Problem to be Solved:
What reinforcement material makes concrete strongest?
Hypothesis:
Metal rods will make the concrete the strongest, then plastic rods, and then glass rods.
Metal rods are currently used to reinforce concrete.
Variables:
Concrete slabs reinforced by steel, glass or plastic rods,
0.6 cm diameter by 30 cm long.
Control Group:
A concrete slab with no reinforcement.
Equipment:
Quikcrete Mortar Mix, wood, screws, power drill, 10 cm diameter PVC pipe, sand, cardboard box,
shot put, steel, plastic and glass rods.
|
|
Procedure:
1] Make a frame for concrete (35 cm x 20 cm x 2.5 cm).
2] Use 2.6 liters of mortar mix powder and 700 ml of water to make a slab of concrete.
3] Pour half of the concrete into the frame.
4] Place seven steel rods onto the surface of the concrete in the frame, 4 cm apart.
5] Pour the other half of the concrete into the frame.
6] Let the concrete dry for 48 hours minimum.
7] Suspend the concrete slab between two wooden 2 x 4's with a 28 cm gap.
8] Place a wooden 2.5 cm diameter dowel across the center of the slab. Place a box with sand on top of the dowel.
9] Drop shot put down the PVC pipe onto the sand at a height of 15 cm.
Increase the shot put height 15 cm each drop until the concrete breaks. Record the height.
10] Repeat steps 1-9 for each concrete slab.
11] Make two slabs for each reinforcement material
and two slabs with no reinforcement material.
12] The concrete slab that withstands the most force is the strongest.
Results:
The steel reinforced concrete was the strongest. Next strongest was the glass reinforcement.
The plastic reinforced concrete was weaker than the control group with no reinforcement.
Conclusion:
My hypothesis was correct about the steel and glass making the concrete stronger.
However, the plastic made the concrete weaker. I think the plastic made the concrete weaker because
plastic is less rigid than steel or glass. I wonder if I put broken pieces of steel or glass into the
concrete would add strength as well as the rods did.
Biblical Application:
This experiment attempted to determine what reinforcement material for concrete works the best.
The same way that metal reinforces concrete, Jesus reinforces us because without Him we would break.
The shot put used in the experiment is like sin that weakens us but Jesus will stop it. For if we have
Jesus we will never break.
Isaiah 40:29-31 says,
“He gives strength to the weary.
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.”
The shot put used in the experiment is like sin that weakens us but Jesus will stop it.
For if we have Jesus we will never break.
|
2nd Place, 7th Physical Science, PCA Science Fair