This test method can be used to obtain the tensile force capacity and ultimate tensile strain of FRP material used for the strengthening of other structural materials such as, metals, timber, and reinforced concrete. The principal test variables could be the FRP constituents and fabrication method or the size or type of FRP laminate. The obtained tensile properties can be used for material specifications, quality control and assurance, structural design and analysis, and research and development. The stress, strength, and modulus of elasticity can be calculated using either the gross composite area method or the effective fiber area method.

This test method focuses on the FRP material itself, irrespective of the gripping method. Therefore, maximum force and strain data associated with failure or pullout at either grip are disregarded. The force capacity and maximum strain measurements are based solely on test specimens that fail in the gauge section.

1.1 This test method describes the requirements for sample preparation, tensile testing, and results calculation of flat fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials used for the strengthening of structures made of materials such as metals, timber, masonry, and reinforced concrete. The method may be used to determine the tensile properties of wet lay-up and pre-impregnated FRP composites fabricated on site or manufactured in a factory setting. The FRP composite may be of either unidirectional (0-degrees) or cross-ply (0/90 type) reinforcement. For cross-ply laminates, the construction may be achieved using multiple-layers of unidirectional fibers at either 0 or 90 degrees, or one or more layers of stitched or woven 0/90 fabrics. The composite material forms are limited to continuous fiber or discontinuous fiber-reinforced composites in which the laminate is balanced and symmetric with respect to the test direction. The method only covers the determination of the tensile properties of the FRP composite material. Other components used to attach the FRP material to the substrate, such as the primer, putty, and adhesive in externally bonded strengthening systems, are excluded from the sample preparation and testing detailed in this document. This test method refers to Test Method D3039/D3039M for conduct of the tests.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.