Wb Designation: C 1018 - 97 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATEAIALS

100 Barr Harbw Dr West Conshohacken PA 19428

Pepnnted from the Annual Baok of ASTM Standards Gwyqhi ASTM

Standard Test Method for

Flexural Toughness and First-Crack Strength of
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using Beam With
Third-Point Loading)’
This standard IS issued under the fixed designation C 1018; the number immediarcly following Ihe designation mdicates the year of
ongmal adoption or. in the case of re~~aon. the year of last rewsion. A number m parenthew mdwates the year of last reapproval. A
superscnpt epsilon If) Indicates an editorial change since the last rwwon or reappro\zL

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

I I This test method evaluates the flexural performance of 2. I ASTM Standard.r.
toughness parameters derived from tiber-reinforced concrete C 31 Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
in terms of areas under the load-deflection curve obtained by Specimens in the Field’
testing a simply supported beam under third-point loading. C 42 Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores
NCJTE I-Toughness determined in terms of areas under the load- and Sawed Beams of Concrete’
deflection curve is an indication of the energy absorption capability of C 78 Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete
the particular test specimen, and, consequently. its magnitude depends (Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading)
directly on the geometrical charactenstics of the test specimen and the C 172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete2
loading system. C I92 Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Laboratory2
I.2 This test method provides for the determination of a
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias State-
number of ratios called toughness indices that identify the
ments for Test Methods for Construction Materials’
pattern of material behavior up to the selected deflection
C 823 Practice for Examination and Sampling of Hard-
criteria. These indices are determined by dividing the area
ened Concrete in Constructions’
under the load - deflection curve up to a specified deflection
criterion. by the area up to the deflection at which first crack 3. Terminology
is deemed to have occurred. Residual strength factors that
3. I Descriptions qf Terms Specific to This Standard:
represent the average post-crack load retained over a specific
deflection interval as a percentage of the load at first crack
3.1.1 first crack-the point on the load -deflection curve
at which the form of the curve first becomes nonlinear
are derived from these indices.
(approximates the onset of cracking in the concrete matrix).
N OTE 2-Index values may be increased by preferential alignment of 3.1.2 first-crack deflection-the deflection value on the
fibers parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam caused by fiber load-deflection curve at first crack.
contact with the mold surfaces or by external vibration. However, index 3.1.3 ,first-crack strength-the stress obtained when the
values appear to be independent of geometrical specimen and testing load corresponding to first crack is inserted in the formula
variables. such as span length. which do not directly affect tiber
alignment.
for modulus of rupture given in Test Method C 78.
3.1.4 first-crack toughness-the energy equivalent to the
I .3 This test method provides for the determination of the area under the load -deflection curve up to the first-crack
first-crack flexural strength using the load corresponding to deflection.
the point on the load-deflection curve defined in 3.1.1 as first 3. I .5 tozcghnuss-the energy equivalent to the area under
crack, and the formula for modulus of rupture given in Test the load-deflection curve up to a specified deflection.
Method C 78. 3.1.6 toughness indices-the numbers obtained by di-
1.4 Values of flexural toughness and first-crack flexural viding the area up to a specified deflection by the area up to
strength stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the first crack.
standard. Values of toughness indices and residual strength N OTE 3-Values of 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 for I,, I,,, and fzo respec-
factors are independent of the system of units used to tively, as defined below, correspond to linear elastic material behavior
measure load and deflection. up to first crack and perfectly plastic behavior thereafter (see Appendix
1.5 This standard does not purport to address ail c?f the XI).
.sqf&y concerns, if any. associated with its use. It is the 3. I .6.1 toughneu index I,--the number obtained by di-
responsibility of’ the user (!I- this standard to establish appro- viding the area up to a deflection of 3.0 times the first-crack
priate safety and health practices and determine the upplica- deflection by the area up to first crack.
hility yl’reguiators limitations prior to use. 3.1.6.2 toughness index I,,-the number obtained by
dividing the area up to a deflection of 5.5 times the
first-crack deflection by the area up to first crack.
’ l’lus test method 1s under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-9 on 3.1.6.3 toughness inde.x Izo-the number obtained by
Concrete and Concrete Awegates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommillee
C09.42 on Fiber-Remforced Concrete.
Currcnl edition approved Dee IO, 1997. Published October 1998. Originally
pubhshed as C IO1 8 - 84. Last previous edition C IO I X - 94h 2 Annual &ok 01 .IST.Ci Standards. Vol04.02.
dividing thu area up to a deflection of IO.5 times the appropriate to the service conditions shall be selected in
first-crack deflection b” the area up to first crack. accordance with the rationale described in 9.6 and in
3. I .6.4 wvidzd .crrqqth .f;tcfor R,,,,-the number ob- Appendix X 1.
tained by calculating the value of 20 ( I,, - f5). 5.4 Values of toughness indices. residual strength factors,
3. I .6.5 wsidtul vrrmqfh .jirctor R,o,,,-the number ob- and tirst-crack strength may be used for comparing the
