158. The testing of cement by applying tensile stress to a previously prepared briquet, containing definite proportions of cement and water, or of cement, sand and water, is the strength test which is now in most general use. The value of this method in comparison with that of other forms of rupture tests has already been briefly discussed.

That cement fails oftener in tension than in compression is one reason for preferring the tensile test. Its ready applicability is a still more important point in its favor.