Theoretical Information

In general concrete cubes are far stronger than mortar cubes, due to the addiction
of gravel, adding strength to the block when a force concentrated on the area object
or sample becomes too large that it causes the object to start breaking down this is
called compressive strength. Strength of cement depends upon the correct mixture
and proportioning of aggregates. The Compressive strength of a concrete cube is
failure load (Lbs) divided by its area (inches2) or using the weight in Newtons and
divided this by area in meters squared (m2). The unit therefore for the compressive
strength is pounds per square inch (psi) or Newton meters (N/m2). Compressive
testing is done to ensure that the materials to be used in a researchers project are
suitable. In the field a specified strength f may be given to the researcher and to
suit this compressive test must be done on the materials to be used; the
compressive strength of the researchers materials should not fall 500psi below the
required strength, nor should it be more than 5000psi for that specified strength.

Materials
Portland type 1 cement
Water: source- tap
Sand
Stones /gravel
Furniture Oil- to lubricate moulds

Equipment
Stamping Rod
Electronic balance- Avery Berkel, model no. 6405, max- 30kg, min 100g, error5/log (value)
Moulds
Measuring cylinder- Jay Tec, 1000ml, BS 604, 20 C
Mixing Pan
Trowel
Compression testing machine

Experimental Procedure
1. A sample of sand stone/gravel and cement of fixed ratios was mixed (1, 2,
and 3 respectively).
2. Three moulds were prepared by cleaning and lubricating the inner surface
with oil.
3. The cement was placed in moulds of 3 layers; the layers were compacted by
tamping 25 times each to ensure compatibility.
4. The cubes were removed from the moulds after 24 hours. The moulds were
then submerged for seven (7) days
5. The moulds were weighed.
6. The dimensions of the mould were recorded and the volumes calculated.
7. The failure loads of the cubes were established by the use of compactiontesting machine.
8. For each cube the density and compressive strength was calculated and
recorded.

Experimental results

Block# Age

Dimensions Weight

Failure

(days) (inches)

(lbs)

load(lbs)

0.920

35000

2.75

kg/2.03lbs
2

2.75

0.910kg/2.01lbs 27000

2.75

0.920/2.03lbs

33000

Table 1: showing results for concrete cubes collected from compression tester.

Analysis of results
Compressive strength (C.S) = failure load (lbs) / cross sectional area of cube
(inches)
Volume of cube = length x width x breath (inches3)
Area of cube = length x width (inches2)
Density = mass/volume

Block# Compressive
strength of cement

density

Volume

(lbs/ft3)

(ft3)

Area (inhes2)

cubes(psi)
1

4605.3

1.2

1.75

7.6

3552.6

1.1

1.75

7.6

4342.1

1.2

1.75

7.6

Table 2: showing the results for mortar cube calculations

Discussion
These concrete blocks showed far stronger compression resistance than mortar
cubes. Each mould was given a day to harden and 7 days to cure. The compressive
strengths for cubes 1, 2 and 3 had varying results as no two blocks will be alike
due to varying air pockets, human error and packing of mould. The density of
each block varied but a correlative feature was observed , in that the higher the
density the greater the cubes resistance to force exerted by the compression
tester machine and this due to the greater compaction of the mortar cube (tighter
bonding) . The highest recorded compressive strength was obtained from block 1,
having a value of 4605.3 psi which also had the highest density value of 1.2.

Conclusion
The compressive strength of concrete blocks 1, 2 and 3 were determined to be
4605.3, 3552.6, and 4342.1.

References:
Concrete in practice, http://www.nrmca.org/aboutconcrete/cips/35p.pdf, date obtained
2013-11-07

Appendix

Figure 1: showing compression of cement block. Obtained 2013-10-31