tained by calculating the value of IO ( I,, - I,,). performance of various tibcr-reinforced concretes during the
mixture proportioning process or in research and develop-
4. Summary of Test Method ment work. They may also be used to monitor concrete
4.1 Molded or sawn beams of fiber-reinforced concrete quality. to verify compliance with construction specifica-
are tested in flexure using the third-point loading arrange- tions, or to evaluate the quality of concrete already in service.
ment specified in Test IMethod C 78. Load and beam NOTE 5--Values of toughness index at different ages may not be
deflection are monitored either continuously by means of an comparable.
X-Y plotter. or incrementally by means of dial gages read at 5.5 Values of toughness indices. residual strength factors,
suffEently frequent intervals to ensure accurate reproduc- and first-crack strength obtained using rhe 14 by 4 by 4 in.
tion of the load-deflection curve. A point termed first crack (350 by 100 by 100 mm) preferred standard size of molded
which corresponds approximately to the onset of cracking in specimen may not necessarily correspond with the perfor-
the concrete matrix is identified on the load deflection curve. mance of larger or smaller molded specimens, concrete in
The first-crack load and deflection are used to detcrrnine the large structural units, or specimens sawn from such units,
tirst-crack flexural strength and to establish end-point deflec- because of differences in the degree of preferential fiber
tions for toughness calculations. Computations of toughness alignment parallel to the longitudinal axis of the specimen.
and toughness indices are based on areas under the load- For molded specimens, they tend to increase as the degree of
deflection curve up to the first-crack deflection and up to the preferential fiber alignment increases.
specified end-point detlection. 5.5.1 Preferential fiber alignment is likely to occur id
molded specimens when fibers in the vicinity of the mold
5. Significance and Use
surfaces tend to align in the plane of the surface, and is most
5. I The first-crack strength characterizes the behavior of pronounced in specimens of small cross-section containing
the fiber-reinforced concrete up to the onset of cracking in long fibers.
the matrix. while the toughness indices characterize the 5.5.2 In thin concrete sections, such as overlays and
toughness tliereafter up to specified end-point deflections. shotcrete linings, fibers tend to align in the plane of the
Residual strength factors, which are derived directly from section. so in-place performance is best evaluated using
toughness indices, characterize the level of strength retained either molded or sawn specimens of depth equal to the
after first crack simply by expressing the average post-crack thickness of the section. Consequently, toughness indices,
load over a specific deflection interval as a percentage of the residual strength values, and first-crack strengths for thin
load at first crack. The importance of each depends on the sections may differ from those for standard molded speck-
nature of the proposed application and the level of service- mens of nominally identical concrete.
ability required in terms of cracking and deflection. Tough- 5.5.3 External vibration promotes preferential alignment
ness and first-crack strength are influenced in different ways of fibers parallel to the vibrating surface of the form or
by the amount and type of fiber in the concrete matrix. In screeding device used. while internal vibration does not have
some cases, fibers may greatly increase the toughness, tough- this effect. Consequently, toughness indices, residual strength
ness indices, and residual strength factors determined by this values, and first-crack strengths for identical concrete speci-
test method while producing a first-crack strength only mens prepared using the two kinds of vibration may differ.
slightly greater than the flexural strength of the plain con- 5.5.4 Preferential fiber alignment is negligible in mass
crete matrix. In other cases, fibers may significantly increase concrete because the aligning effect of mold surfaces is
the first-crack strength with only relatively small increases in absent and because internal vibration is often used, so
toughness, toughness indices, and residual strength factors. toughness indices, residual strength values, and first-crack
5.2 The toughness indices and residual strength factors strengths for standard molded specimens may differ from
determined by this test method reflect the post-crack be- those for sawn specimens of nominally identical concrete.
havior of fiber-reinforced concrete under static flexural
loading. The absolute values of toughness determined to Nol-~ 6-The degree of preferential fiber alignment may be less for
fibers that are flexible enough to be bent by contact with agg~~@C
compute the toughness indices are of little practical signifi- particles or mold surfaces than for fibers rigid enough to remain straight
cance since they are directly dependent upon geometrical during mixing and specimen preparation.
variables associated with the specimen and the loading
arrangement. 6. Apparatus
NOTE 4-In applications where the energy absorption capability of a 6.1 Ttlshzg Machine-The testing machine shall be ~a-
structural concrete element is important. it may be possible to obtain pable of operating in a manner which produces a controlled
some indication of its performance by testing a specimen equivalent lo and constant increase of deflection of the specimen. A testing
the element in terms of size. span. and mode of loading. arrangement where specimen net mid-span deflection is used
5.3 In determining which toughness index is most appro- to control the rate of increase of deflection using a closed-
priate as a measure of material performance for a specific loop. servo-controlled testing system shall be used. Testing
application. the level of serviceability required in terms of machines that use stroke displacement control or load
cracking and deflection shall be considered. and an index control are not suitable for establishing the post-crack

