Cube test

To determine the strength of concrete

Material/ Equipment:

-        Concrete cube mould of size 150mm or 100mm with steel base

-        Compacting rod

-        Compression test machine

Procedures

1.       Mould and base plate is cleaned and applied with oil to prevent concrete from sticking to the sides of cube. Base plate is attached to mould by using bolt and nut

 

2.       The cube is filled with concrete in three layers

3.       Each layer is compacted 25 times (depends on batching plant). Compaction is done uniformly to all surface of the concrete

4.       The surface of the concrete is smoothened same level with upper side of the mould.

5.       It is then covered with plastic cover for 24 hours before mould dismantle

6.       After remoulding, the cubes are submerged in water for curing.

7.       Compression strength test must be carried out for concrete age 7, 14, 28 days

Result

-        The strength value of each cube must be recorded and compared with target strength value.

-        The purpose of carry out test on 7^th and 14^th day to predict whether concrete could achieve targeted 28^th day strength. Normally, concrete acquired 70% strength on 7^th day.