2.2.2. Tensile Strength (TS)

In this study, the splitting tensile strength (TS) of cylindrical specimens is accepted as the main tensile TS measurement for a concrete (and HPC) material (sample). Its test(s) can be performed in accordance with ASTM C496 [30].

#### 2.2.3. Flexural Strength (FS)

The primary property for a concrete material (sample) to demonstrate is CS, but its tensile behaviours are also important. When reinforced concrete (RC) is subjected to tensile force, cracks and expansion will occur, depending largely on the TS of the concrete material. Direct tension tests of concrete are seldom performed, mainly because the device that holds

the specimen may introduce secondary stresses that introduce error in the measurement. Another test for estimating the TS of a concrete material (sample) is the ASTM C78 (third point) flexural loading test, the result of which is referred to as flexural strength (FS) in this study [31].
