BS 4550 3.4 PDF
BS 4550 3.4 PDF
BS 4550 3.4 PDF
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
Methods of testing
cement
Part 3: Physical tests
UDC 666.94.01:620.1:539.4
BS 4550-3.4:1978
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 10, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
direction of the Cement, amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
Gypsum, Aggregates and the inside front cover.
Quarry Products Standards
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Executive Board on Amendments issued since publication
30 June 1978
BSI 02-1999
Amd. No. Date of issue Comments
Contents
Page
1 Compressive strength of concrete cubes 1
1.1 Test principle 1
1.2 References 1
1.3 Apparatus 1
1.4 Temperature and humidity conditions 2
1.5 Preparation of specimens 2
1.6 Storage of specimens 2
1.7 Testing of specimens 3
1.8 Calculation 3
1.9 Report 3
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
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Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
ii
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BS 4550-3.4:1978
1.3.1.1 Size. The moulds shall be 100 mm cubes. contra-rotating mixing paddle and a scraper blade.
The sizes and tolerances shall be as shown in Figure
1.3.1.2 Construction. The mould shall be of ferrous
1.
metal (preferably cast iron or cast steel) and rigid
enough to prevent distortion. The surface hardness The mixing pan (preferably removable) shall rotate
of each internal face shall be at least 95 Rockwell at 18 1 r/min. The mixing paddle (offset from the
(Scale B) hardness value. It shall be constructed in pan centre) shall rotate at 90 5 r/min.
such a manner that it facilitates the removal of the The mixing paddle and scraper blade shall be
moulded specimen without damage. The parts of the positively spring loaded to ensure they do not jam
mould, when assembled, shall be positively and during mixing. Simple and positive means of
rigidly held together by suitable means, both during vertical adjustment shall be provided on the
the filling and on subsequent handling of the filled mountings of the mixing paddle and scraper blade.
mould. The clearances F1, F2 and G shall be checked every
Each mould shall be provided with a steel base plate month or after every 100 mixing operations
which shall be rigidly attached to the mould and whichever represents the more frequent use.
shall support it without leakage or distortion. The mixer shall preferably be fitted with an
1.3.1.3 Tolerances. The mould shall be such that, automatic timing device otherwise a stop clock shall
when assembled ready for use, the dimensions and be provided.
internal faces are accurate within the following 1.3.3 Trowel. The trowel shall have a cast steel
limits. blade; a suitable type is shown in Figure 2.
a) Dimensions. The depth of the mould and the 1.3.4 Compacting bar. The compacting bar shall be
distance between either pair of opposite internal a steel bar weighing 1.8 0.1 kg and having a
faces, each based on the average of four ramming face 25.0 0.5 mm square.
symmetrically placed measurements, shall 1.3.5 Tank. The tank shall contain clean tap water,
be 100.00 0.15 mm. which shall be renewed at least every seven days
b) Flatness. The surface of each internal face shall with water at the specified temperature.
lie between two parallel planes 0.03 mm apart. Specimens made with high alumina,
The joints between the sections of the mould and supersulphated or Portland-type cements shall not
between the bottom surface of the mould and the be placed in the same tank.
top surface of the base plate shall lie between two
parallel planes 0.06 mm apart.
c) Squareness. The surface of each internal face
shall lie between two parallel planes 0.5 mm
apart which are perpendicular to the bottom
surface of the mould and also to the adjacent
internal faces.
d) Parallelism. The top surface of the mould shall
lie between two parallel planes 1.0 mm apart,
parallel to the bottom surface.
e) Surface texture. The surface texture of each
internal face shall be 3.2 4m CLA.
1)
For information on the availability of suitable mixers apply to Enquiry Section, BSI, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK 14 6LE,
enclosing a stamped addressed envelope for reply.
BSI 02-1999 1
BS 4550-3.4:1978
1.3.6 Compression testing machine. The Sieve the coarse aggregate on 10 mm and 5 mm
compression testing machine shall be of suitable sieves with square holes so that it is substantially
capacity2) for the test and shall comply with free from oversized and undersized particles.
BS 1881-115. Over the scale range(s) used, the 1.5.3 Proportioning. The masses of the individual
machine shall be capable of applying load at the rate materials for batches of six or nine cubes are given
given in 1.7 and shall comply with grade 1.0 of in Table 2 and Table 3.
