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C78 PDF
C78 PDF
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C 78 08
NOTE 1This apparatus may be used inverted. If the testing machine applies force through a spherically seated head, the center pivot may be omitted,
provided one load-applying block pivots on a rod and the other on a ball.
NOTE 21 in. = 25.4 mm.
FIG. 1 Diagrammatic View of a Suitable Apparatus for Flexure Test of Concrete by Third-Point Loading Method
upon. The angle subtended by the curved surface of each block of the estimated ultimate load. Using 0.004 in. (0.10 mm) and
should be at least 45 (0.79 rad). The load-applying and 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) leaf-type feeler gages, determine whether
support blocks shall be maintained in a vertical position and in any gap between the specimen and the load-applying or
contact with the rod or ball by means of spring-loaded screws support blocks is greater or less than each of the gages over a
that hold them in contact with the pivot rod or ball. The length of 1 in. (25 mm) or more. Grind, cap, or use leather
uppermost bearing plate and center point ball in Fig. 1 may be shims on the specimen contact surface to eliminate any gap in
omitted when a spherically seated bearing block is used, excess of 0.004 in. (0.10 mm) in width. Leather shims shall be
provided one rod and one ball are used as pivots for the upper of uniform 14 in. (6.4 mm) thickness, 1 to 2 in. (25 to 50 mm)
load-applying blocks. width, and shall extend across the full width of the specimen.
Gaps in excess of 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) shall be eliminated only
5. Testing by capping or grinding. Grinding of lateral surfaces should be
5.1 The test specimen shall conform to all requirements of minimized inasmuch as grinding may change the physical
Test Method C 42/C 42M or Practices C 31/C 31M or C 192/ characteristics of the specimens. Capping shall be in accor-
C 192M applicable to beam specimens and shall have a test dance with the applicable sections of Practice C 617.
span within 2 % of being three times its depth as tested. The 6.3 Load the specimen continuously and without shock. The
sides of the specimen shall be at right angles with the top and load shall be applied at a constant rate to the breaking point.
bottom. All surfaces shall be smooth and free of scars, Apply the load at a rate that constantly increases the maximum
indentations, holes, or inscribed identification marks. stress on the tension face between 125 and 175 psi/min (0.86
5.2 The individual who tests concrete beams for acceptance and 1.21 MPa/min) until rupture occurs. The loading rate is
testing shall meet the concrete laboratory technician require- calculated using the following equation:
ments of Practice C 1077 including Test Method C 78 as a r 5 Sbd2/L (1)
relevant test.
where:
6. Procedure r = loading rate, lb/min (N/min),
6.1 Flexural tests of moist-cured specimens shall be made as S = rate of increase in maximum stress on the tension face,
soon as practical after removal from moist storage. Surface psi/min (MPa/min),
drying of the specimen results in a reduction in the measured b = average width of the specimen as oriented for testing,
flexural strength. in. (mm),
6.2 When using molded specimens, turn the test specimen d = average depth of the specimen as oriented for testing,
on its side with respect to its position as molded and center it in. (mm), and
on the support blocks. When using sawed specimens, position L = span length, in (mm).
the specimen so that the tension face corresponds to the top or
bottom of the specimen as cut from the parent material. Center 7. Measurement of Specimens After Test
the loading system in relation to the applied force. Bring the 7.1 To determine the dimensions of the specimen cross
load-applying blocks in contact with the surface of the speci- section for use in calculating modulus of rupture, take mea-
men at the third points and apply a load of between 3 and 6 % surements across one of the fractured faces after testing. The
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C 78 08
width and depth are measured with the specimen as oriented 9. Report
for testing. For each dimension, take one measurement at each 9.1 Report the following information:
edge and one at the center of the cross section. Use the three 9.1.1 Identification number,
measurements for each direction to determine the average 9.1.2 Average width to the nearest 0.05 in. (1 mm),
width and the average depth. Take all measurements to the 9.1.3 Average depth to the nearest 0.05 in. (1 mm),
nearest 0.05 in. (1 mm). If the fracture occurs at a capped 9.1.4 Span length in inches (or millimeters),
section, include the cap thickness in the measurement. 9.1.5 Maximum applied load in pound-force (or newtons),
9.1.6 Modulus of rupture calculated to the nearest 5 psi
8. Calculation
(0.05 MPa),
8.1 If the fracture initiates in the tension surface within the 9.1.7 Curing history and apparent moisture condition of the
middle third of the span length, calculate the modulus of specimens at the time of test,
rupture as follows: 9.1.8 If specimens were capped, ground, or if leather shims
R 5 PL/bd2 (2) were used,
9.1.9 Whether sawed or molded and defects in specimens,
where: and
R = modulus of rupture, psi, or MPa, 9.1.10 Age of specimens.
P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing ma-
chine, lbf, or N, 10. Precision and Bias
L = span length, in., or mm, 10.1 PrecisionThe coefficient of variation of test results
b = average width of specimen, in., or mm, at the fracture,
has been observed to be dependent on the strength level of the
and
beams.3 The single operator coefficient of variation has been
d = average depth of specimen, in., or mm, at the fracture.
found to be 5.7 %. Therefore, results of two properly con-
ducted tests by the same operator on beams made from the
NOTE 1The weight of the beam is not included in the above same batch sample should not differ from each other by more
calculation. than 16 %. The multilaboratory coefficient of variation has
8.2 If the fracture occurs in the tension surface outside of been found to be 7.0 %. Therefore, results of two different
the middle third of the span length by not more than 5 % of the laboratories on beams made from the same batch sample
span length, calculate the modulus of rupture as follows: should not differ from each other by more than 19 %.
10.2 BiasSince there is no accepted standard for deter-
R 5 3Pa/bd 2 (3)
mining bias in this test method, no statement on bias is made.
where:
11. Keywords
a = average distance between line of fracture and the
nearest support measured on the tension surface of the 11.1 beams; concrete; flexural strength testing; modulus of
beam, in., (or mm). rupture
NOTE 2The weight of the beam is not included in the above
calculation. 3
See Improved Concrete Quality Control Procedures Using Third Point
Loading by P. M. Carrasquillo and R. L. Carrasquillo, Research Report 119-1F,
8.3 If the fracture occurs in the tension surface outside of
Project 3-9-87-1119, Center For Transportation Research, The University of Texas
the middle third of the span length by more than 5 % of the at Austin, November 1987, for possible guidance as to the relationship of strength
span length, discard the results of the test. and variability.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C 78 07, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved February 1, 2008)
Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C 78 02, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved August 15, 2007)
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C 78 08
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