Tensile Strength As Design Parameter: European Union - Brite Euram Iii

European Union – Brite EuRam III
Tensile strength as design parameter
EuroLightCon
Economic Design and Construction with
Light Weight Aggregate Concrete
Document BE96-3942/R32, June 2000
Project funded by the European Union

under the Industrial & Materials Technologies Programme (Brite-EuRam III)
Contract BRPR-CT97-0381, Project BE96-3942
The European Union – Brite EuRam III
EuroLightCon

Although the project consortium does its best to ensure that any information given is accurate, no liability or responsibil-
ity of any kind (including liability for negligence) is accepted in this respect by the project consortium, the authors/editors
and those who contributed to the report.
Acknowledgements
The report has been written by Erik Thorenfeldt, SINTEF
Information
Jan P.G. Mijnsbergen, CUR, PO Box 420, NL-2800 AK Gouda, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 182 540620, Email: jan.mijnsbergen@cur.nl
Information on the EuroLightCon-project and its partners: http://www.sintef.no/bygg/sement/elcon
ISBN 90 376 02 58 4
The European Union – Brite EuRam III
EuroLightCon

Selmer Skanska AS, NO

SINTEF, the Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research at the
Norwegian Institute of Technology, NO
NTNU, University of Technology and Science, NO
ExClay International, NO
Beton Son B.V., NL
B.V. VASIM, NL
CUR, Centre for Civil Engineering Research and Codes, NL
Smals B.V., NL
Delft University of Technology, NL
IceConsult, Línuhönnun hf., IS
The Icelandic Building Research Institute, IS
Taywood Engineering Limited, GB
Lias-Franken Leichtbaustoffe GmbH & Co KG, DE
Dragados y Construcciones S.A., ES
Eindhoven University of Technology, NL
Spanbeton B.V., NL
Table of Contents
PREFACE 4
SUMMARY 7
1 INTRODUCTION 8
2 TENSILE STRENGTH AND BRITTLENESS OF CONCRETE 10

2.1 Tensile strength of normal weight concrete 10
2.2 Tensile strength of LWA concrete 12
2.3 Brittleness 15
3 SHEAR STRENGTH OF SLABS 16

3.1 Shear capacity equations in design codes 16
3.2 Comparison with test results 17
4 BOND STRENGTH 20
5 MINIMUM REINFORCEMENT AND DETAILING OF MEMBERS 21
6 OTHER COMMENTS TO PREN1992-1 SECTION 10 - 1ST DRAFT 22
7 NOMENCLATURE 23
8 REFERENCES 24
APPENDIX 25
BE96-3942 EuroLightCon 3
PREFACE
The lower density and higher insulating capacity are the most obvious characteristics of Light-
Weight Aggregate Concrete (LWAC) by which it distinguishes itself from ‘ordinary’ Normal
Weight Concrete (NWC). However, these are by no means the only characteristics, which jus-
tify the increasing attention for this (construction) material. If that were the case most of the de-
sign, production and execution rules would apply for LWAC as for normal weight concrete,
without any amendments.
LightWeight Aggregate (LWA) and LightWeight Aggregate Concrete are not new materials.
LWAC has been known since the early days of the Roman Empire: both the Colosseum and the
Pantheon were partly constructed with materials that can be characterised as lightweight aggre-
gate concrete (aggregates of crushed lava, crushed brick and pumice). In the United States, over
100 World War II ships were built in LWAC, ranging in capacity from 3000 to 140000 tons and
their successful performance led, at that time, to an extended use of structural LWAC in build-
ings and bridges.
It is the objective of the EuroLightCon-project to develop a reliable and cost effective design
and construction methodology for structural concrete with LWA. The project addresses LWA
manufactured from geological sources (clay, pumice etc.) as well as from waste/secondary ma-
terials (fly-ash etc.). The methodology shall enable the European concrete and construction in-
dustry to enhance its capabilities in terms of cost-effective and environmentally friendly con-
struction, combining the building of lightweight structures with the utilisation of secondary ag-
gregate sources.
The major research tasks are:

