1. Scope

Keywords

Rationale

The use of fiber reinforcement as an alternative to conventional reinforcement of various concrete structures has been limited in the construction industry. Tension is the basis for nearly all concrete design methods originally developed for use with traditional bar or mesh reinforcement. There is currently no ASTM standard to measure this fundamental property of fiber-reinforced concrete. Currently, tension can only be determined indirectly through flexural testing. A direct testing method is needed to give the engineering community the data and confidence needed to evaluate performance of fibers. The proposed direct tensile testing method, which is based on the method used to evaluate rebar (ASTM E111) provides designers with a robust method of evaluating the tensile capacity of concrete reinforced with fibers. Finally, direct tension testing methods are under development in other countries by competing standards organizations and the development of a direct tension method will help maintain ASTM as a leader in the field.