Designation: D 7205/D 7205M – 06

Standard Test Method for

Tensile Properties of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix
Composite Bars1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 7205/D 7205M; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope must be used independently of the other. Combining values

1.1 This test method determines the quasi-static longitudinal from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the
tensile strength and elongation properties of fiber reinforced standard.
polymer matrix (FRP) composite bars commonly used as 2. Referenced Documents
tensile elements in reinforced, prestressed, or post-tensioned
concrete. 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
A 615/A 615M Specification for Deformed and Plain
NOTE 1—Additional procedures for determining tensile properties of Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
polymer matrix composites may be found in test methods D 3039/
D 792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
D 3039M and D 3916.
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
1.2 Linear elements used for reinforcing Portland cement D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
concrete are referred to as bars, rebar, rods, or tendons, D 3039/D 3039M Test Method for Tensile Properties of
depending on the specific application. This test method is Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
applicable to all such reinforcements within the limitations D 3171 Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite
noted in the method. The test articles are referred to as bars in Materials
this test method. In general, bars have solid cross-sections and D 3878 Terminology for Composite Materials
a regular pattern of surface undulations and/or a coating of D 3916 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Pultruded
bonded particles that promote mechanical interlock between Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Rod
the bar and concrete. The test method is also appropriate for D 5229/D 5229M Test Method for Moisture Absorption
use with linear segments cut from a grid. Specific details for Properties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Ma-
preparing and testing of bars and grids are provided. In some trix Composite Materials
cases, anchors may be necessary to prevent grip-induced E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
damage to the ends of the bar or grid. Recommended details for E 6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Test-
the anchors are provided in Annex A1. ing
1.3 The strength values provided by this method are short- E 83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
term static strengths that do not account for sustained static or someter System
fatigue loading. Additional material characterization may be E 122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,
required, especially for bars that are to be used under high With a Specified Tolerable Error, the Average for a
levels of sustained or repeated loading. Characteristic of a Lot or Process
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the E 456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the E 1012 Practice for Verification of Test Frame and Speci-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- men Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Force Application
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. E 1309 Guide for Identification of Fiber-Reinforced
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials in Databases
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the E 1434 Guide for Recording Mechanical Test Data of Fiber-
inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in Reinforced Composite Materials in Databases
each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system E 1471 Guide for Identification of Fibers, Fillers, and Core

1 2
This test method is under the jurisidiction of ASTM Committee D30 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Composite Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.05 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Structural Test Methods. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved March 15, 2006. Published April 2006. the ASTM website.

