Figure 14

35
Estimates of effective modulus, Ec,eff.
C35/45 Elastic
C30/37 modulus
30

25

Effective modulus
20

500 x 1000mm beam C35/45

15

10

250mm slab. internal C30/37

5

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Age (years)

8.2 Measurement of creep

8.2.1 Test methods There is currently no European standard test for creep of concrete in the BS EN 12390
series, but a test is being developed for repair products. This test is defined in BS EN 13584-2
and uses 40 × 40 × 160mm prisms which makes it unsuitable for most normal concretes.
Work has started on an ISO test (ISO/ DIS 1920-9) and this is at the draft international
standard stage.

ASTM C 512 provides a method of measuring the total creep (basic creep plus drying creep)
of concrete. While some standard conditions are defined, it is recognised that these may be
varied to obtain information relevant to a specific project. Six 150mm diameter cylinders
are cast, two used for strength testing, two used for creep testing and two are left without
loading to determine the changes of strain without load, for example, those due to drying
and to autogenous shrinkage. The applied load shall not be more than 40% of the com-
pressive strength at the time of loading. Readings are taken immediately the load is applied,
then again 2–6 hours later, and then at defined intervals until they have been loaded for
one year. A procedure is given for calculating the creep rate.

According to Brooks,17 the equipment for the ASTM C 512 test is large and expensive and
researchers tend to use smaller, less expensive equipment.

8.2.2 Guidance on creep For normal indoor conditions where project-specific data are required, the standard
testing requirements of ASTM C 512 may apply, and a stress/strength ratio of 40% may be used.
However, recognising the many variables that affect creep, it is recommended that tests
be undertaken under conditions that replicate as closely as possible those likely to occur
in practice. Particular consideration should be given to the following:
Achieving a representative concrete and compressive strength.
Loading at a representative age and at a representative stress.

28