Concurrent flexural strength and ductility design of RC beams via strain-gradient-dependent concrete stress-strain curve

Abstract

The authors have previously conducted an experimental study that showed that strain gradient would improve the maximum concrete stress and strength of reinforced concrete (RC) members under flexure. As a continued study, the authors herein will extend the investigation of strain gradient effect on flexural strength and ductility of RC beams to higher strength concrete up to 100 MPa by theoretical analysis. In this study, the flexural strength of RC beams is evaluated using nonlinear strain-gradient-dependent stress–strain curves of concrete applicable to both normal-strength and high-strength concrete. On the basis of this, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the combined effects of strain gradient and concrete strength on the flexural strength and ductility of RC beams. It was evident from the results that both the flexural strength and ductility of RC beams would be improved with strain gradient considered. From the results, two formulas are proposed for the strain-gradient-dependent concrete stress block parameters α and β. A constant value of 0.0032 is proposed for the ultimate concrete strain in flexural strength design with strain gradient effect considered. Lastly, for practical engineering design purpose, design formulas and charts have been presented for flexural strength and ductility of RC beams incorporating strain gradient effect.