ASTM C496/C496M-17 PDF Download

The ASTM C496/C496M-17 standard is a test method used to determine the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete specimens, including molded cylinders and drilled cores. Splitting tensile strength refers to the resistance of concrete to failure under tensile forces applied perpendicular to the axis of the specimen. This method provides a measure of the shear resistance of concrete and is used in the design of structural lightweight concrete members to evaluate the capacity of the concrete to resist shear forces and determine the development length of reinforcement.

The standard highlights that splitting tensile strength is generally higher than direct tensile strength and lower than flexural strength (modulus of rupture), which is the ability of concrete to resist bending. The standard also emphasizes that the notes included in the document are for explanatory purposes only and should not be considered as requirements of the standard.