Methodology

Based on the article that we have analyse, to make sure that the concrete is in the good
condition and achieve its peak strength is by using curing method. There are several types of
curing that can be used which are ponding, wet-covering, sprinkling, plastic sheet, cubes left
uncured for two days before curing and totally uncured types which is open air types. The
most type that have been used widely is ponding in the contact of to maintain the concrete
strength. Ponding curing method only can be used on the horizontal/flat surface, for example
concrete slab, where the water can maintain on the top of the concrete formwork after
casting. Concrete structure should undergo curing period, minimum for 7 days or 70% of
compressive strength or the flexural strength is achived and 28days for maximum period of
time. In curing process, the cube were fully submerged in water. In other to avoid thermal
stress which will result to cracking, the curing water should be preserved at a constant
temperature which is -24°C to 30° C. Once the cubes finished the curing process, the cubes
can be tested for its strength by testing on compressive strength and flexural strength by using
Universal Testing Machine(UTM).

Results and Findings

On the other analysis, from the data obtained on compressive strength after 28 days, its is
relying on the the aggregate size too. Figure 1 shows that on 28days of the curing, it was
observed that compressive strenght of the concrete increase relatively with increase in coarse
aggregate size from 13.2mm to 19mm agregate size. According to the specification in
BS1881-116 (1983), compressive strength for 1:2:4 mix at 28days should not be less than 20
N/mm2.
Figure 1 : Variation of compressive strength with change in coarse aggregate size

The grading of the anggregates affects the strength of every structure. Hence for designing
structure that withstand huge load must take proper size of the aggregate so that the concrete
will produce high compressive strength.

The formula on compressive strength is calculated by compressive strength = Load/Area. The

compressive strenght of the concrete cubes cast with the three different aggregate were found
which has exceed the target mean strength after 7 days of curing. The different between this
aggregate are crushed granite, washed gravel and unwashed gravel.
Figure 2 : Variation of compressive strength with agregate type and age at curing.

Based on figure above, the crushed granite has been identified that contribute most to the
strength of the concrete and unwashed gravel give the lowest of compressive strength. For
fact, unwashed gravel contains of dirt of clay, silts and humus which may weaken the
concrete strength. Same goes to the washed gravel and its still weak in strength due to the
micro fibre coatings of silt, clay and humus which deterrents to the development of concrete
strength. This further supports the opinion of Bloem and Gaynor, 1963[1] that says that the
cleaner the aggregates, the better the strength performance. Indeed cleanliness is an important
factor in concrete strength development. For crushed granite, its is cleaned from any surface
coating has high in surface area hence strongthen the cement-aggregate bond causing stronger
concrete strength.

Conclusion
To conclude, all parameters remaining identical, concrete compression strength will be higher
for concrete made using fine aggregates having lesser finer fines, aggregates having
maximum aggregate size, aggregates having rounded shape and/or aggregates having less
porosity/ having density.

From this result, there are 4 days were selected which is 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and 28
days. The reason why 4 days were selected to ensure that the concrete is properly hardened.
Sometime inside the cube is not easily to harden because it still have water inside and take
time to complete harden. This can be prove by see the result, the more time taken for curing,
the more compressive strength of the cube.

To determine either the concrete strong or weak based on material make it. If the concrete
makes it from strong material and follow the ratio of material properly, the concrete is in a
strong condition and high of strength. Another way to make sure the concrete in high of
strength by compact the mortal perfectly to ensure void inside it can be release from it.

Reference

1.Harianto Hardjasaputra, Joey Tirtawijaya, Gino P. Ng, Selvira Ayuningtias, Civil

Engineering Department, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia (2017).

https://www.google.com/url?
sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82145751.pdf&ved=2ahUKE
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2.Tan Jian An, Bachelor of Civil Engineering University Malaysia Pahang (2010).

https://www.google.com/url?
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3. Elsevier Ltd. (2015). https://www.google.com/url?

sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.matec-
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4. BS 1881-108 (1983): “ Method for making test cubes from fresh concrete”. British
Standard Institution, London.

5. BS 1881-116 (1983): “ Method for determining compressive strength”. British Standard

Institution, London