Tensile strength ratio, the result of a moisture susceptibility test in which one set of compacted specimens is vacuum saturated, often frozen, then soaked in 60 C water for 24 hours, while a matching set stays dry. Both sets are split in indirect tension and the conditioned strength is divided by the dry strength. Most specs want 0.80 or higher, and a low TSR points to stripping and usually means adding hydrated lime or a liquid anti-strip.
TSR came back at 0.72 with the new sand, run it again with one percent lime before we submit the design.
Also heard as
- tensile strength ratio
- Lottman test
Related terms
Stripping
Loss of the binder's bond to the aggregate surface, caused by moisture working into the mix.
Hamburg wheel-tracking test
A lab test that rolls a loaded steel wheel over submerged mix samples to measure rutting and moisture damage.
Puck
Lab slang for a compacted cylindrical mix specimen, especially one made in the gyratory compactor.