How to make mortar cube samples (50x50mm). A Complete Guide

Mortar cubes are standard specimens used for testing the quality and strength of mortar, which is a mixture of cement, sand, and water used as a binding material in construction. Testing mortar cubes helps ensure that the mortar meets the required specifications for various applications, such as masonry, plastering, and tile setting. Here's an overview of the process of making and testing mortar cubes:
Mixing: The mortar constituents, typically cement, sand, and water, are mixed in specified proportions to achieve the desired consistency and strength. The mixing process should be thorough to ensure a uniform distribution of ingredients.
Casting: The mixed mortar is then poured into cube-shaped molds, typically measuring 50 mm × 50 mm × 50 mm (2 inches × 2 inches × 2 inches) or 70.6 mm × 70.6 mm × 70.6 mm (2.78 inches × 2
.78 inches × 2.78 inches). The molds are filled in layers, and each layer is compacted to remove air voids.
Finishing: Excess mortar is struck off from the top of the mold, and the surface is finished to ensure it's level and smooth.
Curing: After casting, the mortar cubes are allowed to cure under controlled conditions to promote hydration and strength development. Curing typically involves keeping the cubes moist and at a specific temperature for a defined period, often 7 or 28 days, depending on the testing requirements and standards.
Testing: Once cured, the mortar cubes are removed from the molds and subjected to compressive strength testing using a hydraulic or servo-controlled testing machine. The cubes are placed between the platens of the testing machine, and a gradually increasing compressive force is applied until failure occurs. The maximum load at failure is recorded, and the compressive strength of the mortar is calculated based on the cross-sectional area of the cube.
Testing mortar cubes helps ensure that the mortar mix meets the required strength specifications for its intended application. It's an essential quality control measure in the construction industry to verify the performance of the mortar mix and ensure the durability and safety of structures.
For educational purposes only. Please refer to standard manuals for the standard procedure.
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[@jaymardelossantos9950]

were using diametrical cylinder for UCS testing. very good Job!

[@lorenzdxb]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kingofclass1850]

If the cube mould of size 70.6 mm is used then the cube shall be compacted in how many layer? Two or three? If three then how many poking for each layer

[@lorenzdxb]

Thank you for your comment. As per ASTM C109, 50mm +- 0.25 is the standard size of the mold. If more than or less than that, you must make a standard variation.

[@namsoemmanson8338]

Great job done

[@lorenzdxb]

thank you for watching cheers

[@namsoemmanson8338]

@@lorenzdxb you are great

[@joseph.herzig.design]

what were the results of the test? which curing method works best?

[@lorenzdxb]

Theoretically, the soaked one (wet). The hydration of the cement was on the proper curing. Since, this experiment was for students and made by students, there are lots of factors that affects the result. Thank you for your message.

[@user-rh6yo2jj2u]

thankyou..really help for my fyp

[@sidracho9898]

Is it needed a design mix ?

[@lorenzdxb]

Hi, the mix proportion is in accordance with ASTM C109. Thank you for watching. Cheers!

[@user-rh6yo2jj2u]

hello, how much gram for cement and sand used in casting mortar based on your video

[@lorenzdxb]

Hi, for 6 test specimens, I used 500g of cement and 1375g of sand as per ASTM C109...thank you for watching. Cheers

[@namsoemmanson8338]

Please what is the strength of the cubes after 3, 7 and 28 days ? Thank you

[@lorenzdxb]

Hi, the students usually test the mortars @2 days with ave. 18.7kN=7 MPa and @7days with 45.91kN=18.36 MPa....cheers

[@namsoemmanson8338]

@@lorenzdxb please convert to N/mm² for 7 days crushing

[@sidracho9898]

Weight of sand and cement,?

[@lorenzdxb]

Hi, its 500g of cement and 1375g of sand with 242 mL of water. Thank you for watching. Cheers!

[@MasumBillah-it7sz]

Thanks

[@lorenzdxb]

Welcome, thank you for watching Cheers

[@dinethfonseka990]

what is the standard followed pls

[@lorenzdxb]

This is based on ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)....thank you for watching. Cheers

[@kingofclass1850]

If the cube mould of size 70.6 mm is used then the cube shall be compacted in how many layer? Two or three? If three then how many poking fir each layer

[@babuvaibabu7934]

method name

[@lorenzdxb]

ACTM C109 - compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortar. Thanks for your comment. Cheers