2
portion of the load-deflection culte. The loading and spec-
imen support system shall be capable of reproducing third-
point loading on the specimen without eccentrlclty or
torque. The system specified in Test Method C 78 is suitable.
NUTE 7-Load-deflection cuI7;es produced from closed-loop testmg
systems may show substantial toughness for non-fibrous concrete in the
post-crack deflection area up to a detlection of 5.5 times the tirst-crack
deflection. Valuec of toughness indices I, and I,, and residual strength
R 5,10, should be used with caution. as they may not accurately reflect the
contribution of fibers to post-crack toughness at these deflections.
6.2 nrflrction-Aleuszrring Eqnipmerv-Devices such as
electronic transducers or electronic deflection gages shall be
located in a manner that ensures accurate determination of
the net deflection at the mid-span exclusive of any effects
due to seating or twisting of the specimen on its supports.
Two alternative arrangements for measuring net mid-span
deflection have evolved. In the first arrangement three
electronic transducers or similar digital devices mounted on
a supporting frame are positioned along the centerline of the
top surface of the test specimen, one at the mid-span and one
at each support (Fig. Il. The average of the support deflec-
tions is electrically subtracted from the mid-span deflection.
The second arrangement employs a rectangular jig which
surrounds the specimen and is clamped to it at the supports
(Fig. 2). Two transducers or similar digital devices mounted
on the jig at mid-span. one on each side, measure deflection
through contact with appropriate brackets attached to the
specimen. The average of the measurements represents net
mid-span deflection.
6.3 Data Compilation System-An X-Y plotter coupled FIG. 1 Arrangement Using 3 Transducers
directly to electronic outputs of load and deflection is the
simplest acceptable means of expediently and accurately NOTE Ic--4ccunte determination of the areas under the load-
obtaining the relationship between load and net mid-span deflection curve subsequently needed for computation of toughness
deflection, subsequently termed the load-deflection curve. A indices is only possible when the scales initially chosen for load and
data acquisition system capable of digitally recording load deflection are reasonably large. A load scale on which I in. (25 mm)
and deflection at least every second and plotting it is also corresponds to a tlexural stress of the order of I SO psi (1 MPa), or no
suitable. more than 20 ‘% of the estimated first-crack strength, is recommended.
 I I
I
f IO. 584-4

IF ~~ ;I
DEFLECTION -
(a) C o n c a v e u p w a r d s t o first crack

I
I I
I
I I
1 I
IO.56 44
II 5.58 7 I
3s -
- 8 +B ID IF ,, II-I
I
v
DEFLECT I ON .-w
( b ) C o n v e x u p w a r d s t o first c r a c k
FIG. 3 Important Characteristics of the Load-Deflection Curve

