ASTM E529-94(1998)e1

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
e1
Designation: E 529 – 94 (Reapproved 1998)
Standard Guide for
Conducting Flexural Tests on Beams and Girders for
Building Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 529; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
e NOTE—Keywords were added editorially in September 1998.
1. Scope When round-robin tests are to be conducted, a standardized set
of procedures conforming to this guide should be agreed upon
1.1 This guide covers the flexural testing of beams and
by the participants prior to testing to ensure a uniform basis for
girders under simulated service conditions to determine their
comparison.
structural performance characteristics. Methods following this
guide are intended primarily for constructions that may not
4. Types of Tests
conform with the relatively simple assumptions upon which
4.1 The flexural test is categorized as either a proof test or
well-known flexural theories are based. In some cases, they are
an ultimate load test. A proof test is intended to give assurance
also suitable for determining the structural adequacy of the
that the member will support a certain minimum short-term
design, materials, connections, and fabrication techniques. The
load, or to determine the deflection and recovery resulting from
methods are not intended for use in routine quality control
the application and removal of such a load. In carrying on a test
tests.
to failure (ultimate load), more detailed information can be
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
obtained, such as the proportional limit, yield point, ultimate
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
capacity, mode of failure, load-deflection characteristics, and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the adequacy of connectors and connections.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.2 Both laboratory and field tests are acceptable.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
4.3 The types of tests described above apply to beams
precautionary statement, see 6.1.
subjected to short-term static loads. If cyclic, dynamic, or
2. Referenced Document long-term sustained load tests are undertaken, care should be
taken to ensure that procedures are consistent, that the test
2.1 ASTM Standards:
setup is reliable, and that load points cannot shift between
D 198 Methods for Static Tests of Timbers in Structural
2 cycles or impacts.
Sizes
E 575 Practice for Reporting Data from Structural Tests of
5. Apparatus
Building Constructions, Elements, Connections, and As-
3 5.1 Loading method, type of test equipment, type of instru-
semblies
mentation, etc., are not specified, but are discussed in general
3. Significance terms, with the final choices being left to the discretion of the
testing agency or controlling regulatory body.
3.1 This guide provides a general procedure for conducting
flexural load tests on beams and girders of all types. Strength,
6. Safety Precautions
stiffness, creep, or other useful properties may be obtained.
6.1 Tests of this type can be dangerous. Equipment and
facilities must be designed with ample safety factors to assure
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-6 on Performance that it is the specimen that fails and not the test apparatus or
of Building Constructions and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.11
facilities. Observers and sensitive instrumentation must be kept
on Horizontal, Vertical, and Completed Structures.
away from beams when loading to failure or in a range where
Current edition approved June 15, 1994. Published August 1994. Originally
performance is unknown. Gravity loading with concrete
published as E 529 – 75. Last previous edition E 529 – 83 (1991).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.10.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 529
blocks, metal bars, sand, or similar materials can be very a reasonably constant tension on the wire by means of pulleys
hazardous at failure as collapse may be sudden and complete. and weights, springs, or by other suitable means. Take readings
from a scale and mirror attached to the beam at the measure-
7. Number of Tests ment points. Read the scale by lining up the taut wire with its
reflection in the mirror.
7.1 The number of like beams required for the tests will
9.2.2.2 Other common methods of measuring deformations
vary with the desired accuracy and reliability of the informa-
involve the use of micrometer dial gages or linear variable
tion to be obtained and with the purpose of the tests. The
differential transformers attached to a suitable reference bar
number chosen should be compatible with the purpose of the
and bearing at the desired points on the beam. Mount the
tests and agreeable to all parties concerned regarding the
reference bar for supporting the deflection-measuring appara-
significance of the results. However, no fewer than two
tus on the beam above the two end supports at or close to the
identical tests should be performed.
neutral axis. Deformations can also be determined by using a
surveyor’s level and reading scales attached to the beam. In all
8. Test Specimen
cases, the method used shall compensate for any settlement of
8.1 Specimens shall be typical of those anticipated in
the reaction supports.
service or as required for the purpose of the tests. Materials,
9.2.3 Strain readings can be taken by any of the many strain
fabrication, fasteners, connections, etc., shall be representative.
indicators and gaging systems commercially available. Follow
If the materials used require time to come to full strength,
a consistent procedure in taking strain readings to ensure
sufficient time shall be allowed between fabrication and testing
results that will produce reliable stress-strain data.
for proper curing. This period of time will vary between
materials but should be no less than that specified by applicable
NOTE 1—The use of strain gages on wood beams should be approached
building codes or in the manufacturer’s recommendations. with great caution. Local variation in the stiffness of wood can cause a
significant difference between the strain measured on the surface of the
beam and the true strain through the entire beam depth.
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Test Set-up:
10. Loading Procedure
9.1.1 Loads are applied using a testing machine, hydraulic
10.1
...