Concrete is a reliable and durable material used in construction projects worldwide. However, many people lack knowledge about the required sampling and testing processes. This is where the concrete cube test comes in, as it certifies concrete as compliant and gives customers confidence in its quality.
The primary reason for the test is to ensure the safety and reliability of the concrete. Failure to test could result in more expenses down the line when asked to prove its compliance with British Standards.
Before you pour the concrete into the moulds a release oil is used to ensure it's easy to remove the concrete cube once curing is finished. Scoop the concrete into the mould in three equal layers, compacting each layer using a compacting rod. Tap the mould with a hammer to remove trapped air, then level off the mixture, vibrate it until all surface bubbles are removed, and label each mould for easy identification.
Cover the cubes with a damp cloth and a plastic sheet and store them in a dry place at a temperature of 15-25 degrees. Between 16-72 hours later, the concrete should be removed from the moulds and placed into a curing tank, where the cubes hydrate properly. Monitor and record the temperature daily.
The cubes should be tested at 7 and 28 days, with one cube tested at 7 days and two cubes tested at 28, unless specified. Remove the cube from the curing tank, dry it, remove all grit, and use a calibrated compression machine to test it. The machine exerts a progressively stronger force onto the cube until it fails, with the rate of loading at failure indicating the maximum strength of the concrete. The minimum acceptable strength will have been given by the client or designer beforehand.
Overall, the concrete cube test is crucial in determining the strength of your concrete or whether it is suitable for use at all. As there are many uses for concrete, it's important to know the quality of your mixture. PALMIX Concrete provides leading concrete services for domestic, commercial and agricultural customers so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to know more.
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