Lightweight aggregates: The identification and evaluation of new and unexploited sources spe-
cifically addressing the environmental issue by utilising alternative materials from waste. Fur-
ther the development of more generally applicable classification and quality assurance systems
for aggregates and aggregate production.
Lightweight aggregate concrete production: The development of a mix design methodology to
account for all relevant materials and concrete production and in-use properties. This will in-
clude assessment of test methods and quality assurance for production.
Lightweight aggregate concrete properties: The establishing of basic materials relations, the
influence of materials characteristics on mechanical properties and durability.
Lightweight aggregate concrete structures: The development of design criteria and -rules with
special emphasis on high performance structures. The identification of new areas for applic a-
tion.
The project is being carried out in five technical tasks and a task for co-ordination/management
and dissemination and exploitation. The objectives of all technical tasks are summarised below.
Starting point of the project, the project baseline, are the results of international research work
combined with the experience of the partners in the project whilst using LWAC. This subject is
dealt with in the first task.
Tasks 2-5 address the respective research tasks as mentioned above: the LWA itself, production
of LWAC, properties of LWAC and LWAC structures.
Sixteen partners from six European countries, representing aggregate manufacturers and suppli-
ers, contractors, consultants research organisations and universities are involved in the Eu-
roLightCon-project. In addition, the project established co-operation with national clusters and
European working groups on guidelines and standards to increase the benefit, dissemination and
exploitation.
At the time the project is being performed, a Working Group under the international concrete
association fib (the former CEB and FIP) is preparing an addendum to the CEB-FIP Model Code
1990, to make the Model Code applicable for LWAC. Basis for this work is a state -of-the-art
report referring mainly to European and North-American Standards and Codes. Partners in the
project are also active in the fib Working Group.
General information on the EuroLightCon-project, including links to the individual project part-
ners, is available through the web site of the project: http://www.sintef.no/bygg/sement/elcon/
At the time of publication of this report, following EuroLightCon-reports have been published:
R1 Definitions and International Consensus Report. April 1998
R1a LightWeight Aggregates – Datasheets. Update September 1998
R2 LWAC Material Properties State-of-the-Art. December 1998
R3 Chloride penetration into concrete with lightweight aggregates. March 1999
R4 Methods for testing fresh lightweight aggregate concrete, December 1999
R5 A rational mix design method for lightweight aggregate concrete using typical UK ma-
terials, January 2000
R6 Properties of Lytag-based concrete mixtures strength class B15-B55, January 2000
R7 Grading and composition of the aggregate, March 2000
R8 Properties of lightweight concretes containing Lytag and Liapor, March 2000
R9 Technical and economic mixture optimisation of high strength lightweight aggregate
concrete, March 2000
R10 Paste optimisation based on flow properties and compressive strength, March 2000
R11 Pumping of LWAC based on expanded clay in Europe, March 2000
R12 Applicability of the particle -matrix model to LWAC, March 2000
R13 Large-scale chloride penetration test on LWAC-beams exposed to thermal and hygral
cycles, March 2000
R14 Structural LWAC. Specification and guideline for materials and production, June 200
R15 Light Weight Aggregates, June 200
R16 In-situ tests on existing lightweight aggregate concrete structures, June 200
R17 Properties of LWAC made with natural lightweight aggregates, June 2000
R18 Durability of LWAC made with natural lightweight aggregates, June 2000
R19 Evaluation of the early age cracking of lightweight aggregate concrete, June 2000
R20 The effect of the moisture history on the water absorption of lightweight aggregates,
June 2000
R21 Stability and pumpability of lightweight aggregate concrete. Test methods, June 2000
R22 The economic potential of lightweight aggregate concrete in c.i.p. concrete bridges,
June 2000
R23 Mechanical properties of lightweight aggregate concrete, June 2000
R24 Prefabricated bridges, June 2000

R25 Chemical stability, wear resistance and freeze-thaw resistance of lightweight aggregate
concrete, June 2000
R26 Recycling lightweight aggregate concrete, June 2000
R27 Mechanical properties of LWAC compared with both NWC and HSC, June 2000
R28 Prestressed beams loaded with shear force and/or torsional moment, June 2000
R29 A prestressed steel-LWAconcrete bridge system under fatigue loading
R30 Creep properties of LWAC, June 2000
R31 Long-term effects in LWAC: Strength under sustained loading; Shrinkage of High
Strength LWAC, June 2000
R32 Tensile strength as design parameter, June 2000
R33 Structural and economical comparison of bridges made of inverted T-beams with top-
ping, June 2000
R34 Fatigue of normal weight concrete and lightweight concrete, June 2000
R35 Composite models for short- and long-term strength and deformation properties of
LWAC, June 2000
R36 High strength LWAC in construction elements, June 2000
R37 Comparison of bridges made of NWC and LWAC. Part 1: Steel concrete composite
bridges, June 2000
R38 Comparing high strength LWAC and HSC with the aid of a computer model, June 2000
R39 Proposal for a Recommendation on design rules for high strength LWAC, June 2000
R40 Comparison of bridges made of NWC and LWAC. Part 2: Bridges made of box beams
post-tensioned in transversal direction, June 2000
R41 LWA concrete under fatigue loading. A literature survey and a number of conducted
fatigue tests, June 2000
R42 The shear capacity of prestressed beams, June 2000
R43 A prestressed steel-LWA concrete bridge system under fatigue loading, June 2000
SUMMARY
Tensile strength values associated with the characteristic compressive strengths classes are ex-
plicitly defined in most codes. However, the application of the tensile strength as design pa-
rameter in international design codes varies. The tensile strength of LWAC is usually defined by
a modification of the tensile strength of NWC as a function of the oven dry density. The cali-
bration of such functions should take into account, not only results of material tests, but also the
influence on the predicted behaviour and safety of the structure. In addition to the decrease of
the tensile strength also the increased brittleness of LWA concrete is expected to influence the
behaviour of structural members.
On this background a review of the application of tensile strength as design parameter in inter-
national codes is performed. Of special interest is the recently published first draft of the new
Eurocode 2 (prEN 1992-1). Special emphasis is put on ultimate limit state.
The report reveals that the modification coefficient for the tensile strength of LWAC in different
codes varies by 6 –20 % depending on the density of the concrete. This is partly due to the use
of different reference density, varying between 2200 and 2400 kg/m3 . A compromise using
2300 kg/m3 , which is not far from the expected oven dry density of NWC, is suggested.
Investigation of the expressions for shear strength of members without shear reinforcement re-
veals that calibration of the tensile strength parameter with respect to shear strength of LWA
concrete members will depend very much on the format of the shear strength formula.
Comparison with test result indicate that the suggested modification of the shear strength in
prEN1992, where a direct mult iplication of the shear strength by the tensile strength modific a-
tion coefficient is applied, seems to function quite well despite that the general formula predicts
a dependence of the square root of the tensile strength for NWC. A further reduction of the
modification coefficient for ALWAC with light weight aggregate in all fractions is suggested.
The design bond strength defining the development length of deformed bars is assumed propor-
tional to the tensile strength in European codes. Modification by a conservative density depend-
ent coefficient for LWA concrete seems to give satisfactory predictions. A more strict limita-
tion of the use of large diameter bars in LWA concrete should be considered.
Further comments to the application of the tensile strength parameter in design of minimum re-
inforcement and detailing and general comments to prEN1992 with respect to LWAC is in-
cluded in section 7 and 8 . Detailed result of shear test are given in Appendix.
Keywords
Light weight aggregate; concrete; tensile strength; brittleness; shear strength; bond strength;
design codes.
1 INTRODUCTION
The tensile strength of concrete is used directly or indirectly as design parameter in different
ways in design codes. Tensile strength values associated with the characteristic compressive
strengths classes are explicitly defined in most codes. Even so, the direct application of the ten-
sile strength as design parameter varies. Direct application are mainly used in the following de-
sign situations:
Ultimate limit state:

• Shear strength and punching shear strength of slabs
• Bond anchorage and overlap splicing of reinforcement
• Shear transfer in cracks
• Minimum reinforcement
Service limit state:
• Crack formation
• Crack spacing
• Tension stiffening
Analysis
• Tensile stress-strain relationship in non linear finite element analysis
When the tensile strength is applied as a design parameter in the ultimate limit state, the major
concern is to maintain adequate safety.
It is generally realized that the effective minimum tensile strength of concrete members may be
substantially reduced by environmental effects (restrained shrinkage and temperature differ-
ences ) , construction joints and other crack initiators. Transfer of longitudinal force resultants
by the tensile strength of plain concrete is therefore usually not relied upon. However, in cases
where the average tensile strength in a certain volume is decisive such as for anchorage of rein-
forcement, and/or when the tensile stresses are oriented in directions where the concrete is more
protected from detrimental effects, such as in slabs subjected to shear, the tensile strength is re-
liable and should be recognized as a basic strength parameter in ultimate limit state.
The tensile strength of normal weight concrete is usually defined in codes by a simple function
of the compressive strength. It is well known that tensile strength is more variable than the
compressive strength. It is more influenced by the shape and surface texture of the aggregates
than the compressive strength. It is, however, also observed that for example the shear resis-
tance of slabs without shear reinforcement made of concrete with increasing strength cannot be
satisfactory expressed by the increase of the tensile strength alone. It may be assumed that also
the increasing brittleness of concrete of increasing strength has a certain influence on the resis-
tance.
This can be taken into account either by defining a modified function of the compressive
strength with more moderate increase of the tensile strength or by substit uting the tensile
strength with a different formula in the shear resistance equation.
In general, LWA concrete is more brittle than normal weight concrete. In certain laboratory
conditions the tensile strength may be only moderately lower than the strength of normal weight
concrete with equal compressive strength. With lower E-modulus and lower fracture energy the
characteristic length expressing the relation between the elastic energy per unit volume and the
fracture energy per unit crack area will be substantially reduced.
These considerations should also be taken into account when introducing standard conversion
functions for the tensile strength of LWA concrete as a function of the oven dry density.
The main questions are therefore:
• Should the conversion function express the average observations under laboratory condi-
tions, or should a possible increased sensitivity to environmental conditions be taken into
account?
• Should possible effects of the increased brittleness in ultimate limit states be accounted for?
On this background a review of the application of tensile strength as design parameter in inter-
national codes is performed. Of special interest is the recently published first draft of the new
Eurocode 2 (prEN 1992-1). Special emphasis will be put on ultimate limit state.
2 TENSILE STRENGTH AND BRITTLENESS OF CONCRETE
2.1 Tensile strength of normal weight concrete

The tensile strength of normal weight concrete of equal compressive strength may vary within a
wide range depending, among other parameters, on the shape and surface texture of the aggre-
gate.
In CEB-FIP Model Code 1990 the usual range of the tensile strength associated with the differ-
ent strength classes defined by the required characteristic compressive cylinder strength are as
shown in Figure 1.
Tensile strength in Model Code 90
8,00
Tensile strength (MPa)
7,00
6,00 fctmax
5,00
fctm
4,00
3,00 fctmin
2,00 fctd
1,00
0,00
0 20 40 60 80 100
Characteristic compressive strength (MPa)
Figure 1 Usual range of tensile strength given in Model Code 90
In MC90 it assumed that the average compressive strength is about 8 MPa higher than the speci-
fied characteristic strength.
The functions relating the tensile strength to the compressive strength are usually of the follow-
ing format:
fct = k (fc )p
Different exponents are used in various codes. In MC90 p = 2/3 is applied. In other codes p=
0,6 and p = 1/2 occur.
The choice of the exponent has a significant influence on the predicted tensile strength of high
strength concrete.
Relative tensile strength