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

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 D 7205/D 7205M – 06
Materials in Computerized Material Property Databases L = free length of specimen (length between an-
chors).
3. Terminology La = anchor length.
3.1 Terminology in D 3878 defines terms relating to high- Lg = extensometer gage length.
modulus fibers and their composites. Terminology in D 883 n = number of specimens.
P = force carried by specimen.
defines terms relating to plastics. Terminology in E 6 defines
Pmax = maximum load carried by a test coupon before
terms relating to mechanical testing. Terminology in E 456 and
failure.
in Practice E 122 define terms relating to statistics and the Sn–1 = sample standard deviation.
selection of sample sizes. In the event of a conflict between xi = measured or derived property.
terms, Terminology in D 3878 shall have precedence over the x̄ = sample mean (average).
other terminology standards. d = extensional displacement.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: e = indicated normal strain from strain transducer.
3.2.1 anchor, n—a protective device placed on each end of s = normal stress.
a bar, between the bar and the grips of the tensile testing
machine, to prevent grip-induced damage. Usually used on 4. Summary of Test Method
bars with irregular surfaces, as opposed to flat strips where 4.1 A fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bar, preferably fitted
bonded tabs are more typical. with anchors, is mounted in a mechanical testing machine and
3.2.2 bar, n—a linear element, often with surface undula- monotonically loaded in tension to failure while recording
tions or a coating of particles that promote mechanical inter- force, longitudinal strain, and longitudinal displacement.
lock with concrete 4.2 Anchors as described in Annex A1 are recommended
3.2.3 grid, n—a two-dimensional (planar) or three- but not required. Alternative methods for attaching the speci-
dimensional (spatial) rigid array of interconnected FRP bars mens to the testing machine are acceptable, but must allow for
that form a contiguous lattice that can be used to reinforce the full strength of the bar to be developed and for the failure
concrete. The lattice can be manufactured with integrally of the specimens to occur away from the attachments.
connected bars or constructed of mechanically connected
individual bars. The grid bar elements have transverse dimen- 5. Significance and Use
sions typically greater than 3 mm [0.125 in.]. 5.1 This test method is designed to produce longitudinal
3.2.4 effective diameter, n—a geometric value representing tensile strength and elongation data. From a tension test, a
the diameter of a circle which has an enclosed area equal to the variety of data are acquired that are needed for design
nominal cross-sectional area of a bar. purposes. Material-related factors that influence the tensile
3.2.5 nominal cross-sectional area, n—a measure of cross- response of bars and should therefore be reported include the
sectional area of a bar, determined over at least one represen- following: constituent materials, void content, volume percent
tative length, used to calculate stress. reinforcement, methods of fabrication, and fiber reinforcement
3.2.6 nominal value, n—a value, existing in name only, architecture. Similarly, test factors relevant to the measured
assigned to a measurable property for the purpose of conve- tensile response of bars include specimen preparation, speci-
nient designation. Tolerances may be applied to a nominal men conditioning, environment of testing, specimen alignment
value to define an acceptable range for the property. and gripping, and speed of testing. Properties, in the test
3.2.7 representative length, n—the minimum length of a bar direction, that may be obtained from this test method include:
that contains a repeating geometric pattern that, placed end-to- 5.1.1 Ultimate tensile strength,
end, reproduces the geometric pattern of a continuous bar 5.1.2 Ultimate tensile strain,
(usually used in reference to bars having surface undulations 5.1.3 Tensile chord modulus of elasticity, and
for enhancing interlock with concrete). 5.1.4 Stress-strain curve.
3.2.8 standard cross-sectional area, n—the cross-sectional
area of a standard numbered steel concrete reinforcing bar as 6. Interferences
given in ASTM A 615/A 615M, Table 1. 6.1 The results from the procedures presented are limited to
3.2.9 surface undulation, n—variation in the area, orienta- the material and test factors listed in Section 5.
tion, or shape of cross-section of a bar along its length, 6.2 Gripping—The method of gripping has been known to
intended to enhance mechanical interlock between a bar and cause premature tensile failures in bars. Anchors, if used,
concrete, made by any of a number of processes such as, for should be designed in such a way that the full tensile capacity
example, indentation, addition of extra materials, and twisting. can be achieved without slip throughout the length of the
3.3 Symbols: anchor during the test.
6.3 System Alignment—Excessive bending may cause pre-
mature failure, as well as a highly inaccurate modulus of
A = nominal cross-sectional area of a bar. elasticity determination. Every effort should be made to elimi-
CV = sample coefficient of variation, in percent. nate bending from the test system. Bending may occur due to
d = effective bar diameter misalignment of the bar within anchors or grips or associated
Echord = chord modulus of elasticity in the test direction. fixturing, or from the specimen itself if improperly installed in
Ftu = ultimate tensile strength. the grips or if it is out-of-tolerance due to poor specimen

