This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C1609/C1609M − 19

Standard Test Method for

Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using
Beam With Third-Point Loading)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1609/C1609M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.1 This test method evaluates the flexural performance of safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
fiber-reinforced concrete using parameters derived from the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
load-deflection curve obtained by testing a simply supported priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
beam under third-point loading using a closed-loop, servo- mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
controlled testing system. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 This test method provides for the determination of ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
first-peak and peak loads and the corresponding stresses Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
calculated by inserting them in the formula for modulus of mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
rupture given in Eq 1. It also requires determination of residual Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
loads at specified deflections, the corresponding residual
strengths calculated by inserting them in the formula for 2. Referenced Documents
modulus of rupture given in Eq 1 (see Note 1). It provides for 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
determination of specimen toughness based on the area under C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
the load-deflection curve up to a prescribed deflection (see Specimens in the Field
Note 2) and the corresponding equivalent flexural strength C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
ratio. Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
NOTE 1—Residual strength is not a true stress but an engineering stress
computed using simple engineering bending theory for linear elastic
C78/C78M Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete
materials and gross (uncracked) section properties. (Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading)
NOTE 2—Specimen toughness expressed in terms of the area under the C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
load-deflection curve is an indication of the energy absorption capability gregates
of the particular test specimen, and its magnitude depends directly on the C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
geometry of the test specimen and the loading configuration.
crete
1.3 This test method utilizes two preferred specimen sizes C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
of 100 by 100 by 350 mm [4 by 4 by 14 in.] tested on a 300 mm Specimens in the Laboratory
[12 in.] span, or 150 by 150 by 500 mm [6 by 6 by 20 in.] C823/C823M Practice for Examination and Sampling of
tested on a 450 mm [18 in.] span. A specimen size different Hardened Concrete in Constructions
from the two preferred specimen sizes is permissible. C1140/C1140M Practice for Preparing and Testing Speci-
1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch- mens from Shotcrete Test Panels
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The C1812/C1812M Practice for Design of Journal Bearing Sup-
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; ports to be Used in Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beam Tests
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
3. Terminology
conformance with the standard.
3.1 Definitions—The terms used in this test method are
defined in Terminology C125.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
C09.42 on Fiber-Reinforced Concrete. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C1609/C1609M – 12. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C1609_C1609M-19. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: servo-controlled testing system and roller supports under the
3.2.1 end-point deflection, n—the deflection value on the ends of the beam that are free to rotate on their axes as
load-deflection curve equal to 1⁄150 of the span length, or a described in Practice C1812/C1812M. The testing machine
larger value as specified at the option of the specifier of tests. shall conform to the requirements of the sections on Basis of
3.2.2 first-peak load, P1, n—the load value at the first point Verification, Corrections, and Time Interval Between Verifica-
on the load-deflection curve where the slope is zero. tions of Practices E4. Load and net deflection are monitored
3.2.3 first-peak deflection, δ1, n—the net deflection value on and recorded to an end-point deflection of at least 1⁄150 of the
the load-deflection curve at first-peak load. span. Data are recorded and plotted by means of an X-Y
plotter, or they are recorded digitally and subsequently used to
3.2.4 first-peak strength f1, n—the stress value obtained
plot a load-deflection curve. Points termed first-peak, peak, and
when the first-peak load is inserted in the formula for modulus
residual loads at specified deflections are identified on the
