TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF COSTA RICA

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING IN CONSTRUCTION

CONCRETE LAB CO-3404 / GROUP 01

REPORT NO. 9:
COMPRESSION STRENGTH OF MORTARS

Subgroup No. 1

González Gómez Brayan 201038723

NAVARRO MORA ANGEL 201095882
RODRÍGUEZ BLANCO PEDRO 201048697
UMAÑA QUIRÓS BRAULIO 201045203
DAVID VEGA BONILLA 200945157

PROFESSOR:

ING. ROMMEL CUEVAS KAUFFMANN

MAY 09, 2012

FIRST SEMESTER, 2012
 1.OBJECTIVES

1.1 General Objective

1.1.1. Determine the compressive strength for 50mm edge cubes.
mortars made with hydraulic cement, using a dosage
from 1:2.751.

1.2 Specific Objectives

1.2.1. Determine the compressive strength of the mortar.
1.2.2. Compare the compressive strength obtained with that stipulated in
the specifications.
1.2.3. Compare the compressive strength of the mortar versus the water ratio
cement (A/C).

1
For laboratory testing purposes, a dosing of 1:3 was used.

2
 2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

As mentioned in Report 1: 'Normal consistency of hydraulic cement', to...

Throughout the course, the cement to be used is general-use Portland cement (UG).
CEMEX.
Table 1. Properties experimentally obtained from the cement used in the
course.

Cement
Time of Resistance to
Normal Consistency forge (min) compression (MPa)
Initial Final 5 days 7 days

26-27 % A/C 119 241 14.46 16.30

Source: Experimental Data

Types of mixtures:

The two main types of mixtures, in which cement is involved,

aggregates, water, and additives are the mortar and concrete. The main difference
between these two types of mixtures is the presence of coarse aggregate in the concrete,
component that is not present in the mortar.2

Mortar:

The mixture of a binder, fine aggregate, and water, where the first is
generally Portland cement and the second is sand, it is called mortar.
The applications of mortar are varied:

• Union of blocks and filling of their cells in masonry walls

• Coating and final finishing of interior and exterior walls.3

The amount of water plays a very important role (just like in concrete) in the
final product resistance, as an excess of it, when evaporating, leaves gaps that
it weakens the mixture. When in the mortars the amount of water is less than the
required, the hydration remains incomplete, and if it is greater than specified, it originates
a dilution that reduces its binding power. From the point of view of the sand, this
provides consistency to the mixture and helps reduce volumetric changes, which
it promotes the elimination of cracks. There are several types of mortar such as:

2
Araya, M. 2012. Course material for Concrete CO-3403. Cartago, Costa Rica.
3
Muñoz Umaña, F. 1998. Main components of concrete mixtures. San José, Costa Rica

3
 • Hydraulic cement and sand mortars: their setting and gain of
resistance (hardening) occurs in the presence of water. The percentages of
The combination depends on the resistance required of the mortar.
• Hydraulic cement mortars, lime, and sand: the incorporation of lime into a
Cement and sand mortar improves its workability.
• Mortars with additives: when a special characteristic is required.
mortar how to improve adhesion, greater water retention, special coloring,
prolong the time in a fresh state or another, it is incorporated during mixing a
additive that provides it.

The mortar must consist of a mixture of cement and lime or masonry cement,
aggregates and water. The sand must comply with ASTM C-144 standards and the INTE standard.
06-01-02-09 (Aggregates for concrete. Requirements).
Class A masonry must use type A mortar, class B masonry must use
Type A or B mortar and class C masonry must use A, B, or C mortars.4.

Table 2. Minimum resistance (f’c) of the mortar at 28 days.

Type of mortar f'c(kg/cm)2) f’c (MPa)

A 175 17
B 126 12
C 53 5
Source: Seismic Code of Costa Rica – 2010 in Annexes - A1.4

Class A: Concrete blocks with average compressive strength measured on

the net area at 28 days of age not less than 133 kg/cm2and with a minimum for each
individual sample of 120 kg/cm2. Class A masonry is mandatory for all the
major constructions over 1000 m2and 3 stories high.

