Laboratory Exercise No.

19
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMENS

INTRODUCTION

This laboratory exercise covers the determination of the unconfined compressive

strength of cylindrical concrete specimens. The test method consists of applying a
compressive axial load to concrete cylinders at a rate which is within a prescribed range
until failure occurs. The compressive strength of the specimen is calculated by dividing
the maximum load attained during the test by the cross-sectional area of the specimen.
The procedure is in accordance with ASTM C39, Standard Test Method for
Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.
Before concrete cylinders are subjected to testing, end capping must be made. This will
be made in accordance with ASTM C617, Standard Practice for Capping Cylindrical
Concrete Specimens.

CAPPING CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMENS

Apparatus

1. Capping apparatus (with plate and alignment device)

2. Melting pot
3. Scoop
4. Hair dryer
5. Fume hood (exhaust fan)

Materials

1. Moist cured concrete cylinders (Figure 19.1a)

2. Capping compound (sulfur powder, 34.5 MPa strength at 2 hours)

Procedure
1. Melt sulfur powder, with frequent stirring, in a pot by heating to about 130°C.
(Note: The flash point of sulfur mortar is approximately 225°C. So, avoid over-
heating.)
2. Oil the capping plate lightly.
3. Dry the ends of the concrete cylinders to avoid the formation of steam and foam
pockets in the caps.
4. Pour the molten sulfur powder (mortar) into the capping plate (Figure 19.1b).
5. Lower the one end specimen into the capping plate guided by the alignment bar
(Figure 19.1c). The alignment bar ensures that the axis of the specimen is

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 perpendicular to the plate. (Note: The molded end caps should have a minimum
thickness of 3 mm, but less than 8 mm.)

6. After the sulfur mortar has set, remove the specimen from the mold plate using a
slight twisting motion. Ensure that the capping is free of irregularities (Figure
19.1d).
7. Repeat this capping process for remaining ends of the specimen.
Note: Keep the specimen in a moist condition between the completion of capping
and the time of testing.

COMPRESSION TESTING OF CONCRETE CYLINDERS

Apparatus

Compression Test Machine

Compressometer

Materials

Capped cylindrical concrete specimens

Procedure

1. Remove the capped concrete cylinder from curing tank, moist room or cabinet.
(Note: Compression tests are made as soon as practicable after removal from
moist storage. The specimens are tested in this cured moist condition.)

2. Wipe clean the upper and lower platens of the compression testing machine.
Also, wipe clean both capped ends of the concrete cylinders.

3. Place the specimen on the center of the lower platen of the testing machine.

4. Align the central axis of the specimen with the center of the spherically seated
upper platen.

5. Carefully lower the upper platen to bear on the specimen. Ensure that the upper
platen uniformly seats on the specimen.

6. Attach compressometer for measurement of deformation.

7. Apply the load at a rate of 0.14 MPa to 0.34 MPa per second until failure. (Note:
The time to failure for 20.7 MPa (3000 psi) concrete is 1 to 2.5 minutes.)

8. Record the applied load (kN) and deformation at convenient intervals. Note the
type of failure and the appearance of the concrete (Figure 19.1).

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 Figure 19.1 Capping of Concrete Cylinders

a) Cured Cylinders b) Pouring of Sulfur mortar

c) Placement of Cylinder d) Capped Cylinder

on the Plate

Figure 19.2 Types and Appearance of Concrete Failures

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FINAL DATA SHEET

Table 19.1 Concrete Cylinder Properties

Sample Physical Properties

ID L (mm) d (mm) Mass (kG) Density (kg/m3)
C1
C2
C3
C4

Table 19.2 Compression Test Collected of Data

Reading Load, P (kN) Deformation,  (mm)

No. C1 C2 C3 C4 C1 C2 C3 C4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

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 Table 19.3 Calculated Strains and Stresses

Reading Strain,  (%) Stress,  (MPa)

No. C1 C2 C3 C4 C1 C2 C3 C4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Figure 19.3. Stress – Strain Diagram

Stress (MPa)

Strain (%)

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 Table 19.4. Summary of Properties for Concrete Cylinders
Maximum
Sample Density Compressive Modulus
Compressive
ID (kg/m3) of Elasticity (GPa)
Stress (MPa)
C1
C2
C3
C4

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 Name: Date Performed:

Course/Year: Instructor:

Laboratory Exercise No. 19

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMENS

PRELIMINARY DATA SHEET

Sample Physical Properties

ID L (mm) d (mm) Mass (kG) Density (kg/m3)
C1
C2
C3
C4

Maximum
Sample Density Compressive Modulus
Compressive
ID (kg/m3) of Elasticity (GPa)
Stress (MPa)
C1
C2
C3
C4

GROUP No. _________

Group Leader: __________________

Group Members: Signature:
1. _____________________ ____________
2. _____________________ ____________
3. _____________________ ____________
4. _____________________ ____________
5. _____________________ ____________
Approved by:
_____________________
(Instructor)