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 D 7205/D 7205M – 06
preparation. See ASTM E 1012 for verification of specimen 7.3.1 Attachment of anchors to loading heads shall be by
alignment under tensile loading. threaded connectors between the anchors and loading head or
6.4 Measurement of Cross-Sectional Area—The nominal by grips. Details of this attachment are shown in Fig. A1.3.
cross-sectional area of the bar is measured by immersing a 7.4 Strain-Indicating Device—Longitudinal strain shall be
prescribed length of the specimen in water to determine its measured by an appropriate strain transducer as long as
buoyant weight. Bar configurations that trap air during immer- attachment of this device does not cause damage to the bar (see
sion (aside from minor porosity) cannot be assessed using this Note 3).
method. This method may not be appropriate for bars that have
NOTE 3—For most bars the application of surface-bonded strain gages
large variations in cross-sectional area along the length of the is impractical due to surface undulations (for example, braided, twisted,
bar. and indented bars). Strain gages of a suitable gage length can be used if
the surface of the bar can be smoothed with a polymer resin such as epoxy
7. Apparatus to provide a suitable bonding surface so that measurements are equivalent
7.1 Micrometers—The micrometer(s) shall use a suitable to those provided by an extensometer meeting the requirements of section
7.4.1.
size diameter ball-interface on irregular surfaces and a flat
anvil interface on machined edges or very-smooth tooled 7.4.1 Extensometers—Extensometers shall satisfy, at a
surfaces. The accuracy of the instruments shall be suitable for minimum, Practice E 83, Class B-2 requirements for the strain
reading to within 1 % of the intended measurement. range of interest, and shall be calibrated over that strain range
7.2 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall be in in accordance with Practice E 83. The extensometer shall be
conformance with Practice E 4, and shall satisfy the following essentially free of inertia-lag at the specified speed of testing.
requirements: The gage length of the extensometer, Lg, shall be not less than
7.2.1 Testing Machine Heads—The testing machine shall eight times the effective bar diameter, nor less than one
have both an essentially stationary head and a movable head. representative length. The extensometer shall be centered on
7.2.2 Drive Mechanism—The testing machine drive mecha- the mid-length position of the bar, not less than eight effective
nism shall be capable of imparting to the movable head a bar diameters from either anchor
controlled displacement rate with respect to the stationary 7.4.1.1 Temperature compensation is recommended when
head. The displacement rate of the movable head shall be not testing at Standard Laboratory Atmosphere. When appro-
capable of being regulated as specified in 11.3. priate, use either (a) a traveler specimen (dummy specimen)
7.2.3 Force Indicator—The testing machine force-sensing with identical bar material and extensometer(s) or (b) an
device shall be capable of indicating the total force being extensometer calibrated for temperature changes.
carried by the specimen. This device shall be essentially free 7.5 Environmental Test Chamber—An environmental
from inertia-lag at the specified rate of testing and shall chamber is required for conditioning and test environments
indicate the force with an accuracy over the load range(s) of other than ambient laboratory conditions. These chambers shall
interest of within 6 1 % of the indicated value, as specified by be capable of maintaining the required relative temperature to
Practices E 4. The force range(s) of interest may be fairly low within 63°C [65°F] and the required relative humidity level
for modulus evaluation, much higher for strength evaluation, or to within 65 %RH. In addition, the chambers may have to be
both, as required. capable of maintaining environmental conditions such as fluid
NOTE 2—Obtaining precision force data over a large range of interest in exposure or relative humidity during the conditioning and
the same test, such as when both elastic modulus and ultimate force are testing (see Sections 10 and 11.4).
being determined, place extreme requirements on the force transducer and
its calibration. For some equipment a special calibration may be required. 8. Sampling and Test Specimens
For some combinations of material and force transducer, simultaneous
precision measurement of both elastic modulus and ultimate strength may 8.1 Sampling—Test at least five specimens per test condi-
not be possible, and measurement of modulus and strength may have to be tion unless valid results can be gained through the use of fewer
performed in separate tests using a different force transducer range for specimens, such as in the case of a designed experiment. For
each test. statistically significant data, the procedures outlined in Practice
7.2.4 Grips—If grips are used, each head of the testing E 122 should be consulted. The method of sampling shall be
machine shall carry one grip for holding the specimen so that reported.
the loading direction is coincident with the longitudinal axis of 8.2 Geometry:
the specimen. The grips shall apply sufficient lateral pressure to 8.2.1 Overall Specimen Length and Gage Length—The
prevent slippage between the grip face and the specimen or total length of the specimen shall be the free length plus two
anchor. It is highly desirable to use grips that are rotationally times the anchor length, La. The free length between the
self-aligning to minimize bending stresses in the specimen. anchors, L, shall be not less than 380 mm [15 in.] nor less than
The grips shall be aligned in accordance with ASTM E 1012 40 times the effective bar diameter. The length of the specimen
and shall not bias failure location in the bar. in the grips and anchors (if used) shall be sufficient for
7.3 Anchors—Use of a rigid pipe-shaped anchor as an adequate anchorage.
interface between the bar and the grips or loading head of the 8.2.2 Labeling—The specimens shall be labeled so that they
testing machine is recommended to prevent stress concentra- will be distinct from each other and traceable back to the raw
tions and consequent downward biasing of measured strength. material, and in a manner that will both be unaffected by the
Details of recommended anchors are provided in Annex A1. test and not influence the test.

