Background:

The tensile strength of concrete is an important mechanical property used in the design of structures. Cracking of reinforced concrete elements can be observed under different loading conditions or under other effects, such as critical environmental conditions. Based on the above, there is a need to develop design equations for the tensile strength of concrete. Equation can be a function of the axial compressive strength of concrete, which is the most studied property for this material.

Methods:

Concrete cylinders and beam specimens were tested in this study. Concrete specimens were fabricated using high absorption limestone aggregates. Three water/cement ratios were considered. For each type of concrete, axial compressive strength and tensile strength were measured. For this last case, both flexural tensile and compressive tensile strengths were determined.

Results:

Based on the experimental results, design equations were developed for the two types of tensile strength of concrete. Equations were developed as a function of the axial compressive strength of concrete using the least square method. Proposed equations were compared with those prescribed in two current design codes and with those found in the literature.

Conclusions:

Based on the comparisons presented before, it was found that proposed equations for the tensile strength of concrete were similar to those prescribed in the Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete of the American Concrete Institute, and to those proposed for some other authors.

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