What are the two common types of testing for concrete strength?

The two common types of testing for concrete strength are compression testing and flexural testing. Compression testing is the most widely used method to assess the strength of concrete. It involves applying a compressive force to a concrete specimen until it fails, helping to determine the concrete's capacity to withstand axial loads without failing. The results are typically expressed in megapascals (MPa) or pounds per square inch (psi).

Flexural testing, on the other hand, evaluates the tensile strength of concrete indirectly by measuring the material's ability to resist deformation under bending. This is important because, in many applications, concrete elements are subjected to flexural loads that can lead to cracking. By conducting flexural tests, one can gain insights into how well concrete can handle such stresses before failure occurs.

In summary, both compression and flexural testing play crucial roles in understanding and ensuring the performance of concrete in structural applications, making them the standard methods for assessing concrete strength.