Investigation of the effect of flexural strength test damage on compressive strength of construction materials

Abstract

Concrete, the principal material of the construction sector, has been the subject of many scientific researches for decades. As a result of these investigations, new scientific information has been obtained on the weak points of cement-based products, especially concrete, their behaviour under load, etc. In light of this information, it is recommended that some test methods specified in international standards be revised. In this study, the effect of damage caused by flexural strength test performed on samples prepared with mortar prisms, of dimensions 160 mm x 40 mm x 40 mm within the scope of EN 13813, EN 13888, EN 13279-1, EN 197-1, TS 13566 and TS 13687 standards, on the results of compressive strength test performed on the broken samples was investigated. In the final analysis, some improvement suggestions have been made in the test methods in question.