The effect of test methods on the indirect tensile strength of concrete

The cylinder-splitting test for measuring the tensile strength of concrete is to be introduced as a standard British test in the present revision of BS 1881: 1952 "Methods of testing concrete" and is likely to replace the cube-crushing test for concrete in pavement construction in a future revision of the Ministry of Transport's "Specification for road and bridge works". The test method has been studied in order to measure the effect on test results and testing variability of factors such as testing machine characteristics, packing strips, stressing rate and specimen size. Recommendations are made for relaxing the requirements for stressing rate and for limiting the range of specimen sizes and packing-strip material to be permitted in the British Standard test. (A)