IS 58161999AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Method of Test Splitting Tensile Strength of Concrete
1999 Edition

The 1999 edition of IS 5816 outlines the standardized procedure for measuring the splitting tensile strength of concrete, a vital property reflecting its ability to withstand tensile forces. This test is indispensable for professionals involved in structural design, quality assurance, and research to validate concrete performance and ensure structural integrity.

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What This Standard Covers

The 1999 edition of IS 5816 outlines the standardized procedure for measuring the splitting tensile strength of concrete, a vital property reflecting its ability to withstand tensile forces. This test is indispensable for professionals involved in structural design, quality assurance, and research to validate concrete performance and ensure structural integrity.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Structural design engineers
  • Civil engineering professionals
  • Quality assurance specialists
  • Concrete material experts
  • Laboratory testing personnel
  • Research scholars in construction materials
  • Project management teams in construction

Key Topics Covered

Procedure for splitting tensile strength testing
Preparation and sizing of test specimens
Required testing equipment and apparatus
Loading methods and rates
Computation of tensile strength values
Environmental and testing conditions
Result interpretation and analysis
Safety measures during testing
Suitability for various concrete mixes
Documentation and reporting guidelines
Limitations and considerations of the test

Table of Contents

1Scope and Overview

IS 5816: Guidelines for Splitting Tensile Strength Measurement of Concrete (1999 Revision)

Scope Summary

  • Applies to determining the splitting tensile strength of concrete using cylindrical specimens.
  • Crucial for both quality control and verification during structural design.
  • The test indirectly assesses tensile strength by applying compressive load diametrically on cylinders.

Fundamental Equation for Splitting Tensile Strength (f_ct,sp):

[ f_{ct,sp} = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

Where:

  • (P) = Maximum load applied in Newtons
  • (L) = Cylinder length in millimeters
  • (D) = Cylinder diameter in millimeters
  • (f_{ct,sp}) = Splitting tensile strength in megapascals

Standard Specimen Dimensions:

  • Diameter (D = 150) mm
  • Length (L = 300) mm (twice the diameter)

Important Notes:

  • Test is conducted on cylindrical concrete samples.
  • Load is applied along two opposite longitudinal lines.
  • Results closely correlate with direct tensile strength measurements.

flowchart LR
    A[Apply Load P] --> B[Concrete Cylinder]
    B --> C[Splitting along diameter]
    C --> D[Record Load at Failure]
    D --> E[Calculate f_ct,sp = 2P / c0LD]

Refer to the full IS 5816 document for comprehensive procedural details.

2References and Test Setup

IS 5816 focuses on the splitting tensile strength evaluation of concrete and does not include distinct sections titled "References" or "Departmental Forms."

Essential Formula from IS 5816:

  • Splitting Tensile Strength, (f_{ct}):

[ f_{ct} = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

Parameters:

  • (P): Peak load applied (N)
  • (L): Cylinder length (mm)
  • (D): Cylinder diameter (mm)

Typical Test Configuration:

  • Cylinder positioned horizontally between loading strips.
  • Load applied diametrically until specimen failure.

Key Specifications:

  • Cylinder dimensions: 150 mm diameter by 300 mm length.
  • Loading speed: between 1.2 kN/s and 2.4 kN/s.

Summary Table:

ParameterValue
Cylinder Diameter150 mm
Cylinder Length300 mm
Loading Rate1.2 - 2.4 kN/s
Splitting Strength Formula( \frac{2P}{\pi L D} )

This formula and setup are fundamental for evaluating concrete's tensile strength through the splitting test as per IS 5816.

3Terminology and Definitions

IS 5816 addresses the splitting tensile strength test for concrete, defining key terminologies related to the test.

Important Terms (IS 5816):

  • Splitting Tensile Strength (ft): The tensile capacity of concrete measured indirectly by compressive loading applied along the length of a cylindrical specimen, creating tensile stress perpendicular to the load.

