Portland Cement Compressive Strength

The most common strength test, compressive strength, is carried out on a 50 mm (2-inch) cement mortar test specimen. The test specimen is subjected to a compressive load (usually from a hydraulic machine) until failure. This loading sequence must take no less than 20 seconds and no more than 80 seconds. Table 2 shows ASTM C 150 compressive strength specifications.

Table 2. ASTM C 150 Portland Cement Mortar Compressive Strength Specifications in MPa (psi)

Curing Time Portland Cement Type
I IA II IIA III IIIA IV V
1 day - - - - 12.4
(1800)
10.0
(1450)
- -
3 days 12.4
(1800)
10.0
(1450)
10.3
(1500)
8.3
(1200)
24.1
(3500)
19.3
(2800)
- 8.3
(1200)
7 days 19.3
(2800)
15.5
(2250)
17.2
(2500)
13.8
(2000)
- - 6.9
(1000)
15.2
(2200)
28 days - - - - - - 17.2
(2500)
20.7
(3000)
Note: Type II and IIA requirements can be lowered if either an optional heat of hydration or chemical limit on the sum of C3S and C3A is specified

Standard Test Methods

  • AASHTO T 106 and ASTM C 109: Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50-mm or 2-in. Cube Specimens)
  • ASTM C 349: Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using Portions of Prisms Broken in Flexure)