A comparison of creep, elasticity and strength of concrete in tension and in compression

Abstract

Synopsis A method of manufacturing a bobbin-shaped specimen for testing concrete in direct tension is described. Direct tensile strength is related to tensile and compressive strengths as determined by standard tests and their changes with age are described. Data on the modulus of elasticity in compression and in tension at two exposure conditions are given, and the influence of age upon creep and creep recovery is established. The differences in behaviour of strength, modulus of elasticity, creep and creep recovery are discussed by considering the effects of load and storage environment upon the adsorbed water of the cement paste, and the suggested creep mechanism is a combination of the seepage and viscous shear theories.