scope:

This document provides model test methods for determining the short-term and long-term mechanical properties of FRP reinforcing bars, grids, and tendons for concrete, both prestressed and nonprestressed, and for FRP laminates as external reinforcement for concrete structures. As noted in the individual methods, most of the methods for bars are also suitable for tendons and sections cut from grids. Where necessary, the tests consider the bars and laminates acting in concert with concrete. For the most part, however, these tests are considered to be material tests and not component or structural tests.

These model test methods are intended to be considered, modified, and adopted, either in whole or in part, by a U.S. national standards-writing agency such as ASTM International or AASHTO. The publication of these test methods by ACI Committee 440 is an effort to aid in this adoption.

The document contains only test methods and not material standards. The individual test methods contained in this document do not specify minimum material properties that must be met for the materials to be considered acceptable for use. Guidance on deciding whether a material is acceptable based on test results is made in the material specifications and design provisions that complement these test methods (ACI 440.1R; ACI 440.2R).

The test methods presented in this document are the recommendations of ACI Committee 440, and have not been adopted by ACI as standards. As such, they are, for the most part, written in nonmandatory language, using "should" and "may" rather than "shall" and "must." In keeping with the usual test method format, however, some language is imperative ("Fill a cylinder with water ..." rather than "A cylinder should be filled with water..."). Although typically considered to be mandatory language, the use of imperative language in these test methods is for readability, and remain as committee recommendations only. If an architect or engineer desires one of the test methods to be part of the contract documents, all of the nonmandatory language would need to be restated into mandatory language.