Our resident expert, Cliff Billington is here to answer your burning questions about techniques and correct practices within the concrete industry.
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Cliff,

Can I use plastic moulds to make my concrete cubes?

Richard

 

Richard,

Not really. Moulds are covered by BS EN 12390-1 'Testing hardened concrete', and this states (clause 5.1.2) "Moulds, other than calibrated moulds in accordance with (clause) 5.2 may be made from any material which is suitable for producing concrete specimens". However, it is the 'calibrated' element that is the problem. Calibrated moulds have to be, and remain accurate in shape.

Clause 5.2 of the Standard states "Calibrated moulds shall be made of steel or cast iron....". If cubes are intended for testing to assess concrete strength, there is little point in making cubes that are not calibrated, thus plastic is ruled out in practical terms.

It would also be unlikely to cope with the robust handling that moulds experience in the average site laboratory.

  
 

 

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