Plastic Concrete Cube Mold, 6in x 6in (150MM)

Plastic Concrete Cube Mold – 6in x 6in (150mm) for Reliable Strength Testing

Used to make concrete compressive strength specimens or mortar penetration test specimens.

One piece made from heavy duty plastic with reinforcing ribs.

Produces consistent test specimens.

Specimen removal is easy, fast and simple. Just remove the plug from the hole in the bottom and blow compressed air into the hole. This will pop off the hardened specimen. Replacement plugs sold separately.

Or you can use tape to cover the hole.

Form release recommended before use.

Inside Dimensions      5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9in (150 x 150 x 150mm), WxDxH.

The mold is suitable for use if the largest aggregate does not exceed 20 mm. The 150 x 150 x 150 mm dimension is standardized to ensure consistent testing and reliable comparison of compressive strength results across different laboratories and projects. For soil compaction and density testing, a Proctor Mold, Compaction Standard, 6in can be used to measure the density and moisture content of samples effectively.

Outside Dimensions   8.5 x 8.5 x 7.1in (216 x 216 x 180mm), WxDxH

Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T197 ASTMC 403. The required standards and specifications for molds can vary by country, with different countries adopting their own national standards.

These standards provide all the necessary details for proper mold use and testing, ensuring that every aspect of the procedure is performed correctly and consistently.

What is a Concrete Cube Test?

A concrete cube test is a standard method to determine the compressive strength of concrete. The concrete cube is a representative sample of the material. This involves pouring fresh concrete into a cube mold, let it cure and then test its compressive strength using a compression testing machine.

The test continues until the cube fails, which may be breaking, cracking or developing cracks. The compressive strength is calculated by the load applied and the cross section area of the cube, with increasing weight and pressure to measure the cube’s strength.

The test records when the cube breaks or develops cracks as a measure of strength. Factors that can affect the test results are mix proportions, curing conditions and other aspects of batching, curing and testing the concrete.

Usually done after 7 and 28 days of curing but some projects may require more days of curing and testing to meet specific requirements.

Testing can also be done on site to provide immediate feedback for construction decisions. The concrete cube test is a must have for concrete structures to ensure quality and reliability of the material and is critical for foundations and buildings.

It provides critical data on the material’s ability to withstand loads and stresses, to identify potential cracking or breaking under pressure and to assess the performance of the concrete under load. The speed of getting the test results can impact project timelines.

The test gives the engineer an idea of the concrete’s strength before full scale construction. But the reality of actual field conditions may differ from the test results.

Why Concrete Cube Testing?

Concrete cube testing is a vital process in the construction industry, it provides a reliable way to determine the compressive strength of concrete used in buildings and infrastructure. By using the concrete cube test formula—dividing the maximum load applied by the cross-sectional area of the cube—engineers can determine if the concrete meets the project specifications. This is essential to verify that the strength of the concrete meets the standards set by organizations like British Standards Institute, so every structure is built to withstand the pressures and loads it will face throughout its life.

Cube testing is not just a routine procedure; it’s a critical control measure that prevents costly failures and ensures safety of occupants and users. By doing these tests, construction teams can determine if the concrete mix is suitable for the intended application, whether it’s for foundations, columns or slabs. The data from the concrete cube test allows for informed decision making to maintain high standards of quality and durability in every project.

Equipment Needed

To do a concrete cube test effectively, having the right equipment is crucial. Understanding all the details of the equipment and their specific requirements is important for accurate testing. Here’s a rundown of the essential tools you’ll need:

• Cube Moulds: Made of steel or polyurethane, these moulds come in standard sizes of 150 x 150 x 150 mm. The cube is used to create a standard sample for testing. Make sure they are clean and oiled before use to prevent the fresh concrete from sticking.

• Tamping Rod: 16 mm diameter and 60 cm long with one end rounded, used to compact the concrete within the mould. Proper compaction is key to getting accurate test results.

• Trowel: Used to apply a layer of oil to the moulds and to smooth out the surface of the concrete once it’s poured. This helps in achieving a uniform surface for testing.

• Compressive Strength Testing Machine: This machine applies a load to the concrete cube until it fails, measures the compressive strength. Regular calibration of the machine is important to get accurate results.

• Load Cell: Measures the load applied to the concrete cube, a critical component in determining the strength of the concrete.

• Data Logger: Records the data from the load cell and calculates the compressive strength of the concrete. Accurate data logging is important for reliable test results.

Test Formula

The test formula is the foundation in calculating the compressive strength of concrete. Here’s how it works:

Compressive Strength = Load / Cross-sectional Area

Where:

• Load: The maximum load to the concrete cube sample before it fails, measured in mega pascals (MPa) or pounds per square inch (psi). The maximum load is recorded at the point or when the sample develops cracks under increasing weight and pressure.

• Cross-sectional Area: The area of the face being tested, typically measured in square millimeters (mm²) or square inches (in²).

Preparing

Preparing and testing concrete cubes is a process that requires attention to detail to ensure accuracy and reliability of the concrete cube test. Here are the steps:

• Curing the Concrete: The concrete cubes must be cured in a controlled environment, usually at 20°C and 90% humidity. Curing baths are often used to maintain the proper environment for the cubes. Proper curing is important for concrete strength development. Some projects may require more days of curing and testing to achieve sufficient strength.

Factors that can affect the testing process are water-cement ratio, material conditions and compliance to testing standards.