Strength of CSA Concrete? – Deflection Test Lightweight Panels

I test the deflection strength of CSA concrete garden box panels under a point load. These panels link together to make long lasting rot-proof garden boxes. I test 1 lightweight panel made from CSA Mortar Mix. These panels were made in Part 4 of my Garden Box series. I load the panels with weight until their breaking point.

See the Youtube Video and download the Plans.

Strength of CSA Concrete? – Deflection Test Lightweight Panels

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Background for this Video – Strength of CSA Concrete

I’ve had many requests to test the strength of my garden panels. It took some to figure out the best way to go about this. With limited equipment it can be difficult to get measurable results. I decided to take a non-scientific general approach and try so fairly basic tests to see how the panels held up to weight that either approached their breaking point, or past it. Have a look at the video and please some comments and questions. The strength of CSA concrete for these panels depends on several factors.


Testing CSA Concrete

CSA concrete garden box strength introduction
Two 24″ panels from Part 4 of the series
Animation of testing rig design for the aircrete panels
Testing rig design
remove a panels from a CSA concrete garden box
Pulling the connecting pins to remove a panel
CSA concrete garden box strength test 3
Removing a panel from the garden bed

I didn’t have a spare panel so I “borrowed” one from Marilyn’s flower bed. ;o)

simple durability test of concrete with a grass or weed line trimmer
I simple durability test with a line trimmer
simple durability test of concrete with a grass or weed line trimmer
Line trimmer did not damage the panel at all

My Testing rig to determine the Strength of CSA Concrete for my panels

set the concrete garden panel in the testing rig
Setting the panel in the testing rig
set the concrete garden panel in the testing rig
The panel sits on the metal rods that run through the cast-in plastic pipes
loading the concrete panel with a stack of bricks
Starting to load the panel with concrete pavers
loading the concrete panel with a stack of bricks
Adding more and more pavers
CSA concrete garden box panel breaking under a point load
And….the panel snapped
CSA concrete garden box panel breaking under a point load
Broken CSA Concrete Panel under 285 lbs of weight
Broken CSA concrete garden box panel
Post Mortem of panel

I had noticed a while back while casting these panels that they had felt very dense and almost glass-like so I wasn’t surprised when they snapped under the weight of the bricks. Regular concrete with it’s more coarse sand and its gravel just felt like it would flex a bit more before cracking.

CSA concrete garden box strength conclusions and wire mesh thoughts
I recommend a heavier gauge mesh in any new panel castings
CSA concrete garden box strength conclusions
Now I have to replace the broken panel with a new one. Dang!

Thanks for looking!!

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