Title: Three Misunderstandings in Uniaxial Tension Test of Concrete

Author(s): H. Akita, H. Koide, M. Tomon, and S. M. Han

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 209

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 405-414

Keywords: concrete; notch; secondary flexure; tensile strength; tension softening; test procedure; uniaxial tension

DOI: 10.14359/12512

Date: 9/26/2002

Abstract:
The best way to investigate the tension softening process is by applying a uniaxial tension force directly on a concrete specimen, because it can measure both tensile strength and the tension softening curve from an identical specimen. However, no standard tests have been adopted to provide a direct measurement of the tension softening curves of concrete. There are three misunderstandings in investigating the tension softening process, concerning the effect of secondary flexure, boundary conditions and notches, Because of these, many inadequate test procedures were proposed until recently. In this paper, the misunderstandings are discussed and clarified in detail with theoretical and experimental considerations. A test procedure for the uniaxial tension test of concrete is proposed with successful test results.