Class B: Concrete blocks with average compressive strength measured over

the net area at 28 days of age not less than 90 kg/cm2and with a minimum for each
individual sample of 80 kg/cm2.

Class C: Concrete blocks with average compressive strength measured on

the net area at 28 days of age not less than 75 kg/cm2and with a minimum for each
individual sample of 70 kg/cm2.

Class C masonry can only be used in individual buildings of a

single story, with a maximum wall height of 2.50 m, and no more than 50 m2.

4
Seismic code of Costa Rica - 2010 in Annexes - A1.4

4
Table 3. Volume proportion for mortar production

Combination of materials Type of Cement of Cal Arena cond.

Cement
binders mortar masonry hydrated, moist and loose

Cement - hydrated lime A 1 0 1/4 3

Cement - hydrated lime B 1 0 1/2 4

Cement - hydrated lime C 1 0 3/4 5
Cement - cement of
A 1 1 0 5
masonry
Cement - cement of
B 1/2 1 0 4
masonry
Cement C 0 1 0 3
Source: Seismic code of Costa Rica – 2010 in Annexes - A1.4

The most important properties of mortar are workability, retention and

water content, adhesion, resistance, and durability. Analyzing each one
we have:
• Workability: a mortar should not be too heavy, as it should avoid the
peeling when used to cover and finish a surface;
In addition, it requires an appropriate consistency that facilitates the tasks of
mixed and put into work.
• Retention and water content: it refers to the amount of water needed in
the mortar mix, which allows for its fluidity and adequate hydration of the
cement particles. Water retention is related to tension
superficial of the binder. It is also affected by the climate where
it works, as by the absorption capacity of the surfaces in contact
with the mortar.
• Adhesion: adhesion refers to the ability of the mortar to resist
normal or tangential stresses at the interface surface mortar-base,
both in fresh and hardened mortar.
• Resistance: when conventional cements such as type I are used, it
they achieve compressive strengths at 28 days up to 4 times higher than the
corresponding to that specified under the designation ASTM C 270. For reasons
economically, it is more prudent to use masonry cement for the
preparation of mortars.
• Durability: the factors that affect the durability of the mortar are the
shrinkage due to drying, water leaks, dimensional variations due to
temperature and humidity changes, resistance to abrasive wear and erosion

In our country, the most commonly used concrete and mortar mixes in construction
Lightweight ones are those that are made on the construction site. The final resistance in both
cases depend on the cohesion of the cement paste, on its adhesion to the
aggregates and to a certain extent, their resistance. However, there are

5
other factors that also intervene both in the production phase and in the
placement. Among these we mainly have: the workforce, the available equipment,
the quality of the materials and professional oversight. The preparation of the concrete and
the mortar can present serious problems if any of the aforementioned factors
it is not tightly controlled. The greatest difficulty in this regard lies in the
the fact that usually the professional in charge of the work must also assume
administrative tasks, which reduce their effectiveness in control and inspection of the
work.

Resistance
The compressive strength is one of the most important physical properties of
cement. Depending on the use that is to be given to it, the types of
cement needed to meet the requirements, such as the cements from
early high strength. It is generally known as f’c and refers to the
specified compressive strength according to ASTM-C39 standard, in cylinders
standard of 15cm in diameter by 30cm in height cured for 28 days.5
The compressive strength is that which is determined through the test or
cube or cylinder mortar test. In general, the strength of the cement (based on
in mortar cube tests) it cannot be used for forecasting the
concrete strength with a high degree of precision, due to the many variables
in the characteristics of the aggregates, concrete mixing, procedures of
construction and environmental conditions of the work.6

Concrete strength is commonly considered its most valuable property.

Although, in many practical cases, there are other characteristics, such as durability or
the impermeability (...). However, resistance often presents a general image of
the quality of the concrete, since it is directly related to the structure of
the set cement paste.7
Likewise, if one wants to compare the strengths of the different Portland cements with
In Type I, the information can be seen in the following table.

