Estudo comparativo entre métodos de capeamento de corpos de prova de concreto para ensaios de compressão axial

Abstract

Concrete as a structural element presents numerous characteristics, with compressive strength being the most important property in performance assessment and also the one that most influences the sizing. For classification and quality verification, the axial compressive strength test is performed using cylindrical specimens. However, the test results can be influenced by various factors, such as the type of surface preparation of the samples, which may require some form of surface treatment, such as capping. The objective of this study was to compare, through experiments and data analysis, the strengths of specimens capped with molten sulfur mortar, mechanical wear by grinding, and with confined neoprene pads, as well as the potential influence of these methods on the test results. Twenty specimens were prepared with the same dosage and trace. The molding, curing, and strength testing followed the guidelines of their respective regulatory standards. From the conducted test, it was observed that the strength obtained in the specimens without surface preparation and capped with sulfur was lower compared to the strength obtained in the other samples. The specimens capped through grinding and with neoprene pads achieved more satisfactory strength values, especially the samples with neoprene, which recorded the highest characteristic strength values. Analyzing the results, it is evident that the type of leveling of the test specimens directly influences the axial compressive strength, as the use of neoprene pad emerged as the most recommended technique.