What key parameters are measured in a concrete cube compressive strength test?

In a concrete cube compressive strength test, the primary parameters measured are the maximum load at failure and the cross-sectional area of the cube. The compressive strength is determined by applying a load to the concrete cube until it fails and recording the maximum load that the cube can withstand. This is then divided by the cross-sectional area of the cube, providing a measure of the material's strength under compression, which is a critical factor in assessing concrete's performance in structural applications.

The other options do not directly relate to the calculation of compressive strength. The weight of the cube and setting time, the water-cement ratio and curing duration, and the thickness of concrete as well as ambient temperature are important factors affecting the quality and performance of concrete but are not directly measured during the compressive strength test itself. Instead, they contribute to the overall understanding of how the concrete may behave under various conditions or how its strength can be optimized.