BS 1610-1:1985 as regards repeatability and
1.5.4 Mixing. Place the weighed materials in the
accuracy. The lower limit of verification for the scale
mixer pan in the following order:
range used shall be below the expected maximum
load on any specimen tested on that scale range. sand, cement, coarse aggregate.
1.4 Temperature and humidity conditions. The Hold the mixing water ready and start the mixer.
temperature throughout the entire test procedure After 15 s add the water uniformly during the
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
shall be controlled about a midpoint of 20 C with next 15 s; then continue mixing for a total time
permitted variations as shown in Table 1. The of 180 5 s. After the machine mixing turn the
minimum relative humidity shall be as given in concrete over in the pan a few times with a trowel to
Table 1. remove any slight segregation. If this is not possible,
transfer the concrete to another suitable vessel and
Table 1 Temperature and humidity
turn it over similarly therein.
conditions
1.5.5 Compacting. Half fill the cube moulds as
Situation Permitted Minimum
temperature relative quickly as possible. Compact each with
variation humidity exactly 35 strokes of the compacting bar, uniformly
C %
distributed over the cross section of the mould. Place
Mixing room 2 50 a further quantity of concrete in each mould to form
Moist curing chamber 1 90 the top layer and compact similarly. Then strike off
Water curing tank 1 the top of each cube and smooth with the trowel so
Compression testing 2 50 that the surface of the concrete is level with the top
room of the mould. Complete the entire operation
within 15 min from the completion of the mixing.
NOTE 1 A record should be kept for reference purposes of the
actual temperature and relative humidity conditions. 1.6 Storage of specimens. Immediately after
NOTE 2 The high humidity required in moist air curing preparation, place the moulds in a single layer on a
rooms is normally produced by spraying water as a fine aerosol. level surface in the moist curing chamber. In order
The bacterium Legionella pneumophila is widespread in
nature and is present in the water systems of many buildings. to reduce evaporation, cover the exposed top of the
Scale in pipework and chemical nutrients in the water supply cubes with a flat impervious sheet (e.g. of clean thin
may encourage growth of this organism which multiplies rubber or plastics, or lightly oiled steel) making
between 25 C and about 45 C. Inhaling infected aerosols is a
known route for transmission of legionellosis. It is therefore
contact with the upper edge of the mould.
advisable to maintain cold water supplies below 20 C where After 24 0.5 h mark the cubes for later
possible and to store hot water above 60 C. Cold water identification and remove from the moulds3).
supplies may be disinfected by chlorination to at least 5 mg/L Immediately submerge all specimens, except those
free chlorine. Regular periodic checking for the presence of
Legionella species in industrial water supplies is a sensible to be tested at 24 h, in the tank and arrange them in
precaution. such a way that the temperature variation specified
in Table 1 is not exceeded. Leave the cubes in the
Before use, all materials, moulds and other tank until just prior to the test.
appliances shall be brought to the same
Specimens to be tested at 24 h are marked and
temperature as the air in the mixing room, by demoulded3) 15 min to 20 min before the test and
storing them in the room for a sufficient time. are covered with a damp cloth so that they remain
1.5 Preparation of specimens. The specimens in the moist condition.
shall be prepared as follows.
If the concrete has not achieved sufficient strength
1.5.1 Number of cubes. Make batches of six, nine or after 24 h to be handled without fear of damage,
twelve cubes, three for testing at each of the delay the demoulding for a further period of 24 h but
specified ages. state this fact in the test report.
1.5.2 Aggregates. The coarse aggregate and the sand
shall comply with the requirements of Part 4 and
Part 5 of this British Standard.
2)
i.e. that the expected maximum load on a specimen lies between 20 % and 100 % of the selected scale range of the machine.
3)
It is recommended that the cubes should be weighed at this stage since this may reveal errors in the procedure at an early
stage.