  • Test Specimen: Generally a cylindrical concrete sample with 150 mm diameter and 300 mm length.

  • Load Application: Load is applied diametrically to induce fracture by splitting.

Formula for Splitting Tensile Strength:

[ f_t = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

Where:

  • (P) = Maximum load applied (N)
  • (L) = Cylinder length (mm)
  • (D) = Cylinder diameter (mm)

Typical Dimensions:

ParameterValue
Diameter150 mm
Length300 mm

These terminologies and formulas are fundamental for conducting and understanding the splitting tensile strength test outlined in IS 5816.

4Testing Equipment and Apparatus

The standard IS 5816 specifies equipment details for conducting the splitting tensile strength test of concrete.

Required Apparatus:

  • Compression Testing Machine: Minimum capacity of 2000 kN, capable of applying load at a consistent rate.
  • Cylindrical Moulds: Standard size of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height for specimen casting.
  • Bearing Strips: Wooden or metallic strips, approximately 25 mm wide and 5 mm thick, placed between the specimen and loading surfaces to ensure even load distribution.
  • Measurement Tools: Vernier calipers or micrometers for precise measurement of specimen dimensions.

Testing Guidelines:

  • Loading Rate: Load should be applied steadily, causing failure within 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Specimen Dimensions: Standard cylinders of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm length.
  • Test Setup: Load applied diametrically using bearing strips.

Splitting Tensile Strength Equation:

[ f_t = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

Where:

SymbolMeaning
(f_t)Splitting tensile strength (MPa)
(P)Maximum load applied (N)
(L)Cylinder length (mm)
(D)Cylinder diameter (mm)

flowchart LR
    A[Compression Testing Machine] --> B[Concrete Cylinder Specimen]
    B --> C[Bearing Strips Positioned]
    C --> D[Diametrical Load Applied]
    D --> E[Measure Peak Load P]
    E --> F[Compute f_t = 2P / (c0 L D)]

This apparatus setup ensures uniform stress application and accurate measurement of splitting tensile strength.

5Preparation and Specifications of Test Specimen

IS 5816 outlines the requirements for preparing specimens for the splitting tensile strength test.

Specimen Characteristics:

  • Shape: Cylindrical.
  • Dimensions: Diameter = 150 mm; Length = 300 mm (length twice the diameter).
  • Curing: Specimens must be cured following IS 516 standards before testing.
  • Condition: Samples should be free from visible cracks or defects.

Calculation Formula:

[ f_t = \frac{2P}{\pi d L} ]

Where:

  • (P) = Maximum load at failure (N)
  • (d) = Diameter of cylinder (mm)
  • (L) = Length of cylinder (mm)

Dimension Summary:

ParameterValue
Diameter (d)150 mm
Length (L)300 mm
Aspect Ratio2 (L/d)

flowchart LR
    A[Test Specimen] --> B[Cylindrical Shape]
    B --> C[Diameter = 150 mm]
    B --> D[Length = 300 mm]
    A --> E[Curing per IS 516]
    A --> F[Free from cracks]
    A --> G[Apply Load P]
    G --> H[Compute f_t = 2P / (c0 d L)]

Ensuring these criteria guarantees consistent and reliable tensile strength results.

6Testing Procedure

IS 5816 specifies the procedure for conducting the splitting tensile strength test of concrete.

Step-by-Step Method:

  • Employ cylindrical specimens, typically 150 mm diameter by 300 mm height.
  • Position the specimen horizontally between the loading plates.
  • Apply load through steel or bearing strips along the cylinder’s length.
  • Increase load steadily until the specimen fails by splitting.
  • Record the maximum applied load (P) at the point of failure.

Calculation:

[ f_{sp} = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

Where:

  • (P) = Maximum load (N)
  • (L) = Length of specimen (mm)
  • (D) = Diameter of specimen (mm)

Specimen Sizes:

  • Diameter: 150 mm
  • Length: 300 mm

Additional Notes:

  • Specimens should be moist cured prior to testing.
  • Load rate should be maintained between 0.7 to 1.4 MPa/min.

