IS 516:1959 Part 3 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for methods of tests for strength of concrete - part 3: determination of split tensile strength. This standard details the procedure for determining the splitting tensile strength of concrete using cylindrical specimens. It is utilized by QA/QC engineers and testing laboratories to indirectly assess the tensile strength and cracking resistance of concrete mixtures.
Specifies the method for determining the split tensile strength of hardened concrete cylinders or cubes.
Quick Reference — IS 516 Part 3:1959 Permeability
Pressure stages, specimen size, water penetration depth and Darcy permeability bands.
| Reference | Value | Clause |
|---|
| Method | Permeability of concrete — water under pressure | Cl. 1 |
| Specimen size — cylinder | 150 mm dia × 150 mm height (typical) | Cl. 4.1 |
| Specimen size — cube alternative | 150 mm cube (sealed sides) | Cl. 4.1 |
| Test pressure — applied | 1.0 MPa (10 kg/cm²) or 1.5 MPa | Cl. 5.2 |
| Pressure increment — staged | 0.1 → 0.3 → 0.7 → 1.0 MPa held 24 h each | Cl. 5.2 (typical) |
| Duration — total test | Minimum 96 hours (3 + 24 h soak + pressure stages) | Cl. 5.2 |
| Reporting — coefficient of permeability | k (m/s) by Darcy's law from inflow | Cl. 6 / Annex A |
| Permeability — good concrete | k < 10⁻¹² m/s | Annex A (typical) |
| Permeability — average concrete | k 10⁻¹² to 10⁻¹⁰ m/s | Annex A (typical) |
| Permeability — poor concrete | k > 10⁻¹⁰ m/s | Annex A (typical) |
| Depth of water penetration — alternative reporting | Split specimen, measure ingress front | Cl. 6.2 |
| Number of specimens | 3 per mix | Cl. 4.2 |
| Curing prior to test | 28 d at 27 ± 2 °C / 90 % RH | Cl. 4.2 |
⚠ 1959 publication; modern liquid-permeability projects often use DIN 1048 / EN 12390-8 (water penetration depth). Verify project-specific test method.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Frequently Used
- Domain
- Materials Science — Testing Methods and Quality Control
- Type
- Testing Method
Also on InfraLens for IS 516
Practical Notes
! Specimens must be tested immediately after removal from water curing while they are still wet; drying out can significantly alter tensile test results.
! Plywood packing strips are mandatory between the specimen and the machine platens to prevent local compressive crushing and ensure a true tensile failure.
! Proper alignment using a jig is critical to ensure the load is applied exactly along the diametral plane.
Frequently referenced clauses
concretecement
International Equivalents
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Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
standard specimen diameter150 mm
standard specimen length300 mm
rate of loading1.2 to 2.4 N/mm²/min
plywood strip thickness3 mm
plywood strip width12 mm
plywood strip lengthGreater than the length of the specimen
Key Formulas
fct = 2P / (π × d × l) — Splitting tensile strength (where P is max load, d is diameter, l is length)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Apparatus and Test Specimens
Clause 4 - Positioning of the Specimen
Clause 5 - Rate of Loading
Clause 6 - Calculation of Split Tensile Strength
Frequently Asked Questions3
What is the standard specimen size for the splitting tensile test?+
A concrete cylinder of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm length.
What is the specified rate of loading?+
The load must be applied without shock at a constant rate within the range of 1.2 to 2.4 N/mm²/min.
Why do we use plywood strips in the splitting tensile test?+
To distribute the applied load uniformly over the entire length of the cylinder and to prevent local premature compressive failure at the load application points.