of rupture given in Eq 1.
curve, and are used to calculate flexural performance param-
3.2.5 load-deflection curve, n—the plot of load versus net eters.
deflection of a flexural beam specimen loaded to the end-point
deflection. 5. Significance and Use
3.2.6 net deflection, n—the deflection measured at mid-span
of a flexural beam specimen exclusive of any extraneous 5.1 The first-peak strength characterizes the flexural behav-
effects due to seating or twisting of the specimen on its ior of the fiber-reinforced concrete up to the onset of cracking,
supports or deformation of the support and loading system. while residual strengths at specified deflections characterize the
residual capacity after cracking. Specimen toughness is a
3.2.7 peak load, PP, n—the maximum load on the load- measure of the energy absorption capacity of the test specimen.
deflection curve. The appropriateness of each parameter depends on the nature
3.2.8 peak-load deflection, δP, n—the net deflection value of the proposed application and the level of acceptable crack-
on the load-deflection curve at peak load. ing and deflection serviceability. Fiber-reinforced concrete is
3.2.9 peak strength, fP, n—the stress value obtained when influenced in different ways by the amount and type of fibers in
the peak load is inserted in the formula for modulus of rupture the concrete. In some cases, fibers may increase the residual
given by Eq 1. load and toughness capacity at specified deflections while
3.2.10 D—nominal depth of the beam specimen in mm. producing a first-peak strength equal to or only slightly greater
than the flexural strength of the concrete without fibers. In
NOTE 3—To simplify nomenclature, the nominal beam depth is shown other cases, fibers may significantly increase the first-peak and
in units of mm for both the SI and inch-pound version of this test method.
peak strengths while affecting a relatively small increase in
3.2.11 L—span length or distance between the supports. residual load capacity and specimen toughness at specified
3.2.12 residual load, P D600, n—the load value corresponding deflections.
to a net deflection of L/600 for a beam of nominal depth D.
5.2 The first-peak strength, peak strength, and residual
3.2.13 residual load, P D150, n—the load value corresponding strengths determined by this test method reflect the behavior of
to a net deflection of L/150 for a beam of nominal depth D. fiber-reinforced concrete under static flexural loading. The
3.2.14 residual strength, f D600, n—the stress value obtained absolute values of energy absorption obtained in this test are of
when the residual load P D600 is inserted in the formula for little direct relevance to the performance of fiber-reinforced
modulus of rupture given in Eq 1. concrete structures since they depend directly on the size and
3.2.15 residual strength, f D150, n—the stress value obtained shape of the specimen and the loading arrangement.
when the residual load P D150 is inserted in the formula for
5.3 The results of this test method may be used for com-
modulus of rupture given in Eq 1.
paring the performance of various fiber-reinforced concrete
3.2.16 specimen toughness, T D150, n—toughness of beam mixtures or in research and development work. They may also
specimen of nominal depth D at a net deflection of L/150. be used to monitor concrete quality, to verify compliance with
3.2.17 equivalent flexural strength ratio, R T,D 150, n—the value construction specifications, obtain flexural strength data on
obtained when the specimen toughness T D150 is inserted in Eq 3. fiber-reinforced concrete members subject to pure bending, or
NOTE 4—The equivalent flexural strength ratio is calculated as the ratio to evaluate the quality of concrete in service.
of the weighted equivalent load up to a net deflection of L/150 over the
150
first-peak load multiplied by 100. The R T, 150 value is equivalent to the Re,3 5.4 The results of this standard test method are dependent
value defined in the Technical Report No. 34 of the Concrete Society.3 on the size of the specimen.
4. Summary of Test Method NOTE 5—The results obtained using one size molded specimen may not
correspond to the performance of larger or smaller molded specimens,
4.1 Molded or sawn beam specimens having a square concrete in large structural units, or specimens sawn from such units. This
cross-section of fiber-reinforced concrete are tested in flexure difference may occur because the degree of preferential fiber alignment
using a third-point loading arrangement with a closed-loop, becomes more pronounced in molded specimens containing fibers that are
relatively long compared with the cross-sectional dimensions of the mold.
Moreover, structural members of significantly different thickness experi-
3
“Concrete Industrial Ground Floors—A Guide to Design and Construction,” ence different maximum crack widths for a given mid-span deflection with
Technical Report 34, 3rd edition, Concrete Society, Slough, United Kingdom, 2003.
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the result that fibers undergo different degrees of pull-out and extension.

