Magazine of Concrete Research, 2004, 56, No. 3, April, 151-158 Effect of curing on the tensile strength of medium to high strength concrete G. A. Conroy-Jones* and B. I. G. Barrt University of Iceland; Cardiff University Curing effects upon the tensile strength of medium- and high-strength concrete are reported. Five concrete grades, with 28-day compressive cube strengths ranging from 40 N/mm? to 110 Nimm?, were cured in two environments air, and in water. Tensile strengths were measured using three indirect rests (flexural strength, split cylinder and torsional tensile). Strengths were measured at 28, 84 and 365 days, The objective of the study was to investigate the relative effects of curing on the indirect tensile strength measurement. Various strength-modifving mechanisms are identified, which are related to the observed results. The flexural and torsional surface failure tests exkibit air- ‘cured strengths that approach and in some instances surpass their water-cured comparisons. This is thought to occur because of positive (drying moisture gradient prestressing) and negative (swelling gradient, self-desiccation) effects on the measured air-cured and water-cured strengths respectively. The split cylinder air-cured'water-cured ratio (0-78) compared well with other compressive strength studies (0°81) Introduction This paper examines the effects of curing on the tensile strength measurement of medium to high strength concrotes. The ratio of tensile strength to com- pressive strength decteases with increasing strength. ‘Thus the use of empirical relationships based on low to medium strength concrete results will overestimate the tensile strength of high-strength concrete (HHSC). There- fore it is important to investigate the influence of experimental factors on the tensile properties of HSC. The effects of curing on tensile strength are a relatively uunder-studied research area, rarer still with high- strength materials, These reasons alone warrant the investigation reported here. Tensile strength is impor- tant for nonreinforced concrete structures such as dams, pavement slabs and airfield runways, which are designed based on the bending strength. Concrete fails in tension, and failure to examine this area may lead to undiscovered effects, a potential problem that this paper hopes in part to address. + School of Engineering, University of teeland Miasbathage 2-5, Reykjavik, Leland. 4 School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Newport Road, Cardi Wales, United Kingdon (MCR 1134) paper received 29 Apel 2008; last eevised 27 August 2003; accepted 16 October 2008, Strength measurement In addition to possible operator error, measured concrete strength depends on three main factors: test set-up, material constituents, and curing history. The test method is so significant that all strength measurements are quoted in terms of the test: compressive cube, split cylinder and flexural strength are common examples. With any ‘compressive’ or ‘tensile’ test the result is a function of the measurement method. Any true strength measurement is unattainable, as the techniques em- ployed in the test will always affect the result “The compressive cube test assumes that the compres sive forces are distributed uniformly across the section. However, friction forces at the interface resist lateral expansion, resulting in a mote favourable stress con- dition.' In the split eylinder tensile test the specimen is loaded along its length until failure; the maximum load is used to calculate the tensile strength. Regions of the specimen exist under complex compressive and tensile forces, with the tensile zone occurring over approxi- mately 60% of its diameter. After failure the crack moves towards the tim of the specimen, but propaga- tion is stopped by the biaxial compression zones under- neath the packing strips, and failure occurs only when the crack has propagated around this zone. It is prob- able that the local zone underneath the failure wedge controls the ultimate failure of the concrete, The flex- ‘ual strength test overestimates the strength because of 151 004-9831 04 Thomas Telford Led Downloaded by [ Swinburne University] on [2510823], Copyright © ICE Publishing al rights reserve,Conroy-Jones