Tools

Compressive strength of standard cement mortar cubes

Procedure

  1. STEP 1 — Apparatus transfer sequence

    • Click trans1 to begin the first transfer animation. Wait for it to finish.
    • Click trans2, then trans3, then trans4 in sequence; each starts the next short animation.
    • After the final transfer completes click the on‑screen "Next" to continue.

  2. STEP 2 — Prepare mix inputs (interactive checks)

    • Take sand and cement from the bag using a trowel in the proportion 3:1 by weight to make standard mortar. Note down the total weight of the sample.
    • Enter cement mass = 200 g and sand mass = 600 g (1:3 ratio).
    • Calculate water using the formula: water% = (P/4) + 3 (P = consistency). Enter the computed water (grams).
    • If an input is incorrect, try again. After three incorrect attempts the simulator will display the correct formula and value.
    • Click the pour to show the pouring animation; wait for it to finish and then click "Next Level".

  3. STEP 3 — Filling and compaction (vibration)

    • Place mould and attach hopper as shown.
    • Set vibration parameters: duration = 2 min, speed ≈ 1200–1400 vibrations/min.
    • Start compaction by clicking trans6. When compaction animation ends, click trans8 then trans7 as prompted.
    • Click "Next Level" to proceed.

  4. STEP 4 — Curing setup

    • Set curing conditions: 24 hours at 27°C ± 2°C, 90% RH (then store submerged thereafter).
    • Click the simulator control to begin curing and confirm.
    • Click "Next Level" when the step completes.

  5. STEP 5 — Remove, measure, and test cubes

    • At the selected age (3, 7, or 28 days) remove the cube from water and wipe dry.
    • Measure the cube side and enter the measured dimension (expected ≈ 70.6 mm).
    • Select a cube by clicking its icon to place it in the compression testing machine.
    • Enter the loading rate: 14 N/mm² per minute and start the test (use the test/start control shown).
    • Record Pmax (maximum load at failure) shown by the simulator.
    • Compute compressive strength: σc = Pmax / A. Enter your calculated σc.
    • After three incorrect calculation attempts the correct formula and the expected result will be displayed.
    • Click "Next Level" to continue or to test the next cube.

  6. STEP 6 — Repeat for other ages

    • Repeat the measurement and testing sequence for 7‑day and 28‑day samples.

  7. Final — Results and reset

    • Review the summary screen for computed strengths.