Reinforced concrete columns strengthened at intersection with dropped beams

Abstract EN

In the current high-rise reinforced concrete structures, high strength concrete is usually used for the columns, whereas normal strength concrete is usually used for ceilings (slabs and beams).

in general, slabs and beams are cast constantly over the crossing zone of a beam-column.

as a result, stress from the column above the beam must travel through a weaker beam concrete layer before reaching the column below the beam.

the load-transmission mechanism through this sort of link is of significant importance and summarizes the whole behavior.

however, theoretical studies that investigate the effective compressive strengths of the slab-column connection zone with dropped beams are still not yet available.

in order to study compressive force of the column at the intersection, preliminary tests were carried out on five reinforced concrete specimens designed to simulate real column retention situation at the dropped beam and column intersection.

the results show that concrete strength at the junction is increased by containment of the dropped beam system surrounding it.

the sample demonstrated an increase in effective compressive strength as compared to that of the specimen without reinforcement with beam-column reinforced steel connection area.