and Barr the theoretical assumptions of an elastic distribution, and because crack propagation is resisted by less stressed materials nearer to the neutral axis.” ‘The size of the specimen is an important qualitative factor when considering the measurement of strength. Increasing the specimen size will decrease the effects of curing, as the volume of affected concrete is relax tively smaller. However, there is an opposing effect, as increasing the size increases the probability of encoun- tering a failure-inducing flaw. Some experiments have ‘examined this effect using concrete with a high water! binder ratio to exaggerate the effects." It was shown that, as the specimen size increases, the positive influ- ence of an increased size due to negative curing re- gimes (air drying) outweighs the effect of encountering a failure-inducing flaw, However, other investigations with higher-strength silica fume concretes have shown, strengths not to be sensitive to cylinder size.* The influence that curing has on the measured strength depends on its effects on hydration, test type, permeability, and residual moisture gradients at the time of testing, Water is required to promote the con- tinued hydration of concrete and hence increase strength and decrease permeability—two qualities that are generally required for ‘good’ concrete. Therefore any curing regimes that promote these traits are trad- itionally defined as “good”. The influence that good or bad curing has on hydration and strength measurement is directly related to the failure mechanism of the test Surface failure tests, such as the flexural and torsional tests, are likely to be more affected than split cylinder tests, However, it is well documented that the failure zone immediately below the loading platens in the split cylinder test has a strong influence on the ultimate strength, as the crack has to propagate through this zone before the final failure oceurs, ‘When moisture differs through the cross-section, gra- dients occur in the drying and swelling modes, which ‘will both increase and decrease the strength, the dom- inating factors being dependent on the severity of the moisture gradient and the concrete grade. The drying shrinking mode occurs when moisture is lost from the concrete to the surroundings. When a drying gradient develops, water is lost from the surface concrete first, which then wants to shrink, but is restrained by the inner core (at a higher moisture content), so that differ contial shrinkage stresses occur. These persist until the concrete is retumed to an equilibrium moisture state; the time taken for this to occur depends on the per- meability of the material. The drying prestresses the specimen, which will potentially increase the failure load in the surface failure tests, as this prestressing force must be overcome before the failure load is reached. Differential shrinkage induces cracks in the specimen, which will contribute to a lowering of strength. The opposite moisture state—the swelling mode—occurs in moisture-rich environments where ‘water is in abundance. The outer layer attempts to 152 ‘swell, and will lower the ultimate strength of the mate- rial in the surface failure tests as there is already a load applied to the material. This effect is further exacer- bated in low water/binder ratio materials, where the permeability of the outer layer is so low that the inner core is effectively sealed. Self-desiccation may then ‘occur in the centre, increasing the differential moisture condition. A reversed differential shrinkage gradient is created, and together with internal stresses is likely to lower the strength, particularly in the surface failure tests. The effect of water is paramount in promoting the hydration of cement. Water-cured strengths are typi- cally used as an indication of the ultimate strength of the material, This curing method is used because it is casy to standardise, Some studies indicate that water curing may lower the potential strength. Excess hydro- static pressures increase as the load is applied; ab- sorbed water is prevented from leaving the specimen, which creates additional forces on the matrix.’ Re- moval of water reduces the intermolecular distances within the material, which has been shown to increase strength at equilibrium moisture conditions.” It has been shown that 28-day water-cured strengths are lower than those of specimens that are water cured for 7 days followed by air drying. This loss has been attributed to pore water pressure being developed during loading." ‘A tensile test can be categorised as resulting from an internal or extemal failure, depending on where the maximum stress in the material is achieved. If the curing-affected zone lies within the maximum stress area then the curing will have an influence on strength via its effect on hydration. However, the tests investi- gated here all have 2 secondary zone that ultimately controls the failure of the specimen. In the split cylin- der this is the area near the loading platens of the material. Crack propagation in the flexural and tor- sional tests is restricted, as material towards the neutral axis exists in a lower stress state."” Experimental details Mix details Five different concrete mixes were investigated based fon mixes previously developed in the same lab- oratory." The mix details are presented in Table 1. An ordinary Portland cement was used, Class 425 manu- factured locally, conforming to BS 12." A crushed rock limestone was used for the coarse aggregate, with 4 maximum aggregate size of 10mm, Fine ageregate was a locally supplied sand conforming to BS 882."* Prior to inclusion into the mix the sand was dried to censure the accuracy of the water/binder ratio, For in- creased workability in the case of the lower water! binder ratio mixes, supexplasticser Conplast 430 was added, which complied with BS 5075-3." ‘fo increase strength further in conerete grades 85 and 110, silica Magazine of Concrete Research, 2004, 56, No. 3 Downloaded by [ Swinburne University] an [2510823], Copyright © ICE Publishing al rights reserved,Effect of curing on the tensile strength of medium to high strength concrete Table 1. Mix proportions and workability results Nomiza] Nominal proponioas [Osmeat] Sica ] Come | Far | Wer | wb Vibe rns by mass em | fume | appease: | aggeegae: | kgm’ | eave | mitgeenest | mm |» C:SE-CAEASW emo | “kein | gin? wo | i--2s0.200056 | a8 | 0 | oe me [aa ose | iw ft @ | acasiusicoas | ao foo | ua me fam jou | f mo | 2 15 | az2ao-tao-oa7 | 42 | oo | tas oo | as fost | 75) a0 | 2 re ro3:oss| 367 | 40 | 70 700 | ase | 039 | ake wo | 2 uo t66:030] ae | a7 | et mos | ar | oar | aoa wa fame was added in slurry form (50% water, $0% silica Results fume). ‘The constituents were mixed in a horizontal pan mixer with the ingredients added in rotation to ensure homogeneity. During this phase the mixer was periodi- cally stopped to remove clogging from non-mixing zones, such as the edge of the pan and at the corners of the blade, Once a workable mix had been produced the concrete was cast into pre-oiled moulds and compacted fon a vibrating table. The workability results are re- ported in Table 1. The specimens were then covered overnight with damp hessian and a plastic sheet to prevent evaporation. De-moulding occurred 24h later, after which the specimens were immediately placed in their curing environments. Curing regimes Two curing regimes were investigated: water, and air drying. All specimens were stored in controlled envir- fonments at 20°C + I°C. Air drying was achieved in @ controlled relative humidity (RH) chamber at 60% + 5% RH. The water-cured specimens were tested satu- rated surface dry. Tensile strength measurement Tensile strength tests were carried out at 28, 86 and 365 days. The tensile strength was measured using three different indirect tests: split cylinder, modulus of rupture (flexural strength), and via a torsional test. The split cylinder was carried out on a 100mm diameter cylinder according to BS 1881 Part 117, and the mod- ulus of rupture test was carried out on $00 mm long beams according to BS 1881 Part 118."