Brazilian Test of Concrete Specimens Subjected to Different Loading Geometries: Review and New Insights

Abstract

The objective of this work was finding out the most advisable testing conditions for an effective and robust characterization of the tensile strength (TS) of concrete disks. The independent variables were the loading geometry, the angle subtended by the contact area, disk diameter and thickness, maximum aggregate size, and the sample compression strength (CS). The effect of the independent variables was studied in a three groups of experiments using a factorial design with two levels and four factors. The likeliest location where failure beginning was calculated using the equations that account for the stress-strain field developed within the disk. The theoretical outcome shows that for failure beginning at the geometric center of the sample, it is necessary for the contact angle in the loading setup to be larger than or equal to a threshold value. Nevertheless, the measured indirect tensile strength must be adjusted to get a close estimate of the uniaxial TS of the material. The correction depends on the loading geometry, and we got their mathematical expression and cross-validated them with the reported in the literature. The experimental results show that a loading geometry with a curved contact area, uniform load distribution over the contact area, loads projected parallel to one another within the disk, and a contact angle bigger of 12°is the most advisable and robust setup for implementation of BT on concrete disks. This work provides a description of the BT carries on concrete disks and put forward a characterization technique to study costly samples of cement based material that have been enabled to display new and improved properties with nanomaterials.

A Novel Analytical Solution for the Brazilian Test with Loading Arcs

“…In all the simulations performed, it was verified that the predominant Griffith's failure condition is 3σ θ + σ r < 0, which is in agreement with the results obtained by other researchers [36,37]. Consequently, the tensile strength has been determined with the Griffith equivalent stress (11).…”

“…Failure begins when the equivalent Griffith stress σ G is greater than or equal to the tensile strength σ t of the brittle material. e work performed by Satoh [36], and verified later by others authors [20,37], concludes that the predominant failure condition in this alternative test according to the Griffith criterion is 3σ θ + σ r < 0. erefore, the tensile strength is given by the equivalent Griffith's stress [8]:…”

Dynamic Compressive and Tensile Characteristics of a New Type of Ultra‐High‐Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Fibers Reinforced Concrete

“…Tensile properties of the concrete material are significantly lower than the compression resistance, resulting in the structure being prone to tensile damage, and the dynamic direct tensile properties are difficult to measure directly by the test. Most researchers [1][2][3] have shown that the tensile test with Brazilian disc specimens yields the closest tensile strength value to the actual tensile value. Addition of fiber to concrete can effectively reduce cracks from rising and propagating, thus improving its strength and enhances its toughness and anti-impact properties [4].…”

Lime-Based Mortar Reinforced by Randomly Oriented Short Fibers for the Retrofitting of the Historical Masonry Structure

“…One can gain an idea of its impact if one considers that the use of concrete test specimens has been standardized into norms in various countries, such as UNI EN 12390-6, ASTM C-496. However, the BT is far from a universal test, and it is unknown whether a geometric configuration exists that favors effective, robust testing that is less sensitive to other experimental parameters [50].…”