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9. Calibration and modulus of elasticity. In either case, the nominal cross-
9.1 The accuracy of all measuring equipment shall have sectional area must be measured and reported. If the nominal
certified calibrations that are current at the time of use of the cross-sectional area differs from the standard cross-sectional
equipment. area for the given bar size by more than 20 percent, standard
cross-sectional area may not be used.
10. Conditioning 11.2.5.1 Nominal cross-sectional area—The nominal area is
10.1 Standard Conditioning Procedure—Condition per Pro- calculated as the average of 5 representative specimens cut
cedure C of Test Method D 5229/D 5229M; store at Standard from the same bar stock as that used for the tensile test.
Laboratory Atmosphere (2363° C [7365° F] and 50610 % Conditioning of the cross-sectional area specimens is the same
RH) unless a different conditioning environment is specified as as that for the bars used for the tensile test. The volume of each
part of the experiment. specimen shall be measured indirectly by the difference in
mass of the specimen in the dry and fully immersed states
NOTE 4—If tensile specimens are to undergo environmental condition- (refer to ASTM D 792 for test methods). The volume of the
ing to equilibrium, and are of such type or geometry that the weight specimen is the mass of the specimen divided by the density as
change of the material cannot be properly measured by weighing the
measured by ASTM D 792. Nominal area is then found by
specimen itself (such as a bar with anchors), then a traveler specimen of
the same cross-section geometry and appropriate size (but without dividing volume by the average length of the specimen. The
anchors) shall be used to determine when equilibrium has been reached for average length of a typical bar specimen (e.g., circular or
the specimens being conditioned. The ends of tensile specimens and polygonal cross-section) is found by measuring the length of
traveler specimens shall be sealed with a water resistant sealant such as a the outer edge of the specimen three times at the outer edge,
high grade, room-temperature curing epoxy to avoid end effects during rotating the specimen by 120 degrees for each measurement.
conditioning. Record the area in units mm2 [in.2]. Effective bar diameter, d,
11. Procedure is found by equation (1):
11.1 Parameters to be specified prior to test: d52=~A/3.1416! (1)
11.1.1 The specimen sampling method, specimen type and NOTE 6—For a representative determination of area, specimens of at
geometry, conditioning, and if required, traveler specimen least 100 mm [4 in.] or one representative length (whichever is greater)
geometry. shall be used. The mass of a specimen may exceed the limit imposed by
11.1.2 The tensile properties and data reporting format ASTM D 792 (50 grams) for large diameter bars, but the procedure may
still be used.
desired.
NOTE 5—Determine specific material property, accuracy, and data 11.2.5.2 Standard cross-sectional area—The standard
reporting requirements before test for proper selection of instrumentation cross-sectional area is the conventionally accepted area of a
and data-recording equipment. Estimate operating stress and strain levels steel bar with the same number designation as a FRP bar being
to aid in transducer selection, calibration of equipment, and determination tested.
of equipment settings.
NOTE 7—Standard cross-sectional areas are taken as the cross-sectional
11.1.3 The environmental conditioning test parameters and areas of steel reinforcing bars as given in ASTM A 615/A 615M. FRP bars
sealant used for the ends of the specimens. are often manufactured as substitutions for steel reinforcing bars, and are
11.1.4 If performed, the sampling method, specimen geom- typically numbered using the same designations as steel bars, for example,
etry, and test methods used to determine density, void fraction, a No. 4 bar has an effective diameter of 13 mm [0.5 in.] and a standard
and reinforcement volume. cross-sectional area of 129 mm2 [0.20 in.2]. For some applications it is
considered appropriate to use the standard area for calculating stress and
11.2 General Instructions:
modulus of elasticity in FRP bars as this is the practice for steel bars.
11.2.1 Report any deviations from this test method, whether
intentional or inadvertent. 11.2.6 Apply extensometers or strain gages to the specimen.
11.2.2 If specific gravity, density, reinforcement volume or 11.3 Speed of Testing—The speed of testing shall be set to
void volume are to be reported, use ASTM D 792 (specific effect a nearly constant strain rate in the gage section. The
gravity, density) and ASTM D 3171 (reinforcement volume, strain rate shall be selected so as to produce failure within 1 to
void volume) for the determination of these properties and 10 minutes from the beginning of force application. If the
select specimens from the same batch of bar as that used for the ultimate strain of the material cannot be reasonably estimated,
tensile and traveler specimens. conduct initial trials using standard speeds until the ultimate
11.2.3 Condition the specimens (specify either before or strain of the material and the compliance of the system are
after attachment of anchors), as required. If test conditions are known, and the strain rate can be adjusted. The suggested
to be different from ambient laboratory conditions, it is standard strain rate is 0.01 min.-1. If strain control is not
recommended that anchors be applied before conditioning. available on the testing machine, a nominal cross-head speed
Condition the traveler coupons if they are to be used. of 0.01 min.-1 times the specimen free length selected accord-
11.2.4 Following final specimen machining and any condi- ing to Section 8.2.1 shall be used.
tioning, but before the tension testing, measure and report the 11.4 Test Environment—Test at Standard Laboratory Atmo-
free length of specimen. sphere (2363° C [7365° F] and 50610 % RH) unless a
11.2.5 Bar area and diameter—Either the nominal mea- different environment is specified as part of the experiment.
sured cross-sectional area or the standard cross-sectional area Recommendations for testing at other than standard laboratory
as given in ASTM A 615/A 615M is used to calculate stress conditions are given in Annex A2.