For the preferred 14 by 4 by 4 in. (350 by 100 by 100 mm) specimen (50 mm) greater than three times the depth. and in any case
size. where first-crack deflection is of the order of 0.002 in. (0.05 mm). a not less than 14 in. (350 mm).
deflection scale on which 1 in. (25 mm) corresponds to about 10 % of 7.1.2 The width of test specimens shall be at least three
the estimated end-point deflection for I-20 is recommended. When
testing is continued to a higher end-point deflection, the scale may have times the maximum fiber length. The three times maximum
to be reduced to avoid excessively large loaddeflection plots. With some fiber length requirement for width and depth may be waived
plotting equipment it IS possible to use a relatively large scale up to the at the option of the purchaser to permit specimen width or
I,, criterion and switch to a smaller scale at higher deflections without depth of 6 in. (150 mm) when using fibers of length 2 to 3 in.
interrupting the test. This keeps the size of the plot reasonable without (50 to 75 mm).
adversely affecting the ability to accurately determine the area up to first 7.1.3 The depth and size of test specimens shall conform
crack and the areas up to the I, and I,, deflection criteria. For test
specimens that exhibit a very rapid decrease in load and increase in to either of the following two sets of requirements:
deflection immediately after first crack, the shape. of the portion of the 7.1.3.1 Thick Sections-The depth of test specimens shall
loaddeflection curve immediately following first crack may be affected be at least three times the maximum fiber length. Subject to
by the response rate of the data recording and plotting system. meeting this requirement and the requirements of 7.1, 7. I. I,
and 7.1.2, the preferred specimen size is 14 by 4 by 4 in. (350
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units by 100 by 100 mm). When the preferred size is not large
7. I General Reqguiremenrs-The nominal maximum size enough to meet all of these requirements, specimens of
of aggregate and cross-sectional dimensions of test specimens square cross-section large enough to meet the requirements
shall be in accordance with Practice C 3 1 or Practice C I92 shall be tested. The three times maximum fiber length
when using molded specimens, or in accordance with Test requirement for width and depth may be waived at the
Method C 42 when using sawn specimens, except when the option of the purchaser to permit specimen width or depth of
following specific requirements are contravened: 6 in. (150 mm) when using fibers of length 2 to 3 in. (50 tO
7. I. I The length of test specimens shall be at least 2 in. 75 mm).
 7.1.3.2 Thin Sections-When the requirements of 7. I and the specimen is loaded at the third points in accordance with
7.1.3.1 are not met in the application in which the concrete is Test Method C 78. The span length shall be three times the
to be used, as for example in overlays or shotcrete linings, specimen depth or 12 in. (300 mm), whichever is greater. If
specimens of depth equal to the section thickness actually before loading, full contact is not obtained between the
used shall be tested. specimen, the load-applying devices. and the supports, grind
N OTE Y-When testing freshly mixed fiber-reinforced concrete. it or cap the contact surfaces of the specimen in accordance
may be destrable to prepare additional specimens of the preferred with Test Method C 78.
standard size in order to make proper comparisons of their performance 9.3 Operate the testing machine so that the deflection of
with results obtained on other jobs or reported in the literature. The the specimen at the mid-span increases at a constant rate.
results of tests of beams with steel libers longer than one-third the width For 14 by 4 by 4 in. (350 by 100 by 100 mm) specimen size,
or depth of the beam may not be comparable to test results of the rate of increase of Net Mid-Span deflection shall be
similar-sized beams with fibers shorter than one-third the width or depth
because of possible preferential fiber alignment, and dinerent size beams within the range 0.002 to 0.004 in./min (0.05 to 0.10
may not be comparable because of size effects. mm/min) until the specified end-point deflection is reached.
The corresponding rate for other sizes and shapes of speci-
7.2 Freshlv A&red Conc.retr---Samples of freshly mixed
mens shall be based on reaching the first-crack deflection 30
fiber-reinforced concrete for the preparation of test speci-
to 60 s after the start of the test. First-crack deflection for
mens shall be obtained in accordance with Practice C 172.
third-point loading is estimated assuming elastic behavior up
7.2.1 Specimens shall be molded in accordance with
to first crack from the equation:
Practice C 3 1 or Practice C 192. except that compaction shall
be by external vibration, as internal vibration or rodding 216 p(l + p)
6 = 23 PL’ 11296 EI
may produce nonuniform fiber distribution. Make sure that 115L2 1,
the time of vibration is sufficient to ensure adequate consol- where P is the first-crack load, iis the span, E is the estimated
idation, as fiber-reinforced concrete requires a longer vibra- modulus of elasticity of the concrete? I is the cross-sectional
tion time than concrete not containing fibers, especially moment of inertia. D is the specimen depth, and p is Poisson’s ratio.
when the fiber concentration is relatively high. Take care to NOTE IO-Testing machines capable of automatically controlling the
avoid placing the concrete in a manner which produces lack rate of movement of the loading heads are well suited but not essential
of fiber continuity between successive placements by using a to this procedure.
wide shovel or scoop and placing each lift of concrete 9.4 Exercise care to ensure that the measured deflections
uniformly along the length of the mold. Use a single layer for are the net values exclusive of any extraneous effects due to
specimens of depth 3 in. (75 mm) or less and two layers for seating or twisting of the specimen on its supports or
specimens of depth greater than 3 in. (75 mm). deformation of the support system. At regular intervals or
7.2.2 In placing the final layer, attempt to add an amount when using test equipment for the first time, or after major
of concrete that will exactly fill the mold after compaction. alterations or maintenance, confirm the reliability of net
When trowelling the top surface, continue vibration in order mid-span deflection values by comparing the value of
to ensure that fibers do not protrude from the finished first-crack deflection determined experimentally with the
surface. value derived from the formula given in 9.3.
7.2.3 Curing shall be in accordance with Practice C 31 or N OTE 1 I-Location of deflection-measuring devices at the mid-
Practice C 192. width of the specimen minimizes the effect of twisting and reduces the
7.3 Hardened Concrere-Samples of hardened fiber-rein- number of devices needed to determine the net deflection at the
forced concrete from structures shall be selected in accor- mid-span. When deflection is measured on the sides of the specimen,
dance with Practice C 823. deflection-measuring devices are needed on both sides of the specimen
7.3.1 Sawn specimens shall be prepared and cured in to eliminate the possible effects of twisting of the specimen on deflection
values.
accordance with Test Method C 42.
7.4 Tea C’nit-At least three specimens from each sample 9.5 Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, terminate
of fresh or hardened concrete shall be prepared for testing. the test at a deflection large enough to ensure that the area up
to the end-point deflection of 5.5 times the first-crack
8. Conditioning deflection specified for the I,0 index can be determined.
8. I When the time between removal of test specimens 9.6 When the level of serviceability appropriate to the
from their curing environment and the start of testing is particular application in terms of permissible deflection and
likely to exceed I5 min, drying shall be minimized by cracking indicates that the specified end-point deflection
applying a curing compound or by other appropriate tech- should be higher, further testing to an appropriate deflection
niques. criterion shall be specified at the option of the purchaser. In
general, the end-point deflection for an index I, is (n + 1)/2
9. Procedure times the first-crack deflection. Rationale for selection of
9.1 Molded or sawn specimens representing thick sec- end-point deflection is given in X 1.3 of Appendix X 1.
tions. as defined in 7.1.3. I, shall be turned on their side with 9.7 Make two measurements of the specimen depth and
respect to the position as cast before placing on the support width adjacent to the fracture (one at each face) to the
svstem. Molded or sawn specimens representing thin sec- nearest 0.05 in. ( 1 .O mm) to determine the average depth and
tions. as defined in 7.1.3.2, shall be tested as cast without width.
turning. Specimens representing shotcrete panels of any 9.8 Determine the position of the fracture by measuring
thickness shall be tested as placed without turning. the distance along the middle of the tension face from the
9.1 Arrange the specimen and the loading system so that fracture to the nearest end of the specimen.

