Introduction

Flexural strength is one measure of tensile strength of a

concrete. It is a measure of an unreinforced concrete beam or slab
to resist failure in bending. It is measured by loading (150mm x
150mm) concrete beams with a span length at least three times at
depth. The flexural strength is expressed as Modulus of Rupture
(MR) in MPa.
BS 1881 part 118: 1983 specifies the method for
determination of flexural strengths respectively. Strength of
concrete depends on factors such as quality of constituent materials
and their proportions in the mix, methods of preparation
workmanship, curing and test conditions. Moisture content of the
specimen and rate of loading during testing affets the final strength
value.
Prismatic speciments are subjected to a bending moment by
the application of load through upper and lower rollers. The
maximum load sustained is recorded and the flexural strength is
calculated. Generally, flexural strength is about 10-20% of the
concrete strength, which depending on the type, size and volume of
coarse aggregate used.

Objective
1. To determine the flecural strength for concrete
2. To familiarize the students with standard methods

Apparatus
1. Device for applying flexural load (two supporting rollers and
two load applying rollers)

Materials
1. 1 speciment of concrete beam after curing for 28 days

Procedure
1. The specimen is
removed from the curing
tanks and excess moisture
from the surface of the
specimen is wiped. The
test is carried out in a
saturated condition on the
scheduled date.

2. The specimen is
weighed before testing
and the nominal
dimensions are recorded
and checked.

3. The bearing surfaces

of the supporting and
the loading rollers are
wiped clean.

5. A load of rate 0.06

+_ 0.04 N/mm2.s us
applied until failure
occurs

4. The specimen is placed

in the machine. It is
centered correctly with
the longitudinal axis of the
specimen is at the right
angle with the rollers.

6. The maximum load

applied for the
specimen is recorded.
The flexural test, f is
calculated by the
equation:
FL
f=
(d 1 d 2)2

F = Breaking Load
d1d2 = Lateral Dimensions
of the cross-section (mm)
L = Distance between the
supporting rollers (mm)

7. The flexural strength

is expressed to the
nearest 0.2 N/mm2.

Results and Discussion

Grou
p

Specimen
t
Designati
on

Dimension

Prism

Prism

Prism

Prism

Prism

Prism

Prism

Prism

Prism

Prism

100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00
100x100x5
00

Weig
ht
(kg)

12.30
12.10
11.85
12.05
12.40
12.30

Date of
testing

24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5
24/4/1
5

Loa
d
(kN)

Flexura
l
Strengt
h
(N/mm2
)

9.64

0.03

10.9
7
9.82

0.04

10.0
0
8.92

0.04

9.64

0.03

Averag
e
Streng
th

0.03

0.03

In this lab activity, weve discussed mostly focused on flexural

strength and the method of operating the universal testing machine
and calculating fracture strength. Weve understood flexural
strength as a modulus of rupture or in a common pronunciation is
called fracture strength. In a more detailed language, it is a measure
of a materials ability to resist deformation under load.
Usual question asked by people is what is the critical application of the
experiment in industry? As an engineer this method must be mastered because of its
importance in the industrial world. Flexural testing is largely used in industries where
materials are subjected form of bending force. The construction industry is a typical
example in that the most common test for structural steels, concrete beams, timber
joists, GRC panels, ceramic tiles etcis flexural testing.
Flexural testing is also widely used to evaluate materials that can be difficult
to test intensile mode. This technique requires specialised fixtures and precision
displacement measurement coupled with advanced flexural testing software. Test
metric offer acomprehensive range of 3 and 4 point bend fixtures, displacement
systems and dedicated software to suit all applicable materials.

Remark

To carry this experiment, we have to obey some safety precautions to avoid

any accidents from happening. Along the experiment, hand gloves and safety shoes
must be worn because we are handling heavy machineries and materials. Furthermore,
all machines must be switched off after use and make sure all the exposed materials
are greased. Moreover, the guide rod mus be tighten firmly to the base and top plate
and most importantly, equipments used must be cleaned thotoughly before and after
used.

Conclusions
From this lab activity, we can conclude that different mixture of concrete gives
different fracture strength. A proper ratio of aggregate, water, and cement must be
taken to make the best concrete. As an engineer, a keen eye must be laid upon this
matter to always produce quality concretefor the betterness of the people. Lastly, all
safety measures must always be followed to avoid any unwanted casualties.
References
RC Hibbler, Enginering Mechanics
A.M. Neville, Properties of Concreteq