Title: Shear Testing of RCC and Other Concrete Blocks

Author(s): Stephen B. Tatro and James K. Hinds

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 325

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 2.1-2.16

Keywords:

DOI: 10.14359/51710943

Date: 7/25/2018

Abstract:

Shear testing using large concrete or RCC specimens is not commonly done. The equipment and manpower required to produce the required concrete volume and the apparatus required to restrain and apply loads can be quite substantial. All are beyond the market capability of most testing organizations. However, large projects may realize significant benefits if properties of concrete from testing of large specimens can be determined.

This paper will provide general guidelines for when large specimen testing may be advantageous and specific examples of shear testing of large specimens. It will also provide recommendations on practical measures to implement when organizing such testing. The presentation is illustrated with an example of a project where production and testing of large shear specimens has been done. The example is from an RCC project where biaxial shear and direct tensile testing has been done. This is not intended to be a case study but a guidance document that may be applied to future projects.