JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS

FLEXUAL STRENGTH TEST LAB REPORT
GROUP 4
THEORY
Flexural test indirectly measures the tensile strength of concrete. It tests the ability of unreinforced
concrete beam or slab to resist failure in bending. The flexural strength on concrete is expressed as a
modulus of rupture denoted as (MR) in MPa or psi. The flexural test on concrete can be conducted using
either three-point load test or center-point load test. According to ASTM, the size of the specimen is
150mm width, 150mm depth with a span length at least three times the depth. The modulus of rupture
value obtained by center point load test arrangement is always smaller than three-point load test
configuration by around 15%. Modulus of rupture is about 10 to 15 percent of compressive strength of
concrete. It is influenced by mixture proportions, size and coarse aggregate volume used for specimen
construction. The following equation can be used to compute modulus of rupture, but it must be
determined through laboratory test if it is significant for the design:

Where: fr: Modulus of rupture

fc': concrete compressive strength
Applications of Flexural Test on Concrete
 Specifying compliance with standards.
 It is an essential requirement for concrete mix design.
 It is employed in testing concrete for slab and pavement construction.
Procedure for Flexural Test on Concrete
Apparatus
 Steel, iron cast, or other non-absorbent material molds with size of (150mmX150mmX 530mm)
 Tamping rod
 Testing machine capable of applying loads at a uniform rate without interruption of shocks
 Scoop
 Trowel
 Balance with accuracy of 1g
 Power driven concrete mixer
 Table vibration
Preparation of Concrete
 The right proportions of cement, sand, aggregate and water were determined.
 The inner surfaces of the drum of concrete mixer were wet.
 Coarse aggregates were then placed in the mixer followed by sand and finally cement.
 The materials were mixed in the dry state in the mixing machine for about 2 to 3 minutes.
 After proper mixing of the dry materials, the correct quantity of water was gradually added while
the machine was in motion.
  Care was taken not to add more water than required. After adding the water, the concrete in the
drum was mixed for a about 3-4 minutes.
Preparation of the specimen
 After the concrete had been mixed properly, the beam mould was cleaned and the inner surfaces
oiled.
 Concrete was then placed in the beam mould in three layers. After each layer was added, the
concrete was stroked 25 times with the use of a tamping steel rod and then compacted by
vibration using a vibrating table.
 After adding the third layer, excess concrete was removed from the top surface of the mould and
then smoothened using a trowel.
 The beams were clearly tagged and put in a cool dry place and allowed to set for at least 24 hours.
 After the mould was removed, the specimens were then stored in the fresh clean water for curing.
 Two of such specimens were prepared.
 After 7 days, one of the specimens was taken out of curing for flexural test while still moist so as
to prevent surface drying which would have declined the flexural strength.
 It was placed on the loading points with the hand finished surface of the specimen being in
contact with the loading points to ensure an acceptable contact between the specimen and the
loading points.
 The loading system was centered in relation to the applied force.
 The block applying force was then brought in contact with the specimen surface at the loading
points.
 The specimen was then loaded continuously without shock till the point of failure at a constant
rate.
 The remaining specimen was also tested for flexural strength after achieving 28 days.
Results of Flexural Strength Test of Concrete
The flexural strength is also expressed as the modulus of rupture (fb), the following expression is
used for estimation of modulus of rupture:
Where:
MR: modulus of rupture
P: ultimate applied load indicated by testing machine
L: span length
b: average width of the specimen at the fracture
d: average depth of the specimen at the fracture.
Beam details
Dimensions:0.15m by 0.15m by 0.53m
Volume:0.01195m3
Density:2400kg/m3
Mass:2400×0.0195=28.62kg
After 7 days (beam A)
Mass:28.96kg
Maximum load:2.85kN
Maximum strength:1.14MPa
After 28 days (beam B)
Mass:29.05kg
Maximum load:11.204kN
Maximum strength:4.98MPa
Discussion
The maximum strength and load of the beam after 7 days was less than the corresponding values after 28
days since the concrete was not yet mature. This is because the hardening of the concrete had not yet gone
to completion.
Factors that cause Variability in Flexural Test Results
 Concrete specimen preparation.
 Specimen size.
 Moisture condition of the concrete specimen.
 Curing of the concrete specimen.
 And whether the specimen is molded or sawed to the required size.
SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS:

 Use hand gloves while, safety shoes at the time of test.

 After test switch off the machine.
 Keep all the exposed metal parts greased.
 Keep the guide rods firmly fixed to the base & top plate.
 Equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before testing & after testing.

REFERENCES
 Civil engineering materials lecture notes
 British standard: testing concrete: part 18. Method of determination of flexural strength
 Cement and concrete sectional committee, B.2. methods of tests for strength of concrete.
Bureau of Indian standards. New Delhi, p. 15-17