Designation: D7617/D7617M − 11

Standard Test Method for

Transverse Shear Strength of Fiber-reinforced Polymer
Matrix Composite Bars1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7617/D7617M; 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 E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines

1.1 This test method specifies the test requirements for E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
(FRP) composite smooth round rods and textured bars for E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
determining the transverse shear strength via a double shear Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
fixture. FRP rods and bars are often loaded in transverse shear Lot or Process
when these elements are used as dowels in concrete pavements, E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
as stirrups in concrete beams, or as shear reinforcements in
glued-laminated wood beams, for example. 3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 3.1 Terminology in D3878 defines terms relating to high-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in modulus fibers and their composites. Terminology in D883
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each defines terms relating to plastics. Terminology in E6 defines
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining terms relating to mechanical testing. Terminology in E456
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance defines terms relating to statistics and the selection of sample
with the standard. sizes. In the event of a conflict between terms, Terminology in
1.2.1 Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in D3878 shall have precedence over the other terminology
brackets. standards.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.1 bar, n—a linear element, with a substantially round
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- cross section, often with surface undulations or a coating of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- particles that promote mechanical interlock with concrete.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2.2 double shear fixture, n—a test fixture that results in the
desired shear force being applied to two distinct sections of the
2. Referenced Documents specimen.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 3.2.3 failure, n—cleavage of the bar under test into three
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon- pieces or into two pieces where the second non-cleaved shear
Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement plane is highly damaged.
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D3878 Terminology for Composite Materials 3.2.4 nominal cross sectional area, n—a measure of cross
D5229/D5229M Test Method for Moisture Absorption Prop- sectional area of a bar, determined over at least one represen-
erties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Matrix tative length, used to calculate stress.
Composite Materials 3.2.5 projected outer diameter, n—the smallest diameter of
D7205/D7205M Test Method for Tensile Properties of Fiber a circle through which a bar, with its undulations or coatings,
Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars will pass. The bar may touch the circle but must pass through
without undue force.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D30 on
3.2.6 rod, n—a bar with a smooth circular cross section and
Composite Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.10 on no texture or deformations.
Composites for Civil Structures.
Current edition approved March 1, 2011. Published May 2011. DOI: 10.1520/
3.2.7 standard cross sectional area, n—the cross sectional
D7617_D7617M-11. area of a standard numbered steel concrete reinforcing bar as
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or given in A615/A615M, Table 1.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 3.2.8 surface undulation, n—variation in the area,
the ASTM website. orientation, or shape of cross section of a bar along its length,

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D7617/D7617M − 11
intended to enhance mechanical interlock between a bar and 5.2 Experience with this test method and the accompanying
concrete, made by any of a number of processes such as, for fixture is primarily with smooth rods and textured bars with
example, indentation, addition of extra materials, and twisting. diameters ranging from 6 mm to 25 mm [0.25 in. to 1 in.]. The
3.3 Symbols: method may be used for rods or bars of larger diameters, but
3.3.1 A—nominal or standard cross sectional area of a rod or the overall geometry of the test fixture may need to be
bar, see D7205/D7205M. increased.
3.3.2 PS—maximum shear force carried by specimen N 6. Interferences
[lbf].
6.1 Blade Alignment—The two lower and one upper blade
3.3.3 τu—transverse shear strength, MPa [psi]. used for shearing the specimen are machined to fit the
4. Summary of Test Method projected outer diameter of the bar. The slot width and diameter
of the blades should be selected so that the bar fits snugly into
4.1 A length of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rod or bar is the fixture, but does not bind. The test results may be sensitive
fitted into a double shear fixture with appropriate cutting blades to the slot width for bars which have significant texture or
and clamped into place. The shear fixture is mounted into a deformations. See Fig. 1.
universal mechanical testing machine and monotonically
loaded to failure while recording force and crosshead displace- 6.2 Surface Texture—The method has been used with tex-
ment. tured bars with surface roughness amplitudes of up to 6 5%
variation in diameter relative to the average bar diameter as
5. Significance and Use measured with a dial caliper. Use on bars with greater variation
5.1 This test method for transverse shear strength is in- in surface roughness or regions with substantially-reduced
tended for use in laboratory tests in which the principal cross-sections may lead to increased scatter in test results or
variable is the size or type of FRP bars. The test may be used failure of the specimens away from the two shearing planes.
for smooth round rods or on bars with a textured or undulating 6.3 Measurement of Cross Sectional Area—The nominal
surface added to promote bond of the bars to Portland cement cross sectional area of textured or undulating bars is measured
concrete. This test method establishes values of transverse by immersing a prescribed length of the specimen in water to
shear strength for material specifications, quality control, determine its buoyant weight, as described in D7205/D7205M.
quality assurance, research and development, and may also be Bar configurations that trap air during immersion (aside from
used for structural design purposes. minor porosity) cannot be assessed using this method. This