Table 4. Relative Resistance of Portland cements

Types of Cement 1 day (%) 3 days (%) 7 days (%) 28 days (%)
I. Normal 100 100 100 100
II. Modified 75 85 90 100
III. High Initial Resistance 190 120 110 100
IV. Heat of Hydration 55 55 75 100
V. Resistance to Attacks of 65 75 85 100
sulfates
Source: Course material of Concrete CO-3403.

5
Araya, M. 2012. Course material for Concrete CO-3403. Cartago, Costa Rica.
6
Kosmatka, S. et al. 2004. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. Portland Cement Association,
Skokie, Illinois, USA. Chapter 2.
7
Neville, Adam M. (1992). Concrete Technology. Mexican Institute of Cement and Concrete.
A.C., Mexico. Chapter 5.

6
The resistance is inversely proportional to the ratio of water to cementing material.
For completely compacted concrete produced with clean and healthy aggregates, the
resistance and other required properties of concrete under site conditions are
they govern by the amount of mixing water used per unit of cement or material
binder (Abrams 1918).
It should be remembered that the water/cement (W/C) ratio determines the porosity of the paste.
hardened cement in any of its stages of hydration. Therefore, the
water/cement ratio, as well as the degree of compaction, affect the volume of
cavities of the concrete, affecting the volume of air it contains.
concrete.8
The strength of the cement paste in concrete depends on the quality and of the
amount of reactive components in the paste and their degree of hydration. The
concrete becomes stronger over time, as long as the temperature and the
available humidity should be adequate. Therefore, resistance at any age is
function both of the water-cementing material relationship. The importance of curing
early and meticulous is easily recognized. The difference in resistance of
concrete for a given water-cement ratio can result from: (1) changes in
size, granulation, surface texture, shape, strength, and stiffness of the aggregate,
differences in the types and sources of cementing material, (3) included air content
(incorporated),(4) the presence of additives and (5) curing duration. In the following
the figure shows the dependence between the water-cement ratio and the resistance to
concrete compression.9

Figure 1. Dependence between Resistivity - Water Cement Ratio (A/C).

(Taken from the book 'Design and Control of Mixtures')

8
Neville, Adam M. (1992). Concrete Technology. Mexican Institute of Cement and Concrete
A.C., Mexico. Chapter 5.
9
Kosmatka, S. et al. 2004. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. Portland Cement Association.
Skokie, Illinois, USA. Cap. 16 p. 334.

7
Starting from March 10, 2005, in the Official Journal La Gaceta No. 49, the publication was made
Executive Decree No. 32253-MEIC, Technical Regulation RTCR 383:2004, regarding
the quality specifications that hydraulic cements must meet
They are usually used in construction, in the national territory. In which it is indicated
that hydraulic cement must meet a series of physical requirements among
the minimum compressive strength that must be met at 3, 5, 7
In 28 days, this information is shown in the following table.

Table 5. Minimum compressive strength of each type of cement

TYPE
MP -
Type of Test MP UG- MS- TIPOI- I-
RTCR
Cement ASTM RTCR TRCR RTCR RTCR RTCR
/AR
/AR
Resistance to
the compression, C109
min
1 day ----- ----- ----- ----- 12 10
3 days 13 10 10 12 24 17
7 days 20 17 17 19 ----- -----
28 days 25 28 (4)
28 (4)
28 4

Source: New technical regulation for hydraulic cements published in the

Journal of Engineers and Architects (ICCYC).

8
The following figure shows the development of strength in prepared mortars.
with various types of Portland cement. The long-term strengths are presented

Figure 2. Relative development of resistance of cement mortar cubes

as a percentage of strength at 28 days.
(Taken from the book "Design and Control of Mixes")

Regarding the Compression Strength Test in cement mortars

hydraulic. (…) the test allows to determine the resistance of the cement when it
they apply compression loads on cubic specimens of 50mm sides that have been
cured for 3 and 7 days.10

Fall.

