Abstract: Real strength parameters of full-graded aggregate concrete are a basic condition for accurate analysis on the working behaviors of a dam structure. This paper describes a method for determining the real strength of full-graded low-heat cement concrete. In this method, we examine the strength test results of natural-cured cast-in-site dam concrete by the maturity method, and determine a strength conversion relationship between full-graded concrete and wet-sieved concrete. Then, an equation is obtained for predicting the strength of wet-sieved concrete through strength tests of the concrete cured in the environmental chamber under constant temperatures. Finally, we establish a real strength prediction equation using the conversion relationship already determined. Verification and application results show that the prediction equation meets the practical engineering needs of dam construction, and that relative to traditional methods, it provides calculations closer to the real strength parameters of full-graded low-heat cement concrete.

Key words: low-heat cement, concrete, full-graded, strength, maturity