Answer to Question #309388 in Civil and Environmental Engineering for Oxian

Question

What is the standard size of PCC specimens to be tested for compressive

strength? If a smaller size is used, which size is expected to provide higher

compressive strengths? Why? Which size provides strengths close to that of

an actual concrete structure?

Answer 1

The standard size of the specimen for determining compressive strength 0.15m (6 in) is by 0.3m (12 in). Specimens with size 0.10m (4in) diameter by 0.10m (4in) height are also used.

Smaller sized specimens have advantages over larger sized specimens. The main advantages are the ease of handling, less possibility of accidental damage, less concrete needed, the ability to use low capacity testing machines and less space needed for curing and storage.