Experiment No.

12: Determination of Compressive Strength of Concrete Hollow Blocks

Discussion

Hollow masonry units of Portland cement and sand, gravel, or other suitable aggregate are termed
concrete blocks. Concrete blocks are used for interior and exterior bearing and nonbearing walls,
partitions, and backing.

The weight, color, and texture of concrete block depend largely on the type of aggregate used in its
manufacture. Block made with sand and gravel or crushed rock weights 40 to 50 lb (18.1 kg to 20.4 kg)
per 8” x 8” x 16” (203 x 203 x 406 mm) unit. These blocks are strong and durable, with a low absorption
rate. Lightweight blocks are produced as non-load-bearing units, for use as backup walls, or as load-
bearing units, for use as the finished surface of both interior and exterior walls.

Standard concrete hollow blocks have the typical light-gray color of concrete. Colored blocks may be
made with naturally colored aggregates or by including inert pigments in the concrete mix.

Lightweight concrete block is used where a lightweight material with good strength and high insulating
or acoustical qualities desired. Its use also simplifies the attachment of finish materials or accessories to
structural wall, in that common nail can be driven into the block.

Objective: To determine the compressive strength of concrete hollow block.

Apparatus:

1. Compression Machine

Procedure:

1. Place the bottom of the concrete hollow block on a compression block made of 1-inch thick plywood.
Place another 1-inch thick plywood on top of the concrete hollow block.

2. Apply the compression load slowly until failure is attained and record the reading. Take note of the
appearance of the concrete hollow block as well as the type of failure that will occur.

3. Test a total of three hollow blocks for each batch.

Calculation:

Compressive Strength (CS) = P/A

Where:

CS = compressive strength of the specimen, psi (KN/m3)

P = maximum load, lb (KN)
A = cross-sectional area of the specimen, inches (m2)
Conclusion:

I conclude that I learned how to determine the compressive strength of concrete hollow block.

Data: