Get AS 3600:2018 concrete properties from f'c and density: f_cmi, elastic modulus, tensile strengths and stress block factors. Try it free on CalcTree.
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About this AS 3600 Concrete Properties Calculator
This page works out the design properties of normal-class concrete to AS 3600:2018 from the characteristic compressive strength and the density: the mean in situ strength, the modulus of elasticity, the characteristic flexural and uniaxial tensile strengths and the rectangular stress block factors. It covers the strength grades AS 3600 applies to and flags any grade outside that range.
- Structural engineer references one page for concrete properties across beam, slab, column and deflection checks.
- Precast or lightweight concrete designer enters a non-standard density and gets the modulus from the formula rather than the table.
- Graduate engineer sees which clause each property comes from and how it changes with grade.
It is an engineering-grade CalcTree page with nothing project specific on it, built to be referenced and mapped to your own inputs.
More info on AS 3600 Concrete Properties
Mean in situ strength and elastic modulus
Table 3.1.2 gives the mean in situ strength and the modulus of elasticity for each standard grade at the reference density, and the page interpolates linearly between the tabulated grades. At any other density the modulus is worked out from the density and the mean in situ strength by the formula of Clause 3.1.2.
Tensile strengths
The characteristic flexural and uniaxial tensile strengths of Clause 3.1.1.3 follow from the square root of the compressive strength.
Rectangular stress block
The stress block factors α2 and γ of Clause 8.1.3 fall with the strength grade and are not taken below their lower limit.
Scope check
AS 3600 applies to normal-class concrete within the grade range of Clause 1.1.2. Outside that range the expressions are not valid, so the scope check turns red rather than returning a number that might be used.
Common Calculation Errors to Avoid
- Using the table modulus for a non-standard density misstates stiffness and deflection. The page switches to the Clause 3.1.2 formula when the density differs.
- Treating the modulus as exact ignores the variation Clause 3.1.2 allows. Use a tested value where the design is sensitive to it.
- Mixing up flexural and uniaxial tensile strength gives the wrong cracking moment or tension capacity.
- Using the expressions outside the grade range returns values AS 3600 does not support.
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FAQs
Why does the table modulus differ slightly from the formula?
Table 3.1.2 is not a plain evaluation of the Clause 3.1.2 formula, so the two differ slightly at the reference density. The page uses the table at that density and the formula at any other.
How are grades between the tabulated values handled?
The mean in situ strength and the modulus of elasticity are interpolated linearly between the tabulated grades either side of f′c.
What does the scope check do?
It confirms that f′c is within the strength range AS 3600 applies to. Outside that range it fails rather than returning properties.
Are creep and shrinkage included?
No. Shrinkage, creep and the coefficient of thermal expansion are not covered, and the values are for concrete at 28 days.
Can I reference this from another calculation?
Yes. Map f′c and the density to your own values, and the properties flow into the check that references the page.
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