5.1 The post-crack behavior of plate-like, fiber-reinforced concrete structural members is well represented by a centrally loaded round panel test specimen that is simply supported on three pivots symmetrically arranged around its circumference. Such a test panel experiences bi-axial bending in response to a central point load and exhibits a mode of failure related to the in situ behavior of structures. The post-crack performance of round panels subject to a central point load can be represented by the energy absorbed by the panel up to a specified central deflection. In this test method, the energy absorbed up to a specified central deflection is taken to represent the ability of a fiber-reinforced concrete to redistribute stress following cracking.

5.2 The motivation for use of a round panel with three supports is based on the within-batch repeatability found in laboratory ³ and field experience. ⁴ The consistency of the failure mode that arises through the use of three symmetrically arranged support pivots results in low within-batch variability in the energy absorbed by a set of panels up to a specified central deflection. The use of round panels also eliminates the sawing that is required to prepare shotcrete beam specimens.

5.3 The nominal dimensions of the panel are 75 mm in thickness and 800 mm in diameter. Thickness has been shown to strongly influence panel performance in this test, while variations in diameter have been shown to exert a minor influence on performance. ⁵ Correction factors are provided to account for actual measured dimensions.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of flexural toughness of fiber-reinforced concrete expressed as energy absorption in the post-crack range using a round panel supported on three symmetrically arranged pivots and subjected to a central point load. The performance of specimens tested by this method is quantified in terms of the energy absorbed between the onset of loading and selected values of central deflection.

1.2 This test method provides for the scaling of results whenever specimens do not comply with the target thickness and diameter, as long as dimensions do not fall outside of given limits.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.