AASHTO T177
Full Name
AASHTO T177 – Standard Method of Test for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam with Center-Point Loading)
Scope
AASHTO T177 is a standard test method used to determine the flexural strength of concrete specimens by applying a load at the center of a simply supported beam. This test is commonly used for small-sized specimens and provides valuable information about the concrete’s ability to resist bending stresses, which is crucial for the design and evaluation of concrete structures such as pavements and slabs.
Key aspects of AASHTO T177:
- Test setup: the test involves placing a rectangular concrete beam on two supports and applying a load at the center of the beam. The load is gradually increased until the beam fails in flexure, typically by cracking or breaking.
- Specimen dimensions: AASHTO T177 specifies the dimensions of the concrete beam specimens, which are typically smaller than the specimens used in other flexural strength test methods, such as AASHTO T97 (third-point loading).
- Measurement: the load at failure and the dimensions of the specimen are used to calculate the flexural strength of the concrete, which is expressed in terms of stress (force per unit area).
- Applications: the flexural strength test is used for quality control in concrete production, assessing the suitability of concrete for specific applications, and evaluating the effectiveness of concrete mix designs.
Significance of AASHTO T177:
- Complementary test: while AASHTO T97 is the primary method for determining the flexural strength of concrete, AASHTO T177 serves as a complementary test for smaller specimens and provides valuable insights into the concrete’s flexural behavior.
- Quality control: by measuring the flexural strength of concrete, engineers and contractors can ensure that the concrete meets the specified requirements for strength and durability.
- Performance evaluation: the flexural strength test is used to assess the performance of concrete under bending stresses, which is crucial for the design of various concrete structures.
AASHTO T177 Accredited Laboratory
Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the AASHTO T177 standard.
Our laboratory offers comprehensive concrete testing services, including the determination of flexural strength using AASHTO T177. Our experienced technicians utilize calibrated equipment and adhere to strict quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
Contact us for more information.
Resources
Keywords
flexural strength; concrete; center-point loading; simple beam; modulus of rupture; third-point loading; test specimen; loading rate