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 D 7205/D 7205M – 06
11.5 Specimen Insertion determine the tensile strain from the indicated displacement at
11.5.1 If grips are used, place the specimen in the grips of each required data point using Eq 4 and report the results to
the testing machine, taking care to align the longitudinal axis of three significant figures.
the gripped specimen with the test direction. Tighten the grips, ei 5 d i / L g (4)
recording the pressure used on pressure controllable (hydraulic
or pneumatic) grips. where:
11.5.2 If the anchor is attached to the loading head by ei = tensile strain at i-th data point, mm/mm [in./in.]
threading or clevis, attach the specimen to the loading heads di = extensometer displacement at i-th data point, mm
and removed any excess slack from the test fixture. [in.], and
11.6 Testing—Apply extension to the specimen at the speci- Lg = extensometer gage length, mm [in.].
fied rate until failure occurs, while recording data. 13.3 Tensile Modulus of Elasticity:
11.7 Data Recording—Record force versus strain (or trans- 13.3.1 Tensile Chord Modulus of Elasticity—Calculate the
ducer displacement) continuously, or at frequent regular inter- tensile chord modulus of elasticity from the stress-strain data
vals; for this test method, a sampling rate of 2 to 3 data using Eq 5. If data are not available at the exact strain range
recordings per second, and a target minimum of 100 data points start and end points (as often occurs with digital data), use the
per test are recommended. If the specimen is to be failed, closest available data point. The strain range is to be within the
record the maximum force, the failure force, and the strain (or lower half of the stress-strain curve, with the start point being
transducer displacement) at, or as near as possible to, the a strain of 0.001 and the end point being a strain of 0.003. For
moment of rupture. materials that fail at a strain below 0.006, the start point shall
be 25 % of ultimate strain and the end point shall be 50 % of
NOTE 8—Other valuable data that can be useful in understanding ultimate strain. Report the tensile chord modulus of elasticity
testing anomalies and gripping or specimen slipping problems includes
force versus head displacement data and force versus time data.
to three significant figures.
Echord 5 Ds/De (5)
11.8 Failure Modes—Record the mode and the location of
failure of the specimen. where:
Echord = chord modulus of elasticity, MPa [psi],
12. Validation
Ds = difference in applied tensile stress between the
12.1 Values for ultimate properties shall not be calculated starting and ending strain points, MPa [psi], and
for any specimen that fails at some obvious flaw, unless such a De = difference in the average tensile strain between
flaw constitutes a variable being studied. Retests shall be starting and ending strain points at the lower and
performed for any specimen on which values are not calcu- upper bound of the selected strain range.
lated. 13.4 Statistics—For each series of tests calculate the aver-
12.2 Re-examine the means of force introduction into the age value, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (in
material if a significant fraction of failures in a sample percent) for each property determined:
population occur within or just outside any anchor or grip. n
Factors considered should include the anchor-to-test frame x̄ 5 ~ ( xi! / n (6)
i51
alignment, anchor material, anchor-to-specimen alignment,
anchor filler and bonding agent, grip type, grip pressure, and
grip alignment.
13. Calculation
sn21 5 Œ(
~
n

i51
xi2 2 nx̄2! / ~n 21! (7)

13.1 Tensile Stress/Tensile Strength—Calculate the ultimate CV 5 12 3 sn21 / x̄ (8)

tensile strength using Eq 2and report the results to three
significant figures. If the tensile modulus is to be calculated, Where:
determine the tensile stress at each required data point using Eq x̄ = sample mean (average),
3. sn-1 = sample standard deviation,
CV = sample coefficient of variation, in percent,
Ftu 5 Pmax / A (2) n = number of tested specimens, and
xi = measured or derived property.
s i 5 Pi / A (3)
14. Report
where:
Ftu = Ultimate tensile strength, MPa [psi], 14.1 Report the following information, or references point-
Pmax = Maximum force prior to failure, N [lbf], ing to other documentation containing this information, to the
si = Tensile stress at i-th data point, MPa [psi] maximum extent applicable (reporting of items beyond the
Pi = Force at i-th data point, N [lbf], and control of a given testing laboratory, such as might occur with
A = Cross-sectional area of the bar from 11.2.5, mm2 material details or bar fabrication parameters, shall be the
[in.2]. responsibility of the requestor). The format for the reporting
13.2 Tensile Strain/Ultimate Tensile Strain—If tensile shall make use of Guides E 1309, E 1471, and E 1434.
modulus or ultimate tensile strain is to be calculated, and 14.1.1 The revision level or date of issue of this test method.
material response is being determined by an extensometer, 14.1.2 The date(s) and location(s) of the test.

