1. What is Concrete Compressive Strength?

Definition: Compressive strength is the capacity of concrete to withstand loads that reduce size, measured in Pascals (Pa) or Megapascals (MPa).

Purpose: It's the most important property of concrete, determining its quality and suitability for construction projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Compressive Strength — Measured in Pascals (Pa) or Megapascals (MPa)
• Load — Maximum applied force in Newtons (N)
• Area — Cross-sectional area in square meters (m²)

Explanation: The load is divided by the area to determine the pressure the concrete can withstand before failure.

3. Importance of Compressive Strength

Details: Compressive strength determines the concrete grade (e.g., 20MPa, 30MPa) and its appropriate applications in construction.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter the maximum load applied during testing in Newtons
• Enter the cross-sectional area of the test specimen in square meters
• Results are shown in both Pascals and Megapascals (1 MPa = 1,000,000 Pa)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical compressive strength for concrete?
A: Standard concrete ranges from 20-40 MPa, while high-strength concrete can exceed 70 MPa.

Q2: How is the load typically measured?
A: Using a compression testing machine that applies increasing load until failure.

Q3: What size specimens are typically tested?
A: Standard cylinders (150mm diameter × 300mm height) or cubes (150mm × 150mm × 150mm).

Q4: When is compressive strength tested?
A: Usually at 7 days and 28 days after casting to monitor strength development.

Q5: How does compressive strength relate to concrete grade?
A: The grade number (e.g., C30) indicates the characteristic compressive strength in MPa at 28 days.