Engineering Materials·MCQ explained

The size of the commonly used specimen for the compression test of concrete is:

Try it first: pick an option, then read the explanation.

Correct answer: B. 150 × 150 × 150 mm

Standard Compression Test Specimen

The standard specimen for the compression test of concrete is a 150 × 150 × 150 mm cube, as specified in IS 516. This size is chosen because it is large enough to be representative of the mix (the cube side should be at least 3–4 times the maximum aggregate size) and small enough to be handled and tested conveniently.

150 × 150 × 150 mm — option B.

Key takeaway

150 mm cube is the Indian standard for compression testing. In some countries a 100 mm cube is also used, but a correction factor is then needed.