Strength of concrete

Q. Is compressive strength the only strength factor of interest?

A. No, in the early development of concrete, compressive strength was the primary interest and it became the natural basis for recording the results of experience and research. But as the use of concrete for pavements increased, flexural strength became a matter of considerable interest. Flexural strength is more sensitive to the moisture condition of the specimen during testing compared with compressive strength. For a given set of materials, a relationship between the compressive strength and the flexural strength can be established.

References:  SP-1(02); ACI 214R-11; ASTM D790; ASTM C78; ASTM C1161; ASTM C293

Topics in Concrete: 318 Building Code; Concrete Fundamentals; Pavement; Testing of Concrete