The Strength of Reinforced Concrete Slabs of 30% Candlenut Shell Variation Using Destructive Testing Methods

The compressive strength of concrete is one of the parameters used to control the quality of concrete. Concrete compressive strength testing method which is considered the highest level of reliability is a destructive testing method using a compression testing equipment. Based on the case, a testing tool is needed to measure or determine the compressive strength of concrete known as the Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Experimental research is conducted with a scientific approach using several of variables. The purpose of this research is to get the compressive strength value of concrete slabs variation of 30% candlenut shells. From the test results using a UTM so that it can be obtained the quality of reinforced concrete. The research variable are the 28 days age of concrete and the curing methods (wet curing and dry curing). The number of specimens of reinforced concrete slabs is 4 pieces measuring 50cm x 25cm x 12cm. The results of the study are the compressive strength of concrete slabs 30% variation of candlenut shells using UTM shows that the strength of reinforced concrete slabs reaches 75 MPa in wet curing and 59 MPa in dry curing or equivalent to the quality of K400 to K500 concrete at 28 days. The results also show the compressive strength of concrete in wet curing is higher than in dry curing.