3-point bending test procedure for obtaining flexural and shear modulus

In the case of orthotropic materials like wood or composites, transverse shear has an effect on the modulus determination by bending tests. A procedure based on three-point bending is proposed. The experimental data required are the load and displacement given by the testing machine. The novelties of the proposal are:

• The stiffness of the testing system is incorporated in a simple way.
• The effect of contact point variation between the specimen and the support rollers during the test is incorporated.
• A simple way for determining the actual support span is proposed

Faustino Mujika