AASHTO T198
Full Name
AASHTO T198 – Standard Method of Test for Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
Scope
AASHTO T198 is a standard test method used to determine the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete specimens. Splitting tensile strength is a measure of the concrete’s ability to resist tensile forces applied perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. This test is commonly used for evaluating concrete quality, particularly in applications where tensile stresses are a concern, such as pavements, slabs, and precast concrete elements.
Key aspects of AASHTO T198:
- Test setup: the test involves placing a cylindrical concrete specimen on its side between two bearing strips. A compressive load is then applied along the vertical diameter of the specimen, causing it to split in half along a vertical plane.
- Specimen dimensions: the standard specifies the dimensions of the cylindrical specimens, which can be either molded cylinders or cores drilled from existing concrete structures. The specimens are typically of standard size, with a length-to-diameter ratio of 2:1.
- Measurement: the load at failure and the dimensions of the specimen are used to calculate the splitting tensile strength of the concrete, which is expressed in terms of stress (force per unit area).
- Applications: the splitting tensile strength test is used for quality control in concrete production, assessing the tensile properties of concrete, and evaluating the effectiveness of concrete mix designs.
Significance of AASHTO T198:
- Indirect tensile strength: the splitting tensile strength test provides an indirect measure of the tensile strength of concrete, which is difficult to determine directly due to the challenges of gripping and loading a concrete specimen in tension.
- Quality control: by measuring the splitting tensile strength, engineers and contractors can ensure that the concrete meets the specified requirements for tensile strength and durability.
- Performance evaluation: the test is used to assess the performance of concrete under tensile stresses, which is crucial for the design of various concrete structures.
AASHTO T198 Accredited Laboratory
Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the AASHTO T198 standard.
Our laboratory offers comprehensive concrete testing services, including the determination of splitting tensile strength according to AASHTO T198. 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
splitting tensile strength; concrete; cylindrical specimen; compression testing; modulus of rupture; tensile stress