This method provides an indirect but reliable measurement of concrete’s tensile strength, important for structural design and quality assurance.

7Computation of Splitting Tensile Strength

IS 5816 primarily details the methodology to calculate the splitting tensile strength of concrete.

Core Formula:

[ f_t = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

Where:

  • (f_t) = Splitting tensile strength (MPa)
  • (P) = Maximum load applied (N)
  • (L) = Length of cylinder (mm)
  • (D) = Diameter of cylinder (mm)

Specimen Dimensions:

  • Standard cylinder: 150 mm diameter and 300 mm length.

Testing Summary:

  • Load applied diametrically until failure.
  • Failure manifests as a crack along the loaded diameter.

Important Considerations:

  • Load must be applied uniformly using bearing strips.
  • Failure should occur within 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Use moist-cured specimens aged 28 days for standardization.

flowchart LR
    A[Concrete Cylinder] --> B[Apply Diametrical Load]
    B --> C[Specimen Fails by Vertical Crack]
    C --> D[Record Maximum Load P]
    D --> E[Calculate f_t = (2P)/(c0 L D)]

This calculation is critical for determining the tensile behavior of concrete.

8Reporting Test Results

While IS 5816 does not prescribe a detailed test reporting format, it highlights important parameters and formulas for documenting tensile strength tests.

Essential Report Elements:

  • Specimen ID
  • Gauge length (L0)
  • Initial diameter or cross-section area (A0)
  • Maximum load (Pmax)
  • Load at yield point (Py)
  • Elongation at fracture (ΔL)
  • Fracture type and location

Relevant Formulas:

ParameterFormulaDescription
Tensile Strength (f_t)( f_t = \frac{P_{max}}{A_0} )Maximum load divided by original area
Yield Strength (f_y)( f_y = \frac{P_y}{A_0} )Load at yield divided by original area
Elongation Percentage (ε)( \epsilon = \frac{\Delta L}{L_0} \times 100 )Change in length over original length × 100

Sample Reporting Table:

ParameterValueUnits
Specimen ID--
Gauge Length (L0)200mm
Diameter (d)12mm
Cross-sectional Area (A0)( \pi d^2 /4 )mm²
Maximum Load (Pmax)600kN
Yield Load (Py)450kN
Tensile Strength (f_t)CalculatedMPa
Yield Strength (f_y)CalculatedMPa
Elongation (%)Measured%
Fracture TypeDuctile/Brittle-

This approach ensures clarity and consistency in reporting tensile strength test outcomes.

9Testing Precautions

Although IS 5816 does not have a dedicated section on precautions, following best practices during the splitting tensile strength test is crucial to obtaining valid results.

Important Precautions:

  • Use cylindrical specimens of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm length.
  • Ensure the loading surfaces are smooth, clean, and flat; place a 10 mm thick plywood strip along the loading line to evenly distribute the load.
  • Properly align the specimen in the testing machine to avoid eccentric loading.
  • Apply load gradually and uniformly at a rate between 0.7 and 1.4 MPa per minute until failure.
  • Use calibrated compression testing equipment with capacity at least 1.5 times the maximum expected load.
  • Avoid sudden or shock loading to prevent dynamic effects.

Formula Reiteration:

[ f_{ct} = \frac{2P}{\pi L d} ]

Where:

  • (P) = Maximum load (N)
  • (L) = Length of cylinder (mm)
  • (d) = Diameter of cylinder (mm)

Summary Table:

ParameterValue
Specimen Diameter150 mm
Specimen Length300 mm
Loading Strip10 mm thick plywood
Loading Rate0.7 to 1.4 MPa/min

flowchart LR
    A[Prepare Cylindrical Specimen] --> B[Place Plywood Strips]
    B --> C[Align in Testing Machine]
    C --> D[Apply Load Uniformly]
    D --> E[Record Maximum Load P]
    E --> F[Calculate Tensile Strength]

Always consult IS 5816 for full procedural and calibration requirements.

