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Standards Development
This document specifies the bending test methods on beam specimens for measuring the flexural strengths of sprayed concrete, respectively applied to conventional sprayed concrete and fiber reinforced sprayed concrete. The reinforcing fibers can be metallic fibers, synthetic or other fibers, or a combination of fiber types. This document covers the measurement and determination of flexural strength parameters such as first peak strength, ultimate strength, and residual strength of sprayed concrete specimens under controlled loading conditions.
1.Technical characteristics and application scenarios
Sprayed concrete is a rapid-hardening, high early-strength material applied pneumatically without formwork. Its unique advantages—rapid setting ( 10 min), high bond strength to irregular substrates, and compatibility with steel or synthetic fibers—make it the method of choice for tunnel linings, slope stabilization, mine support, seismic retrofits, and emergency repairs. Typical applications include the Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland), Palm Jumeirah (UAE) and Mponeng gold mine at 4 km depth (South Africa).
2.Market demands
The global sprayed-concrete market is valued at USD 40.5 billion in 2024 and forecast to grow at a CAGR of 11.6 % through 2031. Growth drivers are urban tunneling, infrastructure rehabilitation, deep mining and renewable-energy caverns. All regions—developed and developing—exhibit increasing demand, confirming worldwide relevance.
3.Gaps in current standards
There is currently No ISO standard applicable to any flexural testing of sprayed concrete. Standards in different countries (ASTM C1609, EN 14488-3, JIS A1106, GB/T 50086, AS 1012.11, etc.) prescribe different specimen geometries (beam, notched beam, square panel) and loading patterns (3- or 4-point bending) and lack international coordination. Different test methods for different specimens can yield conflicting results, hinder cross-border design validation and are cited as a contributing factor to 17% of tunnel lining failures (The British Tunnelling Society, 2023).
4.Objective
In order to improve design accuracy, reduce duplicate testing and lower safety risks, there is an urgent need to establish a series of harmonized test methods for determining the flexural performance of sprayed concrete. This International Standard is used to determine the flexural strength of sprayed concrete. For users concerned with the post-crack performance of fiber-reinforced sprayed concrete, another proposal, Part 8, submitted concurrently will provide additional testing methods.
5.Technical benefits Improved accuracy and repeatability through unified specimen geometry, curing regime and loading protocol.
Enhanced characterization of fibre-matrix interaction, enabling optimization of fibre type and dosage. Reliable input data for numerical modelling of sprayed-concrete structures.
6.Economic benefits
Eliminates duplicate testing for multinational projects, reducing certification costs for suppliers and contractors. Accelerates project approval cycles and lowers insurance premiums through consistent performance data. Enables SMEs to enter global supply chains with a single compliance dossier. V01/2022
7.Social benefits
Higher confidence in structural performance reduces the risk of tunnel collapses and associated casualties. Standardized procedures facilitate technology transfer to developing countries, improving local safety standards and creating skilled employment.
8.Environmental benefits
Accurate flexural data support the qualification of low-carbon sprayed concretes (high supplementary cementitious materials, recycled aggregates, alternative binders) for green building certification schemes. Reliable performance indicators enable design optimization, reducing material over-specification and embodied carbon. Test procedure itself consumes minimal energy and produces negligible direct emissions.
9.Intended use and applicability to conformity assessment
The standard is intended for use by:
Designers and specifiers to verify material performance. Producers and contractors for quality-control and quality-assurance testing. Certification bodies and accreditation laboratories for third-party conformity assessment. Mandatory data fields and calibration requirements are aligned with ISO/IEC 17025, enabling seamless integration into combined audits with other concrete test standards.
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