Rate of Strength

Gain of Concrete
To determine the rate of gain of strength of
concrete, as 28 day is considered to be the
reference time. In concrete practice, it is accepted
that after 28 days concrete usually gains most of
its strength. Strength determined at an early stage
say after 7th day of placing of concrete can be
compared to strength determined after 28 days.
• Strength can be defined as ability
to resist change. One of the most
valuable properties of the concrete
is its strength. Strength is most
important parameter that gives the
picture of overall quality of
concrete. Strength of concrete
usually directly related to cement
paste.
 Many factors influence the rate at which the
strength of concrete increases after mixing:
1. Hardening is the process of growth of
strength. This is often confused with 'setting'
but setting and hardening are not the same.
2. Setting is the stiffening of the concrete
after it has been placed. Hardening may
continue for weeks or months after the
concrete has been mixed and placed.
Factors affecting strength gain & rate
of strength gain of concrete:

1. The water–cement ratio is the ratio of the

weight of water to the weight of cement used in
a concrete mix. A lower ratio leads to higher
strength and durability, but may make the mix
difficult to work with and form.
 2. Soundness of aggregate
If the aggregate in concrete is weak, the
concrete will also be weak. Rocks with low
strength, such as chalk, are clearly unsuitable for
use as aggregate.

3. Aggregate paste bond

The compactness of the bond between the paste
and the aggregate is critical. If there is no bond, the
aggregate effectively represents a void & voids are a
source of weakness in concrete.
Tests To Determine The Strength Gain
& Rate of Strength Gain Of Concrete:
For Strength Gain:
Compressive Strength Test
• Cylinder test
• Cube test
Tensile Strength Test
Split cylinder test

to measure the tensile strength of brittle

materials like concrete, mortar, etc.
Flexural Strength Test
•Two point loading test
•Three point loading test