What purpose do cylinders serve in concrete work?

Cylinders in concrete work primarily serve the purpose of holding wet concrete during curing. This is crucial for testing the strength and durability of the concrete after it has set. Typically, concrete cylinders are cast from the same batch of concrete used in a project and are then cured under controlled conditions. By measuring the compressive strength of these cylinders at designated intervals, contractors can ensure that the concrete meets the structural requirements and specifications before it is fully relied upon in construction.

This practice of utilizing cylinders is standard in the industry for quality control, ensuring that the concrete mix performs as expected. It allows for effective monitoring of the curing process, which is essential to achieving the desired mechanical properties in the final structure.