Builders and construction industry uses cement in the form of concrete or mortar. A mortar is a mixture of sand and cement in a certain ratio on which the mortar strength depends. Mortar is generally used for plastering and brick masonry. Low compressive strength of the mortar makes it weak, while high compressive strength makes the mortar stronger. Mortar testing equipment helps workforce in determining the mortar compressive strength.
The strength of mortar depends on certain factors-
- Fineness of cement
- Gradation of sand
- Water-cement ratio
In case any of these factors won't meet ASTM standard, the mortar strength will get badly affected.
To determine the compressive strength of the mortar, you need to prepare the required ratio and then mold it in cubical molds having 2" sides' length. Make minimum six cubes and test them with the help of mortar testing machine and determine the average strength of the mortar.
Mortar testing machine is an equipment to perform compression, tension, shear, and bend test. UTM is one of such equipments having two parts- load measuring and straining unit. It also has a compression additional setup. The machine is equipped with compression unit that has two round plates between which the test cube is placed. Things required for performing test-
- Sand
- Cement
- 5/8" tampering rod
- Clean water
- UTM
Process of determining the compressive strength of mortar-
You need to prepare a cement and sand mixture in 1:3 ratios respectively. Calculating the water amount as per the ASTM standards is the next step. After that, you can calculate the weight and make a homogeneous mixture of dry ingredients and add water to prepare a paste. Use the 2" cube mold and apply oil to inner surface to ensure safe removal of the cubes.
Fill the mold 1/3 with mortar and press it with tampering rod 25 times. Repeat the filling and tempering process for two other molds.
Keep it in open air for a day and cure them by keeping them in water. Once you are done with curing, take the cubes out of the molds and test them using UTM.
Manufacturing units are supplying sophisticated models of mortar testing equipments. You can source the device and determine the compressive strength of mortar. Contact them and avail the suitable modal for your location.
You need to prepare a cement and sand mixture in 1:3 ratios respectively. Calculating the water amount as per the ASTM standards is the next step. After that, you can calculate the weight and make a homogeneous mixture of dry ingredients and add water to prepare a paste. Use the 2" cube mold and apply oil to inner surface to ensure safe removal of the cubes.
Fill the mold 1/3 with mortar and press it with tampering rod 25 times. Repeat the filling and tempering process for two other molds.
Keep it in open air for a day and cure them by keeping them in water. Once you are done with curing, take the cubes out of the molds and test them using UTM.
Manufacturing units are supplying sophisticated models of mortar testing equipments. You can source the device and determine the compressive strength of mortar. Contact them and avail the suitable modal for your location.
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