Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No.

13

INTRODUCTION

Compressive strength, a fundamental material property, defines a concrete's

ability to withstand compressive loads without cracking or deforming. Imagine

squeezing a sponge; the sponge compresses, its internal structure resisting the external

force. Similar to this, concrete under compression exhibits a reduction in volume, unlike

a material under tension, which elongates.

Quantifying this internal resistance is crucial for structural design. The

compressive strength formula, P/A, provides a single value representing the maximum

load (P) sustained by a concrete cylinder before failure, divided by its cross-sectional

area (A). This value essentially expresses the average pressure each unit area of the

cylinder can withstand before succumbing to the compressive force.

Concrete cylinder testing, a time-tested practice dating back over 180 years,

remains the go-to method for evaluating concrete strength. Performed on a

compression-testing machine, this test involves applying continuous load to a cylinder

until it breaks. The maximum load recorded becomes the key data point for calculating

the compressive strength.

Beyond mere evaluation, cylinder testing plays a vital role in quality control and

product acceptance within the construction industry. It ensures that delivered concrete

meets the project's specified strength requirements. This guarantees the structural

integrity of buildings, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, ensuring their ability to

carry design loads safely and reliably.

Furthermore, monitoring compressive strength helps detect potential issues early

on. Proper curing procedures, particularly maintaining consistent temperature and

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 13

humidity, are crucial for optimal strength development. Adherence to these prescribed

steps not only ensures accurate test results but also instills confidence in the quality and

durability of the final structure.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens such

as molded concrete cylinder.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 13

PROCEDURE

The following materials were used in doing the experiment:

1. Universal testing machine

2. Meter stick/Ruler

3. Cylindrical concrete specimen

The following procedures were used in doing the experiment:

1. Place the specimen vertically on the platform of the universal testing

machine. Uniform load application and distribution is facilitated by having

pad caps at the ends of the cylinders.

2. Before starting to apply the load, make sure that the loading platforms

touch the top of the cylinder.

3. Apply the load continuously and uniformly without shock and continue

the loading until the specimen fails.

Figure 1. Testing of cylindrical concrete specimen

4. Record the maximum load taken.

1.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 13

TEST RESULTS

Radius of Specimen, R (in) 3

Load at Failure, Q (lb-force) 12676.58

Compressive Strength, Cs (psi) 448. 34

Q 12676.58
Compressive Strength Calculation: C s= =
πR
2
π ¿¿

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

The compressive strength of a concrete cylindrical specimen with a radius of 3-in

was tested using a Universal Testing Machine. The maximum load at failure was

determined to be 12676.58 pounds-force. Using this data, the compressive strength

was calculated to be 448.34 pounds per square inches.

The compressive strength of concrete is an important measure of its ability to

withstand loads. It is typically determined by testing cylindrical specimens in a

compression testing machine. The machine applies a load to the specimen until it fails,

and the maximum load is then used to calculate the compressive strength.

The compressive strength test results shown above are indicative of a high-

quality concrete. This concrete would be suitable for use in a variety of structural

applications.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 13

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In this experiment, the compressive strength of a cylindrical concrete specimen

was determined. The test results showed that the compressive strength of a 6-in

diameter cylindrical concrete is 448.34 psi. This value suggests a relatively strong

concrete mix, suitable for various structural applications.

The compressive strength of concrete can vary depending on a number of

factors, including the type of cement used, the water-to-cement ratio, the aggregate size

and type, and the curing conditions. The concrete in this specimen appears to have a

relatively high compressive strength, which is likely due to the use of a high-quality

cement and a low water-to-cement ratio.

The compressive strength of concrete is important for a number of reasons. It is

used to design concrete structures, such as buildings, bridges, and dams. It is also used

to assess the quality of concrete, and to determine whether it meets the specifications

for a particular project.

To further improve the experiment, the following recommendations are

suggested:

1. Test additional specimens to provide valuable data for statistical

analysis and improve accuracy of results.

2. Compare the test results with relevant standards.

3. Conduct the experiment in a controlled environment with minimal

temperature and humidity fluctuations to avoid affecting the test results.