°"” The tor- sional test was carried out on rectangular prisms 76 mm square and 254 mm long. The calculation of the maximum tensile strength was based on the clastic principles from the St Venant theory:"* Sine o where f} is the tensile strength (Nimm*), T, is the clastic failure torque (Nmm), a is St Venant’s coeffi- cient for square cross-sections = 0.208," and x is the cross-sectional width (mm). Magazine of Concrete Research, 2004, 86, No. 3 Water-cured compressive cube strengths The testing regime size required that multiple batches be manufactured at each strength grade to gen- erate the number of test specimens zequired for an investigation of this scope, To ensure that all batches were statistically identical, three 28-day compressive cube strengths were measured per concrete batch.” Using the two-sample statistical test no significant di ference was found between the batches at the 95% confidence level. The average values across all batches are shown in Table 2, Curing effects on tensile strength The complete tensile strength test results are dis- played in Table 3. The coefficient of vatiation (V%) is somewhat variable, and this needs to be appreciated in the analysis of the results. Preparing more test speci- mens would have reduced the spread of the results, but would also have increased significantly what was al- ready an extensive test programme, The split cylinder results aze shown in Fig. 1, with the air-cured/water- cured strength ratio plotted against age, At 28 days the ratio is relatively constant at around 0:76, except in the lowest-strength concrete, where the value is somewhat higher at 0-825. At 84 days the band widens, varying from 0-74 to 0-88 with no clear relationship due to concrete grade. At 365 days the band drops slightly, with strength ratios varying from 0-68 to 0-87, Figure 2 illustrates the corresponding relationships for the flexural strength results, Initially, at 28 days, the aircured/water-cured strength ratios are between 0-73 and 0-81, and between 0-71 and 1-00 at 84 days. In both instances the graphs indicate that the higher water Table 2. 28-day compressive strength results Nouial ] wb San [ru] Noor ve specimens w fos | aa | io fase) oo | oa | os | 220 | 60) as 1s | ost | too | 290 | 400 as ss | on | 69 | 206 | 237 | as no | o2s | sr | 2s] a97 | as 153 Downloaded by [ Swinburne Universiy] on [2510823], Copyright © ICE Publishing alright reserve,Conroy-Jones and Barr Table 3, Tensile strength results Caring 2eday “Tensile sengil: Ninn? condition be stength Split eytindee Toston es Flexural stength ‘Ni - 6 as 365 28 a 365 2» s 365 Wacrewe | at | ser | ass | 400 | age wos | cx | sos | ose | om we 4 2 39 268 42 | 2s 22 07 83 3 3 3 3 2 3 a 2 a ase [aor | sae | ors ras | sao | rar | ta2 | 740 38 mM rv 00 ss | is 25 43 a 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 a sis | sar | saz | tas sao | su sar | an | aa ss 49 94 03 ss | n0 23 25 05 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 sos | sos | 627 $06 sa | am | 02 | o07 | sas vo | 7 os 39 us| wa 8s a2 | ios y 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 2 r a ss 87 ss 26 46 os 37 : 3 3 3 2 2 2 a ar | 27 | sa | 306 337 sa | om | a3 | su | om von | 20 88 ¥9 4s so | as 19 68 56 N 2 2 3 3 2 3 a 2 a os | 370 | aur | 4a 539 cae | sas | sao | 74 | s20 veo | 44 82 a1 1 so | os 39 06 a me | aos | 427 | ao | ase oa | a2 | seo | om | sas veo | sa | no | 0 66 se | 62 13 oo o4 y 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 veo 6 | uo | 4a 2s oo | 30 st 2s 66 x 3 2 3 3 2 3 a 2 a ust | 52 | 528 | cox 166 y02 | 987 | sos | 799 | 10s2 vo | 67 38 50 uz sa | 38 8 70 26 N a 2 a 3 2 a a 2 a 00. cane £1050 Grade 60 Fro = cradle 05 z gos [casa $ oco. —<— Grace 60 yor I= Grace 05 £ o700 [= rade 119 os) Wo o_o 280 s00 500 Wo oat ae a0 80 ao ge days ge dave Fig, 1. Variation of air-cured/water.cured strength ratios with time (split eylinder test results) binder ratio mixes show the highest strength ratios However, at 365 days any strength loss due to air ‘curing is virtually non-existent, with all grades of con- crete exhibiting air-cured/water-cured strength ratios between 0-92 and 1-02. 154 Fig. 2. Variation of air-cured'watercured strength ratios with ime esural sirength test results) The torsion tensile test results (Fig. 3) exhibit 28-day strength ratios varying from 0-87 to 1-07, with the ratio increasing with increasing strength, The band of results reduces at 84 days, ranging from 0:80 to 0:94. At 365 days a similar effect to that observed for the flexural Magazine of Concrete Research, 2004, 86, No. 3 Downloaded by [ Swinburne University] on [2510823], Copyright © ICE Publishing al rights reserved,Effect of curing on the tensile strength of medium to high strength concrete $ v5 & 000. 