Concrete Compressive Strength Formula:
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Concrete compressive strength is the capacity of concrete to withstand loads that tend to reduce size. It's measured by crushing cylindrical concrete specimens in a compression testing machine. The strength is calculated by dividing the maximum load carried by the specimen during the test by the cross-sectional area.
The calculator uses the compressive strength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the pressure (in PSI) that the concrete specimen can withstand before failure.
Details: Compressive strength is the most common performance measure used by engineers when designing buildings and other structures. It helps determine whether the concrete mixture delivered to a construction site meets the requirements of the specified strength.
Tips: Enter the maximum load in pounds and the cross-sectional area in square inches. Both values must be positive numbers. The result will be displayed in PSI (pounds per square inch).
Q1: What is a typical compressive strength for concrete?
A: Normal strength concrete typically has a compressive strength between 2,500 and 5,000 PSI. High-strength concrete can exceed 10,000 PSI.
Q2: How is the test specimen prepared?
A: Standard test specimens are cylinders 6 inches in diameter and 12 inches tall, cured for 28 days before testing.
Q3: Why is 28-day strength commonly specified?
A: Concrete gains strength rapidly in the first 28 days after pouring, after which the rate of strength gain slows considerably.
Q4: What factors affect compressive strength?
A: Water-cement ratio, curing conditions, aggregate properties, admixtures, and testing methods all influence measured strength.
Q5: How does compressive strength relate to other properties?
A: Compressive strength generally correlates with other properties like tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and durability.