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 D 7205/D 7205M – 06
14.1.3 The name(s) of the test operator(s). 14.1.18 Relative humidity and temperature of the testing
14.1.4 Any variations to this test method, anomalies noticed laboratory.
during testing or equipment problems occurring during testing. 14.1.19 Environment of the test machine environmental
14.1.5 Identification of the material tested including (if chamber (if used).
available) : material specification, material type, material 14.1.20 Number of specimens tested.
designation, manufacturer, manufacturer’s lot or batch number, 14.1.21 Speed of testing.
source (if not from manufacturer), date of certification, expi- 14.1.22 Transducer placement on the specimen and trans-
ration of certification, filament diameter, tow or yarn filament ducer type for each transducer used.
count and twist, sizing, form or weave, and matrix type. 14.1.23 Type of area used for stress-strain curve calculation:
14.1.6 If available, description of the fabrication steps used nominal area or standard area.
to prepare the bar including fabrication start date, fabrication 14.1.24 Stress-strain curves and tabulated data of stress
end date, process specification, cure cycle, consolidation versus strain for each specimen.
method, and a description of the equipment used. 14.1.25 Individual strengths and average value, standard
14.1.7 Description of fiber architecture and surface charac- deviation, and coefficient of variation (in percent) for the
teristics of the bar. Indicate the representative length of the bar, population. Note if the failure force was less than the maxi-
if appropriate. mum force prior to failure.
14.1.8 If requested, report density, volume percent rein- 14.1.26 Individual strains at failure and the average value,
forcement, and void content test methods, specimen sampling standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (in percent) for
method and geometries, test parameters, and test results. the population.
14.1.9 Minimum, maximum, and average value of the 14.1.27 If another definition of modulus of elasticity is used
nominal area of the bar and the average effective bar diameter. in addition to chord modulus, describe the method used, the
14.1.10 Definition of cross-sectional area used in stress resulting correlation coefficient (if applicable), and the strain
calculations: nominal area or standard area. range used for the evaluation.
14.1.11 Results of any nondestructive evaluation tests. 14.1.28 Individual values of modulus of elasticity, and the
14.1.12 Method of preparing the test specimen, including average value, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation
specimen labeling scheme and method, specimen geometry, (in percent) for the population.
sampling method, and bar cutting method. Identification of 14.1.29 Failure mode and location of failure for each
anchor material, geometry, bonding agent such as expansive specimen.
cementitious material, and bonding agent preparation and
curing information. 15. Precision and Bias
14.1.13 Calibration dates and methods for all measurement 15.1 Precision—The data required for the development of a
and test equipment. precision statement is not available for this test method.
14.1.14 Type of test machine, grips, jaws, grip pressure, grip Precision, defined as the degree of mutual agreement between
length and texture of grip faces, and data acquisition sampling individual measurements, cannot yet be estimated because of
rate and equipment type. an insufficient amount of data.
14.1.15 Results of system alignment evaluations, if any 15.2 Bias—Bias cannot be determined for this test method
such evaluations were done. as no acceptable reference standard exists.
14.1.16 Dimensions of each test specimen.
14.1.17 Conditioning parameters (environments, tempera- 16. Keywords
tures, relative humidities, durations) if other than that specified 16.1 tensile properties; tensile strength; tensile modulus of
in the test method. elasticity; bars; composite materials; composite bars.

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. Recommended Anchor For Testing FRP Bars Under Tension

A1.1 Scope A1.2 Significance and Use

A1.1.1 This annex describes the recommended anchor to A1.2.1 This anchor is recommended for performing tests for
facilitate gripping of FRP bar specimens for various types of monotonic tension, creep, relaxation, fatigue, and pullout bond
tests performed under tensile loading. It also specifies prepa- strength of FRP bars.
ration of the specimens. Other types of anchors may be used
A1.2.2 This anchor is not recommended for testing FRP
provided it is demonstrated that (a) failure of the bar occurs
bars that require more than 400 000 N [90 000 pounds] of force
outside the anchors and (b) the anchors prevent excessive slip
of the bar prior to tensile failure. to fail the specimen.