3 esto _ fox — J cam [= ise co Fors recs {oro [= crase 1 cosy os Wo 8020 ee cays oa aoa Fig, 3, Variation of air-curediwatercured strength ratios with time (torsional test results) strength occurs, where the ait-cured/water-cured strength ratio is highest in the higher-strength mixes (ranging from 0-87 to 1-02). Ignoring the lowest water/ binder mixes, the air-cured strengths approach the water-cured strengths, with their ratios ranging from 0:93 to 1-02, indicating that air curing these test speci- ‘mens has little long-term negative effects on strength, Strength development with time Table 4 illustrates the strength development of the specimens relative to their 28-day values. In all in- stances the strength increase is higher in the lower water/binder ratio mixes, where an increased per- meability allows a larger proportion of the concrete to be affected by the positive influence of water curing. ‘The increase is highest in the torsion test specimens, which may be attributed to the specimens’ relatively small size. The lowest water/binder ratio mixes show the lowest strength development, with almost no strength increase at one year; in some instances a small decrease is observed. Continued hydration in the outer layers of these specimens may create such an imperme- able layer that the internal concrete cannot benefit from the ingress of water and the potential added hydration and strength that follow. Discussion Air and water curing effects on measured strength “The internal failure test results (split eylinder) re- main relatively unchanged throughout the testing peri- od, with the air-cured strengths consistently showing a reduced strength. The surface failure tests ultimately exhibit air-drying strengths that are not significantly different from the water-cured strengths; however, this is noticeable only after a long period of curing. This peculiar anomaly, where the internal failure test exhi- bits a greater negative effect to curing than the surface failure test, can be explained by the following premise. ‘There are positive and negative factors affecting the measured air- and water-cured strengths respectively, The apparent contradictory results are an indication of the complicated nature of the curing regimes, and it is misleading to assume that water curing has a purely positive influence on measured strength, The surface failure test phenomenon is thought to occur because of the dominance of positive effects from air drying and negative effects from water curing. Air curing creates differential shrinkage, which induces cracks in the outer layers but also prestresses the test specimen.”” The 365-day strengths exhibit an unusually lage increase when compared with the corresponding 84-day strengths, which cannot be attributed to in- creased hydration, The dominance of positive pre sing effects is therefore clearly shown in the results. ‘The apparent negligible difference in strength between water and air curing is also affected by the positive and negative influences of water curing on strength. In many instances the water-cured strength at 365 days is lower than at 84 days in Grades 75 and above. This may be an indicator of self-desiceation occurring, whereby the outer layer is effectively sealed by water Table 4. Strength development with time (ratio relative to 28-day strength) Conne 28-day cube ‘Strengt/26-dny avength condition | tenth ‘Nim Split tinder Torsion tet Flexural suengt | a“ 365 4 365 4 365 Waercued2e] a2 136 1a ie 16 18 05 096 no 109 120 bor 108 709 ro. 10 122 rz 106 rol 159 09% 103 10s 108 vor 099 108-7 100 098 +00 10) 103 09 Ait dried 21 bis 103 107 re 19 1s? 60% RH 20°C 05 ua 19 10s 129 12s 1a 109 Los 1 108 17 us 140 169 bos 100 103 no +00 17 1087 097 hz 103 120 099 120 Magazine of Concrete Research, 2004, 86, No. 3 155 Downloaded by [ Swinburne Universiy] on [2510823], Copyright © ICE Publishing al rights reserve,Conroy-Jones and Barr ‘curing, and penetration to the centze of the specimen is lowered. This creates a swelling gradient in the outer layers, which lowers the ultimate failure strength of the specimen.” Water curing has also