ASTM C496/C496M-17

Standard Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Splitting tensile strength is generally greater than direct tensile strength and lower than flexural strength (modulus of rupture).  
5.2 Splitting tensile strength is used in the design of structural lightweight concrete members to evaluate the shear resistance provided by concrete and to determine the development length of reinforcement.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete specimens, such as molded cylinders and drilled cores.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 The text of this standard references notes that provide explanatory material. These notes shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2017
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.61 - Testing for Strength

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24a - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C39/C39M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C125-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-18b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM C42/C42M-18 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-18 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C39/C39M-17b - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM C125-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM C42/C42M-16 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016

Overview

ASTM C496/C496M-17, titled Standard Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens, establishes a procedure for determining the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical specimens, such as molded concrete cylinders and drilled cores. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a critical assessment of concrete’s resistance to tensile forces, which is essential in the design and evaluation of concrete structures. The method finds particular value in structural lightweight concrete design, as splitting tensile strength is generally higher than direct tensile strength but lower than flexural (modulus of rupture) strength.

Key Topics

• Purpose: The splitting tensile strength test is used to evaluate the tensile properties of concrete, aiding in the design and quality control of concrete structures.
• Test Method: The procedure involves applying a diametral compressive force to the length of a concrete cylinder until failure occurs. This creates tensile stresses on the loaded plane, leading to a characteristic splitting failure.
• Specimens: The test applies to both molded cylinders and cores drilled from hardened concrete, accommodating both field and laboratory samples.
• Standardization of Units: The method recognizes both SI and inch-pound units as separate standards; mixing values from the two systems is not permitted.
• Safety Considerations: Users must address all relevant safety, health, and environmental practices before implementing the test.
• Reporting: The standard outlines required reporting details, such as identification number, specimen dimensions, maximum load, calculated tensile strength, curing history, and type of failure.

Applications

The splitting tensile strength test (sometimes called the Brazilian test) is widely used in the construction and civil engineering industries for several practical applications:

• Structural Design: Results support the design and verification of structural lightweight concrete members by evaluating their ability to resist shear and develop appropriate reinforcement lengths.
• Quality Control: The test serves as a quality assurance tool during concrete production, ensuring consistency in tensile performance across batches.
• Assessment of In-Situ Concrete: Using drilled core specimens, engineers can evaluate the tensile properties of concrete from existing structures for maintenance or retrofitting decisions.
• Research and Development: The method helps in the validation of new concrete mixes and additives, by measuring their impact on tensile characteristics.
• Compliance and Specification: Meeting project specifications that require demonstrated tensile performance according to recognized international methods.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation and consistency in concrete testing, the following ASTM standards are commonly referenced alongside ASTM C496/C496M-17:

• ASTM C31/C31M: Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• ASTM C39/C39M: Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• ASTM C42/C42M: Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• ASTM C125: Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C192/C192M: Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
• ASTM C670: Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials

These related documents ensure coherent procedures and terminology in concrete testing, promoting accuracy and global industry alignment.

