The Constructor

Compressive Strength of Concrete Cylinders

Gopal Mishra

Reading time: 1 minute

The compressive strength of the concrete cylinder is one of the most common performance measures performed by the engineers in the structural design. Here, the compressive strength of concrete cylinders is determined by applying continuous load over the cylinder until failure occurs. The test is conducted on a compression-testing machine.

Apparatus for Concrete Cylinder Test

The sample cylinder prepared can be any of the two dimensions as mentioned below. The diameter of the cylinder cast must be at least 3 times the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate employed in the concrete manufacture. The apparatus required is mentioned below:
  1. Compression testing machine
  2. Cylinder mold of 150mm diameter and 300mm height or 100 x 200mm
  3. Weighing balance.

Procedure for Concrete Cylinder Test

Sample Preparation

The cylinder specimens are cast in steel, cast iron or any mold made of non-absorbent material. Even under severe conditions, the moulds used must retain its original shape and dimensions. The mold must hold the concrete without any leakage. Before placing the concrete mix within the mold, the interior of the mold must be properly greased to facilitate easy removal of the hardened cylinder. The mixed concrete is placed into the molds in layers not less than 5cm deep. The strokes per layer during the compaction must not be less than 30 in number. Compaction must reach the underlying layers allowing the majority of the air voids to escape. The specimens are stored undisturbed in a place with at least 90% relative humidity at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C for 24 hours. After this period, the samples are taken and submerged in clean and fresh water until the testing age is reached.

Test Procedure

  1. The concrete cylinder is cast for standard size and allowed to cure for 28 days. Three specimens of the same dimension are cast for testing.
  2. Takeout the specimen from the curing tank.
  3. Wipe out the excess water from the surface of the specimen.
  4. Place the specimen vertically on the platform of compression testing machine. Uniform load application and distribution is facilitated by having pad caps at the ends of the cylinders.
  5. Before starting to apply the load, make it sure that the loading platforms touch the top of the cylinder.
  6. Apply the load continuously and uniformly without shock at the rate of 315 kN/min. And continue the loading until the specimen fails.
  7. Record the maximum load taken.
  8. The test is repeated for the remaining two specimens.

Fig.1: Concrete Cylinder for Compression Test

Fig.2: Fractured Concrete Cylinder Specimen at Failure

Note :

  1. Test at least 3 specimens.
  2. The diameter of the casted cylinder must be measured in 2 locations perpendicular to each other at its mid-height. The average of these values is taken to calculate the cross-sectional area. If the diameter measured differs more than 2%, the cylinder must not be tested.

Report for Concrete Cylinder Test

The technician in charge of the test conducted must record the following observations before and after the compression test of the cylinder.

Before the Test

  1. Date of casting
  2. Date of testing
  3. Age of specimen
  4. Curing condition
  5. The diameter of the Cylinder Samples
  6. Testing Age

After the Test

  1. The maximum load applied
  2. Compressive strength
  3. Type of Fracture
  4. Defects if any for cylinders or caps

Calculations for Compressive Strength of Concrete Cylinder 

Compressive strength = (Maximum load/ Cross-sectional area)

Result of Cylinder Test

The 28th day compressive strength of cylinder =.........................N/mm2

Compressive Strength of Concrete at Various Ages

The strength of concrete increases with age. Table-1 shows the strength of concrete at different ages in comparison with the strength at 28 days after casting.

Table.1: The strength of concrete at different ages in comparison with the strength at 28 days

Age Strength per cent
1 day 16%
3 days 40%
7 days 65%
14 days 90%
28 days 99%

Compressive Strength of Different Grades of Concrete at 7 and 28 Days

Table.2: Compressive Strength of Different Grades of Concrete at 7 and 28 Days

Grade of Concrete Minimum compressive strength N/mm2 at 7 days Specified characteristic compressive strength (N/mm2) at 28 days
M15 10 15
M20 13.5 20
M25 17 25
M30 20 30
M35 23.5 35
M40 27 40
M45 30 45

Precautions for Compressive test on Concrete Cylinder

  1. Prior to the compression test, the cylinder must not be allowed to dry out completely.
  2. Gloves and protective goggles have to be worn to protect from harm from the specimen breakage.
Read More: Compressive Strength Test on Concrete Cubes
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