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Concrete testing methods di er from place to place and each country has their own speci cations that must be
followed. While engineers and project managers in America adhere to the American Standard Testing Method
(ASTM) C39 / C39M , Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens, those
residing in Britain adhere to the standard BS EN 12390, Testing hardened concrete, Compressive strength of test
specimens, outlined by the British Standards Institute.
Fresh Concrete:
BS EN 12350-1:2019 – Sampling
BS EN 12350-2:2019 – Testing Fresh Concrete, Slump Test
BS EN 206:2013+A1:2016 – Concrete. Speci cation, performance, production and conformity
Hard Concrete:
BS EN 12390-1:2012 – Shape, dimensions and other requirements for specimens and moulds
BS EN 12390-2:2019 – Making and Curing Specimens for Strength Test
BS EN 12390-3:2019 – Compressive Strength of Test Specimens
BS EN 12390-4:2019 – Compressive Strength – Speci cation of Test Machines
This breaks down as the load applied at the point of failure to the cross-section area of the face on which the
load was applied.
Performing a test for the compressive strength of a concrete cube consists of a few steps. First o , the concrete
being tested is poured into a mould meeting the size requirements mentioned above — 150 x 150 x 150mm.
Second, the concrete is appropriately tempered to remove any voids or gaps in the concrete. Then, after 24
hours of curing, the test specimens are removed from the forms and put into curing baths to regulate the curing
period. Once the specimens have been cured for the duration outlined in the project speci cations, the surface
of the specimens is made smooth and even. The specimen is then put into a compressive strength testing
machine and gradually put under load at the rate of 140 kg/cm2 per minute until the specimen fails. While tests
are required in the project speci cations to ensure the safety of your concrete element, concrete cube tests can
be time consuming and can delay your project timeline.
If you regularly use concrete cube testing, you may be used to the patience it requires, and the delays from
third-party. The reality is, those delays can be costly and are no longer necessary. The methodology behind the
concrete cube test has been used on jobsites since the 19th century. Despite that, little to no progress has been
made to speed up the testing process. However, thanks to innovative technology and research, there are other
ways to test the strength of your concrete that don’t include destructive methods.
See how you can improve your concrete testing with SmartRock and SmartRock® Plus.
Giatec Scienti c
Ottawa-based company, Giatec Scienti c Inc., is revolutionizing the
construction industry by bringing smart concrete testing technologies
and real-time data collection to the forefront of every jobsite. Learn
more about Giatec Scienti c Inc Mission and Core Values, or read
more about Giatec Scienti c's Line of Products. We are bringing
long-overdue change to a conservative industry by addressing the
current challenges in concrete testing, analysis, design, and
production. Click the following links to learn more about Giatec
Scienti c's Management Team and Research and Development
Team.
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2 Responses
Please give me some idea of when cubes must be taken on site and when not. I would be very grateful for your
advice. Are cube samples necessary for all types of foundation? ie.piles, strip footings,ground beams,pads,rafts etc etc.
Likewise for ground supported slabs, concrete frame elements ie. Columns,beams and upper floors. Also concrete
solid walls. I was told cubes are not necessary for all such elements. Is that correct please. I am a student and will soon
join a national contractor. I may be using your services in the near future. Regards, Nick.
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