Structural behavior of self compacting reinforced concrete deep beams containing openings

Abstract EN

Eleven simple span reinforced self-compacting concrete deep beams were tested under symmetrically two points top load to examine the influence of the transverse circular openings on their behavior.

The variables investigated involve shear span to effective ratio a/d, opening sizes and locations and the amount of inclined reinforcement around the openings.

All the beams had the same overall dimension, flexural reinforcement and concrete compressive strength.

The test results showed that when the opening positioned at the center of the shear span significantly affects the behavior of the beams tested regardless of a/d ratio and size investigated.

Also, it was found that when the opening of a large diameter positioned away from the load path either in the top or bottom region of the beam reduces the cracking and ultimate load considerably.

The inclined reinforcement around the opening was observed to be very efficient in improving the ultimate load capacities and deflection response.