Design and Construction of Multi- Cell Metal Concrete Cube Moulds By B.S Standard Using 2mm Thick Metallic Sheet Material

Abstract

Concrete cube moulds are essential tools for preparing standard specimens used in the determination of compressive strength of concrete. The dimensional accuracy, rigidity, and durability of these moulds directly influence the reliability of test results. Conventional single-cell moulds require considerable time and labour during casting, handling, and demoulding. The multi-cell design reduced casting time, minimized material wastage, ensured uniform specimen production, and improved laboratory efficiency. The fabricated mould is suitable for routine concrete quality control laboratories, educational institutions, and construction industries The mould was designed to accommodate twenty (20) concrete cubes arranged in a 4 × 5 configuration while maintaining the standard internal cube dimensions of 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm specified in BS EN 12390-1. Computer-aided design principles were employed to produce fabrication drawings, followed by cutting, welding, grinding, machining, drilling, and assembly processes. Performance evaluation showed that the fabricated mould possessed excellent dimensional accuracy, adequate rigidity, ease of demoulding, high resistance to deformation, and significant improvement in productivity compared with conventional single-cell moulds This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a multi-cell concrete cube mould manufactured from 4 mm thick mild steel sheets in accordance with British Standard requirements.