on ASTM C1074, taking into account the influence of ambient temperature and relative humidity as well as coefficients indicating their influence on weight.

It should be emphasized that thanks to the determination of composite maturity, we can assess the current state of concrete strength and, above all, shorten the waiting time for concrete maturation and increase the economic effect during construction.

The obtained research results have a positive impact on the development of the research area in question, which is why, in my opinion, the article is suitable for publication in this journal.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your comments.

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 5 Report

This is an interesting manuscript focused on the assessment of the curing process of concrete. It proposes a new method that provides advantages above existing methods and is suitable for the journal. I find that the provided data and experimental design is right but the manuscript needs some improvements before publication. Although the body of the text is mostly ok, I provide some suggestions for major changes that would improve the work.

1. I find that when he authors cite a reference provide just the reference number. I prefer to read the format with the main author (et al.) and the reference number ( e.g. Author et al. [1]) because this is more helpful to find and remember the references when reading the text. Please, change this format in the text body.
2. One of the key points of the work is the explanation of the method and equations in the section 2. Some of the equations and parameters used are not clear in the present format. For instance, what is Mc? There is the parameters AT and ARH in the equations? Please, check all this section and be careful to explain clearly all the parameters. This is crucial to understand the work and to apply the authors proposed method.
3. In lines 101-102 the authors refer to the “logarithmic dependence for the strength gain curve.” It will be useful to use a figure here and refer to that figure.
4. It is necessary to provide a minimum description of the used equipment for the performed tests: type and model of sclerometer? Device used for compressive strength tests?
5. Line 151: the authors refer to “a certain type of concrete”. What type of concrete? Please, specify and/or provide reference)
6. In the figures 5a and 5b, please, use the same X cale (number of days).
7. In figures 6 and 7 please, use the same Y scale and X scale in figs 6b and 7. Also provide a better explanation of the legend of the figures.
8. In the figure 10, please provide a better explanation of the legend (What is GOST 20280, GOST 2269, …??
9. In the figure 11 the coefficients and lines of each type of data are not clear. Please, clarify.

 

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your comments.

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 5 Report

The manuscript can be accepted for publication