be shown to reduce the strength of the material, as discussed earlier” ‘The split cylinder is an internal failure test; however, it exhibits the greatest reduction in strength from air ‘curing in all of the tests. The maximum stress occurs in a vertical central portion of the specimen along ap- proximately 60% of the diameter."' However, it has ‘been shown that the ultimate strength of a test speci- men is also controlled by the region of concrete just below the loading region. Pre-split cylinders have zero tensile strength; however, experiments have shown that, when placing such halves together, a substantial load- ‘carrying capacity is observed. This is an important point to make: although the central section of the speci- ‘men has zero load-carrying capacity, the specimen stil manages to achieve 50-75% of the strength of the whole specimens, depending on the aggregate size used. This apparent strength is provided by the testing system, where a zone of lateral compression is created im the region of the loading strip. Therefore the forma- tion of a vertical crack is not sufficient for failure, but substantial cracking and instability are required in this zone for failure to occur!" Therefore if splitting strengths are ultimately controlled by a region of con- ‘rete near the surface of the specimen then curing will have a significant effect on the strength of the material Air-cured split cylinder strengths show a significant strength loss compared with water-cured results, This indicates that the negative influences of air drying— that is, inducing cracks from differential shrinkage and reduced hydration—outweigh the positive effects of prestressing on the specimens. Split cylinder strength as a compressive strength test Studies have shown that the nogative effects on strength from the alkali-silica reaction and the effects ‘of water pressurisation are similar in the split eylinder and compressive strength tests This indicates that the split cylinder test may be interpreted as a compressive strength tet by factoring in the bearing width area. The hheighto-width ratio has an important effect on strength, owing to the influence of the end restraint ‘when testing. By accounting for the different height-to- width ratios the split eylinder results ean be compared with the cube strengths The compressive strength was estimated using the wwater-cured results only. The packing strip was 15 mm ‘wide, bat because hardboard is relatively soft, the stress concentrates towards the middle, reducing the effective bearing width” Assuming a bearing width of 14 mm, the beating area is 2800 mm?. Clayton has examined strength differences due to variations in the height-o- width ratio.” Independent of strength grade, speci- mens of a height-to-width ratio of 1 (compressive cube) have compressive strengths that are approximately 44% 156 higher than those calculated from the cylinder splitting test (height-to-width ratio = 7-14); therefore a modifi- cation factor of 1-44 was used in this study. This value compares favourably with BS 1881 Part 120, which indicates a modification factor of 1-52 when estimating ‘cube strength from drilled cores.”* The calculated compressive strengths are shown in. Fig. 4 and correlate well with the measured cube com- pressive strengths, Two trendlines are plotted, compar- ing the correlation of the data with and without the origin included. Correlation 1, without the origin, indi- cates that at low compressive strengths the calculated compressive strength is higher, and approaches the measured cube values as the strength increases. The trendline through the origin indicates that the calculated compressive strengths are 9% higher than the measured cube strengths. ‘As indicated previously, the effects of negative fac- tors have been shown to be similar in the two compres- sion tests. Assuming that air drying has a negative effect on the compressive strength (which all studies indicate that it does), it is useful to compare the losses from previous studies with this one. Studies on the curing effects on compressive strength from Aitcin et al. Gopalan and Haque, Soroka and Baum," ‘Wood”* and Sangha ef ai,’ are plotted in Fig, 5. These studies used air-drying regimes at approximately 20°C