ID : 18WVD05423

NAME : Yap Lu Yi

Cube test is a standard method that used to make test cube. The purpose to
conduct this test is to determine the effects on density and compressive strength of
concrete by using various amounts of fine and coarse aggregate for concrete cube.
There are two types of test that used to determine compressive strength which is cube
test and cylinder test. Generally, cube test is applied and used in Malaysia and
Singapore. Cylinder test is used in Australia and USA. The differences between cube
test and cylinder test is cube strength is about 80% of cylinder strength. Besides,
Grade 30 cube strength is equal to grade 25 cylinder strength.

First of all, 1200g of Portland cement and the required amount of fine and coarse
aggregates are prepared to give a ratio of 1:0:6. Water is then added while mixing it
with the water/cement ratio of 0.6. It is to provide the mixture to undergo hydration
process in order to harden the concrete. Then the mix is transferred to oiled cube
mould in 3 layer. The cube mould must be thinly coated with mould oil to prevent
leakage during filling, and a similar oil film should be provided between the contact
surfaces of the bottom of the mould and the base. The inside of the mould should also
oiled to prevent the concrete from sticking to it. Next, the mix is consolidated every
layer by 36-40 times with the standard steel tamping rod. This step is used to remove
the entrapped air in the mix and it results these particles into a denser mass. The step
of striking off the excess concrete above the top of the mould and clear the
surrounding area are taken. Then the process is repeated by using 1:2:4 and 1:6:0
concrete mix with same water/cement ratio. The specimen is then left for 24 hours
and cure in the water for 14 days after removing the mould. On the exactly day, the
cubes are taken out from water and weight it, measure it, and calculate the bulk
density after the cubes are dried.

The precaution that we need to take in this experiment is make sure that there is
no hardened mortar or dirt on the faces of the flange that prevent the sections from
fitting together closely. Next, not to over compact the concrete mix as it will causes
segregation of the aggregates. We must be careful when removing the cube from
mould to avoid cracking caused as it will result the reduction of compressive strength.
Make sure the curing temperature is maintained at 27°C - 30°C.

Last but not least, the standard size of cube is 150mm. Cubes of 100 mm size are
not suitable for concrete having a nominal maximum aggregate size exceeding 20 mm.
Cubes of 150 mm size are not suitable for concrete having a nominal maximum
aggregate size exceeding 40 mm. The mould for the specimens must be made of cast
iron or cast steel. Besides, the inside faces must be machined plane. The cube mould
is normally made in two halves. It is to facilitate removal of the concrete cube without
damage.