The definition of a defect in concrete is not obvious. There are those who propose that it
it should be associated with the so-called point of discordance, which is defined as the site in
that the volumetric deformation stops decreasing (...). The lateral deformation due to
Tension in the discontinuity depends on the level of axial compression and is greater when
concrete has more strength.
The final failure occurs under the action of uniaxial compression, it is a failure due to tension.
the cement crystals or the adhesion in the direction perpendicular to the load
applied, or a collapse caused by the development of plans of cutting
inclined.11

10
Muñoz Umaña, F. 1998. Main components of concrete mixtures. San José, Costa Rica
11
Neville, Adam M. (1992). Concrete Technology. Mexican Institute of Cement and Concrete,
A.C., Mexico. Chapter 5.

9
3. TEAM

• Mixer: it is a machine similar to a kitchen blender. Used for

mix the water and the cement. It consists of two movements of your trowel,
planetary and rotational. It must have at least 2 speeds according to the standard.
ASTM(C-305) the minimum speed of (140±5) rpm and the average of (285±10) rpm.
It has a palette and a bowl (independent and removable parts). The
the distance between the lowest part of the palette and the bowl must not be less than 0.8
mm. (Figure 5, Annexes).

• The palette: it must be made of stainless steel and is removable. Its outline must
fit the contour of the bowl used with the mixer.

Figure 3. Palette and its parts.

Source: ASTM C-305 standard.

10
• Bowl: it must be made of stainless steel, in addition to having a capacity of 4.73
liters and must be made in such a way that when placed in the
mixer remains in a stable position.

Figure 4. Bowl and its specifications.

Source: ASTM C-305 Standard.

• Spatula: it consists of a rubber paddle attached to a 150mm handle.

long.
• Digital scale: with an uncertainty of 0.1 g, used to weigh the
fine aggregate and cement.
• Test tube.
• Piseta
• Thermometer and humidity meter. (Figure 6, Annexes).
• Truncated cone: it is the cavity where the prepared paste is placed. Diameter of
background ring (70±3) mm, upper ring diameter (60±3) mm. (Figure 7,
Annexes).
• Tamper: made of rigid, non-absorbent rubber, with a cross-section of
25mm and a length of 120mm to 150mm. (Figure 7, Annexes).
• Stopwatch. (Figure 8, Annexes).
• Spoon for pulping.
• Humidity chamber: it must remain at 20±2°C temperature and at 95±5 %
humidity.

11
• Flow Table: a rigid cast iron frame and a circular platform
rigid with a diameter of (254 ±2.5) mm with a shaft connected perpendicularly to
the surface of the platform by means of a screw with thread that in turn
it will be mounted rigidly on the support, so that it can go up and down
vertically, within a specified height (12.7±0.13) mm for tables
new and (12.7±0.38) mm for tables in use by means of a rotary cam.
In the case of the table that was used in the laboratory, it was a table
electrical, which performs the number of drops specified by the standard in the
time that this procedure should be done. (Figure 9, Annexes).
• Molds: for cubes, with three compartments, which are composed of three
pieces, a base and two side covers to confine the cubes. (Figure 10,
Annexes).
• Enrasador: metal piece, used to level the cube and this way
to finish the top part of it.
• Vernier. (Figure 11, Annexes).
• Compression machine: there are two types that can be used in the test:
Digital machine: it has a screen on which a graph is generated.
with the generated data, in addition to a speed regulator with the
that the load is applied on the cube.
Analog machine: it has two clocks, the one used shows the
applied loads greater than 2500 kg and it has a correction factor
of 1.0667; the other shows the applied loads less than 3000 and its
correction factor s of 1.0549.

12
 4. PROCEDURE
For the preparation of the molds and measurement of the materials to be used:

• Grease the contact surfaces of the molds with mortar, using petroleum jelly or
mineral oil.
• Prepare the mortar with a 1:3 weight ratio (cement : river sand)
using the following amounts:
Table 6. Amount of material to prepare.

Material Amount for 3 cubes Amount for 9 cubes

Cement 500 g 1,500 g
Arena 1500 g 4,500 g

• Determine the water-cement (W/C) ratio to be used. (See Section 5)

Correction of Humidity and Section 6. Experimental Data - Table 5)
To mix the mortar:

• Dry the mixing bowl and the paddle completely.