and relative humidities between 50% and 65%. Figure 5 indicates that a strong linear relationship ‘exists between the air- and water-cured strengths, with, the air-cured/water-cured strength ratio equal to 0-81 With a coefficient of determination of around 0-96. If the split cylinder results are compared in a similar ‘manner, the air-cured/water-cured strength ratio is 0-78 with a coefficient of determination of 0-94. This clearly shows that the effects of ait drying on strength are the same for the compressive and split cylinder tests, gh: Ni? aleuatea compressive ‘Cube compressive stength: Ninn Fig. 4. Relationship between calculated compressive strength and cube compressive strength Magazine of Concrete Research, 2004, 56, No. 3 Downloaded by [ Swinburne University] an [2510823], Copyright © ICE Publishing al rights reserved,Effect of curing on the tensile strength of medium to high strength concrete = Ret 10 Wiater-cured svengh: Nn? Fig. 5. Compressive strength relationship between air-cured ‘and water-cured specimens Compressive strengthitensile strength ratio ‘As indicated earlier, the ratio of compressive strength to tensile strength is known to increase as the compres- sive strength increases. Table $ summarises the results for the ratio of compressive strengthitensile strength for the 28-day water-cured results obtained in this study ‘This ratio is given by if for the flexural stength results and by if for the split eylinder results, (The corresponding ratio for the torsion test results is similar to that given by if.) Although the values of the two ratios are different (owing to the difference in the two measured tensile strengths), the percentage increases in the two ratios are similar: the percentage increase be- tween the extreme strengths is 325% for £if and 289% for ih strength takes place at a decreasing rate for HSC, which needs to be appreciated when using HSC, as there are diminishing returns in cracking resistance as the strength of concrete increases. Similar conclusions have been reported by Taylor et al ® Furthermore, the increase in tensile Table 5. Compressive strengthitensile strength ratios Cube srengih, | Flewural | fi | Split elinder Nim strength 6 sength, ‘in ‘Nim aa so | 74 | se | ito 805 ra | ase | 4g | zs 709 sor | ast | sas | 1360 469 sox | om | 60s | 1434 1087 uez | oss | 728 | aso Magazine of Concrete Research, 2004, 86, No. 3 Conclusions (@) The surface failure tests exhibit long-term air- cured strengths that approach and in some in- stances surpass their water-cured counterparts, This is thought to occur because of positive and nega- tive effects on the measured air-cured and water- cured strengths respectively. (®) The long-term air-cured strengths show unexpected lange strength increases in the surface failure tests, which cannot be attributed to increased hydration, Positive prestressing effects caused by differential shrinkage are thought to outweigh any strength losses from shrinkage cracks, (©) The high-strength (grades 75 and above) surface failure water-cured results show in many instances a decrease in strength after 84 days. In the long term the swelling gradient may be further exacer~ bated by continued internal self-desiccation and a swollen impermeable outer layer, thus having an increasing negative effect on strength. (2) Split eylinder tests exhibit air-cured results that are consistently lower than the corresponding water- cured results, indicating that the negative effects of reduced hydration and differential shrinkage dom- inate over any prestressing effect. (©) The air-cured/water-cured strength ratio was shown to be similar in the split cylinder test (0-78) to that previously observed in compressive strength stud- ies (081), (A) The reduction in the compressive-strengtivtensile- strength ratio between the lowest and highest strength materials was found to be similar in all tests. Acknowledgements ‘The research work was initiated under the supervi- sion of Mr Frank Lydon, whose contribution to the understanding of concrete is immeasurable. Unfortu- nately, Mr Lydon died after a short illness while the ‘work was in progress and hence this paper is dedicated to his memory, with the greatest respect and admiration of the authors, who