NOTE 1—The blades should fit snugly around the bar without binding.
FIG. 1 Potential Interference for Undulating or Textured Bar

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method may not be appropriate for bars that have large as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Thin shim stock (suggested
variations in cross sectional area along the length of the bar. thickness of 0.08 mm [0.003 in.]) may be placed between the
6.4 Clamping Force—The bar should be firmly clamped to bar seats and the guides to ensure a close running fit of the
the bar seats before testing. Testing without sufficient clamping upper blade between the two lower blades (see Fig. 5a and b
will lead to lower apparent transverse shear strength results. and Fig. 6a and b). The upper blade is loose, and is fit onto the
Experience with the fixture and small-diameter glass- bar prior to testing.
reinforced FRP rods has shown that two set screws on one end NOTE 1—Other versions of this test fixture have been developed that
of the bar and one set screw on the other end is sufficient for combine the two lower bar seats into one unified component with a fixed
gap of 50 mm [2.0 in.] between the bar seats to allow for insertion of the
this clamping.
lower blades. These fixtures are acceptable for use with this standard but
6.5 System Alignment—The test is typically completed on the fit between the lower and upper blades is not adjustable.
universal testing machine with compression platens. Care 7.2 Dimensional Tolerances—Dimensional tolerances for
should be taken that bottom compression platen is completely the components of the test fixture produced in U.S. customary
flat and large enough for entire surface of test fixture to bear, units shall be standard tolerances as follows: Unless noted
and is perpendicular to the axis of loading. otherwise on the drawings, dimensions given to one decimal
place (0.X in.) shall be 60.05 in., dimensions given to two
7. Apparatus decimal places (0.0X in.) shall be 60.01 in., and dimensions
7.1 The test fixture consists of two bar seats, two lower given to three decimal places (0.00X in.) shall be 60.005 in.
blades, and two guides machined from steel. These parts are For components produced in SI units, standard tolerances for
bolted together with two threaded rods with washers and nuts dimensions given to zero decimal places (X mm) shall be 60.1

FIG. 2 Transverse Shear Fixture Assembled (Side Views and Axonometric View)

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NOTE 1—(1) Assembled fixture with sheared specimen and (2) main body of fixture disassembled (note presence of shim stock on guides).
FIG. 3 Photographs of Test Fixture

mm, dimensions given to one decimal place (0.X mm) shall be established so that the diameter of the semi-circle is tangent
60.25 mm, dimension given to two decimal places (0.0X mm) with the angled side of the bar seat (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 5).
shall be 60.10 mm. 7.4.2 Upper Blade—The upper blade is machined from 25
7.3 Bar Seats—The two bar seats are identical and have a mm [1.000 in.] thick steel having a precision ground finish of
v-shaped bed for supporting the ends of the bars (see Fig. 4a 0.80 µm [32 µin.] or better. The upper blade has the same
and b). machined slot and diameter as the two lower blades (see Fig.
7a and b).
7.4 Blades—The lower blades and upper blade should be
machined from tool steel, hardened to 55 to 58 HRC. NOTE 2—This standard does not give specific dimensional requirements
7.4.1 Lower Blades—The two lower blades are machined for the slots and diameters of the lower and upper blades, as a wide range
of textured bars and smooth rods, produced under both SI and US
from 12 mm [0.500 in.] thick steel having a precision ground Customary standards, may be tested using this method. Fig. 5 and Fig. 7
finish of 0.80 µm [32 µin.] or better. The slots in the lower depict the dimensions of lower and upper blades for a 3/8 in. and a 10 mm
blades are machined based on the diameter of the bars to be smooth rod. In U.S. practice, blades for the apparatus are typically made
tested. For smooth round rods, the width of the slot shall be for smooth and textured rods in diameters that range between 6 mm (0.25
0.10 mm [0.004 in.] wider than the measured diameter of the in.) to 25 mm (1 in.).
rods. For textured or undulating bars the slot shall be equal to 7.5 Guides—The guides are machined from the same steel
the projected outer diameter from the roughly circular bar. The as the upper blade. The two guides are of equal thickness to the
depth of the semi-circle at the bottom of the slot shall be upper blade and may be tapered to facilitate insertion of the