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 C1609/C1609M − 19
6. Apparatus acquisition sampling and recording frequency to at least 2 Hz.
6.1 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall be capable This applies regardless of the rate of deflection used to load the
of servo-controlled operation where the net deflection of the specimen.
NOTE 6—For X-Y plotters, accurate determination of the area under the
center of the beam is measured and used to control the rate of load-deflection curve and the loads corresponding to specified deflections
increase of deflection. Testing machines that use stroke dis- is only possible when the scales chosen for load and deflection are
placement control or load control are not suitable for estab- reasonably large. A load scale chosen such that 25 mm [1 in.] corresponds
lishing the portion of the load-deflection curve immediately to a flexural stress of the order of 1 MPa [150 psi], or no more than 20 %
after first-peak. The loading and specimen support system shall of the estimated first-peak strength, is recommended. A recommended
deflection scale is to use 25 mm [1 in.] to represent about 10 % of the
be capable of applying third-point loading to the specimen end-point deflection of 1⁄150 of the span, which is 2 mm [0.08 in.] for a 350
without eccentricity or torque. The supporting rollers shall be by 100 by 100 mm [14 by 4 by 4 in.] specimen size, and 3 mm [0.12 in.]
able to rotate on their axes throughout the duration of a test and for a 500 by 150 by 150 mm [20 by 6 by 6 in.] specimen size. When data
shall conform with Practice C1812/C1812M. The loading are digitally stored, the test parameters may be determined directly from
blocks shall conform to the requirements of Test Method the stored data or from a plot of the data. In the latter case, use a plot scale
similar to that recommended for an X-Y plotter.
C78/C78M.
6.2 Deflection-Measuring Equipment—Devices such as 7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
electronic transducers or electronic deflection gages shall be 7.1 General Requirements—The nominal maximum size of
located in a manner that ensures accurate determination of the aggregate and cross-sectional dimensions of test specimens
net deflection at the mid-span exclusive of the effects of seating shall be in accordance with Practice C31/C31M or Practice
or twisting of the specimen on its supports. One acceptable C192/C192M when using molded specimens, or in accordance
arrangement employs a rectangular jig, which surrounds the with Test Method C42/C42M when using sawn specimens,
specimen and is clamped to it at mid-depth directly over the provided that the following requirements are satisfied:
supports (Figs. 1 and 2). Two electronic displacement trans- 7.1.1 The length of test specimens shall be at least 50 mm [2
ducers or similar digital or analog devices mounted on the jig in.] greater than three times the depth, and in any case not less
at mid-span, one on each side, measure deflection through than 350 mm [14 in.]. The length of the test specimen shall not
contact with appropriate brackets attached to the specimen. be more than two times the depth greater than the span.
The average of the measurements represents the net deflection. 7.1.2 The tolerances on the cross-section of the test speci-
6.3 Data Recording System—An X-Y plotter coupled di- mens shall be within 6 2 %. The test specimens shall have a
rectly to electronic outputs of load and deflection is an square cross-section within these tolerances.
acceptable means of obtaining the relationship between load 7.1.3 The width and depth of test specimens shall be at least
and net deflection—that is, the load-deflection curve. A data three times the maximum fiber length.
acquisition system capable of digitally recording and storing 7.1.4 When the specimen size is not large enough to meet all
load and deflection data at a sampling frequency of at least 2.5 the requirements of 7.1 – 7.1.3, specimens of square cross-
Hz is an acceptable alternative. After a net deflection of L/900 section large enough to meet the requirements shall be used.
has been exceeded, it is permissible to decrease the data The three times maximum fiber length requirement for width

