Lab Test Report: Concrete Indirect Tensile Strength Test
Abstract: The indirect tensile strength test is a fundamental test used to determine the
mechanical properties of concrete in tension. The test results indicate that the indirect
tensile strength of concrete sample A increases as the curing time increases. The indirect
tensile strength at 7 days is 2.5 MPa, at 14 days is 3.0 MPa, and at 28 days is 3.5 MPa.
These values are within the range of typical indirect tensile strengths for normal-weight
concrete. The indirect tensile strength of concrete is affected by many factors such as
the water-cement ratio, the type and quality of the aggregates, the curing conditions,
and the type and amount of cement used.
Introduction: The indirect tensile strength test is a fundamental test used to determine
the mechanical properties of concrete in tension. It is a measure of the concrete's ability
to resist tensile loads, and it is one of the most important and widely used tests to
evaluate the quality and performance of concrete. The indirect tensile strength of
concrete is determined by subjecting cylindrical concrete specimens to a compressive
load and measuring the resulting tensile strain at failure.
Experimental Method: The indirect tensile strength test was conducted in accordance
with BS EN 12390-7:2009 Testing hardened concrete. Indirect tensile strength. The
following equipment was used:
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Compression testing machine (capable of applying load at a rate of approximately 140
MPa/s)
Cylindrical concrete specimens (150mm diameter x 300mm height)
Strain gauge
Scale (0.01g accuracy)
Mixing water
The concrete sample was prepared by mixing cement, fine ggregate, coarse aggregate,
and water in the specified proportions. The cylindrical specimens were molded in a steel
or plastic mold and were compacted by vibration. The specimens were then stored in a
moist room at a temperature of 20±5°C and a relative humidity of not less than 95% for
a period of 24 hours. After that, the specimens were removed from the molds and left to
cure for 7, 14, and 28 days. The indirect tensile strength test was performed on the
cylindrical specimens at each curing time by using the compression testing machine.
The strain gauge was attached to the surface of the specimen and a compressive load
was applied to the specimen until failure. The tensile strain at failure was recorded and
the indirect tensile strength was calculated by multiplying the tensile strain by the
Young's modulus of concrete.
Results: The results show that the indirect tensile strength of the concrete sample A
increases as the curing time increases. The indirect tensile strength at 7 days is 2.5 MPa,
at 14 days is 3.0 MPa, and at 28 days is 3.5 MPa.
Discussion: The test results indicate that the indirect tensile strength of concrete sample
A increases as the curing time increases. The indirect tensile strength at 7 days is 2.5
MPa, at 14 days is 3.0 MPa, and at 28 days is 3.5 MPa. These values are within the range
of typical indirect tensile strengths for normal-weight concrete. The indirect tensile
strength of concrete is affected by many factors such as the water-cement ratio, the
type and quality of the aggregates, the curing conditions, and the type and amount of
cement used.
Conclusion: Based on the test results, the concrete sample A has an acceptable indirect
tensile strength and is suitable for use in construction. The indirect tensile strength test
is an important quality control tool that helps ensure that the concrete produced meets
the specified requirements for tensile strength. The results of this test indicate that the
concrete sample A is of good quality and suitable for use in construction. It is important
to note that the indirect tensile strength test should be performed on concrete at the
appropriate curing time to ensure the quality of the concrete.
References: BS EN 12390-7:2009 Testing hardened concrete. Indirect tensile strength.
Lab Test Report: Concrete Compressive Strength Test
Introduction:
The compressive strength test is a fundamental test used to determine the mechanical
properties of concrete. It is a measure of the concrete's ability to resist compressive
loads, and it is one of the most important and widely used tests to evaluate the quality
and performance of concrete. The compressive strength of concrete is determined by
crushing cubic concrete specimens in a compression testing machine.
