ABSTRACT
Several test methods have been proposed to characterize the postcrack tensile strength of žber reinforced concrete (FRC). Their merits and drawbacks were discussed in details by Gopalaratnam [1], who addressed both experimental and analytical limitations. The material properties obtained in testing may be slightly different from those used in the design calculations. Because of the lack of a comprehensive testing program that can be put to use before design and construction, many material properties used in current design procedures are estimates based on the relationship of tensile and ²exural responses with uniaxial compressive strength fc′. In the proposed approach, the material properties can be estimated on the basis of prior experience and the material properties measured using testing during the construction quality control phase. As the sample must meet the specižed strength in design calculations, the strength of a ²exural member is often associated with its compressive strength. Other test methods that have been developed for the characterization of ductility and toughness may be great for the differentiation between various comparative samples, but their utility for design purposes is questionable. It would be ideal to obtain fundamental tensile properties from ²exural tests; however, it is imperative that the discrepancy between the two must be addressed in design calculations, and the actual values obtained from testing should be subjected to appropriate safety factors.
