Cement Strength Tests: How They Work

Cement strength tests are fundamental tests that guarantee the quality and conformity of products delivered to the construction site. These tests, standardized by NM 10.1.004 and EN 197-1 standards, measure the mechanical performance of cement at different ages and under different conditions. Compressive strength is the most determining parameter.

The compression test is performed on cylindrical or cubic specimens of standardized mortar, composed of cement, standardized sand and water in strictly defined proportions. The specimens are kept in water at 20°C for 2, 7 and 28 days before being subjected to an increasing load until failure. The compressive strength at 28 days determines the cement class: 45 MPa for CPJ 45 and 55 MPa for CPJ 55.

The flexural tensile test complements the compression measurements. It is performed on 40x40x160 mm mortar prisms, according to EN 196-1. Flexural strength is generally between 6 and 10 MPa at 28 days for composite Portland cements. Although less directly used in structural calculations, this value provides indications on the cohesion of the cementitious matrix.

At Dakhla Aménagement, each production batch undergoes these tests before shipment. Our laboratory equipped with calibrated hydraulic presses and standardized testing machines guarantees the reliability of the results. No product leaves the factory without a certificate of conformity attesting that the measured strengths meet the declared specifications.