Abstract
An overview is given of methods to determine the strength and fracture energy of concrete subjected to uniaxial tension. The test method is often erroneously––and persistently––referred to as the `direct tension test'. After a brief review of historical, mostly indirect methods, the paper focuses on more recent servo-controlled testing techniques. Assessment of effects like secondary bending, and rotation and/or translations of the loading platens, as well as size/scale effects and environmental effects on fracture seem important for a proper definition of tensile strength and fracture energy. Implications for modeling are debated. The methods can be transferred directly to studies of other quasi-brittle geo-materials like natural rocks, clay and ice, fired clay bricks, plaster and the like.
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