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FIG. 4 a Bar Seat (U.S. Customary Units)

upper blade into the fixture. The holes in the guides align with velocity of the movable head shall be capable of being
the holes in the lower blades and in the bar seats so that the regulated as specified in 11.4.
entire assembly can be bolted together (see Fig. 6a and b). 7.7.3 Force Indicator—The testing machine force-sensing
7.6 Strap—Straps, nominally 12 mm [0.5 in.] thick, and device shall be capable of indicating the total force being
mounted at the top of both bar seats, are used to clamp the bar carried by the test specimen. This device shall be essentially
or rod firmly into the bar seats during testing. Socket-head cap free from inertia lag at the specified rate of testing and shall
screws pass through threads in the straps and clamp the indicate the force with an accuracy over the force range(s) of
specimens onto the bar seats. (see Fig. 8a and b). interest of within 6 1 % of the indicated value. The force
range(s) of interest may be fairly low for modulus evaluation,
7.7 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall be in con- much higher for strength evaluation, or both, as required.
formance with Practices E4 and shall satisfy the following
requirements: 8. Sampling and Test Specimens
7.7.1 Testing Machine Heads—The testing machine shall
have both an essentially stationary head and a movable head. 8.1 Specimens shall be representative of the lot or batch
The movable head shall be equipped with a deflection measur- being tested. In the test section of the specimen, no postpro-
ing device. duction machining, abrading, or other such processing is
7.7.2 Drive Mechanism—The testing machine drive mecha- permitted.
nism shall be capable of imparting to the movable head a 8.2 Sampling—Test at least five specimens per test condi-
controlled velocity with respect to the stationary head. The tion unless valid results can be gained through the use of fewer

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FIG. 4 b Bar Seat (SI Units) (continued)

specimens, such as in the case of a designed experiment. For 10. Conditioning

statistically significant data, the procedures outlined in E122
10.1 The recommended pre-test condition is effective mois-
should be consulted. The method of sampling shall be reported.
ture equilibrium at a specific relative humidity as established
8.3 The length of the specimen shall be 225 mm [9 in.]. by Test Method D5229/D5229M; however, if the test requestor
8.4 The cross sectional area of textured or undulating bars does not explicitly specify a pre-test conditioning environment,
shall be determined in accordance with either of the two no conditioning is required and the specimens may be tested as
methods described in D7205/D7205M: nominal area or stan- prepared.
dard area. The cross sectional area of smooth round rods shall 10.2 The pre-test specimen conditioning process, to include
be determined by measuring the average diameter of the rod to specified environmental exposure levels and resulting moisture
a precision of 0.02 mm [0.001 in.] and calculating the area of content, shall be reported with the test data.
the rod assuming that it is circular.
10.3 If no explicit conditioning process is performed the
9. Calibration specimen conditioning process shall be reported as “uncondi-
9.1 The accuracy of all measuring equipment shall have tioned” and the moisture content as “unknown.”
certified calibrations that are current at the time of use of the NOTE 3—The term moisture, as used in Test Method D5229/D5229M,
equipment. includes not only the vapor of a liquid and its condensate, but the liquid

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NOTE 1—Depth of slot established so that diameter of slot is tangent to slope of bar seat (U.S. Customary units). Location of optional shims shown
(see section 7.1).
FIG. 5 a Lower Blade for 3⁄8 in. Diameter Smooth Rod

NOTE 1—Depth of slot established so that diameter of slot is tangent to slope of bar seat (SI units). Location of optional shims shown (see section 7.1).
FIG. 5 b Lower Blade for 10 mm Diameter Smooth Rod (continued)

itself in large quantities, as for immersion. local damage is noted where the set screws meet the bar,
additional set screws should be placed before testing. The
11. Procedure
fixture allows for a maximum of three set screws on each end
11.1 The specimen shall be centered within the shear of the bar.
apparatus, resting against the bar seats and lower blades.
11.3 Place the upper blade into place onto the bar and center
11.2 Insert and hand-tighten two set screws in one strap so the fixture in the universal testing machine.
that one end of the bar is clamped by the two screws pressing
onto the bar, through the two end holes in the straps. Hand- 11.4 Complete the test with the test machine in displace-
tighten one set screw in the other strap, through the center hole ment control. The displacement rate should be selected so as to
in this strap, to clamp the opposite end of the bar. If specimens produce failure within 1 to 10 min. Force should be applied
appear to move in the bar seats during testing, or significant uniformly without subjecting the specimen to impact.

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NOTE 1—Location of optional shims shown (see section 7.1).

FIG. 6 a Guides (U.S. Customary Units)

NOTE 1—Location of optional shims shown (see section 7.1).

