A cylinder mould is a device used to form cylindrical concrete specimens for testing purposes. These specimens are commonly used to determine the compressive strength of concrete, which is a critical property for structural applications. Cylinder moulds are widely used in construction and materials testing laboratories to ensure that concrete meets specified performance criteria.
 
Components and Types of Cylinder Moulds:
1. Mould Body:
   - Typically made from durable materials such as steel, cast iron, plastic, or rubber.
   - Available in various standard sizes, with common dimensions being 100mm diameter by 200mm height, 150mm diameter by 300mm height, and 4 inches diameter by 8 inches height.
2. Base Plate:
   - A flat, rigid plate that forms the bottom of the mould.
   - Ensures that the concrete specimen has a smooth and level bottom surface.
3. End Cap:
   - A removable cap that seals the top of the mould.
   - Prevents concrete from spilling over during the filling and compaction process.
4. Assembly Hardware:
   - Screws, bolts, or clamps used to secure the base plate and end cap to the mould body.
   - Ensures the mould maintains its shape and integrity during the pouring and curing of concrete.
 
Procedure for Using Cylinder Moulds:
1. Preparation:
   - Clean the mould and apply a thin layer of release agent (such as oil or a non-stick spray) to the inner surfaces to prevent the concrete from adhering to the mould.
   - Assemble the mould by attaching the base plate and securing it with the provided hardware.
2. Pouring the Concrete:
   - Pour the freshly mixed concrete into the mould in layers, typically two or three layers depending on the mould size.
   - Compact each layer using a tamping rod or vibrator to remove air bubbles and ensure uniform density.
3. Finishing the Surface:
   - Level the top surface of the concrete using a trowel or straightedge to ensure a smooth and even finish.
   - Attach the end cap to the mould, if applicable.
4. Curing:
   - Cover the mould with a plastic sheet or damp cloth to prevent moisture loss and promote proper curing.
   - Allow the concrete to cure for a specified period, typically 24 hours, before demoulding.
5. Demoulding:
   - After the initial curing period, carefully remove the base plate and end cap, if applicable, to release the concrete cylinder from the mould.
   - Place the cylinder in a curing tank or moist curing room to continue curing until it reaches the desired age for testing (usually 7, 14, or 28 days).
 
Applications:
- Compressive Strength Testing: Concrete cylinders are subjected to compressive tests to determine their resistance to axial loads and evaluate their strength.
- Quality Control: Cylinder moulds are used in quality control processes to ensure that concrete mixtures meet required specifications and performance standards.
- Research and Development: In laboratories, cylinder moulds are used to create specimens for experimental studies on the properties and behavior of concrete under different conditions.
 
Advantages:
- Standardized Dimensions: Ensures that concrete specimens are uniform and comparable across different tests and laboratories.
- Durability: Made from robust materials that can withstand repeated use and handling.
- Ease of Use: Simple assembly and disassembly process, allowing for efficient specimen preparation and testing.
 
Limitations:
- Weight: Metal moulds can be heavy and cumbersome to handle, especially for larger sizes.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent contamination and ensure accurate test results.
- Handling: Cylindrical specimens can be more difficult to handle and transport compared to smaller or differently shaped specimens.
 
Cylinder moulds are essential tools in the field of concrete testing, providing a reliable means to produce standard-sized specimens for evaluating the compressive strength and overall performance of concrete.