• Pour the measured amount of water from the pot.
• Place the pot and the paddle in the mixer.
• Add the cement and start mixing at low speed for 30 seconds.
• In the next 30s, add all the sand to the mixer.
• Stop the mixer, set it to medium speed, and mix for 30 seconds.
• Stop the blender and let the mortar rest for 90 seconds. During the first 15 seconds,
remove the mortar stuck to the trowel and walls of the pot and reintegrate it.
• Cover the pot with a damp cloth and finish mixing at medium speed for
60s.
For the determination of the flow of the mortar on the flow table:

• Dry the flow table and the cone. Then, place the mold in the center of the table.
flow.
• Mix the cement mortar with a tablespoon.
• Place a mortar layer of about 25mm thickness and tamp down 20 times.
through the pistil.
• Place the second layer and compact it 20 times.
• Cut the excess mortar at the top of the mold with the help of the spatula.
the insert in a perpendicular shape to the mold and by means of a movement of
saw.
• Clean and dry the flow table of any mortar or water present.
• Raise the flow cone, 1 minute after mixing is finished.
• Produce 25 table drops in 15s.

13
• Obtain the flow percentage, which corresponds to the average increase of
diameter of the mortar base (measured 4 times) in relation to the initial diameter
(101.6mm).
• The normal flow should be 110±5%. If it is not achieved on the first attempt,
make other mixtures by varying the amount of water.
To carry out the molding of the cubes and their respective curing:

• After conducting the test on the flow table, return the mortar to the bowl.
mixed and mix for 15 seconds at medium speed.
• The molding must be carried out within a period not exceeding 2.5 minutes after
initial mixing completed.
• Place 25mm of mortar in each of the compartments of the mold and tamp.
32 times each cube.
• Fill the molds with the remaining mortar and compact it as was done in the
first layer.
• Remove the excess mortar with the spatula.
• Place the molds in the humid chamber at a temperature of 20±2°C.
temperature and 95±5% humidity for 20 to 24 hours. The upper surface must
exposed to the air but protected from water dripping.
To measure the compression resistance:

• Take the specimen out of the humid chamber.

• Place the cube in the center of the testing machine.
• Apply the load at an established convenient loading speed.
• Register the maximum value of strength and resistance obtained from the machine.
test for each of the specimens tested.

14
 5. CALCULATIONS FOR HUMIDITY CORRECTION

It is established that the dosage will be 1:3 (dosage for testing purposes in the
laboratory), therefore theoretically it is obtained that, for the aggregates and the
binder, this should be the weight of the dry sample:

• 500 g of cement
• 1500 g of sand

The characteristics presented by the sand are the following:

• % W = 4.4% (corresponds to the percentage of humidity).

• D = 5.4% (corresponds to the absorption percentage).
So to correct the amount of sand to be used, the following is done:
PW
%W ∙ 100%
PS
%W∙ P S
⟹ PW=
100%
4.4%∙ 1500g
⟹ PW=
100%
⟹ PW= 66g

Where:

• %Whumidity_percentage
• PWweight of water in grams (g).
S weight of the sand in grams (g).
• Pdry

Then, taking the previous result, that amount is added to the dry weight of the sand.
like this:
PS =1500g + 66g

PS =1566g

To know if the aggregate is saturated or needs water to saturate, the following is done:

%D= 5.4%
%W 4.4%
1.0%

15
Then 1.0% of water is needed to saturate the sand, which is done:
Necessary water = P∙S 1.0%

Necessary water = 1500g∙ 1.0%

Water needed = 15g

16
 6. EXPERIMENTAL DATA

The following table shows the data obtained in the laboratory for the mortar tests:
Table 7. Data from the mortar tests conducted.

Reading Specifications
Water Water % A/C Reading
Cement Test Arena % A/C initial delete %
Theoretical Real Real initial % Flow
No. ( ± 0.01)g ( ± 0.01)g Theoretical (± of flow (ASTM
(cc) (cc) (corrected) (±0.1)mm
0.1 mm( 12) C-109)
1 500.00 1566.00 325 65 340 68 101.6 236.6 133 105-115
2 500.00 1566.00 275 55 290 58 101.6 187.3 84 105-115
3(13) 500.00 1566.00 300 60 315 63 101.6 199.4 96 105-115
4 500.00 1566.00 305 61 320 64 101.6 217.1 114 105-115
Source: Laboratory data.
Table 8. Data on the environmental conditions of the place and the number of blows received by the flow table
for each of the mortar tests conducted.