FIG. 6 b Guides (SI Units) (continued)

11.5 Monitor force versus displacement continuously or at NOTE 4—The test method does not require the reporting of force versus
frequent regular intervals. If a transition region or initial failure crosshead displacement data, but it is recommended that force and
is noted, record the load at such points. displacement be monitored continuously during the test to (1) establish

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FIG. 7 a Upper Blade for 3⁄8 in. Diameter Smooth Rod (U.S. Customary Units)

FIG. 7 b Upper Blade for 10 mm Diameter Smooth Rod (SI Units) (continued)

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FIG. 8 a Straps (U.S. Customary Units)

FIG. 8 b Straps (SI Units) (continued)

proper displacement rates for a given specimen size, (2) identify the 12. Calculations
formation of failure surfaces during the test (see Fig. 9), (3) establish that
the peak loading has been observed in accordance with the requirements 12.1 Transverse shear strength shall be calculated according
of section 11.6, and (4) assist in troubleshooting. to Eq 1, with a precision to three significant digits,
11.6 Loading shall be continued until the specimen fails (see PS
τU 5 (1)
Fig. 3). The failure force should be recorded with a precision to 2A
three significant digits. The force may drop slightly and the
where:
stiffness of the specimen may change at the onset of failure,
due to the delay in the formation of the second failure face (see τU = transverse shear strength, MPa [psi]
Note 1 in Fig. 9). Continue loading the specimen until the PS = maximum failure force, N [lbf]
second failure face forms or the force has dropped to 70 % of A = cross sectional area of specimen, mm2[in.2] determined
the observed peak force. (see Notes 2 and 3 in Fig. 9). according to section 8.4

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FIG. 9 Example Shear Stress versus Crosshead Displacement Graph

12.2 Statistics—For each series of tests calculate the material details or bar fabrication parameters, shall be the
average, standard deviation and coefficient of variation (in responsibility of the requestor):
percent) of the transverse shear strength as follows: 14.1.1 The revision level or date of issue of this test method.

x̄ 5 S( D n

i51
x i /n (2)
14.1.2 The date(s) and location(s) of the test.
14.1.3 The name(s) of the test operator(s).
14.1.4 Any variations to this test method, anomalies noticed
S n21 5 ŒS (i51
n

D
x i2 2 nx̄ 2 / ~ n 2 1 ! (3) during testing or equipment problems occurring during testing.
14.1.5 Identification of the material tested including (if
CV 5 100 3 S n21 /x̄ (4) available) : material specification, material type, material
where: designation, manufacturer, manufacturer’s lot or batch number,
source (if not from manufacturer), date of certification, expi-
x̄ = sample mean (average),
ration of certification, filament diameter, tow or yarn filament
Sn-1 = sample standard deviation,
V = sample coefficient of variation, %, count and twist, sizing, form or weave, and matrix type.
n = number of specimens, and 14.1.6 If available, description of the fabrication steps used
xi = measured or derived property. to prepare the bar including fabrication start date, fabrication
end date, process specification, cure cycle, consolidation
13. Validation method, and a description of the equipment used.
13.1 Values for shear strength shall not be calculated for any 14.1.7 Description of surface characteristics of the bar.
specimen that fails away from the two shearing planes. Retests Indicate the representative length of the bar, if appropriate.
shall be performed for any specimen on which values are not 14.1.8 If requested, report density, volume percent
calculated. reinforcement, and void content test methods, specimen sam-
pling method and geometries, test parameters, and test results.
14. Report 14.1.9 For textured or undulating bars, average value of the
14.1 Report the following information, or references point- nominal area of the bar and the projected bar diameter.
ing to other documentation containing this information, to the 14.1.10 Slot width and diameter of the upper and lower
maximum extent applicable (reporting of items beyond the blades.
control of a given testing laboratory, such as might occur with 14.1.11 Results of any nondestructive evaluation tests.

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14.1.12 Method of preparing the test specimen, including area (if used), in accordance with D7205/D7205M or by
specimen labeling scheme and method, specimen geometry, measurement. Specimen diameter if measured.
sampling method, and bar cutting method. 14.1.19 Maximum force and shear stress for each specimen.
14.1.13 Calibration dates and methods for all measurement
and test equipment. 15. Precision and Bias
14.1.14 Type of test machine, control strategy, displacement 15.1 Precision—The data required for the development of a
rate, and data acquisition sampling rate and equipment type if precision statement is not available for this test method.
applicable. Precision, defined as the degree of mutual agreement between
14.1.15 Conditioning parameters and results, use of travel- individual measurements, cannot yet be estimated because of
ers and traveler geometry, and the procedure used, if other than an insufficient amount of data.
that specified in the test method. 15.2 Bias—Bias cannot be determined for this test method
14.1.16 Environment of the test machine environmental as no acceptable reference standard exists.
chamber (if used).
14.1.17 Number of specimens tested. 16. Keywords
14.1.18 Type of area values used for stress calculation: 16.1 bars; composite bars; composite materials; double
nominal area or standard area. Calculation method for nominal shear; rebar; reinforcing bars; shear properties; shear strength

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