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NOTE A1.1—Experience with testing of larger-diameter FRP bars within the gage length as required. For segments cut from FRP
(greater than 25 mm [1.00 in.]) and that require force levels in excess of grids, the same gripping fixture is suggested; however, at least
400 000N [90 000 pounds] to fail the bar is somewhat limited. The user three grid junctions are suggested to be included in embed-
is cautioned to verify that anchor tube wall thickness may need to be
increased and that all elements in the force train need to be verifed for the
ment, as shown in Fig. A1.2. Recommended methods for
high force levels needed to fail these larger diameter specimens. attaching the anchor to the testing apparatus are shown in Fig.
A1.3.
A1.3 Apparatus A1.3.2 Anchor surface preparation—Mechanical treate-
A1.3.1 An example anchor is shown in Fig. A1.1. The ment, chemical treatment, or cleaning of the inner surface of
poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) cap has a concentric through-hole of the tube to promote adhesion of the tube with the casting resin
the appropriate diameter used to center FRP bars inside the or grout is acceptable, provided that it does not affect the
steel tube. The steel plug with a concentric through-hole may tensile properties of the specimen in the free length portion and
be either threaded or welded to the steel tube. Recommended that failure still occurs outside the anchors.
dimensions of the steel tubes are given in Table A1.1. Tube A1.3.3 Anchor filler materials—The tube may be filled with
lengths shorter than those recommended in Table A1.1 may be either polymer resin or a 1:1 mixture by weight of resin and
used if no excessive slip is observed and the specimen fails clean sand or an expansive cement grout. A filler material

FIG. A1.1 Example anchor details

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TABLE A1.1 Recommended dimensions of test specimens and steel tubes
NOTE 1—GFRP: FRP bars made with glass fibers; CFRP: FRP bars made with carbon fibers
NOTE 2—A wall thickness of 4.8 mm [0.19 in.] or greater is recommended.
NOTE 3—A minimum grout space of 4 mm [0.16 in.] is recommended between the outer surface of the bar and the inner wall of the steel tube.
NOTE 4—Anchor length La is the length required to bond the bar to the steel tube; overall length may need to be increased for use with threaded plugs
as shown in Fig. A1.1.

FRP bar Diameter of the FRP Outside diameter of the Minimal length of the
type bar, d steel tube steel tube, La
GFRP 6.4 mm [0.25 in.] 35 mm [1.38 in.] 300 mm [12 in.]
GFRP 9.5 mm [0.38 in.] 35 mm [1.38 in.] 300 mm [12 in.]
GFRP 13 mm [0.50 in.] 42 mm [1.63 in.] 380 mm [15 in.]
GFRP 16 mm [0.63 in.] 42 mm [1.63 in.] 380 mm [15 in.]
GFRP 19 mm [0.75 in.] 48 mm [1.88 in.] 460 mm [18 in.]
GFRP 22 mm [0.88 in.] 48 mm [1.88 in.] 460 mm [18 in.]
GFRP 25 mm [1.00 in.] 48 mm [1.88 in.] 460 mm [18 in.]
GFRP 29 mm [1.13 in.] 48 mm [1.88 in.] 460 mm [18 in.]
GFRP 32 mm [1.25 in.] 75 mm [2.95 in.] 800 mm [32 in.]
CFRP 9.5 mm [0.38 in.] 35 mm [1.38 in.] 460 mm [18 in.]

