Title: Why Not 3 x 6 Inch Cylinders for Testing Concrete Compressive Strength?

Author(s): K.W. Nasser and J.C. Kenyon

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 81

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 47-53

Keywords: agreggate size; coefficant of variation; compression tests; compressive strength; cylinders; specimens; standard deviation.

DOI: 10.14359/10645

Date: 1/1/1984

Abstract:
This paper presents the results of an investigation to asses the suitablity of using a 3 x 6 in. (76 x 152 mm) to determine the potential compressive strength of concrete. Specimens used in such testing have trditionally been 6 x 12 in (152 x 305 mm) cylinders. For concrete mixes with a maximum aggregate size in the oder of 1.0 in. (25 mm), a smaller size specimen, such as the 3 x 6 in. (76 x 152 mm) cylinder may be satisfactory. Compression tests were performed on a total of 388 specimens, and results obtained from 3 x 6 in (76 x 152 mm) cylinders were compared with those obtained from standard 6 x 12 in (152 x 305 mm) specimens. Data obtained in previous research by Nasser and Beaton which involved testing of over 6600 cylindrica specimens was incorporated in this investigation. The conclusion was that 3 x 6 in. (76 x 152 mm) cylinders can be sucessfully used in concrete compression tests where the maximum size of the agreggate does not exceed 1.0 in. (25 mm).