Temperature
Test environment (± % Humidity Number of Time ( ±
No. relative hits14 0.01)s( 15)
0.1 °C
1 27.8 56.4 25 15,17
2 26.7 59.9 25 16.84
3 26.9 60.5 25 18.24
4 26.0 61.7 25 15.56
Source: Laboratory data

12
It corresponds to the average of the four readings taken of the mortar diameter after receiving the 25 hits on the flow table. They were
taken from Table 3.
13
Test 3 was discarded from the trial as the desired flow was not achieved.
14
It corresponds to the number of blows received by the mortar test on the flow table.
15
It corresponds to the time it took for the process of the 25 hits on the flow table.

17
Table 9. Data on the diameters of the mortar for the different tests, after
receive the 25 hits on the cash flow table.

Test No. 1 2 3 4
235.7 192.5 201.3 214.5
Final diameter readings
239.5 182.8 196.4 219.5
of the mortar on the table of
flow (mm) 235.0 190.6 199.8 214.5
236.0 183.1 200.1 219.9
Average (mm) 236.6 187.3 199.4 217.1
Source: Laboratory data.
Table 10. Compression resistance data for each of the samples
of mortar.

Area
Test Sample Age in Load of Effort Effort
transversal
No. No. days 2
failure (kg) (kg/cm2) (MPa)
(mm )
1 7 2606.10 3253.4 124.8 12.2
1 2 7 2611.21 3066.8 117.4 11.5
3 7 2595.90 2960.1 114.0 11.2
4 7 2603.45 4277.5 164.3 16.1
2 5 7 2593.28 3706.8 142.9 14.0
6 7 2590.72 4106.8 158.5 15.5
7 7 2600.75 3786.8 145.6 14.3
3 8 7 2610.85 3520.1 134.8 13.2
9 7 2636.70 3680.1 139.6 13.7
Source: Laboratory data.

18
 7. TEST CALCULATIONS

Resistance sample (Ri)

Average resistance over 7 days (Rprom )

For test No. 1, it is done:

12.2 + 11.5 + 11.2

R prom = equals 11.63
3

To determine if one of the samples is discarded, it is done16:

R prom− R i
% ó = ∙ 100%
R prom

• For sample No. 1:

11.63− 12.2
% ó = ∙ 100% = 4.9%
11.63

• For sample No. 2:

11.63− 11.5
% ó = ∙ 100% = 1.1%
11.63

• For sample No. 3:

11.63− 11.2
% ó = ∙ 100% = 3.7%
11.63

To project the strength that the sample reaches at 28 days of age, it is assumed that the
it reaches 61% of this at 7 days, therefore it becomes:

R prom 11.63
′ = = = 19.07
0.61 0.61

16
The ASTM C-109 standard indicates that if one of the three samples differs by more than 8.7% from the average, it must be
discard.

19
For test No. 2, you do the following:

16.1 + 14.0 + 15.5

R prom = 15.2
3

To determine if one of the samples is discarded, it is done16:

R prom−
% ó = ∙ 100%
R prom

• For sample No. 1:

15.2− 16.1
% ó = ∙ 100% = 5.9%
15.2

• For sample No. 2:

15.2− 14.0
% ó = ∙ 100% = 7.9%
15.2

• For sample No. 3:

15.2− 15.5
% ó = ∙ 100% = 1.97%
15.2

To project the strength that the sample reaches at 28 days of age, it is assumed that the
it reaches 61% of this at 7 days, therefore it becomes:

R prom 15,20
′ = = 24.92
0.61 0.61

20
For test No. 3, the following is done:

14.3 + 13.2 + 13.7

R prom = = 13.73
3

To determine whether one of the samples is discarded, it is done17:

R prom−
% ó = ∙ 100%
R prom

• For sample No. 1:

13.73− 14.3
% ó = ∙ 100% = 4.2%
13.73

• For sample No. 2:

13.73− 13.2
% ó = ∙ 100% = 3.9%
13.73

• For sample No. 3:

13.73− 13.7
% ó = ∙ 100% = 0.2%
13.73

To project the strength that the sample reaches at 28 days of age, it is assumed that the
the same reaches 61% of this at 7 days, therefore it is done:

R prom 13.73
′ = = = 22.51
0.61 0.61

17
The ASTM C-109 standard indicates that if one of the three samples deviates by more than 8.7% from the average, it must be
discard.