2 BSI 02-1999
BS 4550-3.4:1978
g g g
g g g
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BS 4550-3.4:1978
2.3.1.2 Construction. The mould shall be of metal 2.3.3 Vibration machine. The vibration machine
that is not attacked by cement mortar and rigid shall consist of a table mounted on coil springs to
enough to prevent distortion. It shall be constructed carry the cube mould, and a revolving shaft
in such a manner as to facilitate the removal of the provided with an eccentric. By means of a balance
moulded specimen without damage. The parts of the weight beneath the base plate attached rigidly to
mould, when assembled, shall be positively and the table, the centre of gravity of the whole machine,
rigidly held together, by suitable means, both including the cube and mould, shall be brought
during the filling and on subsequent handling of the either to the centre of the eccentric shaft or within a
filled mould. Each mould shall be provided with a distance of 25 mm below it. In consequence of this,
steel base plate to support it without leakage. The the revolving eccentric imparts an equal circular
weight of the mould and base plate shall be such as motion to all parts of the machine and mould, this
to comply with the requirements given in 2.3.3, for motion being equivalent to equal vertical and
horizontal simple harmonic vibration 90 out of
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
4)
This tolerance should be considered in conjunction with those for flatness and squareness.
5)
For information on the availability of suitable grease, mould oil and vibration machines apply to Enquiry Section, BSI, Linford
Wood, Milton Keynes MK 14 6LE, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope for reply.
4 BSI 02-1999
BS 4550-3.4:1978
2.3.5 Compression testing machine. The Table 5 Mixes for mortar cubes
compression testing machine shall be of suitable All cements other
capacity6) for the test and shall comply with Mix type Material
Proportions
than high alumina
by mass cement: mass
BS 1881-115. Over the scale range(s) used the
machine shall be capable of applying loads at the g
rate given in 2.7 and shall comply with grade 1.0 of
BS 1610-1:1985 as regards repeatability and V1 Cement 1.0 185 1
Sand 3.0 555 1
accuracy. The lower limit of verification for the scale
Water 0.4 74 1
range used shall be below the expected maximum
load on any specimen tested on that scale range. High alumina
2.4 Temperature and humidity conditions. The cement: mass
temperature throughout the entire test procedure g
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
6)
i.e. that the expected maximum load on a specimen lies between 20 % and 100 % of the selected scale range of the machine.
7)
It is recommended that the cubes should be weighed at this stage since this may reveal errors in the procedure at an early
stage.
BSI 02-1999 5
BS 4550-3.4:1978
2.7 Testing of specimens. Determine the 2.8 Calculation. Calculate the average of the
compressive strength of the cubes, under the individual results of the set of three specimens
temperature and relative humidity conditions tested at the same age and express the result to the
specified in Table 4 for the compression testing nearest 0.5 N/mm2. If one result within the set
room, at the specified age, calculated from the time varies by more than 5 % from the average of the
of adding the water to the other materials, by the set, discard the result and recalculate the average of
procedure specified in clauses 5 to 8 of the remaining results. If more than one result varies
BS 1881-116:1983 and using the auxiliary platens, by more than 5 % from the average, discard the
except that the load is applied at a rate of whole set of results.
approximately 0.6 N/(mm2s). 2.9 Report. Report the individual results and the
Test the specimens within the following limits: average compressive strength to the
24 0.5 h nearest 0.5 N/mm2, indicating if any result has been
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
discarded.
3 days (72 1 h)
7 days (168 2 h)
and 28 days (28 days 4 h)
6 BSI 02-1999
BS 4550-3.4:1978
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
A Ba C D E F1 F2 G J K L 1 2
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm degrees degrees degrees
450 220 150 155 60 5 2 2 65 95 165 65 120 15
5 10 10 10 10 5 2 2 10 10 10 10 20 10
a 260 10 required for 12 cube batches.
NOTE Where tolerances are not given, sizes are indicated for guidance only and are not critical.
BSI 02-1999 7
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
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BS 4550-3.4:1978
BSI 02-1999
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BSI 02-1999
Figure 3 Typical vibration machine for compacting mortar cubes
9
BS 4550-3.4:1978
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
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BS 4550-3.4:1978
Publications referred to
BS 812, Methods for sampling and testing of mineral aggregates, sands and fillers.
BS 812-2, Physical properties.
BS 891, Method for Rockwell hardness test.
BS 891-1, Testing of metals.
BS 1134, Method for the assessment of surface texture.
BS 1610, Methods for the load verification of testing machines.
BS 1610-1, Specification for the grading of the forces applied by materials testing machines.
BS 1881, Testing concrete.
BS 1881-108, Method for making test cubes from fresh concrete.
BS 1881-115, Specification for compression testing machines for concrete.
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
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