FIG. 1 Arrangement to Obtain Net Deflection by Using Two Transducers Mounted on Rectangular Jig Clamped to Specimen Directly
Above Supports

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FIG. 2 Arrangement to Obtain Net Deflection by Using Two Transducers Mounted on Jig Secured to Specimen Directly Above Supports

and depth may be waived at the option of the specifier of tests 7.3 Hardened Concrete—Select samples of hardened fiber-
to permit specimens with a width and depth of 150 mm [6 in.] reinforced concrete from structures in accordance with Practice
when using fibers of length 50 to 75 mm [2 to 3 in.]. C823/C823M.
7.3.1 Prepare and condition sawn specimens in accordance
NOTE 7—The results of tests on beams with relatively stiff fibers, such
as steel fibers, longer than one-third the width and depth of the beam may with Test Method C42/C42M.
not be comparable with test results of similar-sized beams with fibers 7.4 Prepare specimens from shotcrete panels in accordance
shorter than one-third the width and depth because of preferential fiber
alignment, and different size beams may not be comparable because of
with Practice C1140/C1140M.
size effects. The degree of preferential fiber alignment may be less for 7.5 Test Unit—Prepare and test at least three specimens
fibers that are flexible enough to be bent by contact with aggregate from each sample of fresh or hardened concrete.
particles or mold surfaces than for rigid fibers that remain straight during
mixing and specimen preparation. 8. Evaporation Control
7.2 Freshly Mixed Concrete—Obtain samples of freshly 8.1 When the time between removal of test specimens from
mixed fiber-reinforced concrete for the preparation of test a moist curing environment and the start of testing is likely to
specimens in accordance with Practice C172/C172M. exceed 15 min, minimize drying by covering with wet burlap,
7.2.1 Mold specimens in accordance with Practice C31/ applying a curing compound, or by other appropriate tech-
C31M or Practice C192/C192M, except that consolidation niques.
shall be by external vibration. Consolidation may be consid-
ered to be adequate when entrapped air voids are no longer 9. Procedure
observed rising to the surface of the specimen. Fill the mold in 9.1 Molded or sawn specimens shall be turned on their side
one layer by using a wide shovel or scoop parallel to the length with respect to the position as cast before placing on the
of the mold to place the layer uniformly along the length of the support system. Specimens representing shotcrete shall be
mold. loaded in the same direction as the specimen was shot.
NOTE 8—Make sure that the time of vibration is sufficient to ensure 9.2 Arrange the specimen and the loading system so that the
adequate consolidation, as fiber-reinforced concrete requires a longer specimen is loaded at the third points in accordance with Test
vibration time than concrete without fibers, especially when the fiber
concentration is relatively high.
Method C78/C78M. The span length shall be three times the
specimen depth or 300 mm [12 in.], whichever is greater.
7.2.2 When filling the mold, attempt to add an amount of NOTE 9—If full contact cannot be reasonably assured between the
concrete that will exactly fill the mold after consolidation. specimen, the load-applying devices, and the supports before loading,
When screeding the top surface, continue external vibration to grind the contact surfaces of the specimen so that full contact is achieved.
ensure that fibers do not protrude from the finished surface. Alternatively, use capping materials at the load or support points.
7.2.3 Curing shall be in accordance with Practice C31/ 9.3 Operate the testing machine so that the net deflection of
C31M or Practice C192/C192M. the specimen increases at a constant rate in accordance with

