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SV Technocrats India’s Beam Mould is a specialized mould used for casting concrete specimens to determine the flexural strength of concrete. It is used in beam flexure tests as per IS: 516, ASTM C78, ASTM C293, and BS 1881.

Types & Sizes of Beam Moulds

The size of the beam specimen depends on the test standard:

Beam Size (mm)

Test Standard

Application

100 × 100 × 500

IS: 516

General concrete testing

150 × 150 × 700

IS: 516

High-strength concrete

40 × 40 × 160

ASTM C78 / ASTM C293

Cement mortar testing

Beam moulds are typically made of cast iron or steel, ensuring durability and precision.

Components of a Beam Mould

  1. Rigid Mould Frame – Ensures accurate specimen shape.

  2. Base Plate – Provides support and prevents leakage.

  3. Side Clamps & Wing Nuts – Facilitate easy demoulding.

  4. Handles (Optional) – For easy transport.

Testing Procedure Using Beam Mould

1. Preparation of Concrete Mix

  • Prepare a concrete mix according to the design specifications.

  • The mix should be homogeneous and meet workability requirements.

2. Casting the Specimen

  • Apply mould release oil to prevent adhesion.

  • Pour the concrete into the mould in two or three layers, compacting each layer with a tamping rod or a vibrating table.

3. Surface Finishing & Curing

  • Level the surface using a trowel.

  • Cover with a plastic sheet and store at 25°C ± 5°C for 24 hours before demoulding.

  • Cure in water at 27°C ± 2°C for 7 or 28 days, depending on test requirements.

4. Flexural Strength Testing

  • The beam specimen is tested in a flexural testing machine under third-point loading (ASTM C78) or center-point loading (ASTM C293).

  • The modulus of rupture (flexural strength) is calculated using: f=PLbd2f = \frac{PL}{bd^2}f=bd2PL​ Where:

    • P = Maximum applied load (N)

    • L = Span length (mm)

    • b = Beam width (mm)

    • d = Beam depth (mm)

Applications of Beam Moulds

✅ Concrete Mix Design Validation – Ensures concrete meets flexural strength requirements.
✅ Pavement & Slab Testing – Used for road, bridge, and floor slab testing.
✅ Construction Quality Control – Ensures durability and load-bearing capacity of structures.