3
Relative strength
2,5
2 p=2/3
fct/fct20
p=0,6
1,5
p=1/2
1
p=1/3
0,5
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Compressive strength
Figure 2 Tensile strength relative to the strength of concrete C20
In figure 2 the effect of using different exponents in the strength formula is shown.
Exponent p = 1/3 is included because this is sometimes used in substitute functions for shear
strength (MC90 and prEN1992 draft).
A modified design tensile strength with a reduction of the tensile strength of high strength con-
crete is sometimes introduced.
The modification in prEN 1992-1-1 for concrete strength higher than 50 MPa and the corre-
sponding design tensile strength are shown in Fig 3.
The assumed characteristic tensile strength, modified structural strength and corresponding de-
sign tensile strength in NS3473 are shown in Fig 4.
The modification in the Norwegian code is calibrated with respect to the use of the tensile
strength in resistance calculation in ultimate limit state. A further reduction by 15 % is applied
for LWAC with lightweight aggregate in all fractions. (ALWAC)
Tensile strength in prEN 1992-1-1 Draft
6,00
5,00
4,00 fctm
fctm mod
3,00
fctk 005
2,00 fctd
1,00
0,00
0 20 40 60 80 100
Characteristic compressive strength (MPa)
Figure 3 Design tensile strength in prEN 1992-1-1-Draft.
Tensile stength in NS3473-98
6,00
5,00
4,00 ftk
3,00 ftn
2,00 ftd
1,00
0,00
0 20 40 60 80 100
Characteristic cylinder strength (MPa)
Figure 4 Modified design tensile strength in NS3473 – 1998.
2.2 Tensile strength of LWA concrete

The usual formula relating the tensile strength of LWA concrete to the tensile strength of nor-
mal weight concrete (i.e. with the same compressive strength) have the form:
fct LWAC / fct NWC = a + (1-a) ρ o /ρ1
where
a is constant 0,5 < a < 0
ρ o is the oven dry density
ρ 1 is a reference density 2400 ≤ ρ 1 ≤ 2200
The influence of using different constants and reference densities is shown in Figures 5 and 6
Tensile strength of LWA concrete

3
ρ1 = 2200 kg/m
1,1
Relative strength
1
fctLWA/fctND
0,9 a = 0.40
0,8 a = 0.30
0,7 a = 0.15
0,6
0,5
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400
Oven dry density (kg/m3)
Figure 5 Tensile strength reduction factors as function of oven dry density

3
ρ1 = 2400 kg/m
1
Relative strength
fctLWA/fctND
0,9
a = 0.50
0,8
a = 0.40
0,7
a = 0.30
0,6
0,5
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400
3
Oven dry density (kg/m )
Figure 6 Tensile strength reduction factors as function of oven dry density
1,1
Relative strength
1
fctLWA/fctND
0,9 CUR
ENV1992
0,8
BBK 94
0,7
NS3473*
0,6
prEN1992
0,5
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400
3
Figure 7 Tensile strength reduction factors for LWAC in various codes
Figure 7 shows the different reduction factors for tensile strength of LWA concrete applied in
existing codes. NS3473* refers to the new edition of the Norwegian code issued in 1998.
The reduction factor varies between 0,94 – 1,0 for ρ o = 2200 kg/m3 and 0,54 – 0,66 for ρ o =
1000 kg/m3. A simple comparison of the resulting design tensile strength in ultimate limit state i
different codes can be made if a reasonable relation between the oven dry density and the com-
pressive strength is chosen. For this purpose the relation ρ o = 550 fck0,3 is selected, which is
valid for LWAC with rather high strength/density ratios. The resulting design strength in ULS
according to Model Code 90, prEN1992-draft and NS3473 are shown in Fig 8.
Design tensile stength of LWA concrete

0,3
ρο= 550 fck
2,5
Tensile strength f ctd
2
1,5 Model Code
(MPa)
1 prEN1992
NS3473
0,5
NS ALWA
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Characteristic cylinder strength f ck (MPa)
Figure 8 Design tensile strength of LWAC in various codes
Figure 8 illustrate the modification of the tensile strength for high strength LWAC in the new
draft of prEN1992 compared to Model Code 90. This modification is even more pronounced in
the Norwegian code, which also include a further reduction for all-lightweight aggregate con-
crete.
2.3 Brittleness
The brittleness of concrete may be characterised by the characteristic length given in a simple
form by:
lch = Gf Ec / fct2
where:
Gf = fracture energy (Nmm/mm2 )
Ec = modulus of elasticity (N/mm2 )
fct = tensile strength (N/mm2 )
Table 1 Characteristic length of concrete

Concrete ref fcm fctm Ecm Gf lch
NWC 1) 28 2,2 26.000 0,060 322
NWC 1) 58 4,1 33.000 0,105 206
NWC 1) 88 5,6 38.000 0,135 163
LWAC 6) 67 4,4 26.000 0,068 91
LWAC 7) 52 3,0 18.000 0,034 68
ALWAC 7) 40 2,9 15.500 0,032 59
Table 1 shows typical mechanical properties, fracture energy and resulting characteristic length
of normal weight concrete according to Model Code (1) compared to selected test results for
LWA concrete.
The table reflects the expected decreasing characteristic length of NWC with increasing strength
indicating increased brittle ness of high strength concrete. The characteristic length of LWAC is
systematically shorter. The selected results indicate, however, an opposite tendency that the
characteristic length is decreasing with decreasing compressive strength. The example in the
last line of the table indicate that especially short characteristic lengths with brittle behaviour
should be expected for ALWAC with light weight aggregate also in the sand fraction.
3 Shear strength of slabs
3.1 Shear capacity equations in design codes

Note: In the following expressions for the shear resistance of slabs without shear reinforcement
the notation ρ without index means the ratio of longitudinal reinforcement ρ = As /bd.
ENV 1992-1-4: VRd1 = 0,25 (η1 fctk /γc)(1.6 – d) (1,2 + 40 ρ)bw d

