Prediction of 28-day compressive strength of high-slag concrete by establishing accelerated oven curing regimes for rapid quality control

High slag concrete (HSC) offers substantial benefits in terms of durability and reduced carbon footprint, but its late strength gains delay accurate 28-day strength prediction from early strength. This study aims to develop accelerated oven curing regimes to predict the 28-day compressive strength of HSC accurately. The research focuses on the fundamental question of whether the application of accelerated curing at specific temperatures would help estimate HSC’s long-term strength. To achieve this, a series of concrete specimens were subjected to accelerated oven curing at 50 °C and 70 °C. The compressive strength development was observed and correlated with standard curing conditions. Additionally, the hydration kinetics of the cementitious paste under these elevated temperatures were examined by using the isothermal calorimetry method. This research will produce a predictive model correlating accelerated curing data with 28-day strength. The findings of this study will provide a reliable method for estimating the strength of HSC at an early age, enabling more efficient construction planning.