3.4. Test Specimens

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is compressive strength?

   Hint

   Think about concrete's capacity to resist crushing.

2. 2.

   Name two types of specimens used in compressive strength tests.

   Hint

   Consider the common shapes of concrete casts.

3. 3.

   What is the primary objective of the compressive strength test?

   • To measure bending strength
   • To measure tensile strength
   • To determine the maximum compressive load

   Hint

   Think about concrete's strength in compression.

4. 4.

   True or False: Flexural strength is directly related to wind load resistance in structures.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what kind of stress due to wind would act on concrete.

5. 5.

   A concrete beam is tested and found to have a flexural strength of 5 N/mm². If the span is 300 mm, the width is 150 mm, and the depth is 250 mm, verify if the calculated flexural strength matches the test result.

   Hint

   Make sure to ensure the units stay consistent while calculating.

6. 6.

   You are tasked with testing the bond strength of concrete with reinforcement bars of different diameters (10 mm vs 20 mm). How does the diameter affect the bond stress, assuming the same load is applied?

   Hint

   Think about how changing dimensions impact the surface area.