Tensile Strength of Concrete: Double-Punch Test

The tensile strength of concrete is most commonly measured by the indirect split—cylinder test. Recently, an alternative new test, known as double—punch test, has been proposed. It is the purpose of this paper to summarize the present stand on the double—punch test method for the determination of tensile strength of concrete. The summary deals with two equally important aspects of progress—new solutions emerging from the analytical study and experimental results reported from laboratory tests. This paper attempts to evaluate critically this new test method and to determine the range of their applicability, relative merits, and limitations as compared to the well—established split—cylinder tests. Throughout this development and evaluation, it has been recognized that a balance must be struck between the requirement of realistic representation of tensile strength of concrete and the requirement for simplicity in practical use. It is considered that in both these respects, the double—punch method is satisfactory.