A Framework for Determining Direct Tensile Properties of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

This paper presents a set of procedures and a recently developed direct tension test for determining the uniaxial tensile strength and full stress-strain behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The proposed set of procedures aim to establish an upper and lower bound for the tensile strength based on prefer-ential casting orientation. Results from this research show that an upper and lower bound of strength could be established when properly executed casting procedures are in place. On the other hand, the proposed direct tension test can capture the full stress -strain behavior of the material at pre-and post-cracking stages, for both strain-hardening and strain-softening samples. Results from the direct tension tests performed during this research favor the use of contactless extensometers to avoid stress concentrations that induce early localization at the regions close to the attachment points when using traditional measuring methods.