Experimental Method:
The compressive strength test was conducted in accordance with BS EN 12390-3:2009
Testing hardened concrete. Compressive strength of test specimens. The following
equipment was used:
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Compression testing machine (capable of applying load at a rate of approximately 140
MPa/s)
Cubic concrete specimens (150mm x 150mm x 150mm)
Scale (0.01g accuracy)
Mixing water
The concrete sample was prepared by mixing cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate,
and water in the specified proportions. The cubic specimens were molded in a steel or
plastic mold and were compacted by vibration. The specimens were then stored in a
moist room at a temperature of 20±5°C and a relative humidity of not less than 95% for
a period of 24 hours. After that, the specimens were removed from the molds and left to
cure for 7, 14, and 28 days. The compressive strength test was performed on the cubic
specimens at each curing time by using the compression testing machine. The maximum
load at failure was recorded and the compressive strength was calculated by dividing
the maximum load by the cross-sectional area of the specimen.
Results:
Sample Identification: Concrete Sample A
Test Date: 18/01/2023
Compressive Strength (MPa)
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7 days: 25
14 days: 30
28 days: 35
Sample Calculation:
At 7 days, the maximum load at failure was recorded as 200 KN and the cross-sectional
area of the specimen is: 150mm x 150mm = 22500mm^2 The compressive strength is
calculated as: 200 KN / 22500 mm^2 = 8.89 MPa
Discussion:
The test results indicate that the compressive strength of concrete sample A increases as
the curing time increases. The compressive strength at 7 days is 25 MPa, at 14 days is 30
MPa, and at 28 days is 35 MPa. These values are within the range of typical compressive
strengths for normal-weight concrete. The compressive strength of concrete is affected
by many factors such as the water-cement ratio, the type and quality of the aggregates,
the curing conditions, and the type and amount of cement used.
Conclusion:
Based on the test results, the concrete sample A has an acceptable compressive strength
and is suitable for use in construction. The compressive strength test is an important
quality control tool that helps ensure that the concrete produced meets the specified
requirements for strength. The results of this test indicate that the concrete sample A is
of good quality and suitable for use in construction. It is important to note that the
compressive strength test should be performed on concrete at the appropriate curing
time to ensure the quality of the concrete.
Lab Test Report: Concrete Slump Test
Introduction:
The slump test is a widely used method for determining the consistency or workability
of fresh concrete. It is a simple, inexpensive, and field-friendly test that provides a quick
measure of the plasticity or fluidity of freshly mixed concrete. The slump test measures
the deformation of a cone-shaped sample of fresh concrete when it is removed from the
mold, and the results are used to evaluate the workability of the concrete mixture and
its ability to flow and consolidate.
Experimental Method:
The slump test was conducted in accordance with BS EN 12350-2:2009 Testing fresh
concrete. Slump test. The following equipment was used:
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Slump cone (300mm height and 200mm diameter)
Tamping rod (16mm diameter, 600mm length)
Scale (0.01g accuracy)
Mixing water
Ruler or measuring tape
The concrete sample was prepared by mixing cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate,
and water in the specified proportions. The slump cone was filled in three equal layers,
each layer being rodded 25 times with the tamping rod. The tamping should be done
with a circular motion of the rod and the tamping should be done gently to avoid
segregation of the mix or damage to the aggregate. After the cone was filled, the slump
cone was lifted vertically and the slump was measured by using the ruler or measuring
tape. The measurement should be taken from the top of the cone to the top of the
slumped concrete.
Results:
Sample Identification: Concrete Sample A
Test Date: 18/01/2023
Slump: 100mm
Discussion:
The test results indicate that the concrete sample A has a slump of 100mm, indicating
that it has a moderate workability and is suitable for most construction projects. A
slump of 100mm falls within the range of 75mm to 125mm, which is considered
acceptable for most construction projects. The slump test is not a measure of the
strength of the concrete but it is an indicator of the workability and consistency of the
concrete mix. A higher slump value indicates a more fluid and workable concrete, while
a lower value indicates a stiffer and less workable concrete. The slump value should be
within the specified range to ensure that the concrete can be placed, compacted and
finished without difficulty.
Conclusion:
Based on the test results, the concrete sample A is suitable for most construction
projects and can be used as is. The slump test is an important quality control tool that
helps ensure that the concrete produced meets the specified requirements for
workability and consistency. The results of this test indicate that the concrete sample A
is of good quality and suitable for use in construction. It is important to note that the
slump test is only one of the test that should be performed on concrete and other tests
such as compressive strength, air content, and water-cement ratio should be done to
ensure the quality of the concrete.