Flexural Toughness Testing of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

ASTM C1550  covers the determination of flexural toughness of fiber-reinforced concrete expressed as energy absorption in the

post-crack range using a round panel supported on three symmetrically arranged pivots and subjected to a central point load.

The performance of specimens tested by this method is quantified in terms of the energy absorbed between the onset of loading and selected values

of central deflection.

This test method provides for the scaling of results whenever specimens do not comply with the target thickness and diameter, as long as dimensions do not

fall outside of given limits.

Significance and Use

The post-crack behavior of plate-like, fiber-reinforced concrete structural members is well represented by a centrally loaded round panel test

specimen that is simply supported on three pivots symmetrically arranged around its circumference.

Such a test panel experiences bi-axial bending in response to a central point load and exhibits a mode of failure related to the in situ behavior of structures.

The post-crack performance of round panels subject to a central point load can be represented by the energy absorbed by the panel up to a specified central

deflection.

In this test method, the energy absorbed up to a specified central deflection is taken to represent the ability of a fiber-reinforced concrete to redistribute stress

following cracking.

*** Before conducting ASTM C1550, it is important to read the entire specification. Standards can be obtained from appropriate standard authorities