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 C1609/C1609M − 19
Table 1. Up to a net deflection of L/900, the rate of increase of better control of the increase of net deflection immediately after the peak
net deflection shall be in accordance with the second column of load.
Table 1. For net deflection beyond L/900 and up to the end 9.5 When using deflection-measuring equipment for the first
point deflection, a higher rate of increase of net deflection is time, or after alterations or maintenance, confirm the reliability
permitted in accordance with the third column of Table 1. of the measured net deflection by comparing the measured
When increasing the loading rate, the rate of increase of net deflection at first-peak load with the value estimated from the
deflection shall be increased in increments not exceeding 0.05 formula in Note 10.
mm/min [0.002 in./min]. Subsequent increases of the rate of 9.6 Unless otherwise required by the specifier of tests,
increase of net deflection shall be at least 30 s apart. Include the terminate the test at a net deflection of 1⁄150 of the span.
rate(s) of increase of net deflection in the test report.
9.7 Further testing to a greater end-point deflection shall be
NOTE 10—First-peak deflection for third-point loading is estimated
assuming linear-elastic behavior up to first peak from the equation: specified at the option of the specifier of tests, and shall be
specified as the span divided by some whole number less than
δ1 5
1296EI F
23P 1 L 3
11
216d 2 ~ 11µ !
115L 2 G 150.
9.8 To determine the dimensions of the specimen cross
where: section for use in calculating the flexural performance of the
δ1 = the first peak deflection, mm [in.] specimen, take measurements across one of the fractured faces
P1 = the first-peak load, N [lbf] after testing. The width and depth are measured with the
L = the span length, mm [in.]
E = the estimated modulus of elasticity of the concrete, MPa [psi]
specimen as oriented for testing. For each dimension, take one
I = the cross-sectional moment of inertia, mm4 [in.4] measurement at each edge of the cross section. Use the two
d = the average depth of specimen at the fracture, as oriented for measurements for each direction to determine the average
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testing, mm [in.] and width and the average depth. Take all measurements to the
µ = Poisson’s ratio nearest 1 mm [0.05 in.]. Note if the fracture or fractures occur
For a Poisson’s ratio of 0.20 and a d to L ratio of 1/3, the value of the outside of the middle third of the tested specimen.
portion of the equation in brackets is 1.25.
NOTE 11—For a 350 by 100 by 100 mm [14 by 4 by 4 in.] specimen 9.9 Determine the position of the fracture by measuring the
size, the net deflection at first-peak load is approximately 0.04 mm distance along the middle of the tension face from the fracture
[0.0016 in.], and for a 500 by 150 by 150 mm [20 by 6 by 6 in.] specimen to the nearest point of support.
size, it is approximately 0.05 mm [0.002].
9.10 When the fracture occurs outside the middle third of
9.4 If the rate of increase of net deflection cannot be
the span, discard the results.
controlled (see Note 12) during the test, it is permitted to
reduce the initial net deflection rate to 50 % of the limits in 9.3 10. Calculation
until a net deflection of L/900 is reached. After a net deflection 10.1 Values of load and deflection used in subsequent
of L/900, the rate of increase of net deflection shall not exceed calculations shall be obtained from the load-deflection curve,
8 times the initial rate until the specified end-point deflection is or from stored digital data.
reached. When increasing the loading rate, the rate of increase
10.2 Determine the first-peak load as that value of load
of net deflection shall be increased in increments not exceeding
corresponding to the first point on the load-deflection curve
0.05 mm/min [0.002 in./min]. Subsequent increases of the rate
where the slope is zero, that is, the load is a local maximum
of net deflection shall be at least 30 s apart. Include the rate(s)
value. Determine the corresponding deflection value. See Figs.
of increase of net deflection in the test report.
NOTE 12—The rate of increase of net deflection is out of control if a
3 and 4.
sudden acceleration of the net deflection of a beam occurs leading to a rate NOTE 13—Small ripples or fluctuations in the load-deflection curve due
at least 20 times higher than the rate specified in 9.3 and 9.4. The lower to electronic noise or mechanical vibration should not be confused with a
loading rate is permitted for brittle (higher strength) concretes to provide definite change in the slope of the load-deflection curve in the vicinity of
first peak load, particularly when the portion of the curve in question is
magnified.
TABLE 1 Rate of Increase in Net Deflection 10.3 Calculate the first-peak strength using the first-peak
Beam sizeA Up to net deflection Beyond net deflection load determined in 10.2, the average specimen dimensions
of L/900 of L/900 determined in 9.8, and the following formula for modulus of
100 by 100 by 0.025 to 0.075 mm/ 0.05 to 0.20 mm/min
rupture:
350 mm min PL
[4 by 4 by 14 in.] [0.001 to 0.003 in./ [0.002 to 0.008 in./ f5 (1)
min] min] bd2

150 by 150 0.035 to 0.10 mm/min 0.05 to 0.30 mm/min

where:
by 500 mm f = the strength, MPa [psi],
[6 by 6 by 20 in.] [0.0015 to 0.004 in./ [0.002 to 0.012 in.
min] min]
P = the load, N [lbf],
L = the span length, mm [in.],
A
The initial loading rate up to deflection of L/900 for other sizes and shapes of
b = the average width of the specimen at the fracture, as
specimens shall be based on reaching the first-peak deflection 40 to 100 s after the oriented for testing, mm [in.], and
start of the test. Beyond a net deflection of L/900, the rate of increase of net d = the average depth of the specimen at the fracture, as
deflection shall not exceed 8 times the initial rate.
oriented for testing, mm [in.].