21
 8. RESULTS
Table 11. Average effort for the failure tests carried out on the
samples in groups of three.

Average Resistance
Test No. Relationship A/C Age in days
(MPa)
1 0.65 7 11.63
2 0.55 7 15,20
3 0.61 7 13.73

Table 12. Test data of the mortar prepared.

Test No. % Theoretical A/C % Flow

1 65 133
2 55 84
3 60 96
4 61 114

Table 13. Experimental data on resistance at 7 days of age and

projections at 0 and 28 days.

Resistance
Test No. Age
(MPa)
0 0
1 7 11.63
28 19.07
0 0
2 7 15.2
28 24.92
0 0
3 7 13.73
28 22.51

22
Graph 1. Relationship of water to binding material versus flow percentage.

Source: Experimental results

23
 9. RESULTS ANALYSIS
The test carried out (for the preparation of the mortar) was conducted under the following
environmental conditions, which can be observed in Table 8 of the section
of Experimental Data:

• between 26.0°C and 27.8°C.

• between 56.4% and 61.7%.

The previously reported data show that the temperature is above

the 23±3°C, defined in the ASTM - C109 standard. On the other hand, the humidity does comply
the conditions stipulated in said standard, because if you check Table 8 of the section
of Experimental Data, the data corresponding to the humidity for each of
The tests range between 56.4% and 61.7%, which are greater than 50%.
For its part, this same standard stipulates a necessary yield percentage of
110±5%. In the laboratory, 3 tests were carried out and the obtained data was of a
132%, 84% and 114%, working with a water-cement (W/C) ratio of 0.55; 0.65;
0.60; respectively. The last test is within the range of 105 and
115% established by the standard. This paste had an initial diameter of 101.6mm
(the diameter of the truncated cone at its widest part) which, after being struck 25 times on
the flow table expanded to reach a near diameter of 217.1 mm. But
for both test 1 and test 2, they are not within the
ASTM specifications - C109 indicated in section 6. Experimental Data are not
reached the desired flow, due to the presence of many factors, such as for example
the presence of different operators for the various steps of the procedure;
duration, shape and force by the operators in aspects related to compaction
of the mortar in the truncated cone before conducting the flow test. Furthermore, it should be noted
mention in this section, the way people take the reading by using
from the vernier, at the time of measuring the diameters reached on the flow table.
For this essay, the conditions in which it was found were also taken into account.
sand, therefore a moisture correction had to be made. The sand in the
laboratory conditions had a humidity of 4.4% (data provided
by the laboratory technician) and it is capable of absorbing 5.4%, according to the
results obtained in Report 8 Specific gravity and absorption of the
aggregates. This correction had to be made because since the sand was wet, at the
time to weigh the 1500g, this weight would actually be distributed as 1434g of
dry sand and 66g of water and for this practice 1500g of sand is needed
dry, then to correct this problem the 66g of water is transformed into sand when
we will finally be weighing 1566g of sand, but this added sand also has
humidity, therefore when distributing the 1566g of sand is obtained
1497.1g of dry sand and 68.1g of water. Although this procedure should be done.
several times to achieve better accuracy, the technician determined that with 1497.1g
Dry sand is enough to treat it as if it were the 1500g that is needed.
It is worth noting that the sand also has another problem, which is absorption. When
the mortar mix is prepared by determining in advance the amount of water

