A survey of shear strength behavior of high content fly ash reinforced concrete beams

Abstract

Fly ash (FA) is a significant industrial byproduct that causes environmental problems. It is utilized in a range of application fields, including as the filling of down regions, mine filling, bricks, and the partial replacement of cement in concrete building, in an effort to lessen the environmental concerns it poses. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the best way to use FA as a substitute for cement and fine aggregate in concrete and how it affects the mechanical and structural performance of modified concrete. In this view, the current study provides an overview of prior experimental outcomes on the behavior of high content fly ash (HCFA) reinforced concrete (RC) beams under shear. The effect of partially replacing cement in concrete with HCFA ranging from 0% to 70% on several factors pertaining to beam resistance in shear, such as the ratio between shear span and depth of the beam, concrete mix proportions, and concrete reinforcement, has been evaluated. The results on the shear resistance capacity of RC beams under shear at first crack and failure load, as well as deflection at ultimate load, have been presented and discussed. According to the available test results, up to 50% FA can be employed efficiently in concrete construction with no substantial reduction in shear strength. A review of the literature reveals that there is limited data on the influence of HCFA on the shear strength of beams, and more experimental studies are required to understand the shear performance of reinforced concrete members containing FA at the ultimate load and the resulting failure criteria.