5
 9.3 When the fracture occurs outside the middle third of the O’AEF in Fig. 3). Divide it by the area up to first crack. and
span b!- more than 5 5 of the span length, discard the results. report the number rounded to the nearest 0.1 as the
toughness index I,,.
10. Calculation 10.8 When required. determine the area under the load-
IO. 1 If the load-deflection curve is slightly concave up- deflection curve up to a deflection of 10.5 times the
wards throughout its initial portion. determine first crack by first-crack deflection (area O’.-lGH in Fig. 3). Divide it by the
placing a straightedge coincident with that portion of the area up to first crack. and report the number rounded to the
load-deflection curve which is essentially linear. and identi- nearest 0. I as the toughness index I,,.
fying the point at which the curvature first increases sharply IO.8 Determine the residual strength factor R5.,o as 20( 1,”
and the slope of the curve exhibits a definite change. as at - f5), and, when required, the residual strength factor R10.20
point .-1 in Fig. 3(a). To correct for the extraneous effects as 10(1,, - I,,).
identified in 4.4. extend the straight line, ,471 representing NOTF IS-While the foregoing calculations presume that the load-
the linear portion of the load-deflection curve from the deflection curve is determmed in graphical form. it is not inconceivable
point. T. at which it departs from the experimental curve to that electronic equipment capable of digitally recordmg load and deflec-
a new origin at point 0’. as shown in Fig. 3(a). The line tion may be developd, and that the recorded data may- be analyzed b)
computer to determine relevant areas and toughness indices.
0’T-I in Fig. 3(a) is used in subsequent area computations
rather than the curve OTX. 11. Report
10.2 If the load-deflection curve is slightly convex up- 1 1. I Report the following information:
wards throughout its initial portion, that is like the stress- 11 .l.l Type of specimen (molded or sawn) and specimen
strain curve for plain concrete in tension or compression, identification numbers or symbols,
first crack is the point at which the curvature tirst increases 11.1.2 Average width of specimen to the nearest 0.05 in.
sharply and the slope of the curve exhibits a definite change, (1.0 mm).
as at A in Fig. 3 (b). The straight line O’A in Fig. 3(b) is used 1 1. I .3 Average depth of specimen to the nearest 0.05 in.
in subsequent area computations rather than the O’A ( 1 .O mm),
portion of the curve. I 1. I .4 Span length to the nearest 0.1 in. (2.0 mm).
N;OTE 12-Small ripples or fluctuations in the load-deflection curve 1 1. I .5 First-crack load and, when required, the maximum
due to electronic noise or mechanical vibration should not be confused load. Ibf(N).
with a definite change in overall slope and curvature, particularly when 11.1.6 First-crack deflection, in. (mm) to the nearest
the portion of the curve In question is artificially magnified.
0.0001 in. (0.002 mm), and the location where deflection
10.3 Calculate the first-crack strength using the load was measured (mid-span or loading points).
corresponding to first crack on the load-deflection curve and 1 1.1.7 First-crack strength and, when required, flexural
the formula for modulus of rupture given in Test Method strength to the nearest 5 psi (0.05 MPa),
c 78. 11.1.8 First-crack toughness, lbf- in. (N . m), to the nearest
N OTE 13-When the flexural strength is required, It may be deter- 0.1 lbfoin. (0.01 N-m), when required,
mined using the maximum load attained on the load-deflection curve 11.1.9 Toughness indices I5 and 1,0, and the residual
and the formula for modulus of rupture given in Test Method C 78. The strength factor R,,,,.
value thus obtained may differ from the flexural strength obtained using 1 I _ I. IO Toughness index I,, and the residual strength
the constant-rate-of-loading procedure specified in Test Method C 78. factor R ,0,z0 when required,
10.4 Determine the first-crack deflection as the deflection 1 l_ 1 _ 11 Age of specimens at test.
corresponding to the length O’B in Fig. 3. 11.1.12 Curing history and moisture condition of speci-
10.5 Determine the area under the load-deflection curve mens at test,
up to the first-crack deflection. This is the triangular area I I, I. I3 Whether specimen was capped, or ground, and
corresponding to O’.-iB in Fig. 3. If required, calculate the 1 I. I. I4 Defects in specimen prior to test and abnormali-
corresponding first-crack toughness in inch-pound or SI ties in specimen behavior during test.
units.
10.6 Determine the area under the load-deflection curve
12. Precision and Bias
up to a deflection of 3.0 times the first-crack deflection. This 12. I Wirhin-Lahorarory Precisiun-Single-operator values
corresponds to the area O’.-iCLJ in Fig. 3 where O’D equals of the one-sigma limit in percent (1 s %I, defined in accor-
3.0 times the first-crack deflection, Divide this area by the dance with Practice C 670. have been determined for con-
area up to first crack. obtained in accordance with 10.4, and cretes containing steel fibers as follows:
report the number rounded to the nearest 0. I as the Parameter Withm-Batch Is % Overall 15 % A
toughness index Is. Firs-crack strength 5 7
First-crack toughness IO I2
NOTE 14-Determination of the irregularly shaped areas needed to Toughness index I, 12 13
Implement the instructions of this and subsequent sections IO.6 to 10.9 Toughness index Ito 14 16
requires a planimeter, or application of Simpson’s rule. or the counting To&mess index I,, 16 20
of squares or other suitable elements of known area. When different Flexural strength 5togB 8 to 10s
deflection scales are used on the same plot, care must be taken to ensure
rhat this 1s taken into account when converting physical area measure- A Inclusive of batch-to-batch variability, but not vanability due to changes in
ments to toughness indices. specimen geometry, test span. and mode of loadmg.
R Upper limit appears applicable to relatively hgh fiber concentrations, 200
10.7 Determine the area under the load-deflection curve Ib/yd’ (I 20 k&n’) or mow of straight uniform fibers. or 70 lb&d3 (42 kp/m3) or
up to a deflection of 5.5 times the first-crack deflection (area more of deformed fibers.

