An inverse analysis method based on deflection to curvature transformation to determine the tensile properties of UHPFRC

The determination of the tensile properties of such a deflection hardening response material as UHPFRC is a serious challenge for both researchers and designers. This process involves many factors, such as specimen size, fibre orientation or test typology. The so-called inverse analysis is used to obtain the tensile constitutive properties that are consistent with the specimen response in a bending test. This work focuses on the inverse analysis process. The main aim is to develop a new back-calculation methodology, which is easy to implement, reliable, quick and is consistent with the measurements taken from a four-point bending test. The new methodology proposed has been validated using an analytical formulation and the experimental results of others authors. This paper also includes an application example of how this methodology works.