compatible with the resin of which the specimen is made The free length between the anchors, L, should be not less than
should be used. The strength of the filler should be such that the 380 mm [15 in.] nor less than 40 times the effective bar
maximum tensile force occurring during a test does not cause diameter, d.
slip throughout the entire bonded length of the specimen.
A1.5 Anchor casting procedure
NOTE A1.2—Upon curing, the resin or expansive cement grout exerts a
uniform pressure on the bar and allows a small degree of progressive, A1.5.1 Assembly and preparation—The steel tubes and the
stable slip as tensile loading increases. A small amount of slippage at the FRP bar should be axially aligned before the grout or resin is
loaded end of the anchor is believed to minimize stress concentrations in applied. Fig. A1.4 depicts a suitable fixure that may be used to
the bar. Expansive cements and anchors selected to provide pressure of achieve this alignment. In the fixture depicted, a steel plug is
35-50 MPa at the inside of the anchor have been found to satisfactorily threaded to the steel tube. The FRP bar goes through the
grip carbon FRP bars when the embedment length to diameter ratio is concentric hole of the steel plug and through the PVC cap and
approximately 50. In comparison to carbon and glass FRP bars, aramid
FRP bars are often more difficult to grip by the cementitious grout due to
is thus held axially aligned inside the tube. Silicon caulking is
the lower transverse modulus of these FRP’s. Use of a polymeric resin is applied at the bottom of the plug so as to prevent any possible
suggested in such cases. The anchors must have sufficient strength to not leakage of resin or grout. Alternative alignment fixtures and
deform plastically during testing. Expansive cementitious materials that sealing methods are acceptable.
develop suitable pressures and rigidities for use in bar anchors are sold A1.5.2 Casting—Whenever possible, the anchor should be
commercially for the demolition of concrete and stone masses. The cast in a vertical position as shown in Fig. A1.4. The resin or
primary ingredient of such cements is CaO. (One commercial product that
grout should be poured to the required level directly from a
has been used successfully is known as Bristar 100 and is sold by Onoda
Cement, Japan.) The cure and expansion processes are time, temperature, beaker with a narrow spout, or by means of a funnel with a
and moisture sensitive, but generally proceed to useful levels in 48-72 hr suitable stem. Lightly tap the outside of the tube to remove any
in typical indoor laboratory conditions. entrapped air pocket inside, and then slide the PVC cap on the
rod down and tap onto the top of the tube immediately. If the
A1.4 Specimen preparation specimen needs anchors at both ends, at least 12 hrs should
A1.4.1 Cutting specimen—Specimens of the required elapse before the first anchor is flipped to cast the other anchor.
length should be cut from the bar stock supplied. To obtain A1.5.3 Curing—The curing schedule recommended by the
specimens from grids, cutting the crossbars too close to the rod manufacturer of the filler material should be allowed before
should be avoided. Leaving a 2 mm projection of the crossbars testing to allow the resin or grout to set inside the tube.
may enhance gripping. A1.5.4 Handling—When not held vertically, the anchored
A1.4.2 Specimen length—The total length of the specimen specimen should be handled by holding both grips to avoid
should be the free length plus two times the anchor length La. bending or twisting of the specimen.

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FIG. A1.2 Example of anchor details for test on grid specimens

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FIG. A1.3 Example of attachment of anchor to grips or threaded collets

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FIG. A1.4 Jig to align specimens and anchors

A2. Recommended Procedures for Testing Bars at Other than Standard Laboratory Conditions

A2.1 Scope In addition, fixtures may be preheated, temperature may be

A2.1.1 This annex provides recommendations for testing ramped up quickly, and hold time at temperature may be
bars in conditions that are other than standard laboratory minimized prior to testing. Environmentally conditioned trav-
conditions. These conditions may include immersion in water eler specimens, consisting of a bare bar with a length equal to
or other aqueous solution and/or elevated temperature or one or more representative lengths with the cut ends protected
moisture conditions. from moisture transmission with a high grade moisture resis-
tant resin, may be used to measure moisture loss during
A2.2 Conditioning exposure to the test environment. Weigh a traveler specimen
A2.2.1 Condition the specimen in the desired environment. prior to testing and place it in the test chamber at the same time
Store the specimen in the conditioned environment until test as the specimen. Remove the traveler specimen immediately
time, if the testing environment is different than the condition- after fracture and reweigh it to determine moisture loss. Record
ing environment. modifications to the test environment.
A2.3.3 Monitor test temperature by placing an appropriate
A2.3 Test Environment thermocouple within 25 mm [1.0 inch] of the gage section of
A2.3.1 Test under the specified exposure condition (e.g., the specimen. Maintain temperature of the specimen and the
temperature, relative humidity, fluid exposure). traveler bar if one is being used for thermal strain compensa-
A2.3.2 Testing at Elevated Mositure Levels—Cases such as tion or moisture loss evaluation, within 63° C [65°F] of the
elevated temperature testing of a moist specimen may be required condition. Taping thermocouple(s) to the test speci-
beyond the capabilities of common testing machine environ- men (and the traveler) is an effective measurement method.
mental chambers. In such cases, testing at elevated temperature A2.3.4 Required Dimensions of Environmental Exposure
with no fluid exposure control may be necessary, and moisture Chamber—Common testing machine environmental chambers
loss during mechanical testing may occur. This loss can be are unlikely to be of sufficient size to hold the entire specimen
minimized by reducing exposure time in the test chamber; at the specified test conditions. Non-uniform thermal and
although care should be taken to ensure that the specimen moisture profiles can be minimized by reducing exposure time
temperature is at equilibrium. This loss may be further mini- in the test chamber. Report the dimensions of the environmen-
mized by increasing the relative humidity in an uncontrolled tal exposure chamber. Record the location of specimen failures
chamber by hanging wet, coarse fabric inside the chamber, and and report the location of these failures relative to the position
keeping it moist with a drip bottle placed outside the chamber. of the environmental chamber on the specimen.

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