η1 = (0,4 + 0,6 ρ o /2200)
The shear resistance according to ENV 1992 is proportional to the tensile strength. The modif i-
cation factor for LWA concrete in ENV 1992-1-3 will affect the shear strength directly.
prEN 1992-1 1st draft Dec 1999:
VlRd,ct = 0,12 η1 k (100 ρ flck)1/3 bw d

η1 = (0,4 + 0,6 ρ o /2400)
The shear resistance of slabs without normal force according to prEN 1992 is a function of
(fck)1/3 If the tensile strength is approximated by the formula fct = k(fck)2/3 this indicate that the
shear strength of normal weight concrete slabs is assumed to be proportional to the square root
of the tensile strength (√fct = √k ⋅ (fck)1/3 ). However, introduction of the external factor η1
means that the modification of the tensile strength of LWA concrete will affect the shear
strength proportionally.
CEB-FIP MC90 : NWC: VRd1 = 0,12 ξ(100 ρ fck)1/3 brd

fib TG 8.1: LWAC: VRd1 = 0,10 ξ(100 ρ fck)1/3 brd η1
η1 = (0,4 + 0,6 ρ o /2200)
The format of the shear strength formula and the modificatio n for LWA concrete suggested by
the task group TG 8.1 is in principle the same as suggested in prEN 1992. The modification
factor is slightly different. It is not known whether the reduction of the general factor from 0,12
to 0,10 is intentional or just a misprint.
ACI: Vc = φ (√fc’/6) bw d
The shear resistance according to ACI is a function of (fck)1/2 Simplified reduction factors
0,85 for sand-lightweight concrete and 0.75 for All-lightweight-concrete are introduced.
NS: Vco = 0.3(η1 ftn + 100ρ)(1,5 – d)bw d/γc < 0,6 η1 ftn (1,5 – d)bw d/γc
η1 = (0,15 + 0,85 ρ o /2200)
In the Norwegian code a modification of the tensile strength (ftn ) will influence the upper limit
proportionally. The effect on the resistance of slabs with less reinforcement will depend on the
relative magnitude of ftn and 100ρ
It may be concluded that calibration of the tensile strength parameter with respect to shear
strength of LWA concrete slabs will be dependent on the format of the shear strength formula.
3.2 Comparison with test results

Table 2 shows the main results of a comparison of design shear capacities according to the
Norwegian code and two versions of Eurocode 2 and observed shear cracking strength in three
test series with beams made of three different types of LWA concrete. All beams were without
shear reinforcement and constant gross section b/h = 150/250 mm, but the shear span from the
supports to the symmetrical twin point loads and longitudinal reinforcement amount were var-
ied. The detailed measures and results are given in tables A1 – A3 in the Appendix.
Table 2 include the number of test results (N) in each series, the compressive cylinder strength
(fcyl) and the oven dry density (ρ o).
Table 2 Ratio of observed shear cracking strength to design shear capacity

Ref/type N Str. dens. NS3473 prEN1992 ENV1992
fcyl ρo (Vcr/Vd)m (Vcr/Vd)k (Vcr/Vd)m (Vcr/Vd)k (Vcr/Vd)m (Vcr/Vd)k
8/ LWAC 10 58 1900 1,39 1,18 1,70 1,41 1,43 1,08
10/LWAC 11 36,6 1600 1,69 1,24 1,76 1,48 1,66 1,27
9/ALWAC 18 42,5 1320 1,47 1,05 1,31 1,16 1,18 0,93
The ratios of observed to calculated shear strength in Table 2 and Fig. 9 are given both in terms
of mean values and a formal characteristic value calculated simply as:
(Vcr/Vd)k = (Vcr/Vd)m – 1,4 s
where (s) is the standard deviation of the ratios within each test series.
It can be observed from tables A1-A3 in the appendix that the new draft of Eurocode 2
(prEN1992) gives satisfactory low variability of the calculated ratios with coefficient of varia-
tion between 0,08 and 0,12. The other two investigated codes give less satisfactory variation
coefficients between 0,11 and 0,21.
The desired characteristic ratios are a matter of discussion. However, ratios comparable to the
partial factor γc for concrete in ultimate limit state seems reasonable. It should be mentioned that
the final shear failure load are much higher than the diagonal cracking load in beams with small
shear span ratios, and especially so for LWA concrete beams. The general tendency is that this
margin decreases with increasing shear span. In some cases with shear span ratio a/d = 4,0 di-
agonal cracking lead almost immediately to failure. Observing that the widths of diagonal shear
cracks in specimens without shear reinforcement are usually very large, and that the final failure
loads are very variable, the diagonal cracking is defined as the primary failure criterion.
On this background the ratios 1,41 and 1,48 calculated with prEN1992 for the first two series
with LWAC have the desired order of magnitude. However, the ratio 1,16 for the tests with
ALWAC with light weight aggregate in all fractions (last line in Table 2 depicted with oven dry
density 1320 kg/m3 in Fig 9) does not seem to give adequate safety.
The results indicate that an extra reduction factor should be introduced for ALWA concrete with
respect to shear capacity.
1,80
1,60 prEN mean