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necessary for it to react with the cement, but if it is not taken into account the
sand absorption can affect the A/C relationship that was defined. Therefore
knowing that the sand already has a moisture content of 4.4% and it absorbs up to 5.4%;
this means that only 1% of the 1500g of sand is needed to saturate it. This
It means that with 15ml of water, the sand would become saturated and would not be able to absorb more.
water, so when determining the amount of water you want to use for the
mix, 15ml must be added to this data.
When analyzing the obtained resistances, through the possible resistances to be obtained.
(Projections, Table 13 results section), and make a comparison with the
specifications of the Seismic Code of Costa Rica (2010 in Annexes - A1.4), it can be
observe that the mortar is of very good quality, due to the lower projection of
The obtained resistance (19.07 MPa) positively differs by 2.07 MPa from the specification.
for Type A mortars, which indicates the Seismic Code of Costa Rica that is
mandatory in large-scale construction projects (more than three stories and 1000m 2of
construction), because it is in these that higher quality mixes are required,
to meet the necessary structural specifications for construction
a work more capable of withstanding seismic movements if we speak in terms of
gray work.

If a comparison is made between the values obtained from the resistances and the
water/cement ratio used, it can be observed that the lower this ratio is
it reached a higher resistance (0.55 A/C-15.2MPa), this may be due to several
factors, but among them one can mention the fact that the smaller the amount of
water used (as long as it meets the necessary requirements to produce the reaction of
hydration of the cement), the lower the amount of voids or pores generated by the
evaporation of the liquid, and therefore causes a decrease in failure planes in the
concrete mix or in this case, the mortar.
To determine the strength of the mortar, the procedure must be adhered to
completely according to the procedure established by the ASTM C-109 standard, therefore it is only
the test three that meets the requirements of the test, as it was obtained a
flow percentage of 114% and in addition to this, it was carried out by the technician, who has
more experience in terms of carrying out the essay, since he knows it better
background and has greater control over the times stipulated in the standard before
mentioned, therefore the resistance determined in the experiment for the mortar
it is 13.73 MPa at 7 days of age, and with a projection of 22.51 MPa at the age of
28 days.
It can be observed that this test is of utmost importance, as the mortar is a
a quite important mix in buildings constructed with masonry, due to the fact that
The block laying and the filling of the seams or joints are done with this type of mixture.
and if a proper design is not carried out, in addition to good control in the preparation of
mortar, the work as a whole is put at risk, because although the rest of
the materials available are of good quality, if the mortar is not, then
they promote possible failure planes to the structure through this.

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10.

• It was determined that the mortar strength is 13.73 MPa at the age of 7 days.
• The compressive strength obtained was compared with the specifications and it
it was determined that it is a Type A mortar.
• A greater amount of water (water/cement ratio) causes a decrease in the
compression resistance.

11.RECOMMENDATIONS

• Follow the procedure of the standard step by step, starting with the dosage.
suitable, discard the samples that do not meet the flow percentage,
perform a proper compaction of the cubes, maintain good control of the
times dictated by the norm, among others.
• Have a broad knowledge of the standard procedure.
• Handling of samples by a single experienced person, if possible,
to reduce human errors when transferring them from one operator to another and
this way affect the data to be obtained.
• If possible, perform failures at the age of 28 days to obtain the real value of the
resistance at this age, which will be approximately 100% of the
final resistance that the mortar mix will achieve.

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12. ANNEXES

Figure 5. Mixer.
Figure 6. Thermometer and gauge
of humidity.

Figure 7. Truncated cone and

roller
Figure 8. Stopwatch.

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 Figure 10. Molds.
Figure 9. Flow table.

Figure 11. Vernier.

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13.BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Araya, M. 2012. Course material of Concrete CO-3403. Cartago, Costa Rica.

• ASTM C-109. 2005. Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of
Hydraulic Cement Mortars.
• ASTM C-305. 1999. Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic
Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency.
• Kosmatka, S. et al. 2004. Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Portland
Cement Association, Skokie, Illinois, USA.
• Neville, A. (1992). Concrete Technology. Mexico City: Mexican Institute of
Cement and Concrete, A.C.
• Umaña, F. (1998). Main Components of Concrete Mixtures.
San José, Costa Rica: Editorial of the University of Costa Rica.

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