10Additional Notes

IS 5816 covers the methodology for determining splitting tensile strength of concrete.

Essential Formula:

[ f_t = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

Where:

  • (P) = Maximum load applied (N)
  • (L) = Length of cylinder (mm)
  • (D) = Diameter of cylinder (mm)

Standard Specimen Dimensions:

  • Cylinder size: 150 mm diameter by 300 mm length.

Important Points:

  • Load is applied diametrically to induce tensile failure.
  • Testing is normally performed on specimens cured for 28 days or as specified.
  • The test provides an indirect measure of tensile strength through splitting.

Reference Table:

Cylinder Diameter (D)Cylinder Length (L)
150 mm300 mm

Administrative forms or timetables are beyond the scope of IS 5816.

graph LR
A[Apply Load P] --> B[Concrete Cylinder]
B --> C[Stress Distribution]
C --> D[Splitting Tensile Strength f_t]

Popular Questions About IS 5816

?What is the recommended specimen size for the splitting tensile strength test?

IS 5816 specifies a cylindrical specimen for splitting tensile strength testing with the following dimensions:

  • Diameter: 150 mm
  • Length: 300 mm (twice the diameter)

This standard size ensures uniform stress distribution during loading. The test involves applying compressive load along the specimen's length via narrow strips, causing tensile failure perpendicular to the load. The splitting tensile strength is calculated using:

[ f_t = \frac{2P}{\pi d l} ]

where (P) is the failure load, (d) is diameter, and (l) is length, all in appropriate units.

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?How is the splitting tensile strength calculated according to IS 5816?

Per IS 5816, the splitting tensile strength (f_{ct}) is computed using the formula:

[ f_{ct} = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

where:

  • (P) is the maximum applied load in Newtons,
  • (L) is the length of the cylindrical specimen in millimeters,
  • (D) is the diameter of the specimen in millimeters.

This test uses a cylindrical concrete sample (usually 150 mm diameter and 300 mm length), where load is applied diametrically until failure. The formula assumes a uniform tensile stress distribution.

Loading diagram...
?What loading rate should be applied during the test?

IS 5816 recommends that the loading rate during the splitting tensile strength test be controlled such that the specimen fails within 30 to 90 seconds. This corresponds approximately to a loading rate of 0.7 to 1.4 MPa per minute.

This loading speed ensures uniform stress distribution within the specimen and prevents dynamic or creep effects from influencing the results.

ParameterValue
Loading Rate0.7 to 1.4 MPa/min
Failure Time30 to 90 seconds

Maintaining this rate is essential for reliable and repeatable test outcomes.

?Are there specific environmental conditions required for testing?

IS 5816 does not explicitly specify environmental conditions for conducting the splitting tensile strength test. However, standard concrete testing practices recommend:

  • Maintaining curing and testing temperatures around 20 ± 5°C.
  • Keeping specimens in a moist environment with relative humidity above 95% during curing.
  • Conducting tests in controlled environments to avoid rapid drying or temperature fluctuations.

General standards like IS 516 or IS 456 provide guidance on curing and environmental conditions to ensure consistent and accurate results.

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?Can this test method be used for all grades of concrete?

Yes, IS 5816's splitting tensile strength test is applicable across all concrete grades, from lower grades like M10 to high-strength concretes such as M60 and above. The test measures tensile strength indirectly by applying diametral compression on cylindrical specimens.

Key points:

  • Standard specimen size is 150 mm diameter by 300 mm length.
  • Primarily for normal weight concrete; modifications may be necessary for lightweight or specialized concretes.
  • The tensile strength is calculated with:

[ f_t = \frac{2P}{\pi L D} ]

This test provides essential tensile strength data critical for design and quality control across concrete grades.

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