Ratio Vcr/Vd
prEN kar
1,40 NS mean
NS kar
1,20
ENV mean
1,00 ENV kar
0,80
1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
3
Figure 9 Ratio of observed shear cracking strength to design shear capacity
The basic reduction factor for tensile strength of LWAC in prEN1992 is:
η1 = (0,4 + 0,6 ρ o /2400)
It may be more convenient to use a reference oven dry density which is more realistic for ordi-
nary normal weight concrete. The formula will then probably give a better fit to modified nor-
mal weight concrete where only a part of the coarse aggregate is substituted with LWA.
Modified prEN 1992
1,80
Ratio Vcr/Vd
1,60
1,40 prEN mean
1,20 prEN kar
1,00
0,80
1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
3
Figure 10 Ratio of observed shear cracking strength to design shear capacity according to
a modified version of prEN1992, Draft, section 10
A modified version of formula for shear capacity prEN1992 using
η1 = (0,3 + 0,7 ρ o /2300)
with an additional reduction factor η2 = 0,85 for ALWAC has been applied in Fig 10.
It can be seen that characteristic ratios within the range of 1,4 –1,5 have been obtained for all
three test series.
4 Bond strength
The expressions for the design bond strength for reinforcing bars in various codes:
ENV 1992-1-4: fbd = η 1 η 2 η 3 fctd (0,4 + 0,6 ρ o /2200)

η1 considers the type of reinforcement = 2,25 for ribbed bars
η2 considers the position of the bar during concreting
η3 considers the bar diameter, i.e. a reduction factor less than 1,0
for bar diameters larger than 32 mm
prEN 1992-1
1 st draft Dec 1999: fbd = 2.25 η 2 η3 flctd
flctd = fctd (0,4 + 0,6 ρ o/2400)
Limitation: Unless the concrete tensile strength can be shown to be grater than that calculated
for fck = 55 MPa, it should be limited to that value.
CEB-FIP MC90 : NWC: fbd = η 1 η 2 η 3 fctd

fib TG 8.1: LWAC: Void
ACI: Basic development length in LWAC: 1.3 ⋅ 0,02 Ab fy/√ fc’

design bond strength: 0,77 √fc’ /(0,02 π φ)
The increase of the development length by a factor of 1,3 for reinforcement in LWA concrete,
corresponds to a decrease of the bond strength by a factor of 0,77. The values of √fc’ should be
limited to 8,3 MPa, i.e. fc’ ≤ 70 MPa.
NS: fbd = k1 k2 ftn (1/3 + 2/3 c/φ ) (0,15 + 0,85 ρ o/2200)
The design bond strength of reinforcement in LWAC is modified proportionally by the oven dry
density dependent tensile strength modification factor in all reference codes except ACI, where
a constant factor is applied.
Tests with lap splices in tension specimens made of relatively high strength LWAC (11) indi-
cated that the modification of the tensile strength related to the density will give reasonable pre-
diction of the bond strength, but that scatter of the results was larger than in comparative tests
with NWC. This was mainly due to the gradual decrease of the average bond strength with in-
creasing lap length of 32 mm bars. The conclusion was that the this reflects the lower ability of
the brittle LWA concrete to redistribute high local stresses causing splitting before a uniform
bond stress distribution is established. It was recommended that the limitation of the bar diame-
ter should be more restrictive in LWAC.
5 Minimum reinforcement and detailing of members

In prEN1992, Draft Section 10 it is explicitly stated that the relevant sections for NWC with
respect to minimum reinforcement and detailing of members can be applied to LWAC without
modifications.
The required minimum reinforcement in beams and slabs is proportional to the tensile strength
fctm (or fct,eff at the time of cracking). Application of the strength reduction factor η1 for LWAC
in this case will relax the required minimum reinforcement of LWAC members compared to
NWC members with equal compressive strength.
The modification of the tensile strength is introduced in a general clause in section 10. The ap-
plication of this modification is however not repeated in sections concerning minimum rein-
forcement to obtain ductile behaviour and control of cracks. It is therefore not quite clear
whether the modification should be applied, or if unmodified tensile strength as for NWC
should be used to be on the safe side.
The most convenient approach will be to apply the modified tensile strength in all relevant sec-
tions. Taking into account that the tensile strength of relatively high density LWAC sometimes
may be as high as NWC of equal compressive strength, one should be careful not to underesti-
mate the effective tensile strength especially in cases control of the cracking due to imposed
deformations is important. The use of the (modified) upper characteristic tensile strength in such
cases should be considered.
6 Other comments to prEN1992-1 section 10 - 1st draft

Table 10.2 Stress and deformation characteristics for LWAC :
For each strength class defined by the characteristic cylinder strength fck exactly the same corre-
sponding characteristic cube strength fck,cube is defined for LWAC as for NWC in Table 3.1.
It is well known that the fck,cube/ fck ratio is lower for LWAC than for NWC. Documentation of a
lower ratio and thereby a lower cube strength for a certain strength class and actual type of con-
crete should be allowed.
The strain limits given i Table 10.2 are exactly the same as in Table 3.1, despite that it is stated
in clause 10.3.1.5 that the strain values given in relevant figures for NWC should be substituted
by the values from Table 10.3.1. There is probably a double misprint: The name of the Table
10.2 should be changed to 10.3.1, and the strain values in this table should be altered.
The reference density value in the equations defining the modification coefficients ηE for the
modulus of elasticity and η1 for the tensile strength is 2400 kg/m3 . It would be more logical,
and probably give a better fit to the test results if a more representative value of the oven dry
density of NWC in the order of 2200-2300 kg/m3 were chosen as reference. ENV1992-1-4 use
2200. A possible compromise is to apply 2300 kg/m3 as reference oven dry density.
There are some printing errors:
Expression (10.6.4): The correct ratio should be (2,5d/a v ), not (2,5/a v d).
10.8.4.1 (2) Substitute fcd by fctd and flcd by flctd
7 NOMENCLATURE
LWA Lightweight aggregate
LWAC Lightweight aggregate concrete
NWA Normal weight aggregate
NWC Normal weight concrete
w/b water binder ratio
w/c water cement ratio
CEB Comité Euro-international du Béton