benefited so much from his friend- ship, wisdom and scholarship. The authors would also like to thank Mr Nigel Clay ton and the Building Research Establishment for their partnership, guidance and advice for this research project References 1. Thgostuko S. B and Youn D. HL. Blements of Strength of Materials, edn. Van Nostrand, Princeton, 1962, p. 377 2. Hannan DJ, Bucrua KI and Crort J The effect of aggregate size on the use ofthe split cylinder test as a measue of tensile strength, Motériaur of Constructions, 1973, 6, No 1, 52 157 Downloaded by [ Swinburne Universiy] on [2510823], Copyright © ICE Publishing al rights reserve,Conray-Jones and Barr 1. 1 14 158 [Nevites A. M. and BROOKS J.J. Concrete Technology, Lang- ‘man Seietfie and Technical, Harlow 1987 SonoKAT and BAUACH. Influence of specimen size on eect of cing regime on concrete compressive strength, ASCE Journal of Materials n Cl Enpncering, 1994, 6, No, 15-22. Asreis P., Miao B,, Coox W. D. and Mrveunit D. Ede! of size and curing on cylinder compresive strength of normal and high strength concrtes ACY Materials Journal, 199, 91, No. 4 9-354, Capy PD, Cuan K. C. and Maxsuats L. G. Tensile ssrength reduction of mortar and concrete due to moire gri= ints, ACI Journal, Proceedings, 1972, 6, 100-105, ‘ArtassiE, The influence of alia fine and some other pate meters on the compressive steagth of concrete. In Blended Cements in Consiction (Swamy RN. (ed). Hever, 1991, pp. 248-202, Baarustr FM. and MacGriook 1G, Effect of moistre condition on concrete core ssength. ACI Materials Journal Proceedings, 1994, 9, No, 3, 227-236 ILATAVAARA S. B.A review ofthe main results of retezch fon the ageing phenomena af conctete: effect of moisture candi~ tions on sveagta, svinkage and creep of mature concrete Cement and Concrete Research, 1974, 4, 761-771 SANGHA CM, MUNDAY IG. L., ERINCER M. and Dum KCK Significance of diferent degrees of wate: cwing on 6on- crete behaviour Coment Lime and Gravel, 1972, Novesbet, 215-255, CeAvTON N. Tension Tete for Concrete, Building Research Establishment Digest 451, October 2000 ‘TavioK M.R., LYDON F D. and BaRRB. LG. Mix proportions for high strength concrete. Constucton and Balding Material, 1096, 10, No.6, 445480. BarTsit STANDARDS INSTITUTION. Spetfieton for Portland Cement. BSE, Milton Keynes, 191, BS 12 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, Specification for Agave ales from Natural Sources for Concrete. BSI, Milton Keynes, 1983, BS #82 15, Bari Sranmoanns IssrirUrt0N. Concrete Admintres: Spe- feation for Superpasiciing Admicures. BSI, Milton Keynes, 1985, BS 5075 Pant 3, 15, BRirisi StaNDARDS INSTIvUTION, Testing Concrete: Method for Determination of Tensile Splting Strength. BSI, Milton ‘Keynes, 1988, BS 1881 Pat 117 17, Bish StaNpanbs INSICVUTIOS. Theting Concrete: Method for Determination of Blexural Strengh. BSt, Milton Keynes, 1943, BS L881 Pat 118 18, Hsu TTC. Torsion of Reinforced Conerete. Van Nostand Reinhold, New York, 1984, pp 26, 51-08 19, BRiTisi StANDARDS INSTITUTION. Texting Concrete: Method or Determination of Compresise Siren of Concrete Cubes BSL Milton Keynes, 1983, BS 1881 Part 116 20, Liicexon F and PAUtaS P Prediction of modulus of rip, ACI Materials Journal, 2000, 97, No 2, 193-200 21, Watonr 1 E Comments oan indzet tne test on concrete ne of Concrete Research, 1955, 10, No. 30, 22, CLAYTON N. The split eylnder test ata method for determining ‘he compressive stength of conetete. Magazine of Concrete Research, 1990, 42, No. 150, 51-55. 28. CLAYTON N. Arch platen loading of concrete cylinders to study ‘he transition between sping and compression Magazine of Concrete Research, 1998, 80, No.1, 39-65. 24, BxITIH StaNDARDS INSTITUTION. Testing Concrete: Method for Determination of the Compressive Srength of Concrete ‘Cores BSL, Miton Keynes, 1983, BS 1881 Past 120 25. Goan M. K- and Hagur M.N. Effect of curing ezine on the properties of fly-ash concrete. ACI Matrix Journal, 1987, 34,No. 1, 1-18, 25, Woon 8. Evaluation of the long-term properties of concete ACI Materials Journal, 1992, 88, No. 6, 630-543, Discussion contibuts 1 Octuber 2004 Magazine of Concrete Research, 2004, $6, No. 3 Downloaded by [ Swinburne University] on [2510523], Copyright © ICE Publishing al rights reserved,