ASTM E529-04(2018)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E529 − 04 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Guide for
Conducting Flexural Tests on Beams and Girders for
Building Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E529; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
1.1 This guide covers the flexural testing of beams and
girders under simulated service conditions to determine their Terminology E631.
structural performance characteristics. Methods following this
4. Significance
guide are intended primarily for constructions that may not
conform with the relatively simple assumptions upon which
4.1 This guide provides a general procedure for conducting
well-known flexural theories are based. In some cases, they are
flexural load tests on beams and girders of all types. Strength,
also suitable for determining the structural adequacy of the
stiffness, creep, or other useful properties may be obtained.
design, materials, connections, and fabrication techniques. The
When round-robin tests are to be conducted, a standardized set
methods are not intended for use in routine quality control
of procedures conforming to this guide should be agreed upon
tests.
by the participants prior to testing to ensure a uniform basis for
comparison.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Types of Tests
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 The flexural test is categorized as either a proof test or
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
an ultimate load test.Aproof test is intended to give assurance
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
that the member will support a certain minimum short-term
For specific precautionary statement, see 7.1.
load,ortodeterminethedeflectionandrecoveryresultingfrom
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
theapplicationandremovalofsuchaload.Incarryingonatest
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
to failure (ultimate load), more detailed information can be
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
obtained, such as the proportional limit, yield point, ultimate
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
capacity, mode of failure, load-deflection characteristics, and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the adequacy of connectors and connections.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 Both laboratory and field tests are acceptable.
2. Referenced Documents
5.3 The types of tests described above apply to beams
2.1 ASTM Standards:
subjected to short-term static loads. If cyclic, dynamic, or
E575 Practice for Reporting Data from Structural Tests of
long-term sustained load tests are undertaken, care should be
Building Constructions, Elements, Connections, and As-
taken to ensure that procedures are consistent, that the test
semblies
setup is reliable, and that load points cannot shift between
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
cycles or impacts.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Loading method, type of test equipment, type of
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.11 on Horizontal
instrumentation, and so forth, are not specified, but are dis-
and Vertical Structures/Structural Performance of Completed Structures.
cussed in general terms, with the final choices being left to the
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published July 2018. Originally approved
discretion of the testing agency or controlling regulatory body.
in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E529 – 04 (2011). DOI:
10.1520/E0529-04R18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 7. Safety Precautions
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
7.1 Tests of this type can be dangerous. Equipment and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. facilities must be designed with ample safety factors to assure
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E529 − 04 (Reapproved 2018)
that it is the specimen that fails and not the test apparatus or 10.2.2.1 Deformation readings can be obtained in a number
facilities.Observersandsensitiveinstrumentationmustbekept of ways. One of the simplest methods is by use of a taut wire
away from beams when loading to failure or in a range where placed along the length of the beam. When a taut wire is used,
performance is unknown. Gravity loading with concrete the mountings for the wire should be above the two end
blocks, metal bars, sand, or similar materials can be very supports on the beam at or close to the neutral axis. Maintain
hazardous at failure as collapse may be sudden and complete. a reasonably constant tension on the wire by means of pulleys
and weights, springs, or by other suitable means.Take readings
8. Number of Tests
from a scale and mirror attached to the beam at the measure-
ment points. Read the scale by lining up the taut wire with its
8.1 The number of like beams required for the tests will
reflection in the mirror.
vary with the desired accuracy and reliability of the informa-
10.2.2.2 Other common methods of measuring deforma-
tion to be obtained and with the purpose of the tests. The
tions involve the use of micrometer dial gages or linear
number chosen should be compatible with the purpose of the
variable differential transformers attached to a suitable refer-
tests and agreeable to all parties concerned regarding the
ence bar and bearing at the desired points on the beam. Mount
significance of the results. However, no fewer than two
the reference bar for supporting the deflection-measuring
identical tests should be performed.
apparatus on the beam above the two end supports at or close
9. Test Specimen to the neutral axis. Deformations can also be determined by
using a surveyor’s level and reading scales attached to the
9.1 Specimens shall be typical of those anticipated in
beam. In all cases, the method used shall compensate for any
service or as required for the purpose of the tests. Materials,
settlement of the reaction supports.
fabrication, fasteners, connections, and so forth shall be repre-
10.2.3 Strain readings can be taken by any of the many
sentative. If the materials used require time to come to full
strain indicators and gaging systems commercially available.
strength, sufficient time shall be allowed between fabrication
Follow a consistent procedure in taking strain readings to
and testing for proper curing. This period of time will vary
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