Uniaxial tension test for the determination of fracture parameters of concrete: state of the art

An overview is given of methods to determine the strength and fracture energy of concrete subjected to uniaxial tension. The test method is often erroneously-and persistently-referred to as the 'direct tension test. After a brief review of historical, mostly indirect methods, the paper focuses on more recent servo-controlled testing techniques. Assessment of effects like secondary bending, and rotation and/or translations of the loading platens, as well as size/ scale effects and environmental effects on fracture seem important for a proper definition of tensile strength and fracture energy. Implications for modeling are debated. The methods can be transferred directly to studies of other quasi-brittle geo-materials like natural rocks, clay and ice, fired clay bricks, plaster and the like. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.