Compressive Strength of Concrete: Testing and Significance

When assessing the quality of concrete, it’s vital to determine its compressive strength. Whether you’re laying the foundation for a home or building a car park, you need to know what kind of stress your concrete will be able to withstand without cracking.  

Compressive strength testing is just what you need to get the kind of accurate information you need when it comes to concrete integrity – before it’s put to the test in a real world environment! 

What is compressive strength testing?

When you need to test the load bearing capacity and strength of concrete, compressive strength testing is the ideal solution. In the construction industry, you need a completely accurate understanding of the load bearing capabilities of your concrete, as well as its ability to withstand stress.  

The compressive stress from concrete can be measured in a number of ways, including non-destructive methods and crushing methods. Because concrete reaches full strength at 28 days, it’s important to test concrete at intervals after its first poured. It’s generally agreed that concrete will achieve three quarters of its eventual compressive strength after seven days and will then continue to harden over time.  

Why is compressive strength testing so essential for concrete?

Compressive strength testing is essential for working out the capacity of concrete to withstand a load and determine at which point it will experience failure. No civil engineering project would get off the ground without assurances that the concrete used will be up to the task.  

Regularly testing compressive strength of concrete while on site can also be used as a handy indicator of how well quality control is being exercised at the site. It’s a smart method, as it can be carried out in a non-destructive way and with comparative ease.  

Testing the compressive strength of concrete

We have some great solutions for assessing the compression strength of concrete, including the TQC Sheen Concrete Inspection Hammer.  

This easy-to-use instrument is used for the non-destructive compression strength measurement of concrete. The hammer is used to hit the concrete, the rebound is measured by the device and can be converted to a compressive strength. This works as the amount that the hammer rebounds changes based on how hard the concrete is and its hardness indicates its compressive strength.   

Concrete compression testing meetings ASTM C39

ASTM C39 is the industry standardized testing method for determining the compressive strength of concrete cylinders, so choosing test and measurement solutions that allow you to meet its criteria is key. Another common standard you might want to consider is BS 8500, the British standard for specifying and producing concrete. 

TQC Sheen Concrete Moisture Meter

Compressive strength testing with Industrial Physics

If you’re an engineer or construction professional looking for solutions to help you determine concrete’s crushing strength, we’ve got just the test and measurement equipment you need. We also have a full range of testing equipment to thoroughly test all aspects of concrete. Check out our concrete testing solutions.