IS THE CUBE TEST SUITABLE FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Tests have been performed in order to evaluate the possible variabilit y of the cylinder/cube conversion coefficient, for high performance co ncrete (HPC). The influence of the various relevant parameters was max imized, while the tests complied with usual standard procedures. In th is context, the ratio has been found to range from 0.71 to 1.02. The p ractical impact of this experimental fact is analysed, from the viewpo ints of both safety and economics. It is concluded that grinding the t est faces is mandatory for obtaining reliable HPC cube strength values . Also, the cylinder/cube coefficient must be measured for each partic ular HPC used in any actual project.