Objective: To determine the compressive strength of standard cement mortar cubes

Apparatus used: Compression testing machine, rammer

Material used: Cement sample, sand.

Step  1 
  Take sand and cement from the bag using trowel in the proportion 3:1 by weight to make standard mortar. Note down the total weight of sample. 

Step  2 
  Mix sand and cement to prepare dry mix of Mortar. 

Step  3 
  Place a beaker on the weighing balance and press the TARE button. Now, measure water in the amount, {(P/4)+3}% of the combined weight of cement and sand mix, where P is consistency of cement.  

Step  4 
  Now, add water to the cement-sand mix.  

Step  5 
 Pour the mixed mortar in the cube mould using a trowel.  

Step  6 
  Compact the mortar mix in the mould.  

Step  7 
  Again, pour the mixed mortar in the cube mould.  

Step  8 
  Compact it carefully and obtain a smooth finish.  

Step  10 
  Write the date of mould on the briquette.  

Step  11 
 Submerge the mortar cubes in fresh water tank at a temperature of 27º ± 2º C.  

Step  12 
  Take out 3 moulds after 3 days from the tank and wipe them with a dry cloth.  

Step  13 
  Place the specimen carefully under the compression testing machine and apply the compressive stresses. Note down the total maximum load at the time of specimens' failure.  

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Step  14 
  Similarly, take out the remaining moulds from the tank after 7 days for testing and wipe them with a dry cloth.  

Step  15 
 Now test the remaining specimens. Place them carefully one by one under the compression testing machine. Note down the total maximum load at the time of specimens' failure.  

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Step  16 
      Similarly, take out the remaining 3 moulds from the tank after 28 days and note down the total maximum load at the time of specimens' failure. Make three separate descriptions and calculate the average compressive strength of the cement mortar cubes.