DERIVATION:

M= PL/6

Y = h/2

Ix = bh3/12

M
R= *y (substitute)
Ix
PL/6
R= * h/2 (simplify)
bh 3/12
PL
R=
b d2
CASE#1

If the fracture initiates in the tension surface within the middle third of the span length, calculate the modulus of rupture as
follows:

PL
R= (1)
b d2
Where:

R = modulus of rupture, psi, or mpa,

P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine, lb, or N,

L = span length, in., or mm,

b = average width of specimen, in., or mm, at the fracture, and

d = average depth of specimen, in., or mm, at the fracture.

CASE#2

If the fracture occurs in the tension surface outside of the middle third of the span length by not more than 5 % of the span
length, calculate the modulus of rupture as follows:

3 Pa
R= (2)
bd 2
where:

a = average distance between line of fracture and the nearest support measured on the tension surface of the beam, in., (or
mm)

CASE#3

If the fracture occurs in the tension surface outside of the middle third of the span length by more than 5 % of the span
length, discard the results of the test.
Sample problem

Calculate the modulus of rupture if a by-in. square concrete flexure beam with a span length of 18 in. if the failure occurs.

I. within the middle third at a load of 5150 lb

II. 0.5 in. outside of the middle third
III. 1.2 in. outside of the middle third

(I). Assume the depth of beam is 6 in., width of beam as 6 in.

Given

P = 5150 lb

L = 18 in.

b =6 in.

d = 6 in.

PL
R=
b d2

R = (5150 lb)(18∈.)
¿¿
R = 429.167 psi

(II).

0.5 < (5% of 18)

a = 6.5 in.

3 Pa
R=
bd 2
3(5150 lb)(6.5∈.)
R=
¿¿
R = 464.931 psi

(III).

1.2 > (5% of 18)

Therefore discard the results of the test.