CEN Comité Européen de Normalisation
CTR Cost Time Resources (form)
EN European Standard
FIB Féderation Internationale du Béton
FIP Féderation Internationale de la Précontrainte
TC Technical Committee (CEN)
8 REFERENCES
1. CEB-FIP MODEL CODE 1990 Bulletin D’information No 213/214 May 1993
2. fib TG 8.1 Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Recommended extensions to Model Code 90 , Final Draft Dec 1999, revised Jan 2000.
3. Eurocode 2: Design of Concrete Structures – Part 1: General rules and rules for buildings
Part 1-4 Lightweight aggregate concrete with closed structure.
ENV 1992-1-4, 1994
4. Eurocode 2: Design of Concrete Structures – Part 1: General rules and rules for buildings.
Section 10: Lightweight aggregate concrete structures.
prEN 1992-1 1st draft, December 1999.
5. NS 3473
6. High strength Concrete, Report 4.11 Effect of moisture on the mechanical propertie s
STF65 F91012, 1991
7. Lightcon Rapport 2.1 Mekaniske egenskaper. Dokumentasjon av LC40 1994
8. Drangsholt, G., Thorenfeldt E.: Shear Capacity of High Strength Concrete Beams SINTEF
Report STF65 F88006, Feb 1988
9. Stemland H., Thorenfeldt E.: Skjærkapasitet av bjelker uten skjærarmering
Lightcon DP3, SINTEF Report STF70 F85046, Aug 1995
10. Stemland H., Thorenfeldt E.: Skjærkapasitet av lettvektsbetongbjelker uten skjærarmering,
Lettkonstruksjonsbetong DP 2.3 SINTEF Report STF22 A99735, Jul 1999
11. Thorenfeldt E., Assved Hansen E.: Tension lap splices and crack widths. SINTEF Report
STF70 F93131, Dec 1993
Appendix
Table A1 Diagonal cracking shear strength of beams b/h = 150/250 mm Ref 8)
Ref 8) LWAC
Strength fcyl 58
Dens ity ρo 1900 NS3473 prEN1992 ENV1992
Strength fct : 1,60 1,66 1,93
Beam no d a/d ρ= Vcr Vd Vcr/Vd Vd Vcr/Vd Vd Vcr/Vd
As/bd
B31 221 3 1,82 53,22 36,94 1,44 32,10 1,66 42,44 1,25
B31 221 3 1,82 53,22 36,94 1,44 32,10 1,66 42,44 1,25
B32 221 2,3 1,82 46,29 36,94 1,25 32,10 1,44 42,44 1,09
B32 221 2,3 1,82 53,15 36,94 1,44 32,10 1,66 42,44 1,25
B33 207 4 3,23 58,20 47,11 1,24 36,99 1,57 41,65 1,40
B33 207 4 3,23 63,11 47,11 1,34 36,99 1,71 41,65 1,52
B34 207 3 3,23 58,10 47,11 1,23 36,99 1,57 41,65 1,39
B34 207 3 3,23 63,10 47,11 1,34 36,99 1,71 41,65 1,51
B35 207 2,3 3,23 67,85 47,11 1,44 36,99 1,83 41,65 1,63
B35 207 2,3 3,23 82,57 47,11 1,75 36,99 2,23 41,65 1,98
Average 1,39 1,70 1,43

STD 0,15 0,21 0,25
VAR. 0,11 0,12 0,18
Ref 10) LWAC
Strength fcyl 36,6
Density ρo 1600 NS3473 prEN1992 ENV1992
Strength fct : 1,11 1,05 1,29
As/bd
B2 220 2,3 1,22 39,20 25,09 1,56 21,96 1,79 24,81 1,58
B2 220 2,3 1,22 39,20 25,09 1,56 21,96 1,79 24,81 1,58
B3 220 4 1,22 33,80 25,09 1,35 21,96 1,54 24,81 1,36
B3 220 4 1,22 31,90 25,09 1,27 21,96 1,45 24,81 1,29
B5 220 2,3 1,83 49,00 28,09 1,74 25,13 1,95 28,39 1,73
B5 220 2,3 1,83 46,60 28,09 1,66 25,13 1,85 28,39 1,64
B6 220 4 1,83 38,20 28,09 1,36 25,13 1,52 28,39 1,35
B8 205 2,3 3,23 58,80 26,48 2,22 28,80 2,04 27,68 2,12
B8 205 2,3 3,23 58,30 26,48 2,20 28,80 2,02 27,68 2,11
B9 205 4 3,23 49 26,48 1,85 28,80 1,70 27,68 1,77
B9 205 4 3,23 49 26,48 1,85 28,80 1,70 27,68 1,77
Average 1,69 1,76 1,66