6
 NOTE 16 -These levels of precision are based on data from a small used to produce the load-deflection curve, and the care exercised in
number of investigationQ4 conducted by experienced operators using computing the areas under this curve. As more sophisticated deflection-
good. but not necessarily the best possible equipment. The levels of measuring and plotting devices become available, it may be possible to
precision achievable probably depend on the nature of the equipment achieve 1s % values lower than those Indicated.
12.2 I%O data are yet available to indicate whether the
levels of precision for concretes containing other types of
fibers, such as glass or polypropylene. differ from those
3Johnston. C. D.. “EfTects of Testing Rare and Age on ASTM C 1018
Toughness Parametrn and ‘I’helr Preciuon for Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete.” quoted in 12. I.
Cement C’oncrete and .Iggwguter, CCAGDP. Vol IS. No. 1. Summer 1993, pp 12.3 Multilaboratory Precision-No data suitable for the
50-58. evaluation of multilaboratory precision are yet available.
4Johnsion. C. D. and Skarendahl. 4.. “Comparative Flexural Performance
12.4 Bias-This test method has no bias since the prop-
Evaluation of Steel Fihm-Reinfarced Concretes According to ASTM C IOlS
Shows lmponance of Fibre Parameters,” RILEM Materrals and Structrrres, Vol erties determined can only be defined in terms of this test
25. May 1992. pp 191-200. method.
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

