SECTION 2 – OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2-6
18. Place the press direction control switch in the DOWN position to lower the platen for
cleaning.
19. Place the press direction control switch in the OFF position.
20. Open the safety door, dispose of the sample.
21. Clean both the upper and lower platens.
Interpreting the Results
API Cement Compressive Strength Test
To calculate the compressive strength of a sample, the peak load at which failure occurred
must be determined. The peak value is obtained from the display or from graphical data (if a
data acquisition system is used). The peak value is divided by the sample cross-sectional
area to obtain the compressive strength using the following equation:
Maximum
Load
=
Compressiv
e
Strength
Sample
CrossSecti
onal
Area
2
If a standard ASTM cement cube is used, the cross-sectional area is 4.0 in
(2 inch x 2 inch
cube). To obtain the Compressive Strength in psi, divide the Maximum Load value by 4.0.