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FIG. 3 Example of Parameter Calculations for First-Peak Load Equal to Peak Load (Not to Scale)

10.3.1 Record the number rounded to the nearest 0.05 MPa For a specified net deflection δ the subscript XXX is
[5 psi] as the first-peak strength, f1. calculated as:
10.4 Determine the peak load as that value of load corre- L
XXX 5 (2)
sponding to the point on the load-deflection curve that corre- δ
sponds to the greatest value of load obtained prior to reaching
10.9 Calculate the total area under the load-deflection curve
the end-point deflection. Determine the corresponding deflec-
up to a net deflection of 1⁄150 of the span length. Record the
tion value.
number rounded to the nearest Joule [10 in.-lb] as toughness,
10.5 Calculate the peak strength using the peak load deter- T D150 as appropriate for the specimen depth.
mined in 10.4, the average specimen dimensions determined in NOTE 14—If the load and deflection are measured in consistent units,
9.8, and Eq 1. Record the number rounded to the nearest 0.05 such as Newtons (N) and metres (m), or kilonewtons (kN) and millimetres
MPa [5 psi] as the peak strength, fP. (mm), the resulting measure of energy will be in units known as Joules (J).
10.6 Determine the residual load values, P D600 and P D150 as 10.10 Calculate the equivalent flexural strength ratio, R T,D 150
appropriate for the specimen depth, corresponding to net according to Eq 3 using the first-peak strength determined in
deflection values of 1⁄600 and 1⁄150 of the span length. 10.3 and the toughness determined in 10.9. Record the number
10.7 Calculate the residual strengths, f D600 and f D150 using the rounded to the nearest 0.5 % as equivalent flexural strength
residual loads determined in 10.6, the average specimen ratio, R T,D 150 as appropriate for the specimen depth.
dimensions determined in 9.8, and Eq 1. Record the numbers 150·T D150
D
rounded to the nearest 0.05 MPa [5 psi] as the residual R T, 150 5 ·100 % (3)
f 1 ·b·d 2
strengths, f D600 and f D150 as appropriate for the specimen depth.
10.8 When required by the specifier of tests, determine the 11. Report
residual load(s) and calculate the residual strength(s) at the 11.1 Report the following information:
values of net deflection required by the specifier of tests at
value(s) greater than 1⁄600 of the span length using the proce- 11.1.1 Type of specimen (molded or sawn) and specimen
dures in this section. Record the calculated value(s) rounded to identification numbers or symbols,
the nearest 0.05 MPa [5 psi] using the appropriate superscript 11.1.2 Average width and depth of specimen at the point of
and subscript(s) to indicate the specimen depth and net fracture to the nearest 1 mm [0.05 in.],
deflection(s) selected. 11.1.3 Span length to the nearest 2 mm [0.1 in.],
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FIG. 4 Example of Parameter Calculations when Peak Load is Greater than First-Peak Load (Not to Scale)

