P=the applied load at splitting

E =length of the cylinder (usually 300 mm)

d =diameter of the cylinder (usually 150 mm)
The tensile strength obtained using Eq. (1.2) is not the true tensile strength and
therefore is called "split tensile strength". The reason for this can be seen in Fig.
- 1.1l(b),
=--

which shows that stresses are not uniaxial but are $igziaJ. Experiments have shown that
the strength of concrete changes under biaxial state of stress. Therefore, compression in
perpendicular direction should decrease the tensile strength as compared to-direct tension
test, where stresses are uniaxial. However, since there is _only_one pass-ible plane s f m u r e
in the split cylinder test, the possibility- of having defects at the failure section is,aych
smaller as compared to the direct tension test. Therefore, in general split tensile sbength
of concrete is higher thanits direct tensile strength.

-G, (cornp.1

(tens.)

Figure 1.11
Early in sixties Prof. H. Riisch developed a direct tensile test specimen, which
proved to be very successful. This specimen is shown in Fig. 1.12. As can be seen from
this figure the specimen has a uniform cross section at the center (called the test section)
and it is hunched at each end. Thick steel plates, which contain a threaded hole at the