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Keywords: splitting tensile strength, concrete specimens, ASTM C496, cylindrical concrete, test method, tensile testing, construction materials, structural concrete, quality control.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C496/C496M − 17
Standard Test Method for
Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C496/C496M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* C42/C42MTest Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the split-
C125Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
ting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete specimens, such as
gregates
molded cylinders and drilled cores.
C192/C192MPractice for Making and Curing ConcreteTest
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Specimens in the Laboratory
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
C670Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
3. Terminology
with the standard.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
method, refer to Terminology C125.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 This test method consists of applying a diametral
1.4 The text of this standard references notes that provide
compressive force along the length of a cylindrical concrete
explanatory material. These notes shall not be considered as
specimen at a rate that is within a prescribed range until failure
requirements of the standard.
occurs. This loading induces tensile stresses on the plane
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
containing the applied load and relatively high compressive
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
stresses in the area immediately around the applied load.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Tensile failure occurs rather than compressive failure because
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the areas of load application are in a state of triaxial
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
compression, thereby allowing them to withstand much higher
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
compressive stresses than would be indicated by a uniaxial
compressive strength test result.
2. Referenced Documents
4.2 Thin, plywood bearing strips are used to distribute the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
load applied along the length of the cylinder.
C31/C31MPractice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Field
4.3 Themaximumloadsustainedbythespecimenisdivided
C39/C39MTest Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
byappropriategeometricalfactorstoobtainthesplittingtensile
drical Concrete Specimens
strength.
5. Significance and Use
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
5.1 Splitting tensile strength is generally greater than direct
Concrete and ConcreteAggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
tensile strength and lower than flexural strength (modulus of
C09.61 on Testing for Strength.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published October 2017. Originally
rupture).
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as C496/C496M–11.
DOI: 10.1520/C0496_C0496M-17.
5.2 Splitting tensile strength is used in the design of
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
structural lightweight concrete members to evaluate the shear
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
resistance provided by concrete and to determine the develop-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. ment length of reinforcement.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C496/C496M − 17
6. Apparatus moval from the curing environment and testing, shall be kept
moist by a wet burlap or blanket covering, and shall be tested
6.1 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall conform to
in a moist condition as soon as practicable.
the requirements of Test Method C39/C39M and be of a type
with sufficient capacity that will provide the rate of loading 7.2 The following curing procedure shall be used for evalu-
prescribed in 8.5. ations of light-weight concrete: specimens tested at 28 days
shall be in an air-dry condition after 7 days moist curing
6.2 Supplementary Bearing Bar or Plate—Ifthediameteror
followedby21daysdryingat23.0 62.0°C[73.5 63.5°F]and
the largest dimension of the upper bearing face or the lower
50 6 5 % relative humidity.
bearingblockislessthanthelengthofthecylindertobetested,
asupplementarybearingbarorplateofmachinedsteelshallbe
8. Procedure
used. The surfaces of the bar or plate shall be machined to
within 60.025mm[60.001in.]ofplaneness,asmeasuredon
8.1 Marking—Draw diametral lines on each end of the
any line of contact of the bearing area. It shall have a width of specimen using a suitable device that will ensure that they are
atleast50mm[2in.],andathicknessnotlessthanthedistance
in the same axial plane (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Note 1), or as an
from the edge of the spherical or rectangular bearing block to
alternative, use the aligning jig shown in Fig. 3 (Note 2).
the end of the cylinder. The bar or plate shall be used in such
NOTE 1—Figs. 1 and 2 show a suitable device for drawing diametral
manner that the load will be applied over the entire length of
lines on each end of a 150 mm × 300 mm [6 in. × 12 in.] cylinder in the
the specimen.
same axial plane. The device consists of three parts as follows:
(1)Alength of 100-mm [4-in.] steel channel, the flanges of which have
6.3 Bearing Strips—Two bearing strips of nominal 3.0 mm
been machined flat,
[ ⁄8in.]thickplywood,freeofimperfections,approximately25
(2)Asection, part a, that is grooved to fit smoothly over the flanges of
mm [1 in.] wide, and of a length equal to, or slightly longer
the channel and that includes cap screws for positioning the vertical
member of the assembly, and
than,thatofthespecimenshallbeprovidedforeachspecimen.
(3)A vertical bar, part b, for guiding a pencil or marker,
The bearing strips shall be placed between the specimen and
The assembly (part a and part b) is not fastened to the channel and is
boththeupperandlowerbearingblocksofthetestingma
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C496/C496M − 11 C496/C496M − 17
Standard Test Method for
Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C496/C496M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete specimens, such as molded
cylinders and drilled cores.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 The text of this standard references notes that provide explanatory material. These notes shall not be considered as
requirements of the standard.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology C125.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consists of applying a diametral compressive force along the length of a cylindrical concrete specimen at
a rate that is within a prescribed range until failure occurs. This loading induces tensile stresses on the plane containing the applied
load and relatively high compressive stresses in the area immediately around the applied load. Tensile failure occurs rather than
compressive failure because the areas of load application are in a state of triaxial compression, thereby allowing them to withstand
much higher compressive stresses than would be indicated by a uniaxial compressive strength test result.
4.2 Thin, plywood bearing strips are used to distribute the load applied along the length of the cylinder.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61 on
Testing for Strength.
Current edition approved July 1, 2011Oct. 1, 2017. Published August 2011October 2017. Originally approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 20042011 as
ε1
C496C496/C496M–04–11. . DOI: 10.1520/C0496_C0496M-11.10.1520/C0496_C0496M-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C496/C496M − 17
4.3 The maximum load sustained by the specimen is divided by appropriate geometrical factors to obtain the splitting tensile
strength.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Splitting tensile strength is generally greater than direct tensile strength and lower than flexural strength (modulus of
rupture).
5.2 Splitting tensile strength is used in the design of structural lightweight concrete members to evaluate the shear resistance
provided by concrete and to determine the development length of reinforcement.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall conform to the requirements of Test Method C39/C39M and be of a type with
sufficient capacity that will provide the rate of loading prescribed in 7.58.5.
6.2 Supplementary Bearing Bar or Plate—If the diameter or the largest dimension of the upper bearing face or the lower bearing
block is less than the length of the cylinder to be tested, a supplementary bearing bar or plate of machined steel shall be used. The
surfaces of the bar or plate shall be machined to within 6 0.025 mm [6 0.001 in.] of planeness, as measured on any line of contact
of the bearing area. It shall have a width of at least 50 mm [2 in.], and a thickness not less than the distance from the edge of the
spherical or rectangular bearing block to the end of the cylinder. The bar or plate shall be used in such manner that the load will
be applied over the entire length of the specimen.
6.3 Bearing Strips—Two bearing strips of nominal 3.0 mm [ ⁄8 in.] thick plywood, free of imperfections, approximately 25 mm
[1 in.] wide, and of a length equal to, or slightly longer than, that of the specimen shall be provided for each specimen. The bearing
strips shall be placed between the specimen and both the upper and lower bearing blocks of the testing machine or between the
specimen and supplemental bars or plates, when used (see 5.26.2). Bearing strips shall not be reused.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 The test specimens shall conform to the size, molding, and curing requirements set forth in either Practice C31/C31M (field
specimens) or Practice C192/C192M (laboratory specimens). Drilled cores shall conform to the size and moisture-conditioning
requirements set forth in Test Method C42/C42M. Moist-cured specimens, during the period between their removal from the curing
environment and testing, shall be kept moist by a wet burlap or blanket covering, and shall be tested in a moist condition as soon
as practicable.
7.2 The following curing procedure shall be used for evaluations of light-weight concrete: specimens tested at 28 days shall be
in an air-dry condition after 7 days moist curing followed by 21 days drying at 23.0 6 2.0°C [73.5 6 3.5°F] and 50 6 5 % relative
humidity.
8. Procedure
8.1 Marking—Draw diametral lines on each end of the specimen using a suitable device that will ensure that they are in the same
axial plane (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Note 1), or as an alternative, use the aligning jig shown in Fig. 3 (Note 2).
NOTE 1—Figs. 1 and 2 show a suitable device for drawing diametral lines on each end of a 150 mm × 300 mm [6 in. × 12 in.] cylinder in the same
axial plane. The device consists of three parts as follows:
(1) A length of 100-mm [4-in.] steel channel, the flanges of which have been machined flat,
(1) A length of 100-mm [4-in.] steel channel, the flanges of which have been machined flat,
(2) A section, part a, that is grooved to fit smoothl
...