Title:
Alternative Specimens for Testing Concrete Strength
Author(s):
Fatih Bektas
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
113
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
113-119
Keywords:
beam; compressive strength; cube; cylinder; flexural strength
DOI:
10.14359/51688184
Date:
1/1/2016
Abstract:
Flexural strength of concrete is an important design parameter.
In the United States, flexural strength is determined using 6 x 6 x 21 in. (150 x 150 x 525 mm) beams. These specimens, weighing almost 65 lb (29.5 kg), pose operational difficulties. The present study investigated the feasibility of using 4 x 4 x 14 in. (100 x 100 x 350 mm) beams for flexural strength; additionally researched was the use of 4 in. (100 mm) beam ends (that is, cubes sawn from the broken beams after flexure testing) for compressive strength. The 4 x 4 x 14 in. (100 x 100 x 350 mm) beams, 6 x 6 x 21 in. (150 x 150 x 525 mm) beams, 4 x 8 in. (100 x 200 mm) cylinders, and 4 in. (100 mm) cubes were produced from a wide array of concrete mixtures varying in materials and proportions. The study concluded that 4 in. (100 mm) beams and 4 in. (100 mm) cubes sawn from broken beams can be used as alternatives for testing flexural and compressive strengths, respectively. The relationship between flexural and compressive strengths has been validated with historical data.
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