Characteristic Strength

Characteristic strength is defined as the strength of material

below which not more than 5 percent of the test results are
expected to fall.
Strength of concrete varies for the same concrete mix, which give
different compressive strength in laboratory tests.
Variability in strength evidently depends on degree of quality
control.
Variability in strength is measured in terms of either the
Standard Deviation or the Coefficient of Variation (COV),
which is the ratio of standard deviation to mean strength(f cm).

Characteristic Strength

Characteristic Strength
It is well established that the probability distribution of concrete
strength (for a given mix ) is approximately Normal.
Coefficient of variation is generally in the range of 0.01 to 0.02.
Due to significant variability in strength, it is necessary to ensure
that the designer has a reasonable assurance of a certain
minimum strength of concrete.
Characteristic strength provides minimum guaranteed strength.

Idealized Normal Distribution

Accordingly, the mean strength of concrete, fcm (as obtained from
28 days tests) has to be significantly greater than the 5 percentile
characteristic strength, f ck that is specified by the designer.

x x

f x x

COV

Normal Probability Curve

1
2

x
2

1
The probabilit y function, y
exp

where e 2.71828

xx
Let z

1
1 2
Then the probabilit y function is y
exp z
2
2

Normal Probability Curve

Strength of materials upon which design is based on that
strength is assumed to be normal.
Characteristic value is defined as that value below which it is
unlikely that more than 5% of the results will fall.

f ck f m 1.64
f ck = Characteristic Strength
f m = Standard Deviation
The relationship between f ck and f m accounts for variations in
results of test specimens and with the method, and control of
manufacture, quality of construction and type of materials

Characteristic Loads
Loads on structures can also be assessed stastically.
Characteristic Load = Mean Load 1.64 (standard deviation).
In most cases, it is the maximum loading on a structural
member that is critical and the upper, positive value given by the
above expression.
But the lower, minimum value may apply when considering the
stability of the behaviour of continuous members.

Characteristic Load