Concrete Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is an important property of concrete

because concrete structures are highly vulnerable to
tensile cracking due to various kinds of effects and
applied loading itself. However, tensile strength of
concrete is very low in compared to its compressive
strength.
 Due to difficulty in applying uniaxial tension to
a concrete specimen, the tensile strength of the
concrete is determined by indirect test methods:
(1) Split Cylinder Test, and
(2) Flexure Test.
It should be noted that both of these methods give
the higher value of tensile strength than the
uniaxial tensile strength.
ASTM Specifications
Split-Cylinder Test
It is the standard test, to determine the tensile strength of
concrete in an indirect way. A standard test cylinder of concrete
specimen (300 mm X 150mm diameter) is placed horizontally
between the loading surfaces of Compression Testing Machine
The compression load is applied diametrically and uniformly
along the length of cylinder until the failure of the cylinder
along the vertical diameter.
 To allow the uniform distribution of this applied
load and to reduce the magnitude of the high
compressive stresses near the points of application
of this load, strips of plywood are placed between
the specimen and loading platens of the testing
machine. Concrete cylinders split into two halves
along this vertical plane due to indirect tensile stress
generated by Poisson's effect.
Assuming concrete specimen behaves as an elastic
body, a uniform lateral tensile stress of ft acting along
the vertical plane causes the failure of the specimen,
which can be calculated from the formula as,
2𝑃
𝑓𝑡 =
𝜋𝐿𝐷
where
𝑓𝑡 = splitting tensile strength, MPa,
P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing
machine, N,
L = length, mm, and
D = diameter, mm.
 Flexure Test (ASTM C78)

This test method covers the determination of the

flexural strength of concrete by the use of a simple
beam with third-point loading. Results are
calculated and reported as the modulus of rupture.
Schematic of a Suitable Apparatus for Flexure Test of Concrete by Third-Point Loading Method
Stress distribution in the flexure beam test
Flexure Test (ASTM C293)
This test method is used to determine the
modulus of rupture by the use of a simple beam
with center-point loading. It is not an alternative
to Test Method C78/C78M. This test method
produces values of flexural strength significantly
higher than Test Method C78.
Schematic of a Suitable Apparatus for Flexure Test of Concrete by Center-Point Loading Method.
 Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson’s Ratio of
Concrete (ASTM C469)
This test method covers determination of chord
modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of molded
concrete cylinders and diamond-drilled concrete cores
when under longitudinal compressive stress.
Concrete stress-strain curve
 Extensometer
Compressometer
Extensometer

Compressometer
 The Compressometer is used for evaluating axial
deformation of concrete cylinders while undergoing
compression testing.

The Extensometer is used for evaluating diametrical

extension of concrete cylinders while undergoing
compression testing.