11.1.4 First-peak load, P1, rounded to the nearest N (lbf), 11.1.12 Curing history and moisture condition of specimen
first-peak strength, f1, to the nearest 0.05 MPa [5 psi], and at test,
first-peak deflection, δ1, to the nearest 0.01 mm [0.0005 in.], 11.1.13 Whether the specimen contact surfaces were ground
11.1.5 Peak load, PP, rounded to the nearest N [lbf], peak or capped,
strength, fP, to the nearest 0.05 MPa [5 psi], and peak-load 11.1.14 The rate(s) of increase of net deflection in mm/min
deflection, δP, to the nearest 0.01 mm [0.0005 in.], [in./min] and the net deflection(s) at which the change(s) in
11.1.6 Residual loads, P D600 and P D150 rounded to the nearest N deflection rate occurred in mm [in.].
[lbf], 11.1.15 Defects in specimen prior to test and abnormalities
11.1.7 Residual strengths, f D600 and f D150 rounded to the nearest in specimen behavior during test, and
0.05 MPa [5 psi], 11.1.16 The load-deflection curve.
11.1.8 Toughness, T D150 rounded to the nearest Joule [10 12. Precision and Bias
in.-lb],
12.1 Precision—Tables 2 and 3 provide the repeatability
11.1.9 Equivalent flexural strength ratio, R T,D 150 rounded to standard deviations for the various parameters measured in this
the nearest 0.5 %, test method (see Note 15). The reproducibility of this test
11.1.10 When required by the specifier of tests, the residual method is being determined.
load(s), P XXX
D
and corresponding residual strength(s), f XXXD
, NOTE 15—The repeatability standard deviations were developed from
rounded to the nearest N [lbf] and 0.05 MPa [5 psi], analysis of a database composed of 26 sets of three or four replicate test
specimens that were tested by one operator using a closed-loop, servo-
11.1.11 Age of the specimens at the time of testing, in days, controlled hydraulic universal-testing machine. A test result is the mean

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 C1609/C1609M − 19
TABLE 2 Single-Operator Standard Deviations (SI units)
Pooled
Minimum Maximum Within-Batch COV,
Test Result Test Result Standard Deviation, %
1s
P1, N 9868 27071 1543 7.7

f1, MPa 2.44 7.12 0.47 8.3

δ1, mm 0.03 0.06 0.01 20.0

Pp, N 9869 27071 1922 9.2

fp, MPa 2.44 7.46 0.57 9.7

δp, mm 0.03 2.44 0.52 71.1

150,
P 100 N 5193 18588 2108 17.6
--``,`,,,`,,`,,`,`````,,,``,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

150,
f 100 MPa 1.29 5.41 0.60 17.8

600,
P 100 N 4828 24076 2034 15.2

600,
f 100 MPa 1.20 7.00 0.63 16.4

600,
T 100 J 10 42 4 16.0

TABLE 3 Single-Operator Standard Deviations (inch-pound units)

Pooled
Minimum Maximum Within-Batch COV,
Test Result Test Result Standard Deviation, %
1s
P1, lbf 2218 6086 347 7.7

f1, psi 354 1031 67 8.2

δ1, in. 0.0013 0.0023 0.0002 10.0

Pp, lbf 2219 6086 432 9.2

fp, psi 354 1081 82 9.7

δp, in. 0.0013 0.0960 0.0204 140.61

150,
P 100 lbf 1167 4179 474 17.6

150,
f 100 psi 186 784 87 17.8

600,
P 100 lbf 1085 5413 457 15.2

600,
f 100 psi 173 1015 91 16.4

600,
T 100 in.- 92 368 39 17.3
lbf

value for each set of replicate test specimens. The concrete mixtures tested 13. Keywords
contained various steel fibers (10 sets) or synthetic fibers (16 sets) at
different fiber contents. All test specimens had nominal dimensions of 102 13.1 fiber-reinforced concrete; first-peak strength; flexural
mm by 102 mm by 356 mm [4 in. by 4 in. by 14 in.] and were tested on toughness; peak strength; residual load; residual strength
a 305 mm [12 in.] span. The test specimens for each set were either
molded beams (19 sets) or beams cut from shotcrete panels (7 sets).
12.2 Bias—This test method has no bias since the properties
determined can only be defined in terms of this test method.

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 C1609/C1609M − 19
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C1609/C1609M – 12, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved May 1, 2019.)

(1) Revised 2.1. (3) Revised 6.1.

(2) Revised 4.1. (4) Revised 9.8.

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