STD 0,32 0,20 0,28
VAR. 0,19 0,11 0,17

Ref 9) ALWAC
Strength fcyl 42,5
Density ρo 1320 NS3473 prEN1992 ENV1992
Strength fct : 0,88 1,08 1,30
As/bd
B1 221 2,3 1,82 34,30 22,43 1,53 24,14 1,42 28,55 1,20
B1 221 2,3 1,82 33,30 22,43 1,48 24,14 1,38 28,55 1,17
B2 221 3 1,82 28,90 22,43 1,29 24,14 1,20 28,55 1,01
B2 221 3 1,82 29,40 22,43 1,31 24,14 1,22 28,55 1,03
B3 207 2,3 3,23 39,20 21,24 1,85 27,82 1,41 28,02 1,40
B3 207 2,3 3,23 44,10 21,24 2,08 27,82 1,59 28,02 1,57
B4 207 3 3,23 35,80 21,24 1,69 27,82 1,29 28,02 1,28
B4 207 3 3,23 41,70 21,24 1,96 27,82 1,50 28,02 1,49
B5 207 4 3,23 37,20 21,24 1,75 27,82 1,34 28,02 1,33
B5 207 4 3,23 37,2 21,24 1,75 27,82 1,34 28,02 1,33
B7 221 4 1,82 29,4 22,43 1,31 24,14 1,22 28,55 1,03
B7 221 4 1,82 28,9 22,43 1,29 24,14 1,20 28,55 1,01
B9 221 2,3 1,22 27,9 22,30 1,25 21,13 1,32 25,00 1,12
B9 221 2,3 1,22 27,9 22,30 1,25 21,13 1,32 25,00 1,12
B10 221 3 1,22 26 22,30 1,17 21,13 1,23 25,00 1,04
B10 221 3 1,22 25 22,30 1,12 21,13 1,18 25,00 1,00
B11 221 4 1,22 26,5 22,30 1,19 21,13 1,25 25,00 1,06
B11 221 4 1,22 26,5 22,30 1,19 21,13 1,25 25,00 1,06
Average 1,47 1,31 1,18

STD 0,30 0,11 0,18
VAR. 0,21 0,08 0,15

Tensile Strength As Design Parameter: European Union - Brite Euram Iii

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European Union – Brite EuRam III

Tensile strength as design parameter

Document BE96-3942/R32, June 2000

Project funded by the European Union

Tensile strength as design parameter

Contract BRPR-CT97-0381, Project BE96-3942

Tensile strength as design parameter

Contract BRPR-CT97-0381, Project BE96-3942

Selmer Skanska AS, NO

2 TENSILE STRENGTH AND BRITTLENESS OF CONCRETE 10

3 SHEAR STRENGTH OF SLABS 16

5 MINIMUM REINFORCEMENT AND DETAILING OF MEMBERS 21

6 OTHER COMMENTS TO PREN1992-1 SECTION 10 - 1ST DRAFT 22

The major research tasks are:

R24 Prefabricated bridges, June 2000

Ultimate limit state:

Service limit state:

The main questions are therefore:

2 TENSILE STRENGTH AND BRITTLENESS OF CONCRETE

2.1 Tensile strength of normal weight concrete

Tensile strength in Model Code 90

Figure 1 Usual range of tensile strength given in Model Code 90

Relative tensile strength

Figure 2 Tensile strength relative to the strength of concrete C20

Tensile strength in prEN 1992-1-1 Draft

Figure 3 Design tensile strength in prEN 1992-1-1-Draft.

Tensile stength in NS3473-98

Figure 4 Modified design tensile strength in NS3473 – 1998.

2.2 Tensile strength of LWA concrete

fct LWAC / fct NWC = a + (1-a) ρ o /ρ1

Tensile strength of LWA concrete

Figure 5 Tensile strength reduction factors as function of oven dry density

Tensile strength of LWA concrete

Figure 6 Tensile strength reduction factors as function of oven dry density

Tensile strength of LWA concrete

Figure 7 Tensile strength reduction factors for LWAC in various codes

Design tensile stength of LWA concrete

Figure 8 Design tensile strength of LWAC in various codes

Table 1 Characteristic length of concrete

3 Shear strength of slabs

3.1 Shear capacity equations in design codes

ENV 1992-1-4: VRd1 = 0,25 (η1 fctk /γc)(1.6 – d) (1,2 + 40 ρ)bw d

prEN 1992-1 1st draft Dec 1999:

VlRd,ct = 0,12 η1 k (100 ρ flck)1/3 bw d

CEB-FIP MC90 : NWC: VRd1 = 0,12 ξ(100 ρ fck)1/3 brd

3.2 Comparison with test results

Table 2 Ratio of observed shear cracking strength to design shear capacity

(Vcr/Vd)k = (Vcr/Vd)m – 1,4 s

1,60 prEN mean

Figure 9 Ratio of observed shear cracking strength to design shear capacity

η1 = (0,4 + 0,6 ρ o /2400)

Modified prEN 1992

A modified version of formula for shear capacity prEN1992 using

η1 = (0,3 + 0,7 ρ o /2300)

ENV 1992-1-4: fbd = η 1 η 2 η 3 fctd (0,4 + 0,6 ρ o /2200)

CEB-FIP MC90 : NWC: fbd = η 1 η 2 η 3 fctd

ACI: Basic development length in LWAC: 1.3 ⋅ 0,02 Ab fy/√ fc’

NS: fbd = k1 k2 ftn (1/3 + 2/3 c/φ ) (0,15 + 0,85 ρ o/2200)

5 Minimum reinforcement and detailing of members

6 Other comments to prEN1992-1 section 10 - 1st draft

There are some printing errors:

10.8.4.1 (2) Substitute fcd by fctd and flcd by flctd

CEB Comité Euro-international du Béton