A novel experimental method for measuring the direct tensile strength of concrete

Abstract

This study deals with the development of a load-converting device designed for measuring the direct tensile strength of the concrete. In this regard, a new testing technique based on a novel testing device and modified cylindrical (Ø 100 × 200) molds for the preparation of concrete samples is explained. The embedded rod method was adopted to transmit the uniaxial tensile load to the specimens using the universal compression machine and the current converting device. In order to examine the reliability of the suggested test method, a comparison with indirect tensile methods (splitting and three-point loading flexural tests) was made. The results show that the tensile strength of the tested specimens is lower for the direct tensile test obtained by the proposed test setup than for the flexural test and closer to the strength results obtained from the splitting test. As expected, all the specimens tested using the introduced test method demonstrated a sudden and unique fracture in the middle portion. Additionally, no slippage of embedded bars was noticed during the test.