Xl. RATIONALE FOR THE METHOD

X 1.1 Absolute values of toughness up to the first-crack or behavior thereafter5 (Fig. X 1.1). Such behavior is desirable
other specified deflections depend entirely on geometrical for many applications requiring high toughness, and can be
variables associated with the specimen and the testing reached or exceeded only by careful selection of fiber type,
arrangement, and bear no direct relationship to the energy fiber concentration, and concrete matrix parameters. The
absorption capability of a structural element made with a indices have the same meaning regardless of the cross-
fibrous concrete identical to that used to prepare specimens sectional size and span of the test specimen.
for testing according to this test method. Xl .3 When the conditions of serviceability or the pur-
X1.2 Toughness indices 15. I,,. and 12,, enable actual chaser’s needs require a specified end-point deflection higher
performance to be compared with a readily understood than that identified in 9.5, it is recommended that the
reference level of performance, In this regard, values of 5.0,
10.0 and 20.0 for 15. 1,0, and IzO correspond to linear elastic
material behavior up to first crack and perfectly plastic 5 Johnston, C. D.. “Definition and Measuremeat of Toughness Parameters for
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete,” Crmmr. Concrete, and Aggregates, CCAGDP, Vol 4,
No. 2, Winter 1982. pp 53-60.

A C E *V G
I I
I I I
1 I
I
I I I
I
I I
I
I i I
I I
10 IF A
V
Hi
0 8 38 5.5a 1 0 . 5 8

DEFLECTION
Values of Toughness Indiis
Area Basis* Mex Designation Deflection Criterion El&ii-Plastic obs6wedRangefw
Plain Concrete
Material Fibrous Gmuwte
OACD ‘S 36 1 .o 5.0 lto6
OAEF IlO 5.56 1 .Q 10.0 1 to 12
OAGH ‘, 10.56 1 .o 20.0 1 to 25
* Inks cabzulated by diilding this area by the area to the first crack OAB.

FIG. X1.1 Definition of Toughness lndkea in Terms of Multiples of First-Crack Deflection and Elaatk-Plastii Material Behavior

7
end-point deflection be specified as a multiple of the sent the average level of strength retained after first crack as a
first-crack deflection and that it be consistent with the percentage of the first-crack strength for the deflection
rationale in XI .2. For example, an end-point deflection of intervals CE and EG respectively in Fig. 3 (a). Values of 100
10.5 times the first-crack deflection permits calculation of correspond to perfectly plastic behavior (Fig. Xl. I I. Lower
the IZO index. values indicate inferior performance. Plain concrete has
X 1.4 The residual strength factors R,, ,. and R,0,20 repre- residual strength factors of zero.

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